350th Evacuation Hospital

• World War II Activation: The 350th Evacuation Hospital was activated on September 15, 1942, at Camp Atterbury, Indiana, as a 750-bed semi-mobile hospital unit to provide medical care for wounded soldiers. • Training and Preparation: The unit underwent rigorous training in Indiana and at various Army installations, preparing staff for the challenges of wartime medicine, including field surgery and rapid deployment. • European Theater Deployment: The 350th was deployed to England in 1944 in preparation for the Allied invasion of Normandy, eventually landing on the continent after D-Day to support advancing troops. • Normandy Campaign: The hospital followed the front lines into France, treating thousands of casualties during the Normandy campaign and supporting the breakout from St. Lô. • Battle of the Bulge: During the harsh winter of 1944-45, the unit provided vital medical support to U.S. forces engaged in the Battle of the Bulge, often operating under extreme conditions and enemy attack. • Medical Innovations: The 350th Evacuation Hospital pioneered techniques in trauma care, blood transfusion, and the use of penicillin, saving countless lives and setting new standards for military medicine. • Diversified Personnel: The unit included male and female doctors, nurses, and support staff from across the United States, reflecting the diverse makeup of the U.S. Army Medical Department during WWII. • Personal Stories: Many members of the 350th kept diaries and wrote letters home, providing a detailed and humanizing account of life behind the front lines and the daily challenges of treating war wounds. • Recognition and Awards: The hospital and its personnel received several commendations for bravery and meritorious service, including unit citations for their actions during major campaigns. • Postwar Legacy: After the war, many former staff of the 350th Evacuation Hospital continued their medical careers, with some playing key roles in advancing civilian and military medicine, carrying forward the lessons learned in combat.