Dr. William Bleckwenn, neuropsychiatry

Date

• ca. 1940-ca. 1950

Summary

• Dr. William Blackwenn in uniform. Bleckwenn, who received his B.S. from the UW in 1917, was assistant director of the department of neuropsychiatry when he joined the military effort in World War Two. He served as a colonel and commanding officer of the 135th medical regiment, which saw action in southeast Asia. A press clipping attached to the photo reads, "Colonel William J. Blackwenn, '17, University of Wisconsin. Formerly professor of neuropsychiatry at the University of Wisconsin. Now commanding officer of a medical regiment in New Guinea. Under his direction, 1,000-bed hospital was constructed without the aid of engineers and at practically no expense to the government. While the hospital is valued at about $10,000 the only cost to the government was for some tin, lumber and nails. The project was started February 3 and is now accommodating patients."