About this Unit
The 85th Combat Support Hospital (CSH) is a unit of the United States Army with a distinguished history of providing medical support in various military operations. Activated during World War II, the unit has been reactivated and reorganized several times to meet the Army's evolving medical needs. The 85th CSH played a critical role in supporting U.S. forces during Operation Iraqi Freedom, delivering essential medical care to soldiers and coalition partners. Renowned for its adaptability and professionalism, the 85th CSH continues to uphold its mission of providing comprehensive health service support in both combat and humanitarian missions worldwide.
Historical Facts
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World War II Origins: The 85th Combat Support Hospital (CSH) traces its lineage to the 85th Evacuation Hospital, which was constituted in 1943 and activated at Camp White, Oregon, during World War II.
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European Theater Service: During WWII, the 85th Evacuation Hospital supported frontline troops in Europe, providing lifesaving care during major campaigns, including the Rhineland and Central Europe operations.
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Distinguished Unit Citation: The unit earned the Meritorious Unit Commendation for its exemplary service and dedication during WWII.
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Cold War Reactivation: The hospital was inactivated after WWII but reactivated during the Cold War to meet the Army’s growing need for deployable medical units.
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Gulf War Deployments: The 85th CSH deployed in support of Operation Desert Storm and Desert Shield in 1990-1991, providing advanced medical care to coalition forces in the Middle East.
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Modernization: The unit transitioned from an evacuation hospital to a Combat Support Hospital, incorporating modular medical technologies and enhanced surgical capabilities.
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Operation Iraqi Freedom: The 85th CSH deployed to Iraq, where it established and operated combat hospitals, often under challenging conditions and close to active combat zones.
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Humanitarian Missions: Beyond combat roles, the 85th CSH participated in humanitarian missions, offering medical assistance during natural disasters and supporting civilian populations.
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Medical Innovations: Members of the 85th CSH contributed to advances in battlefield medicine, including trauma care protocols and rapid evacuation procedures that have saved countless lives.
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Legacy and Deactivation: The unit was inactivated in 2017 as part of Army medical restructuring, but its legacy of service, innovation, and dedication continues to inspire medical professionals in the military today.
