Who is Dr.. America?

Answer 1

Thomas A. Dooley was known as Dr. America. According to him, he was involved in pre-war activities in Vietnam and Laos in the 1950s in various ways (military, political, theological, intelligence activities, and providing medical care to the poor). However, many of his stories of activities were not entirely true or were highly embellished, according to the author of a book titled,

"Dr. America: The Lives of Thomas A. Dooley, 1927-1961". The author was James T. Fisher.

Still, Dr. America became one of the most admired people of his time for his work with the people of Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam and other philanthropic endeavors.

He may be most well known, though, as the man that the song, "Tom Dooley", by the Kingston Trio is supposed to be about. It is true he knew the Kingston Trio and they did perhaps change the name of the song from Tom Dula to Tom Dooley, maybe in his honor, but the song was actually a folksong known for centuries written about a Tom Dula. The song, you may recognize begins:

This time tomorrow

Reckon where I'll be,

In some lonesome valley

Hanging on a white oak tree.

Hang down your head, Tom Dooley,

Hang down your head and cry,

Hang down your head, Tom Dooley,

Poor boy you're bound to die.

See the related links section below for a link to a NY Times book review of this publication and book preview from Google Books.