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World War II Sailor-Turned-Surgeon Dies at 84

Two months ago, the U.S. Navy finally honored Wheeler Lipes, a former pharmacist's mate who performed a life-saving emergency appendectomy aboard a submarine in enemy waters during World War II. Lipes died this week at 84. Jennifer Ludden and Navy medical historian Jan Herman remember Lipes' life.

Copyright 2005 NPR

NPR National Correspondent Jennifer Ludden covers economic inequality, exploring systemic disparities in housing, food insecurity and wealth.
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