Army dentistry’s first involvement in the Vietnam War was by Lt. Col. (later BG) Jack
P. Pollock, during a 120-day temporary duty assignment to the U.S. Military Assistance
Advisory Group, Vietnam. He served as the Medical Advisory Team chief and the dental
adviser for the team. Later (1967-1968) Colonel Pollock served as commander of the
932d Medical Detachment (AI) in Vietnam, and in 1970 he was the first armed forces
dental officer to be appointed as the Special Assistant for Dental Affairs, Office
of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs. He was promoted to brigadier
general in April 1972 and was the first Deputy Commander, Health Services Command
(1973-1977). In 1974, his alma mater recognized him for his outstanding accomplishments
and duty to his country by naming him Alumnus of the Year.
