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ABOUT 47th General Hospital
- World War II Formation: The 47th General Hospital was activated during World War II, originally formed at the University of Washington, Seattle, in 1942 as a military hospital unit to support the U.S. Army’s medical needs overseas.
- University Ties: Many of its staff—including doctors, nurses, and technicians—were recruited directly from the University of Washington Medical School and its affiliated hospitals.
- Deployment to the Pacific: The 47th General Hospital was deployed to the Pacific Theater, specifically to New Caledonia, in 1943 to provide medical care for American and Allied troops.
- Massive Capacity: At its peak, the hospital had the capacity for over 1,000 beds and treated thousands of wounded and ill soldiers during its service.
- Not Just Combat Wounds: Besides treating battle casualties, the hospital also played a vital role in managing tropical diseases such as malaria, dengue fever, and dysentery, which were rampant in the region.
- Innovative Surgery: Surgeons at the 47th General Hospital made advances in surgical techniques, especially in managing orthopedic injuries and reconstructive surgery, contributing to the evolution of battlefield medicine.
- Women in Uniform: The unit included a significant number of Army Nurse Corps officers, many of whom were among the first women from the Pacific Northwest to serve in a combat zone hospital.
- Relocation to Manila: In 1945, as the war progressed, the hospital moved to Manila, Philippines, to support operations during the liberation of the Philippines.
- Postwar Demobilization: The 47th General Hospital was deactivated after World War II, but its legacy lived on as many members returned to civilian medicine, bringing valuable experience to their communities.
- Legacy and Reunions: The veterans of the 47th General Hospital maintained strong ties after the war, holding regular reunions and commemorative events, and their contributions are remembered at the University of Washington and in military medical history.