Where Generations Of Soldiers Healed And Moved On

Since it opened in 1909, the hospital named for Reed has had many famous patients.  One wood-paneled room is named for Gen. John J. Pershing, the American commander in World War I. The Pershing Suite is not your ordinary hospital room: The seats include leather armchairs, including one with a plush, high back. Pershing lived out his last years on the campus, close to his doctors.

"Several of the Army leaders who were young soldiers in World War I, who had worked for Pershing, came by here to see him before they went off to war in World War II," Pierce said. "Gen. George S. Patton came to this room to see Pershing, got down on his knees on this rug — and had Pershing bless him before he went off to war."

Several presidents also received medical treatment at Walter Reed. So as a historian, it's frustrating to Pierce that as the hospital closes, many Americans know it mainly for a scandal.  Listen to the Story via NPR