Charles R. Drew, American Surgeon and Reseacher
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Charles Richard Drew (June 3, 1904-April 1, 1950) was an African-American physician, surgeon and medical researcher. He researched in the field of blood transfusions, developing improved techniques for blood storage, and applied his expert knowledge to developing large-scale blood banks early in World War II. This allowed medics to save thousands of lives of the Allied forces. The research and development aspect of his blood storage work is disputed. As the most prominent African-American in the field, Drew protested against the practice of racial segregation in the donation of blood, as it lacked scientific foundation, an action which cost him his job. In 1943, Drew's distinction in his profession was recognized when he became the first black surgeon selected to serve as an examiner on the American Board of Surgery. On April 1, still fatigued from spending the night before in the operating theater, Drew lost control of his vehicle. The three other physicians suffered minor injuries, but Drew was trapped with serious wounds; his foot had become wedged beneath the brake pedal. He was pronounced dead a half hour after he first received medical attention. In 1981, the United States Postal Service issued a 35å¢ postage stamp in its Great Americans series to honor Drew.