Celebrate Order of the Palmetto Recipient Dr. Frank Young
Retired Brigadier General and Dr. Frank Young was presented with the Order of the Palmetto on Thursday, April 2, by Congressman Joe Wilson at Senate’s End in Columbia. He was sponsored by South Carolina House of Representatives Member Chris Wooten, with numerous letters of support recognizing his many contributions to the State of South Carolina. A few of his distinguished accomplishments are highlighted below.
While on active duty as a flight surgeon in the United States Air Force, Dr. Young served as Commander of the 48th Tactical Hospital at RAF Lakenheath and was a member of the Royal Society of Medicine. After completing his active-duty service, he moved to Lexington, where he became the first ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist in Lexington County. During this time, he continued his military service in the Reserves and the South Carolina Air National Guard, serving for many years as a clinic commander.
Dr. Young also held several key leadership roles at Lexington County Hospital—now Lexington Medical Center—including Secretary, Vice Chief of Staff, and Chief of Staff, and later served on its Board of Trustees. He proudly served as the first physician for the South Carolina Honor Flight. Even after retiring from private practice, he continued to serve the aviation community by conducting flight physicals for private, commercial, and military pilots.
His lifelong passion for aviation led to his service on the Columbia Metropolitan Airport Commission, including a term as Chairman. He also served on the South Carolina Aeronautics Commission. In 1986, he founded the South Carolina Military History Club, which remains active today.
A devoted member of Church of the Epiphany, he served as Junior Warden and continues to be a faithful attendee.
Photos courtesy of Dr. Young’s son, Todd.