By André B. Sobocinski, Navy Medicine HistorianIn January 1865, Union forces embarked on what was then the largest U.S.-led amphibious operation in history.  Their target was a colossal fort strategically located on a peninsula jutting from the Confederate seaport of Wilmington, N.C.  Its name was Fort Fisher. Accompanying this “boarding party,” were several Navy physicians including a 25-year Assistant Surgeon named William Longshaw, Jr.   In 1943, the Navy named a destroyer in physician’s honor.  To date, USS Longshaw (DD-559) is one of 19 ships to be named in honor of a Navy physician.