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85th Medical Battalion

U.S. Army•10 members

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About this Unit

85th Medical Battalion

U.S. Army

The 85th Medical Battalion was first constituted on 23 July 1942 in the Army of the United States and activated on 25 August 1942 at Camp Barkeley, Texas. During World War II, the battalion provided crucial medical support in the European Theater, participating in campaigns such as Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland, Ardennes-Alsace, and Central Europe. After the war, the unit underwent several reorganizations and was inactivated and reactivated multiple times, adapting to the changing needs of the U.S. Army. The 85th Medical Battalion's legacy is marked by its dedication to saving lives and supporting combat operations through expert medical care and evacuation.

About 85th Medical Battalion

About this Unit

Historical Facts

World War II Service: The 85th Medical Battalion was activated during World War II and served in the European Theater, providing vital medical support to combat units.
Normandy Landings: The battalion participated in the Normandy Invasion (D-Day), landing shortly after the initial assault to treat and evacuate casualties.
Combat Medics: Soldiers in the unit were often among the first on the battlefield to render aid, risking their lives under fire to save wounded comrades.
Campaign Participation: The 85th Medical Battalion supported multiple campaigns, including Northern France, Rhineland, Ardennes-Alsace, and Central Europe.
Post-War Occupation: After Germany’s surrender, the battalion assisted with medical care during the Allied occupation and helped manage displaced persons camps.
Korean War: The 85th Medical Battalion was reactivated and served during the Korean War, again providing critical medical support to frontline troops.
Vietnam War Service: Elements of the battalion were deployed to Vietnam, adapting to the challenges of jungle warfare and mass casualties.
Innovations in Care: The unit helped pioneer the use of mobile surgical hospitals and improved field evacuation methods, contributing to higher survival rates.
Decorations and Honors: The 85th Medical Battalion received numerous commendations for meritorious service and exceptional performance under fire.
Legacy and Reorganizations: Over the decades, the battalion was reorganized and redesignated several times, with its lineage continuing in modern Army medical units.

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85th Medical Battalion

U.S. Army•10 members

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About this Unit

85th Medical Battalion

U.S. Army

Unit members

Howard LaPeer

U.S. Army · 1978 - 1981

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Gerald/Jerry Wunder

U.S. Army Veteran · 1967 - 1968

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George Garcia

U.S. Army · 1976 - 1979

U.S. Army Veteran

Army photos

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About 85th Medical Battalion

About this Unit

Historical Facts

World War II Service: The 85th Medical Battalion was activated during World War II and served in the European Theater, providing vital medical support to combat units.
Normandy Landings: The battalion participated in the Normandy Invasion (D-Day), landing shortly after the initial assault to treat and evacuate casualties.
Combat Medics: Soldiers in the unit were often among the first on the battlefield to render aid, risking their lives under fire to save wounded comrades.
Campaign Participation: The 85th Medical Battalion supported multiple campaigns, including Northern France, Rhineland, Ardennes-Alsace, and Central Europe.
Post-War Occupation: After Germany’s surrender, the battalion assisted with medical care during the Allied occupation and helped manage displaced persons camps.
Korean War: The 85th Medical Battalion was reactivated and served during the Korean War, again providing critical medical support to frontline troops.
Vietnam War Service: Elements of the battalion were deployed to Vietnam, adapting to the challenges of jungle warfare and mass casualties.
Innovations in Care: The unit helped pioneer the use of mobile surgical hospitals and improved field evacuation methods, contributing to higher survival rates.
Decorations and Honors: The 85th Medical Battalion received numerous commendations for meritorious service and exceptional performance under fire.
Legacy and Reorganizations: Over the decades, the battalion was reorganized and redesignated several times, with its lineage continuing in modern Army medical units.