REGISTRY NUMBER

WD-84

HEADQUARTERS 120TH EVACUATION HOSPITAL

SEMIMOBILE

APO 403 US ARMY

10 JUNE 1945

AG 319.1

SUBJECT: Medical Department Activities Report.

THRU: Commanding General, XII Corps., APO 312, US Army

TO:

In compliance with par 6, AR 40-1005 and par 4, Memorandum 40-45, War Department, dated 30 March 1945, the following report is hereby submitted:

I. ACTIVATION AND HISTORY OF UNIT

The 120th Evacuation Hospital (SM) was activated 25 March 1944 at Camp Shelby, Mississippi, per letter Hq Second Army AG 321 (Med 2A) (GNMBD) Subject: Letter Orders #A521, dated 14 March 1944. On that date the strength was one (1) medical officer, one (1) dental officer and twenty-three (23) enlisted men (cadre from 65th Infantry Division) present for duty. Major ORAM R. LAWRY, JR. as senior

medical officer present for duty assumed command. Twelve (12) enlisted men from 598th Ambulance Company (Separate), Camp Roberts, California joined the unit on 26 March 1944 to complete the cadre.

A cadre training program was started on 3 April 1944 in accordance with verbal instructions 24th Headquarters, Special Troops, Second Army. It consisted of one half (l/2) day of cadre training in basic subjects and methods of teaching. The other one half (l/2) day was spent in necessary duty to prepare for filler replacements.

WILLIAM E. WILLIAMS, Lt. Col. MC, joined the unit from 185th Medical Battalion Camp Maxey, Texas on 13 April 1944 and as senior medical officer present for duty assumed command. Cadre training continued and strenuous work was done in order that basic training could be begun. On 27 April 1944, sixty-five (65) men joined from 114th Evacuation Hospital (SM) par 1, SO #92, 24th Headquarters, Special Troops, Second Army. One mess hall was now in operation and cadre training continued. Communication from Headquarters Second Army to reorganize under T/O and E 8-581 dated 25 March 1944 was received and complied with on 2 May 1944. During this period weekly inspections were made and marked improvement was shown each week. On 8 May 1944, unit received ninety-two (92) enlisted men from Fort Sill Reception Center, Fort Sill, Oklahoma, and on the following day twenty-six (26) men were transferred to the 80th Portable Surgical Hospital, Camp Shelby, Mississippi. The remainder of this week was spent processing the fillers from Fort Sill Reception Center, Fort Sill, Oklahoma. Cadre training was in its sixth and final week. With the addition of the fillers it now became necessary to open a second mess hall.

Monday, 15 May 1944 basic training was started, preceded by an orientation by Lt. Col. WILLIAMS. Training was in compliance with MTP 8-101 and directives from Army Detachment Headquarters, Special Troops. During the second week of basic training a drivers' school was started for enlisted drivers who had already completed a previous basic training course. The Unit was inspected by Lt. Col. VAN WAGNER, Second Army Surgeon's Office on 23 May 1944 and at 1700 on the same day, Lt. Col. WILLIAMS reviewed Second Army Troops at Retreat Parade. The 120th Evacuation Hospital was attached to the 114th Evacuation Hospital for this parade. At this time the strength of the unit was eight (8) officers and one hundred eighty-four (184) enlisted men.

Strength of enlisted men was increased on 31 May 1944 by the addition of fifty (50) enlisted men from Headquarters 26th Infantry Division, Fort Jackson, N.C. These were followed by nine ( 9) enlisted men assigned from 76th Infantry Division, Camp McCoy, Wisconsin. An additional program of one week's duration was instituted at this time to bring the recently arrived fillers up to the MTP standard of those men who had been with the unit since the beginning of training. This training program met with the approval of the 24th Headquarters, Second Army.

Unit participated in a Retreat parade for all Second Army Special Troops on the post on 14 June 1944. Showing made by the enlisted men proved that they were improving greatly. At the time the unit entered its seventh week of basic training (technical phase) the strength of the organization was twelve (12) officers and two hundred twenty-one (221) enlisted men. A unit softball team had been organized which promptly began to set up a pleasing record. By the time it was disbanded, it had thirteen (13) victories against one (1) defeat.

