Charles Everett Koop (born 1916), US Surgeon General, with the US flag. Koop served as Surgeon General from 1982 to 1989, but for most of his career was a paediatric surgeon (1946 to 1981). Koop helped to establish what at the time was an emerging speciality. Koop's appointment as Surgeon General was controversial due to his strong personal views against abortion. Koop's appointment as Surgeon General included the rank of vice-admiral in his role as head of the Public Health Service Commissioned Corps. As well as wearing his admiral's uniform (not shown here), Koop was known for his style of beard and his bow-ties. Photographed in the 1980s.