A complete combat history of the U.S. TENTH MOUNTAIN DIVISION in World War II, told in the wartime stories of one of its front line Battalion Surgeons.
About the Author: Dr. Meinke was born and grew up in Detroit, Michigan where he was graduated from Thomas M. Cooley High School. In 1940 he completed pre-medical studies at Albion College and entered medical school at the University of Michigan. In 1941 he received his A.B. degree from Albion, and, because of a sharply accelerated program brought about by the entry of the United States into World War II, received his M.D. degree in October 1943. After an abbreviated internship he entered the service on August 2, 1944.
Twice decorated, Dr. Meinke was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for his participation in the battle for Monte Della Torraccia, and later received a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster for outstanding service in the clearing of casualties from the tunnel disaster on the shore of Lake Garda. He also holds the Combat Medical Badge, which is the equivalent of the Combat Infantry Badge awarded to infantrymen for participation in front-line combat.
While in medical school he met Edmere I. Bondesen, a lovely girl from Detroit who was also attending the University, and near the end of July 1944, only a few days before Dr. Meinke entered the Army, they were married. With military service completed, they settled in Eaton Rapids, Michigan and started their family. There are four children: Albert H. Meinke, III, M.D., William B. Meinke, M.D., James A. Meinke and Joanna Meinke Ballard.
Dr. Meinke then entered into general medical practice in Eaton Rapids, but soon leaned toward general surgery, obstetrics and emergency medicine. He was deeply involved in the establish-ment and operation of the Eaton Rapids Community Hospital, and for many years served as its medical director, chief of surgery, and head of emergency services. He also served on its governing board for a time. In 1948 he helped to establish the Eaton Rapids Medical Clinic, one of the first group practices in Michigan, and later served as its president for many years. In 1984, after forty years in practice, he retired. He and his wife now reside in a lovely home on the west shore of Torch Lake in northern Lower Michigan.