First Sergeant William B. Bull was appointed as a Warrant Officer Junior Grade on 15 July 1944 and sworn in. On 15 August 1944 the unit underwent satisfactorily its ITP tests. Upon completion of basic training and ITP, furloughs were given for the first time and morale was high. Four men transferred to Infantry Officer Candidate School on 28 August 1944, ratings of enlisted men were frozen. Unit went on eight (8) day bivouac from 24 August to 31 August inclusive. During this bivouac the hospital was set up for the first time and the unit experimented with double tentage for operating section. On 18 September the unit once more moved by truck convoy to a bivouac area in De Soto National Park and set up the hospital. Here they were inspected by Colonel FERGASON, Commanding 24th Headquarters, Special Troops. At this inspection Colonel FERGASON rated the hospital set up as "excellent." Unit returned from bivouac 23 September 1944.

Lt. Col. WILLIAM E. WILLIAMS was promoted to rank of Colonel on 26 September 1944. Training in accordance with Training Guide TM 8-10 (Unit Training) had begun on 21 August and was completed 21 October 1944. Unit was given UTP tests on 20 October 1944 and completed them successfully, thereupon, unit began combined training phase. By 15 November forty (40) nurses had joined unit and assignments of duty had been made on them. Shortly thereafter unit undertook packing of equipment in preparation for overseas movement in accordance with the provisions of WD directive, Preparation Overseas Movement dated 1 July 1944 and those in the movement order. Packing was done in conformity with War Department Bulletin 100-14A as far as availability of materials permitted.

Final preparations were made and at 0900 on 7 December 1944 the unit departed by rail from Camp Shelby, for permanent change of station per letter O. file 370.5 24th Headquarters. Special Troops, Second Army, Camp Shelby, Mississippi dated 30 October 1944. Unit strength at this time was thirty (30) officers, one (1) warrant officer, forty (40) nurses and two hundred and seven (207) enlisted men.

Unit arrived Camp Kilmer, New Jersey at 0830 on 9 December 1944. There personnel engaged in activities preparatory for overseas movement. Classes in abondoning ship, security, and final testing of gas masks were attended. Final immunization was carried out on 10 December 1944. Final showdown of personal and field equipment was made and on 12th and 13th December men of the organization were given 12-hour passes. At 2100 15 December, unit departed by rail and water transportation from Camp Kilmer, New Jersey for embarkation--Destination unknown.

Unit arrived Guroch, Scotland at 2000, 21 December, traveling by water to Guroch, Scotland, at 1700 22 December and thence by rail to Tenby, South Wales arriving in Tenby 1600 23 December 1944. Personnel were billeted in hotels and Christmas Day was observed. During the unit's stay in Tenby, leaves and furloughs were granted. Enlisted men, officers and nurses went on detached service to hospitals in the UK to gain first hand knowledge of methods of treatment of casualties. Unit's vehicles were drawn and given thorough check for mechanical deficiencies. Shortages in equipment were made up where such equipment was available and everything given final check in preparation for movement to the Continent. Unit was alerted and equipment and vehicles processed for short sea voyage in compliance with ETOUSA directive POM-SSV. The unit left Tenby in two groups. A train party departed from TENBY at 0625 2 March 1945, and a truck convoy with unit equipment departed 0700 2 March 1945. An advance party consisting of one (1) officer and five (5) EM had departed five (5) days ahead of main body.

Unit travelled to Marshalling Area Camp C-5, train party arriving at 1605 2 March 1945 and truck convoy at 1300 3 March 1945. Truck convoy departed Camp C-5 at 1245 4 March and proceeded to Southhampton to load for Channel crossing. Vehicles were loaded by1900 and unit arrived at Le Havre, France 6 March having spent all day 5 March at anchor outside Southhampton. Vehicles were unloaded by 1100 7 March and convoy proceeded to Camp Twenty-Grand near Duclair, France.

Train party meanwhile stayed in Marshalling Area until 1300 6 March at which time they left for Southhampton and boarded ship. Crossing was made and party arrived at Le Havre, France 2000 8 March where they were further split up. Officers and enlisted men were taken by truck to Camp Twenty-Grand arriving at 0400 9 March while nurses were taken by truck to Mesnieres, France. During stay at Camp Twenty-Grand, officers and men were housed in tents and messed with Colored Quartermaster Company. The nurses during their stay at Mesnieres went through a training program which consisted of classes and physical training. Several clothing and equipment inspections were held.

