About this Unit
A Company, Fitzsimons Army Medical Center, was a key medical support unit stationed at Fitzsimons Army Medical Center in Aurora, Colorado. Throughout its operational years, A Company provided essential medical, logistical, and administrative support to the hospital, which was renowned for its treatment of respiratory diseases and rehabilitation of wounded soldiers, especially during and after World War II. The unit played a vital role in training Army medical personnel and supporting patient care during the Vietnam era and the Cold War. Following the closure of Fitzsimons Army Medical Center in 1999, A Company was deactivated as part of the Army's broader realignment and restructuring.
Historical Facts
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Origins of Fitzsimons Army Medical Center: The Fitzsimons Army Medical Center, located in Aurora, Colorado, was established in 1918 as a U.S. Army hospital for treating soldiers returning from World War I, especially those suffering from tuberculosis and respiratory diseases.
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Naming Honor: The facility was named after Lt. William T. Fitzsimons, the first American medical officer killed in World War I, who died in France in 1917.
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A Company’s Role: A Company was a primary unit within the hospital, responsible for supporting inpatient care, logistics, and administrative functions, as well as providing training to enlisted medical personnel.
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Presidential Care: Fitzsimons Army Medical Center famously treated President Dwight D. Eisenhower after his heart attack in 1955, with A Company assisting in the hospital’s daily operations during this high-profile event.
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Vietnam War Support: During the Vietnam War, A Company played a crucial role in the rehabilitation and medical care for returning wounded soldiers, helping to pioneer new physical and occupational therapy techniques.
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Training Excellence: The unit was renowned for its comprehensive training programs, producing many Army medics and nurses who went on to serve in conflicts around the world.
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Historic Architecture: The main hospital building, where A Company was headquartered, featured distinctive Spanish Revival architecture and became a local landmark in Aurora.
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Community Outreach: Members of A Company often participated in local outreach, such as first aid classes and public health initiatives, strengthening ties between the military and the local civilian population.
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Medical Innovations: Fitzsimons, with support from A Company, was a site of many medical advancements, including early research into artificial lungs and kidney dialysis.
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Legacy and Closure: Fitzsimons Army Medical Center and its units, including A Company, were decommissioned in 1999. The site is now home to the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, but veterans and alumni regularly commemorate the legacy of A Company’s service.
