About this Unit
The 352nd Evacuation Hospital was a United States Army medical unit activated during World War II. Organized in 1942, the hospital trained in the United States before deploying to the European Theater of Operations. It provided critical medical support following the D-Day landings, treating thousands of casualties as Allied forces advanced through France, Belgium, and into Germany. The 352nd earned commendations for its service under combat conditions, contributing significantly to the care and evacuation of wounded soldiers until the end of the war in 1945.
Historical Facts
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World War II Formation: The 352nd Evacuation Hospital was activated during World War II as a mobile hospital unit designed to provide surgical and medical care to wounded soldiers near front-line combat zones.
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Normandy Landings: The unit landed on Utah Beach in Normandy, France, in June 1944, shortly after D-Day, and became operational within days to treat casualties from the fierce fighting.
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Battle of the Bulge Support: The 352nd played a crucial role during the Battle of the Bulge, setting up hospital facilities under harsh winter conditions to treat thousands of Allied casualties.
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Rapid Mobility: As an evacuation hospital, the unit was designed for rapid deployment and mobility, often relocating in response to shifting front lines in the European Theater of Operations.
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Medical Innovations: The 352nd implemented advanced triage techniques and improved surgical procedures, contributing to the increasing survival rate of wounded soldiers during the war.
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Women in Uniform: The hospital included many Army Nurses, members of the Army Nurse Corps, who served courageously under fire and in challenging field conditions.
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Captured German POWs Treated: The unit provided medical care not only to Allied troops but also to wounded German prisoners of war, demonstrating the humanitarian commitment of the Geneva Conventions.
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Post-war Occupation: After the end of combat operations, the 352nd Evacuation Hospital assisted in the care of displaced persons and continued medical support during the Allied occupation of Germany.
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Citation and Honors: The unit and several of its members received commendations and awards for bravery, dedication, and exceptional medical service under fire.
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Legacy: The experiences and lessons learned by the 352nd Evacuation Hospital contributed to modern military medicine, influencing the structure and operation of contemporary combat support hospitals.