Advance party and truck convoy left Camp Twenty Grand for Rambervillers, France on 11 MArch 1945, arriving at Rambervillers at 1300 12 March 1945. Train party of officers and enlisted men travelled by truck from Camp Twenty Grand to Rouen where they entrained. Method of travel was by boxcar. Men were placed twenty (20) to a car. Cars had no seats or latrine facilities. Food during the trip consisted of 10 in 1 rations heated by individual heat units. On the 3d day of travel men were issued "C" type rations.

The unit's nurses left Mesniers the same day travelling by truck to Forges where they entrained. The entire train party (officers, nurses and EM) stayed over on a siding outside Paris all day 18 March. Nurses detrained at Nancy and were transported by unit vehicles to Rambervillers. Officers and EM detrained at Lunerville and unit vehicles transported them to Rambervillers. All personnel were quartered in buildings during unit's stay in Rambervillors. Unit did not function as a hospital. Movies were arranged by Special Service section of the hospital. Five (5) days after arrival at Rambervillers, the unit moved forward to set up in field in vicinity of Dettwiller, Alsace. This was the first time the entire hospital had been set up. Also the portable disinfector was utilized to provide showers for unit personnel. Since the area was muddy and became worse the longer we stayed, due to inclement weather, the showers proved to be a major factor in contributing to the upkeep of morale. During the stay at Dettwiller, twelve (12) nurses were sent on temporary duty to Field Hospitals to gain experience in handling of casualties.

On 30 March 1945, unit began movement to Gollheim, Germany. Since the stay at Gollheim was to be brief and the unit was not expected to function, only such tentage as was needed for storage of equipment and housing of personnel was put up. Then on 4 April 1945, unit began movement to Frankfurt, Germany. There again, unit was not expected to function and so equipment and personnel tentage only was erected. Since the unit was not operating, officers and enlisted men took the opportunity of visiting nearby Evacuation Hospital units to observe working procedures used by those units.

On 14 March, unit was relieved from assignment Fifteenth US Army and assigned Third US Army: Par #3 Troop Assignment #87, Hq 12th Army Group as of 4 April 1945. The following day, unit started movement to Ettersburg, Germany, to take over medical work at Buchenwald Concentration Camp. Movement was started at 0600 and completed at 2400. This was the only movement made by the 120th Evacuation Hospital where vehicles from other units were supplied to supplement T/O and E vehicles. Tentage was set up to store equipment and house personnel. Since conditions were so terrible at Buchenwald Concentration Camp, it was declared unfit for nurses and unit's nurses were detached to 121st Evacuation Hospital operating in vicinity of Gotha.

An inspection of Buchenwald Concentration Camp was made by Col. WILLIAMS and his officers on 17 April 1945 to devise a plan of operation and that afternoon work was started in the camp. At the time this unit took over the camp there were an estimated 21,000 prisoners there. The greatest problem facing the unit was one of sanitation. The water supply had been cut off due to the destruction of one of the mains by explosives. Latrine facilities in the camp were virtually non-existent and hygiene of any kind was apparently unknown. Prisoners' barracks were in the worst possible condition. Lighting was inadequate, barracks were filthy, barracks overcrowded, inmates underfed and underclothed. Upon taking over the camp, the unit began delousing and cleaning buildings which had formerly housed SS guards. As these buildings were cleared, the worst cases were transferred. Before being admitted, patients were thoroughly deloused. Of those patients admitted and those examined the most prevalent causes of sickness were dysentery, malnutrition and tuberculosis. Typhus and pneumonia were also quite common. During the first few days officers and enlisted men moved out of tents and were billeted in buildings. A mess was set up in the Buchenwald camp to help feed the inmates. Food consisted of soft and liquid diet (i.e., soup, milk, oatmeal, and meat stew).

One of the surest signs that the unit's work was effective was the fact that within three (3) days after our taking over the camp, the death rate dropped from one hundred (100) per day to less than thirty (30). On 19 April 1945 the camp was visited by a body of 10 British Members of Parliament to see at first hand the conditions at the camp. They were conducted through the camp and wards and were very favorably impressed by the work being done by this unit. On their inspection they were shown prisoner barracks, children's quarters, the camp crematorium, the notorious "Block 61" and the SS barracks which had been taken over for use as wards. They spoke with some of the patients, through interpreters and found the patients to be grateful for the care being taken of them by the Americans.

