The Doctors: Lovett
As the 80th anniversary of the ending of World War II’s war with Japan, and the peace treaty being signed on September 2, 1945, it seems like an appropriate time to do this story.
A while back, a friend asked me to look into doing a story about that particular time in our history that involves our own beloved doctors Lovett. Almost everyone in Olney will have a memory of either Dr. J.P. Lovett, or Dr. R.E. Lovett. Without any references for the story, of course, I called my ‘go to’ person, Dale Lovett, to fill in some family facts that most people may not know.
First of all, there is a bit of folklore connected to the J.P. Lovett story.
Many of you will remember Olney’s high school history teacher, Ione Harwell. Mrs. Harwell knew history ‘in and out,’ and you did not question her knowledge. She reportedly told the story that Dr. J.P Lovett was on the USS Missouri with Gen. Douglas MacArthur when the armistices was signed with Japan on Sept. 2, 1945—that the signing was actually held up until Dr. J.P. could get there, as he was busy attending the wounded on shore— as told by Mrs. Harwell. (See the following Lovett family facts.)
The J.P Lovett story: When called up for World War II, Dr. J.P. Lovett joined the US Navy and was assigned to the USS South Dakota, which was part of the Pacific Fleet under Admiral Chester Nimitz.
The USS South Dakota was torpedoed and many were injured. Dr. J.P. Lovett administered continuous lifesaving measures to the wounded for over 24 hours. For these efforts Lieutenant Commander Lovett was awarded the Bronze Star Medal.
Dr. J.P. Lovett was at the signing of the peace treaty with Gen. MacArthur and Japan’s Emperor Hirohito on the USS Missouri Sept. 2, 1945. He served his country well, and was well deserving of the Bronze Star Medal.
A number of days after the armistice was signed between the US and Japan, the USS Missouri was still in Tokyo Harbor and was ready to leave. It was held up from leaving as they waited for Lt. Commander Lovett to arrive on board, as he was on shore caring for the wounded.
During the war, Dr. R.E. Lovett also served the United States well as a flight surgeon and medical corpsman with the Army and was stationed in England. It was while e was there that he met his future wife, Hazel, who was serving in the WAC (Women’s Army Corps).
Following the war, Dr. J.P. Lovett returned to Olney to rejoin the Lovett-Meredith Clinic. Dr. R.E. Lovett and Hazel joined the Olney scene in 1946 where they made their permanent home.
Dr. R.E. Lovett was loved by all. He was dedicated to his patients, and seemed to be available at odd hours to those in need. Example: We had a family emergency while in town on a Saturday morning. He was actually at the clinic, and was able to attend our need. That would be a rare case these days.
And…the Lovett story is not complete without a few words about Hazel Lovett. She was a special person and one of my all time favorite people. Teaching children in Sunday School for over 50 years, she made an impact on those young lives forever. My husband would see her in the hallway at church, and would always say, “There is my favorite veteran!” She liked that.
Remembering those who fought and won, and especially those who fought and died for our freedom in the war in the South Pacific, and across Europe, 1945.