About this Unit
The 159th Evacuation Hospital (Semi-Mobile) was a U.S. Army medical unit activated during World War II. It provided critical medical care and surgical services close to the front lines, supporting combat operations in the European Theater. The unit followed advancing Allied forces, establishing field hospitals to treat wounded soldiers during major campaigns, including the Normandy invasion and the push into Germany. After World War II, the 159th Evacuation Hospital was inactivated, having played a vital role in saving lives through prompt and effective battlefield medical support.
Historical Facts
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World War II Origins: The 159th Evacuation Hospital (Semi-Mobile) was constituted during World War II and activated in 1944, playing a key role in providing medical care to U.S. forces in the European Theater of Operations.
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Landing in France: The unit landed in France shortly after D-Day, supporting the rapid advance of Allied forces after the Normandy invasion.
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Battle of the Bulge: During the Battle of the Bulge in December 1944, the 159th treated hundreds of wounded soldiers under harsh winter conditions and frequent enemy fire.
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Mobile Operations: As a semi-mobile hospital, the unit was designed to relocate quickly, allowing it to provide medical support near the front lines as fighting shifted across Europe.
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Liberation of Concentration Camps: Members of the 159th Evac Hosp provided medical care to survivors after the liberation of Nazi concentration camps, helping treat malnutrition and disease.
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Decorations and Commendations: The unit received multiple commendations for its service during WWII, including campaign streamers for Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland, Ardennes-Alsace, and Central Europe.
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Innovative Surgical Techniques: Surgeons and nurses of the 159th were among the first to implement new battlefield surgical techniques, which improved survival rates of wounded soldiers.
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Humanitarian Work: Beyond caring for Allied soldiers, the 159th treated wounded civilians and prisoners of war, reflecting the humanitarian aspect of their mission.
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Post-War Service: After WWII, the 159th Evac Hosp continued to serve in various capacities, including occupation duty in Germany before eventual deactivation.
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Veteran Reunions: Decades after the war, former members of the 159th Evac Hosp have held several reunions, sharing stories and preserving the legacy of their vital service.