The following day, 20 April 1945, a group of twelve (12) U.S. Congressmen visited the camp to make a survey of conditions. They likewise were horrified at living conditions and the treatment of the inmates by the Germans and were greatly impressed with the progress made by this unit in correcting these conditions.

On 21 April 1945, we were honored by a visit by US Senators sent to investigate the Buchenwald Concentration Camp. As on the two previous days, a tour of the camp was made and our distinguished visitors left with a clear picture of what they had come to see. We were relieved from duty on 23 April 1945 but by this time, food had been procured and transported to the camp to provide the patients with a ration comparable to an "A" ration. Since Buchenwald Concentration Camp was our first chance to function since arriving on the continent, both the officers and enlisted men worked hard to prove their capabilities. Each person felt that he was accomplishing something and in addition to efficient and cooperative work from all sections, moral was raised to a higher degree.

Movement to our next area, Kersback, Germany was started at 0600, 25 April 1945 and completed 1800, 28 April 1945 with the return to duty from TDY of the unit's nurses. Kersback, like Gollhelm and Frankfurt was to be only a bivouac area in anticipation of a further movement, so once again, equipment and housing tentage only was erected. At 0800 29 April, unit started movement to Cham, Germany with the assignment of taking over the medical care of displaced personnel. The hospital started functioning immediately to care for patients which were already at Cham when we arrived. As of 1 May, 1945 the unit had nine hundred ninety four (994) patients, quartered in five (5) buildings in the town of Cham. (Hotel Alte Poste, Hotel Gress, Kreis Krankenhous, Kindovsrhule and St. Elizabeth.) Movement of unit to Cham was completed as of 1800 3 May 1945 and full work on wards begun. More buildings were acquired for X-ray, dental, and surgery sections, personnel billets and detachment headquarters. Civilian help was used extensively to do manual labor as well as professional work. All civilian work was under supervision by the unit's officers and non-commissioned officers, however. Nationalities of patients included French, Polish, Russian, Czechoslovakian, Italian, Hungarian, Yugoslavian, German, Dutch and Belgian. Incoming patients were deloused by delousing teams set up by receiving office. Records were kept on all patients and evacuation of patients both to and from the hospital was taken care of by six (6) attached French Red Cross ambulances and French personnel.

As at Buchenwald the most prevalent sicknesses were dysentery, malnutrition with complications, typhus and pneumonia. In addition to operating the five (5) buildings in Cham, the unit supervised several buildings in out-lying communities until such time as the disposal patients made it impossible to close those buildings one at a time and transfer any remaining patients to the hospital in Cham. Treatment of patients continued satisfactorily and by 26 May 1945 the number of patients made it possible to close out one (1) building, (Kinderschule) thus reducing the hospital to four (4) buildings. At 1200 2 June 1945, this unit was relieved by 7th Field Hospital. At that time there were 436 patients in the hospital.

II. Plans and Training

Considerable time in training was spent in experimenting with various combinations of tentage which appeared advisable in view of the fact that most evacuation hospitals in this theatre found it advisable to join part, if not all, of the tentage utilized. This is particularly true of the Surgical Section and allied services, such as X-ray and Laboratory. It was felt that time spent in the field as early in the training program as practicable is an invaluable asset to training. There does not appear to be any substitute for simulated field problems for giving the enlisted men and officers experience in handling the equipment provided for an evacuation hospital. This cannot be overemphasized, in the writer's opinion.

It seems unfortunate that too frequently a large percentage of the officers and nurse personnel are given to an evacuation hospital just prior to overseas movement--some even after all the equipment has been packed. These individuals are sent overseas without any knowledge of the unit's equipment and, too often, with no field experience. Field problems are also, it's felt, stimulating to the interest of the enlisted and officer personnel as is early division of the unit into sections. The latter appears to give the personnel a certain sense of security within the unit and is unquestionably an incentive to the competitive spirit so vital to any training program.

Approximately forty percent of the enlisted personnel of this unit were sent away to various General Hospitals to Technician's Schools. Competition for these assignments was keen and the results of such training were very satisfactory. Those not included in the original forty percent were sent to work in the Station Hospital at Camp Shelby, Mississippi, and both enjoyed and profited by this experience. Such training is unquestionably valuable if properly supervised and the men are actually allowed to do hospital work rather than just scrub floors or carry bedpans. This type of detail was minimized by the Station Hospital at Camp Shelby and the staff was found to be most cooperative.

