1921 Dr. George S. McClellan

Dr. George, as he was often called, moved to Pompano in 1921 and practiced medicine here until his death in 1958. Although he was not the first physician to practice here, he was the first who stayed, and in the minds of many he was the Town's only authoritative source of medical advice and care.

He was born in Wellborn, Florida, graduated from the Georgia Eclectic Medical College in Atlanta, and served as a Captain in the Army Medical Corps during the First World War. When he arrived in Pompano, modern conveniences such as electricity, city water or a sewage system were still years in the future. Most roads were unpaved. Diseases that are now but a distant memory were very real threats in those days, and the hard working conditions so common in the agricultural community led to many serious injuries. Dr. McClellan persevered with a gentle demeanor and a democratic spirit that personified the image of the country doctor.

He and his wife Novice had four children: George Sterling, Jr., Lucius ("Billy"), Robert and Novice. Their son Sterling was the first Pompano serviceman to die in World War II, he was 26 years old (see more below).

Dr. McClellan was a charter member of the Broward County Medical Society, served on the state board of medical examiners and helped establish Broward General Medical Center and Holy Cross Hospital in Fort Lauderdale in the late 1930s. In addition to his medical practice in Pompano, he also was a surgeon for both the Florida East Coast and the Seaboard Airline railroads. When he died at the age of 67, it was said he was the oldest practicing physician, in time of service, in Broward County.

According to his son, Robert "Bob" McClellan, "My father was a general practitioner and very well-liked by all local residents. He was affectionately known as Dr. George. His fees were two dollars for an office visit and five dollars for a house call. My mother was his nurse. She took all temperatures; gave all the shots; and kept track of which patient was next. If patients couldn't pay, it didn't matter. My father treated them anyway.

The above was provided by the Pompano Beach Diamond Jubilee Booklet, Author: Marlyn Kemper; photos by Frank Trenery; 1983

1st Lieutenant George Sterling McClellan, Jr. WWII War Hero

George Sterling McClellan, Jr. was born on January 14, 1918, and was brought to Pompano at a very young age by his parents, Dr. & Mrs. George McClellan. He was studying medicine at the University of Florida as WWII was approaching and decided to enlist in the Army Air Corp. He eventually was stationed just outside of London, England. On January 11, 1944, at age 26, 1st Lieutenant George Sterling McClellan was piloting a B-17 Bomber, named “Bad Check” deep into Germany. Out of the 502 aircraft flying that day, his plane was in the low, rear part of the formation, which was considered the most vulnerable position. On the return run, the plane was hit and crashed killing Lt. McClellan. A short time later, Sterling’s brother, Bill, a waist gunner on a B-24 Heavy Bomber, was shot down, wounded and parachuted into occupied territory in France. He was captured, treated and sent to the infamous Stalag 17B POW camp in Germany. Upon arriving, he was approached by a prisoner who called him by name. Staff Sargent Charles E. Dugan recognized Bill as Sterling’s brother by their resemblance. He was a member of Sterling’s crew. Dugan said as he made his way to the front of the plane, he say that Sterling was the only man left unhurt in the cockpit area. The Bombardier, Co-pilot, Top-turret Gunner and Navigator were all dead. He told Sterling it was time to bail out. Sterling put the plane on auto-pilot and reached for his chute. Then he asked how many men were still aboard in the rear of the plane. Dugan told him he didn’t know since the radios were out. Sterling climbed back in to the pilot’s seat, disconnecting the auto-pilot. The Plane crashed in either Germany or Holland. Sterling’s body was returned home after the war and is buried in the Pompano Beach Cemetery. The American Legion Post here in Pompano Beach carries the name Sterling McClellan Post 142.

The above was found on the internet under https://centennial.legion.org, By: Post 142 – Pompano Beach Florida Feb. 10, 2015; it was authored by Bud Garner.