About this Unit
The 317th Field Hospital was originally constituted in the United States Army during World War II to provide critical medical support to combat forces. Activated in 1943, the unit deployed to the European Theater, where it played a vital role in treating wounded soldiers during key operations, including the Normandy Campaign and the advance across France. After the war, the 317th was inactivated but later reorganized as part of the Army Reserve, continuing its mission of providing deployable medical care. Throughout its history, the unit has exemplified dedication to saving lives in both wartime and peacetime operations.
Historical Facts
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World War II Origins: The 317th Field Hospital was constituted on 25 July 1942 and activated on 25 August 1942 at Camp Barkeley, Texas, to provide vital medical support during World War II.
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European Theater Service: The unit deployed to the European Theater of Operations, where it provided critical medical care to wounded troops following the D-Day invasion and throughout the push into Germany.
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Normandy Campaign: The 317th Field Hospital was part of the medical teams deployed to Normandy, helping to treat casualties from some of the war's fiercest fighting.
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Mobile Medical Support: As a field hospital, the 317th was designed to be mobile, frequently relocating to stay close to the front lines and rapidly setting up to handle incoming casualties.
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Liberation of Concentration Camps: Members of the 317th Field Hospital helped provide life-saving medical care to survivors of concentration camps liberated by Allied forces.
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Awards and Recognition: The unit received campaign participation credit for several key campaigns including Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland, Ardennes-Alsace, and Central Europe.
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Deactivation and Reactivation: The 317th Field Hospital has experienced several periods of inactivation and reactivation, reflecting the changing needs of the U.S. Army Medical Department.
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Cold War Service: After World War II, the 317th was reactivated as part of the U.S. Army Reserve, prepared to provide medical care in the event of another major conflict.
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Modern Medical Training: Today, the 317th Field Hospital continues to serve as a U.S. Army Reserve unit, training to provide advanced medical care in combat and humanitarian operations.
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Legacy of Service: The 317th Field Hospital’s history is marked by a tradition of rapid response, adaptability, and life-saving care under fire, embodying the motto of Army medicine: “To Conserve Fighting Strength.”