It is felt that insufficient training is usually given in the use of plasma sets and the administration of intravenous fluids due to the fact that supply usually argues that plasma sets are non-expendable. The usual training sets are too few in number to allow each individual to handle the actual preparation and administration of plasma. There is apparently no satisfactory substitute for actual handling of these sets and no amount of demonstration will substitute for personal contact with the equipment.

In the matter of blackout discipline, this unit always functioned well on training tests. When faced with a situation when blackout was really necessary it was found that they were inclined to be a little careless. German planes strafing nearby roads and incessant repetition of necessity for blackout were needed to improve the situation.

Loading of vehicles with an eye to conserving all possible space was stressed in training and was found to be an invaluable asset in this theatre. The only confusion which arose was in the matter of loading vehicles beyond rated capacity which is permissible in the theatre but not in the States. The men were at first acutely conscious of the fact that they were overloading vehicles since so much stress had been placed on this in training.

Apparently the best-trained unit is one which requires least supervision from commissioned officers in breaking and setting up Station. To facilitate such moves, mimeographed plans of the next installation made immediately after reconnaissance, are necessary. Wherever possible a standard form for establishment of Station eliminates confusion and a priority for the erection of tentage makes maximum use of all available personnel. (Priorities are usually accorded to portions of the Station usually called the basic unit which usually includes most of the Operating Section and its allied services augmented by sufficient wards to take care of the Station's immediate needs together with the patient's mess which can be used to feed all personnel until the rest of the unit comes forward.) In addition to mimeographed forms, it is felt that blackboard talks (skull drill) by section heads eliminates such confusion and engenders a more cooperative spirit on the part of the enlisted personnel.

CADRE TRAINING:

3 April 1944 to 14 May 1944 inclusive: six weeks. Orientation of cadre and preparation in various subjects, teaching methods, etc. for the training of filler replacements. Actual training hours were twenty-four hours per week.

BASIC TRAINING

1. Training Guide: TM 8-101. Training time: 14 weeks: 15 May 1944 to 19 August 1944 inclusive.

2. Directives from Army Detachment Headquarters Special Troops. In accordance with directives the following subjects were stressed:

a. Physical conditioning.

b. Defense against chemical attack.

c. Mines and Mine fields: anti-personnel mines and Booby Traps.

d. Night operations: 4 hours per week.

SPECIAL SCHOOLS: ATTENDANCE

1. Unit:

a. Clerk's School: 9 weeks by Unit Headquarter's Personnel

b. Motor Driver's School: 9 weeks by all drivers.

c. Officers and NCO's school: All personnel 3 hours per week.

2. Schools attended: not conducted by unit.

a. Baker's and Cook's School: 9 EM

b. Motor Mechanic School: 1st Echelon: 2 EM

c. Packing and Crating School: 2 EM

d. Mine Warfare School, Camp Forrest: 1 Officer (10-21 July 1944)

e. Chemical Warfare School: 2 Officers and 2 EM

f. Medical Tech School: 1 EM

g. Dental Tech School: 1 EM

h. X-ray Tech School: 3 EM

3. Special Training Requirements completed:

a. Infiltration course: Overhead fire. (Day)

b. Attendance at required WD training films

c. Lectures on Venereal Disease and Malaria control.

Attendance at Special Schools began after the 6th week of basic training was completed.

BASIC TRAINING TEST:

Remarks: Training as a whole: Excellent

UNIT TRAINING:

1. Training Guide TM 8-10. Training time: 9 weeks: 21 August-21 October 1944.

2. Directives from Army Detachment Headquarters Special Troops. In accordance with directives, the following subjects were stressed:

a. Mines and Booby Traps.

b. Combat intelligence and Counterintelligence.

c. Tactical employment of unit: day and night.

d. Employment on duty assignment.

SPECIAL SCHOOLS: ATTENDANCE.

1. Unit:

a. Clerk's school: Clerical personnel--all sections.

b. Motor Driver's School: All drivers.

c. Cook's School: All unit mess personnel.

d. Intelligence School: Unit intelligence personnel.

e. Officers and NCO School: 3 hours per week.

