Dr. Frank E. Boston, a Lincoln University graduate and founder of Jefferson Lansdale Hospital, has recently been honored for his little-known war hero and first responder legacy, according to a staff report from KYW Newsradio. 

The hospital celebrated Boston and his many contributions at the unveiling of a portrait commissioned in his honor. The portrait was created by Detroit artist Mario Moore. 

George Whitehair, director of the Boston Legacy Foundation, noted that the doctor was “the first African American to start an ambulance and a hospital.” 

Born in 1891 in Philadelphia, Boston served in World War One after attending Lincoln University. In 1934, he founded Elm Terrace Hospital, which is known today as Jefferson Lansdale Hospital. 

“Boston served with the 92nd [infantry division], known as the Buffalo Soldiers, that served in France during World War One, as a field surgeon,” said Whitehair. “It was his return from the war that caused him to start an ambulance corps.” 

Boston was honored with two presidential citations. President Dwight Eisenhower recognized him for his work helping disabled people, and President Harry Truman for his work with the Red Cross. 

Read more about Frank E. Boston at KYW Newsradio.