After Tony’s graduation I developed a so-called bone spur on my right heel, which made me limp, and I could hardly walk with my shoes on. X-ray showed that the bone on the back of my heel had a growth like a rooster’s spur.
Dr. Fermin de Leon, Major, MC, said: “That is a very simple operation. In one week you will be okay.” And so I had a surgical operation in the PMA Dispensary.
The “one week” lasted to one month, to three months, to six months, and the gaping operation wound was not closed and kept bleeding. I was confined in the dispensary and could hardly walk.
I wrote Mrs. Rosemary Lovell, a Christian Science Practitioner in Manila, and she replied, telling me what part of the Bible and of the Science & Health with key to the Scriptures to read. I refused any medicine.
Major de Leon scheduled me for re-operation to close the gaping wound. When they checked me in the operating room and opened the bandages, both Maj. De Leon and Major Acosta were surprised. The wound had healed and dried up!
I told them about my Christian Science healing, but Dr. de Leon said: “That was the effect of the medicine we were giving you, Joe.” I said, “That is what you think.” I still have the large scar on my heel.
Then in 1965 I was due for promotion to Major, but on a last-minute decision, my name was substituted by another officer’s name. I got disappointed, and because I was already 30 years in the service, to include my one year SPW service, I asked for retirement. It was approved, and I got transferred to GHQ, AFP, for hospital examination prior to retirement. When I was found healthy, I got orders assigning me as Chief, Welfare Branch, GHQ, AFP, in charge over retirements and retired officers’ problems. I made my own Orders of Retirement myself! I was retired after 30 years’ service on May 18, 1965 — as Major, AFP, Infantry.
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