2. Non-unit.

a. Motor Mechanic School: 2d Echelon: 1 Officer, 2 EM.

b. Medical and Surgical Technician training: Station Hospital, Camp Shelby, Mississippi: 37 EM, 1 Officer.

c. Medical Tech School: 5 EM.

d. Surgical Tech School: 4 EM.

e. Internal Medical School: Mayo Foundation: 1 Officer.

f. Army School of Malariology, Panama: 1 Officer.

3. Special Requirements Completed:

a. Infiltration Course: overhead fire. (Night).

b. Attendance at required WD training Films.

c. Completion of Training in Malaria Control.

d. Gas Chamber: Chlorine gas.

4. Tests completed in the following subjects:

a. Physical Fitness test.

b. Air-ground test.

c. Intelligence and Counterintelligence test.

d. Unit Training Test.

Upon completion of Unit Training, a total of 39 days had been spent in training in the field.

PARTICIPATIONS IN EXERCISES:

1. Inter-participation: During Basic and Unit Training:

Retreat Parade, 18 May 1944, Camp Shelby, Mississippi, attached to 114th Evacuation Hospital SM.

Retreat Parade, 14 June 1944, Camp Shelby, Mississippi, in conjunction with all Second Army Special Troops on post.

Retreat Parade, 16 November 1944, Camp Shelby, Mississippi, 120th and 139 Evacuation Hospitals forming the 1st Provisional Battalion.

Initial Training Period from 12 May 1944 to 19 August 1944, Unit Training Period from 21 August to 21 October 1944. 21 October 1944 to 2 December 1944, preparation for overseas movement.

2. Intra-participation:

12 EM were awarded Good Conduct Medal at retreat formation held in Company

area in Camp Shelby, Mississippi on 16 November 1944.

Formation called at EM mess hall in Tenby, Wales on 25 January 1945 and 31 EM

awarded Good Conduct Medal.

Formation called at EM mess hall in Tenby, Wales on 16 February 1945,. 7 EM

were awarded the Driver's Medal and 2 EM were awarded Mechanic's Medal.

In ceremony including all officers, nurses, and EM, held in Film Theater, 28 May 1945, Cham, Germany, 32 EM were awarded the Good Conduct Medal.

III. MILITARY AND CIVILIAN PERSONNEL:

A. Military Personnel:

During the entire period since activation of the organization, no personnel other than those assigned in accordance with T/O and E 8-581 have been employed. The organization has been self-sufficient insofar as military personnel are concerned. During the period of operation, and through continued observation, it has been found that additional personnel are needed to perform security and housekeeping details in order not to hamper the professional activities. Additional duty soldiers should be provided for guard, kitchen police, latrine maintaining, and other incidental duties. The X-ray section is inadequate for maintenance of twenty-four hour service, and should be increased by at least two additional technicians.

B. Civilian Personnel:

During two phases of operation, personnel other than military were employed. These were found to be helpful and an asset in doing most of the menial tasks, thereby releasing trained personnel to the professional services.

1. Buchenwald:

Inmates of the camp who were not hospital patients, were employed in various capacities. They were used to clean the barracks in which a hospital

was set up to assist in delousing of patients before transfer to the hospital barracks, to care for and clean patients under supervision, to keep the area around the barracks in a sanitary condition, and to carry food to patients as well as other menial tasks. In the camp area the inmates cleaned up the mess

and constructed sanitary works under military supervision.

2. Cham:

Eighteen Physicians, Sixty Corps Men, and five nurses, all Hungarian

Prisoners of War, were employed, under supervision, to care for some of the displaced personnel patients. Most of the menial duties were performed by German civilians obtained from the local burgomeister through the Military Government. Also, eight small hospitals in surrounding communities were supervised by this organization and staffed by non-military personnel.

Five ambulances with a group of eight workers were attached to the organization from the French Red Cross. The burden of transportation to and evacuation from the hospital fell upon this group. The assistance provided was one that was in a large part, responsible for the smooth and successful operation of the Central Collecting Point of the hospital.

IV. SUPPLY SECTION

SHELBY PHASE

Phase I of the Supply Section began when three Enlisted Men under Lt. J. Milstein, D.C. were assigned to the Supply Section and entrusted with the responsibility of gathering together and maintaining the huge mass of equipment which one day would house the unit and provide for its several hundred patient capacity.

