Inductees

Dr. Reed Maxson was a hero before he settled down to a long and successful career in medicine. During World War II, he served in Europe, treating the wounded in the heat of battle. Maxson was born in LaHarpe, Kansas, and graduated from the University of Kansas Medical School in 1942. He immediately joined the military, serving there for two months at the field medical officer training facility before transferring to the 76th Infantry Division in September 1943.

Maxson was part of the 413th Antiaircraft Battalion, which landed at Normandy on D-Day in June 1944. Although he was wounded, he continued fighting and giving medical attention to his fellow soldiers. He received numerous awards for his service including the Purple Heart.

Maxson settled into a career as an allergist after the war but showed heroism again when a polio epidemic struck Warrensburg, Missouri in 1952. His quick thinking and decision to offer widespread vaccination against the disease saved many lives.

Maxson was also the long-time team physician for the University of Central Missouri from 1946 to 1991. He was inducted into their Sports Hall of Fame for his long service. He was inducted into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame in 1985, as well.