The College of Physicians of Philadelphia Digital Library

Going Home

Special orders no. 346

"It is hard to believe that nearly two years have passed since we left home. Somehow I cannot grasp it."  However, Dr. Norris continued, "What wonderful years they have been! Not on any account would I have missed the experience, nor would I ever willingly live through them again... I feel that perhaps I lived through an epoch that may and probably will profoundly influence the future of mankind."

Dr. Norris further mused on the work of the Pennsylvania Hospital team in wartime Europe: "The graduates of Pennsylvania did their full share. Some 7,000 Pennsylvania men were enlisted in the Army, Navy and auxiliary services."

Back in the United States, Dr. Norris continued to lecture, treat patients and teach medical students.  Fortunately, Norris also spent time in later years collecting his thoughts, writings, and memorabilia of the war so that they could be shared with future generations.  His plan has come to fruition, as we now can learn of his dramatic wartime experiences, a Philadelphia physician at the Great War, a century later.