Necessities at this time required drawing sufficient cleaning and preserving materials to provide the proper sanitary conditions, picking up the organizational equipment that was marked for the unit, maintaining the clothing and equipment of those men already with the unit and preparing to clothe and equip newly inducted trainees. Camp Shelby Ordinance issued our first trucks for transportation of equipment and men. Records were set up and methods of property accounting were determined and carefully worked out in accordance with Army procedure. This phase ended with the arrival of approximately fifty percent of our full strength of 217 EM.

Phase II was characterized by the obaining of training aids and material for the newly arrived men. For this purpose we received a set of training equipment which was just a miniature version of the equipment we would eventually be entrusted with. Shortly the day arrived when our Supply Officer came in with word that two full box cars had been spotted and, except for tentage, we were in possession of 30 or 40 tons of surgical instruments and medical supplies which the 120th Evacuation Hospital would later transport and store over thousands of miles of water and the countries of Europe. This was a big day--receiving this equipment had been looked forward to--but receipt presented many problems. Plans were made and carried out for safe storage. A building 125 feet long and 25 feet wide was required. A crane capable of lifting 25 tons was needed to lift the crated disinfector and shower from the box car. Over 800 boxes in all had to be checked, transported to storage and signed for. With this accomplished, a feeling surged through the unit, among officers and EM alike, that the 120th Evacuation Hospital was becoming of age. Our full compliment of EM and about fifty percent of our Officers had arrived. The Supply Section was now divided into two sections: Medical and Unit.

Phase III was characterized by the assignment of Lt. John Frye, MAC, as the new Supply Officer with Lt. Milstein assuming his duties as Dental Officer. Training became more intensified--field problems, both day and night, were becoming more numerous--this required the working out of truck loading plans and supply function under tents in the field. Our stepped-up priority now provided additional equipment and since training in its basic phase was nearing completion, men were now available to provide Supply with personnel with which to complete the Section's necessary function of the Hospital. A utilities section was added which provided the unit with electricity throughout both for lighting purposes and operation of the surgical equipment carried. Training now entered an advanced phase and the Supply Section was rounding out into a smooth functioning unit. Each man was training in his specialized field.

Phase IV began with the assignment of Lt. John N. Orr, MAC as Supply Officer with Lt. Frye assuming the duties of Executive Officer. For the balance of our seventh and eighth months of training, supply function consisted primarily of maintaining equipment on hand and obtaining critical material which was essential to the operation. At this time, orders received indicated that the 120th would be given the assignment which all training and hard work had been pointing toward. We were alerted for overseas movement. The task of preparing the unit for such a movement against a deadline date began. The work involved was tremendous, all equipment was waterproofed, boxed and marked for overseas shipment. Al1 sections of the hospital contributed to this undertaking wholeheartedly. During this period, the entire supply section found themselves harboring equipment and zealously checking all shortages for it was realized that the equipment being packed was to be the essential weapon with which we would be expected to do our part overseas. Much had to be done but with the help of all sections, the unit was ready for movement when called.

Shortages of T/O and E equipment were forwarded which would be received at the port or at destination. All our equipment was packed in two and a half box cars and the Supply Section, by now blossomed out to eleven men and Lt. Orr, boarded the train.

Organizational impedimentia was shipped by rail from Camp Shelby the first week in December and not returned to the control of the organization until after arrival in Wales. It had been prepared in accordance with the provisions of WD directives. Preparation for Overseas Movement dated 1 July 1944 and the movement order. Packing was done in conformity with WD Bulletin 100-14A as far as materials permitted.

SUPPLY PROGRESS AND FUNCTION SINCE ARRIVAL AT RAMBERVILLERS, FRANCE, 16 MARCH 1945.

Arrived Rambervillers, France on 16 March 1945. Problem here similar to that faced in UK and was essentially one of obtaining sufficient supplies and equipment to meet T/O and E requirements as well as additional Authorized Army Allowances added in the UK for overseas operation.

In the UK it appeared that sufficient time was available but supplies were not obtainable. Similar situation at Rambervillers, supply lines were shorter but located in many directions, but time available prior to expected time of operation was lacking. Some trips were long in some directions and the time involved in making those trips to servicing depots was great. Lack of time required day and night operations in order to be ready for operations. Conclusion of our stay at Rambervillers found us with enough but not all of the equipment required. At this time, tentage was our major item of shortage--very essential.

