About this Unit
The 187th Medical Battalion was constituted on 23 June 1942 in the Army of the United States and activated on 25 July 1942 at Camp Barkeley, Texas. During World War II, the battalion provided vital medical support in the European Theater, participating in campaigns such as Normandy, Northern France, and Rhineland. Following the war, the unit experienced several activations and inactivations before being re-designated as a training battalion in 1965 at Fort Sam Houston, Texas. Today, the 187th Medical Battalion continues its mission by training Army medical personnel, upholding a legacy of excellence in medical readiness and support.
Historical Facts
•
World War II Origins: The 187th Medical Battalion was originally constituted on 23 July 1942 in the Army of the United States as the 187th Medical Battalion and activated at Camp Barkeley, Texas.
•
European Theater Service: During World War II, the battalion served with distinction in the European Theater, participating in campaigns such as Rhineland and Central Europe.
•
Campaign Streamers: The unit earned campaign streamers for its service in the Rhineland and Central Europe during World War II.
•
Post-War Inactivation and Reorganization: The battalion was inactivated after World War II but was reactivated and reorganized several times in the following decades to meet the Army’s evolving needs.
•
Fort Sam Houston Assignment: In 1992, the 187th Medical Battalion was assigned to the United States Army Medical Department Center and School at Fort Sam Houston, Texas, where it serves as a key training unit for Army medical personnel.
•
Training Mission: The battalion’s modern mission is to provide command, control, and administrative support for medical training companies and thousands of U.S. Army and allied service members each year.
•
Distinctive Unit Insignia: The battalion’s insignia features a maroon cross (symbolizing medical service) and a gold background, representing excellence and achievement.
•
Motto – “Conservamus Vitas”: The battalion’s motto is Latin for “We Conserve Life,” reflecting its commitment to preserving the health and lives of soldiers.
•
Vietnam War Reorganization: In 1966, the battalion was re-designated as the 187th Medical Battalion and deployed to Vietnam, where it provided medical support to combat troops.
•
Legacy of Service: Today, the 187th Medical Battalion continues to play a critical role in preparing Army medical professionals, upholding a proud legacy of service dating back more than 80 years.
