93rd Evacuation Hospital (United States)

93rd Evacuation Hospital (United States)

The 93rd Evacuation Hospital was a United States Army medical unit that provided comprehensive medical services to the U.S. military during several major conflicts in the 20th century.

History

The 93rd Evacuation Hospital was activated on 15 August 1942 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.

During World War II, the 93rd served in the European Theater of Operations, participating in the Normandy Invasion and the Battle of the Bulge. The unit was awarded several military decorations for its service, including the Meritorious Unit Commendation.

After World War II, the 93rd was inactivated and reactivated several times. It served in the Korean War and the Vietnam War, providing critical medical support in both conflicts. The 93rd was finally inactivated in 1970.

Structure and Function

The 93rd Evacuation Hospital was a semi-mobile unit, designed to be set up close to the front lines of a conflict. The hospital consisted of a series of tents and could be fully operational within 24 hours of arriving at a new location.

The hospital had a capacity of 400 beds, which could be expanded to 800 in an emergency. It provided a full range of medical services, including surgery, internal medicine, and psychiatric care. The hospital also had a dental clinic and a laboratory.

Legacy

The 93rd Evacuation Hospital is remembered for its significant contributions to the U.S. military's medical capabilities. The unit's ability to provide immediate, comprehensive care close to the front lines saved countless lives and influenced the development of modern military medicine.