Kenneth Adams Hunter

Major-General K.A. Hunter OBE, CStJ, CD, QHP, MD (born 28 August 1904) was the 17th & 20th Canadian Surgeon General.

Born in London, Ontario, Kenneth A. Hunter was educated at the University of Western Ontario, where he graduated with a Medical Degree in 1930.

During his studies, Hunter was a member of the Non-Permanent Army Militia (NPAM), in the Machine Gun Corps from 1922 to 1926. In 1927, he joined the regular force in the Machine Gun Corps as a Lieutenant and remained with this corps until 1930; at which time, Hunter joined the Royal Canadian Army Medical Corps (RCAMC). He was promoted to Captain in 1931, Major in 1939, Lieutenant-Colonel in 1940, Colonel in 1943.

During WWII, Hunter served with the RCAMC throughout Europe from 1940 to 1943, and for his service with 2nd Field Ambulance during the attack on Dieppe, he was Mentioned in Dispatch in 1942. In 1945, Hunter was also awarded the Order of the British Empire.

Hunter was promoted to Brigadier-General in 1952 and appointed Director General of the Medical Services (Army) (later known as Surgeon General), In 1958, Hunter was promoted to Major-General and was appointed to the position with the new title of Surgeon General. He was the only former Director General to have been subsequently appointed Surgeon General.