Dr. David Axelrod, chief of medical staff at Jackson Park Hospital, died Friday in his North Side home. He was 70.

Dr. Axelrod, a graduate of the University of Illinois Medical School, practiced general medicine in Chicago for more than 40 years.

During World War II, he served as a captain and surgeon in a paratrooper division, and was one of the few physicians to parachute from a plane during combat. He made a jump behind enemy lines during the Allied invasion of Normandy. He later received the Silver Star for rescuing more than 60 wounded men who were pinned down by enemy fire.

He was an avid yachtsman and sailboat racer. In 1953, he won the Chicago Tribune's Best Boat award. He was the winner in his boat class in Mackinac races in 1959 and 1964.

Survivors include a son, Drew Peter, and two sisters.

Services will be at 1 p.m. tomorrow at Piser Weinstein Menorah Chapel, 5206 N. Broadway. Burial will be in Oak Woods Cemetery, 1035 E. 67th St. Visitation will be from 5 to 9 p.m. today at the chapel.

Chicago Sun-Times (IL) Date: January 29, 1989
Edition: FIVE STAR SPORTS FINAL Page: 60