399th Combat Support Hospital

• World War II Origins: The 399th Combat Support Hospital (399th CSH) was originally constituted on 25 May 1944 as the 399th Station Hospital and activated at Camp Maxey, Texas. • European Theater Service: During World War II, the 399th Station Hospital deployed to France, providing medical care to wounded soldiers during the latter stages of the war. • Deactivation and Reactivation: The unit was inactivated in 1946 after World War II but was later reactivated in the Army Reserve, reflecting the ongoing need for medical support units during peacetime and war. • Transformation into CSH: The 399th was redesignated as the 399th Combat Support Hospital in 1978, aligning with the Army’s move to more mobile and flexible hospital units. • Cold War Role: Throughout the Cold War, the 399th CSH trained to be ready to deploy to Europe in support of NATO forces in case of a conflict with the Warsaw Pact. • Desert Storm Contributions: Members of the 399th were mobilized during Operation Desert Storm to augment medical capabilities in the Middle East, though as a unit they did not deploy in full. • Post-9/11 Deployments: After 9/11, the 399th CSH has deployed personnel and detachments to support operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, providing vital medical care to coalition forces and civilians. • Hurricane Katrina Response: In 2005, soldiers from the 399th CSH were mobilized in support of Hurricane Katrina relief operations, delivering emergency medical assistance in the Gulf Coast region. • Training and Innovation: The 399th regularly participates in large-scale training exercises, such as Global Medic, where it integrates with other military and civilian agencies to improve disaster and combat casualty care. • Distinctive Unit Insignia: The 399th CSH's insignia features a maroon cross and a fleur-de-lis, symbolizing its medical mission and World War II service in France.