HUMAN PROBLEMS IN AVIATION — BRONK 411 



memories of the past. For in 1943 the Army Air Forces evacuated 

 by air 173,527 sick and wounded patients (a figure that is not to be 

 confused with announced battle casualties) with only- 11 deaths in 

 flight. This amazingly low death rate of 0.006 percent is effective 

 refutation of those who doubted the medical feasibility of the Air 

 Surgeon's f arsighted proposals in 1939 for the creation of air evacua- 

 tion squadrons. 



An important element in the success of this undertaking has been 

 the employment of air transport cargo planes and troop carrier planes, 

 rather than specially assigned aerial evacuation planes. By using 

 the return flights of the cargo and transport aircraft, equipped with 

 removable litters, planes have been conserved, and, what is more im- 

 portant, our aerial ambulances have been available wherever there 

 is action. Once again, aviation has reshaped the strategy of warfare 

 and has given new advantages that reduce the sufferings of combat. 



Few will be as bold now in predicting the future course of military 

 aviation as was the founder of the American Philosophical Society 

 in 1783, when he watched Pilatre du Rozier make the first balloon 

 ascent. "This new invention may possibly give a new turn to human 

 affairs," said Benjamin Franklin. "It may convince sovereigns of 

 the folly of wars, since it will be impractical for the most potent 

 of them to guard his dominions. Five thousand balloons capable 

 of raising two men each could not cost more than five ships of the line ; 

 and where is the prince who can afford so to cover his country with 

 troops for its defence as that 10,000 men descending from the clouds 

 might not in many places do an infinite deal of mischief before a 

 force could be brought together to repel them." Franklin's forecast 

 may still prove correct, and the great aerial assaults of today may 

 indeed "convince sovereigns of the folly of wars." If that comes 

 to pass, it will be the greatest of aviation's notable contributions to 

 human welfare. 



