This annotation provides an in-depth history of American psychiatry during World War II, revealing its significant impact on soldiers for the first time. It draws from unpublished documents, oral histories, and personal interviews with key psychiatric and military figures. The narrative begins with Franklin Roosevelt's support for a universal psychiatric examination as part of the Selective Service, leading to the rejection or discharge of 2.5 million individuals on neuropsychiatric grounds—a unique occurrence in U.S. history. Psychiatrist Harry Stack Sullivan believed that mental health professionals could predict who would struggle in military service. However, many questioned this assumption, especially as psychiatric casualties rose, prompting military leaders to endorse increasingly stringent screening processes. Families voiced concerns over the drafting of individuals deemed unfit, while marginalized groups highlighted biases in the selection process. Notably, General George S. Patton's infamous reaction to neuropsychiatric patients illustrated the prevailing attitudes of the time. As the war progressed and the demand for troops increased, psychiatrists began to recognize that combat experiences, rather than predispositions, were the primary causes of breakdowns. This realization led to a shift towards prevention and treatment, although it came too late to mitigate the rising psychiatric casualties. Despite these chal
