About this Unit
The 128th Evacuation Hospital was a United States Army medical unit activated during World War II. It was formed in 1942 and deployed to the European Theater, where it provided critical medical care and surgical support to wounded soldiers close to the front lines. The unit participated in several major campaigns, including the Normandy invasion and the push across France and into Germany. After the war, the 128th Evacuation Hospital was inactivated as part of the postwar demobilization.
Historical Facts
•
World War II Activation: The 128th Evacuation Hospital was activated on February 20, 1944, at Camp Bowie, Texas, and trained to provide medical support in combat zones.
•
European Theater Service: The unit deployed to the European Theater of Operations, arriving in France shortly after D-Day, and played a vital role in supporting Allied troops.
•
Normandy Campaign: The 128th operated near the front lines during the Normandy campaign, treating hundreds of casualties from the fierce fighting following the invasion.
•
Battle of the Bulge: During the Battle of the Bulge, the hospital handled a massive influx of wounded soldiers, often working under extreme weather conditions and enemy fire.
•
Advanced Medical Techniques: The unit was notable for implementing advanced medical procedures of the time, including blood plasma transfusions and improved surgical techniques.
•
Civilian Aid: Beyond treating soldiers, the 128th Evacuation Hospital also provided critical medical care to local civilians affected by the war, earning the gratitude of many French towns.
•
Women in Uniform: The staff included nurses from the Army Nurse Corps, who worked alongside doctors and orderlies, often under dangerous and stressful conditions.
•
Rapid Mobility: The hospital was designed to be mobile, allowing it to pack up and move quickly as the front lines shifted, sometimes relocating within 24 hours to keep up with advancing troops.
•
Recognition and Awards: Members of the 128th received several commendations for their bravery and dedication, including the Meritorious Unit Commendation.
•
Legacy: The 128th Evacuation Hospital's history is preserved in memoirs, unit histories, and veterans’ stories, serving as a testament to the critical role medical units played in saving lives during WWII.
