About this Unit
The 361st Medical Laboratory was constituted on 16 July 1942 and activated at Camp Barkeley, Texas, during World War II. As a key element of the U.S. Army’s medical service, the unit provided laboratory and diagnostic support for American forces in the European Theater. The 361st played a vital role in disease prevention, outbreak investigation, and medical testing, directly contributing to troop health and operational effectiveness. After the end of the war, the unit was inactivated on 25 November 1945 as part of the postwar drawdown.
Historical Facts
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World War II Origins: The 361st Medical Laboratory was activated during World War II, providing critical laboratory and diagnostic services to support U.S. Army medical operations overseas.
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European Theater Deployment: The unit was deployed to the European Theater of Operations, where it supported frontline medical units by analyzing blood, water, and other samples under combat conditions.
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Battle of the Bulge Support: During the famous Battle of the Bulge, the 361st played a key role in ensuring that soldiers received rapid diagnosis and treatment for diseases and injuries.
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Water Purity Testing: The laboratory was responsible for testing water supplies for potability, preventing outbreaks of waterborne diseases among troops.
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Mobile Operations: The 361st operated as a mobile laboratory, capable of setting up and relocating quickly as the front lines shifted during combat operations.
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Post-War Service: After WWII, the unit continued to serve in various capacities, including occupation duties and supporting military hospitals in Europe.
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Korean War Reactivation: The laboratory was reactivated for service during the Korean War, once again providing vital medical laboratory support in a combat environment.
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Technological Innovation: The 361st was among the first Army medical labs to implement new diagnostic technologies such as portable microscopes and rapid bacterial culture techniques.
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Distinguished Unit Citations: The unit received commendations for its outstanding service and efficiency under fire, often working in hazardous conditions to ensure troop health.
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Legacy and Lineage: Elements of the 361st Medical Laboratory’s lineage continue in today’s Army Reserve medical laboratory units, carrying forward a tradition of excellence in military medicine.
