39th Evacuation Hospital (United States)

39th Evacuation Hospital (United States)

The 39th Evacuation Hospital was a military hospital unit of the United States Army during the Second World War. It was primarily tasked with providing emergency medical services and evacuation procedures to wounded soldiers on the battlefield.

History

The 39th Evacuation Hospital was activated on 1 February 1943 at Camp Bowie, Texas. The unit was initially composed of 39 officers, 48 nurses, and 248 enlisted men. The hospital was designed to be mobile, allowing it to move with the front lines and provide immediate care to wounded soldiers.

In November 1943, the unit was deployed to the European Theater of Operations where it participated in several major campaigns including the Battle of the Bulge, the Rhineland Campaign, and the Central Europe Campaign. The hospital was credited with treating over 20,000 patients during its time in Europe.

Structure

The 39th Evacuation Hospital was organized into several sections including surgery, orthopedics, neurology, and psychiatry. Each section was staffed by specialists in their respective fields. The hospital also had a laboratory and x-ray department to assist in diagnosis and treatment.

Legacy

The 39th Evacuation Hospital was deactivated in 1945 following the end of World War II. However, its legacy continues in the form of the 212th Combat Support Hospital, which traces its lineage back to the 39th Evacuation Hospital.

See also

• List of former United States Army medical units
• United States Army Medical Department
• Evacuation hospital