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ABOUT 47th Medical Battalion
- World War II Origins: The 47th Medical Battalion was originally constituted in 1940 and activated at Fort Knox, Kentucky, as part of the U.S. Army’s build-up before World War II.
- Attached to 1st Armored Division: Throughout much of its early history, the 47th Medical Battalion served as the primary medical support unit for the famous 1st Armored Division ("Old Ironsides").
- North Africa Campaign: The battalion landed in North Africa with the 1st Armored Division in 1942, providing critical frontline medical support during the Tunisia campaign.
- Italian Campaign: After North Africa, the 47th supported operations in Sicily and Italy, including the grueling battles around Anzio and the push to Rome.
- Innovative Medical Evacuations: The 47th Medical Battalion was among the first to employ armored ambulances and used half-tracks and jeeps to evacuate wounded under fire, pioneering modern battlefield medical evacuation techniques.
- Post-War Service: After World War II, the battalion was deactivated and reactivated multiple times, reflecting the Army’s changing needs during the Cold War era.
- Vietnam Era: While not deployed as a whole to Vietnam, elements and personnel from the 47th Medical Battalion contributed to medical operations in Southeast Asia, emphasizing its continuing legacy.
- Humanitarian Missions: In addition to combat support, the 47th Medical Battalion participated in humanitarian missions, providing medical aid during training exercises and disaster relief operations.
- Reorganization: The 47th Medical Battalion was eventually reorganized and redesignated as part of the Army’s transition to modular brigades, later becoming the 47th Brigade Support Battalion.
- Legacy and Honors: Members of the 47th Medical Battalion earned numerous commendations, including campaign streamers and unit citations, for their service and valor under fire, leaving a legacy of lifesaving and innovation in military medicine.