85th Combat Support Hospital

• 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. • 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. • Distinguished Unit Citation: The unit earned the Meritorious Unit Commendation for its exemplary service and dedication during WWII. • 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. • 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. • Modernization: The unit transitioned from an evacuation hospital to a Combat Support Hospital, incorporating modular medical technologies and enhanced surgical capabilities. • 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. • Humanitarian Missions: Beyond combat roles, the 85th CSH participated in humanitarian missions, offering medical assistance during natural disasters and supporting civilian populations. • 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. • 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.