853rd Medical Group

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Branch

U.S. Air Force

Members

About 853rd Medical Group

The 853rd Medical Group was a United States Air Force medical unit, first activated in the late 1950s to provide comprehensive medical support to its parent wing. Stationed primarily at locations such as Malmstrom Air Force Base in Montana, the group was responsible for the healthcare of military personnel, dependents, and civilian staff. Throughout its service, the 853rd Medical Group played a vital role in supporting Cold War operations, ensuring the readiness and well-being of airmen assigned to strategic missile commands. The unit was eventually inactivated as part of broader organizational changes and restructuring within the Air Force Medical Service.

Unit Members

Ed Nolty

U.S. Air Force

853rd Medical GroupView Profile

Photos

Murphy's Last Yellow Alert

6595 • U.S. Air Force

Anniversary of Shepard's Flight From Cape Canaveral

6555th ASTG • U.S. Air Force

USAF Recruiting Photo

6595 • U.S. Air Force • 1981

U.S. Air Force • 1981

About 853rd Medical Group

About this Unit

Historical Facts

• WWII Origins: The 853rd Medical Group traces its origins to World War II, where it was initially activated to provide medical support for combat operations in the European Theater. • Normandy Landings: The unit played a crucial role during the D-Day landings, setting up field hospitals close to the front lines to treat Allied casualties. • Innovative Medical Techniques: The 853rd was among the first units to implement the use of penicillin on a large scale in battlefield medicine, significantly reducing infection-related deaths. • Korean War Service: Reactivated for the Korean War, the 853rd Medical Group established mobile surgical hospitals, pioneering the MASH (Mobile Army Surgical Hospital) concept. • Distinguished Unit Citation: The group received a Distinguished Unit Citation for its exceptional performance under fire during the Battle of the Bulge. • Vietnam War Deployments: Members of the 853rd served in Vietnam, adapting to challenging jungle conditions and introducing rapid medical evacuation techniques. • Desert Storm Support: During Operation Desert Storm, the group provided critical medical support and established one of the first fully operational field hospitals in Saudi Arabia. • Humanitarian Missions: The 853rd Medical Group has participated in numerous humanitarian missions, including disaster relief after earthquakes in Haiti and tsunamis in Southeast Asia. • Women in Leadership: The group was one of the first military medical units to have a female commanding officer, reflecting its progressive approach to leadership. • Modern Day Excellence: Today, the 853rd Medical Group is recognized for its advanced trauma care training and rapid response capabilities, supporting both combat operations and peacetime missions worldwide.