Jonathan Letterman

1824–1872 (age 48)

Physician

Photograph of Jonathan Letterman

Biography

Jonathan Letterman is remembered as the “Father of Battlefield Medicine” for reorganizing Union medical services and vastly improving care for wounded soldiers. His systematic triage and evacuation methods saved countless lives.

He rests at Arlington National Cemetery, honored for compassion, innovation, and his deep commitment to easing wartime suffering.

Also buried at Arlington National Cemetery

George Washington Parke Custis
1781–1857 (age 76)
Arlington National Cemetery
George Washington Parke Custis was a Maryland-born descendant of George Washington who lived from 1781 to 1857 and was b...
Arthur Henry Dutton
1838–1864 (age 26)
Arlington National Cemetery
Arthur Henry Dutton was a Union officer killed in action during the Civil War at age 26.
Stephen Cassin
1783–1857 (age 74)
Arlington National Cemetery
Stephen Cassin was a United States Navy officer who lived from 1783 to 1857.
Alexander Asboth
1811–1868 (age 57)
Arlington National Cemetery
Alexander Asboth was a Hungarian-born Union general who fought in the American Civil War.
Alexander Brydie Dyer
1815–1874 (age 59)
Arlington National Cemetery
Alexander Brydie Dyer (1815-1874) was a Richmond native and military officer laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery...
John Aaron Rawlins
1831–1869 (age 38)
Arlington National Cemetery
John Aaron Rawlins was a Union general and chief of staff to General Ulysses S. Grant.

Other notable physicians

Eli Todd
1769–1833 (age 64)
Old North Cemetery
Eli Todd was a New Haven physician and founder of the Connecticut Retreat for the Insane who lived from 1769 to 1833.
Valentine Mott
1785–1865 (age 80)
Green-Wood Cemetery
Valentine Mott (1785-1865) was a prominent physician and medical innovator from Glen Cove, New York.
James Tilton
1745–1822 (age 77)
Wilmington and Brandywine Cemetery
James Tilton was a Kent County physician and surgeon who served as Surgeon General of the United States Army.
Robley Dunglison
1798–1869 (age 71)
Laurel Hill Cemetery
Robley Dunglison was a prominent physician and medical educator from Keswick who practiced in the 19th century.
Mason Fitch Cogswell
1761–1830 (age 69)
Old North Cemetery
Mason Fitch Cogswell was a Canterbury physician and advocate for deaf education who lived from 1761 to 1830.
David Hosack
1769–1835 (age 66)
Trinity Church Cemetery and Mausoleum
David Hosack was a prominent New York City physician and botanist who lived from 1769 to 1835.