59th Evac

• World War II Origins: The 59th Evacuation Hospital was first activated during World War II, on 15 September 1942, at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. • European Theater Action: The unit served in the European Theater of Operations, providing medical care in England, France, and Germany as Allied forces advanced after D-Day. • Normandy Landings: Shortly after D-Day, the 59th Evac Hospital landed in France and set up operations to treat thousands of casualties from the Normandy campaign. • Battle of the Bulge: The unit played a critical role in treating wounded soldiers during the harsh winter of the Battle of the Bulge in late 1944 and early 1945. • Mobile Medical Response: As an evacuation hospital, the 59th was designed to be mobile, able to break down and move quickly to keep up with the front lines. • Korean War Reactivation: The unit was reactivated for service during the Korean War, again providing vital medical support to U.S. and Allied troops. • Vietnam War Service: The 59th Evacuation Hospital was deployed to Vietnam, where it operated in various locations, including Long Binh and Pleiku, treating combat casualties and providing surgical care. • Medical Innovations: The unit was at the forefront of battlefield medicine, using new techniques in trauma care such as rapid blood transfusion and improved triage systems. • Distinguished Personnel: Among its staff were highly decorated nurses, doctors, and support personnel who received numerous commendations for their bravery and dedication under fire. • Legacy and Honors: The 59th Evacuation Hospital earned multiple campaign streamers and unit citations for its service, and several reunions have been held for veterans who served in the unit across different conflicts.