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. Chicago, IL Jan 29,
1989,
Edition: FIVE STAR SPORTS FINAL Page: 60] |
[courtesy of "Loretta"]
1st Lt David Axelrod was
transferred from the Parachute Training Regiment, Fort Benning, GA to
the Medical Detachment, 508th PIR on 21 October 1943. .
He was appointed to the
grade of Captain on 1 May 1945.
Captain Axelrod was
awarded the Silver Star for "his selfless bravery in tending to wounded
during the battle at la Poterie Ridge, south of Hill 131, on 4 July
1944." see
citation
The Captain was
transferred to the 486th Field Artillery Battalion on 4 December 1944. |