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History of 7th Medical Battalion

The 7th Medical Battalion was originally constituted on 27 July 1941 and assigned to the 7th Infantry Division of the United States Army. Activated at Camp San Luis Obispo, California, the unit provided crucial medical support during World War II, including the Aleutian Islands Campaign and the liberation of the Philippines. The battalion continued to serve in subsequent conflicts, including the Korean War, where it supported division operations with casualty evacuation and field medical care. Over the decades, the 7th Medical Battalion has adapted to meet the evolving needs of combat medicine, upholding its legacy of saving lives on and off the battlefield.

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ABOUT 7th Medical Battalion

  • World War II Origin: The 7th Medical Battalion was originally constituted during World War II to support the 7th Infantry Division, providing medical care during some of the most significant Pacific campaigns.
  • Amphibious Assaults: The battalion played a crucial role in amphibious landings at Attu, Kwajalein, Leyte, and Okinawa, often landing with the first assault waves to set up aid stations.
  • "Frozen Chosin": During the Korean War, the 7th Medical Battalion provided lifesaving support at the Battle of Chosin Reservoir, braving harsh winter conditions and enemy fire to evacuate and treat casualties.
  • MASH Predecessor: The 7th Medical Battalion’s mobile medical practices in WWII and Korea were forerunners to the concept made famous by MASH (Mobile Army Surgical Hospital) units.
  • Civic Action: In addition to combat support, the battalion conducted humanitarian missions, such as vaccination drives and medical treatment for local civilians in the Pacific and Korea.
  • Decorations: The unit’s distinguished service earned it multiple campaign streamers and citations, including Presidential Unit Citations for its actions in both WWII and Korea.
  • Vietnam Service: The battalion was reactivated and deployed during the Vietnam War, adapting to new combat conditions and diseases unique to the Southeast Asian environment.
  • Evolving Technology: The 7th Medical Battalion was among the first to utilize helicopter evacuation (“dustoff” missions), revolutionizing battlefield casualty care.
  • Modern Missions: In recent decades, the battalion has supported peacekeeping and humanitarian operations, including disaster relief missions in the Pacific Rim.
  • Legacy: Many innovations in battlefield medicine and triage pioneered by the 7th Medical Battalion have become standard practice in today’s military medical units.

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