Dettwiller on 25 March 1945. Medical Supply provided advance section. Arrival of balance of hospital found supply functioning for purpose of hospital requirements not in operation and supply depots located. Supply lines already functioning. Here entire hospital constructed for first time. Medical Suppply occupied two ward tents and final procedure for actual operation worked out in anticipation of receiving patients. Depots were not adequately stocked to supply items of shortage that still existed.

Moved from Dettwiller to Gollheim on 31 March 1945. Supply functioned only to maintain needs of own unit. Time not available to obtain shortage of authorized equipment, stay too short.

Left Gollheim and arrived in Frankfort on Main on 6 April 1945. Much time spent here filling shortages again. Recognized major problem to be that of locating these needed supplies. We were too far behind the rapidly moving front to obtain supplies available there and too far ahead of the rear bases to obtain supplies there. When a depot was about to become stocked to fill our requirements we moved ahead not having the opportunity to take advantage of those stocks, by the time we reached the advance point the front had moved ahead so that we were not within reach of the advance depots.

Left Frankfort 15 April 1945 and arrived in Ettersburg (Buchenwald) the same day. Medical Supply problem here was staggering and beyond any anticipated needs. Supply tent set up over two miles from point we were issuing them.

First had to figure on using our supplies which were based on 400 to 500 bed capacity on a scale several times as large and use them where they would do the most good. Found requirements to be so huge that special approval of Army had to be obtained in order to draw them. Nearest depot over 100 miles distant. Supplies needed were of a type that we carried only in small quantities as compared to the need. We were now going to supply the needs for several thousand patients, not several hundred.

Estimated needs were figured and entire supply section aided in packing and hauling these supplies. German depots were located at once and their abondoned supplies were put to use. Obtaining supplies hindered by blackout driving above the light line at night and possible enemy action along the supply lines as well as at our base near Buchenwald. Our supply truck was straffed by enemy plane on one trip which proved the need for blackout and long hours of slow driving. Here we found that almost any medication that could be found could be used since these patients presented every type of illness known. Supplies for a 500-bed hospital were used for maintenance where needed the most until we could bring in the huge quantities needed and establish the supply lines. We stayed here two weeks and by the time our supply problems were smoothing out the unit was reassigned. Our problems were increased by the fact we were dealing with non-English speaking physicians and pharmacists who were in Buchenwald. The startling and horrible sights at this camp were many but Medical Supply function does not involve intimate contact with patients, that can better be told by those who worked with those patients on a more intimate basis.

Left Ettersburg and arrived at Kersbach on 28 April 1945. Here the time was spent replenishing our supplies.

Left Kersbach and arrived at Cham on 1 May 1945. Situation here resembled the one encountered at Buchenwald. We found it necessary to hurriedly obtain cots, medication and miscellaneous supplies to take care of patients who were arriving rapidly. Cham was not conveniently located from the standpoint of obtaining Medical Supplies. Here a new problem confronted us in that we were required to obtain German Supplies when available on this type of of patient. At first this caused a loss of time at depots obtaining supplies since new systems of issue had to be worked out. With the end of hostilities, huge supplies of German equipment were found in St. Florian, Austria, and with one trip and several trucks, we were able to obtain sufficient material to provide ample stock for longer periods. Supplies not available here under German labels were picked up at Furth, a distance of 250 miles round trip from Cham, under American labels. At present our supply problem is not great and a steady and adequate flow of supplies can be maintained provided no unanticipated difficulties arise. Our overall problems consist of the necessity of transporting supplies over long distances when supplies were need at once. Throughout the problems were not of the type anyone could anticipate, therefore it was necessary to prepare for each future assignment by closely guarding our existing supplies, use them sparingly, because they were the lifesaving medications patients needed.

BRIEF OUTLINE OF PROPERTY EXCHANGE

Property Exchange started to function upon the arrival of this unit at Cham, Germany. With the steady flow of patients being brought in by not only our American ambulances, but by the French Red Cross as well, it was necessary to have several types of litters, blankets, ect. on hand. Three thousand German blankets were obtained to meet the emergency, and were eventually substituted throughout the hospital in place of our Government Issue.

The clothing problem seemed to be the biggest, for seventy-five percent of the patient's clothing was in such condition as to necessitate an issue of new clothes upon evacuation. After scouring the countryside, enough clothing was found, all of it German, to clothe the patients as they were evacuated, and to provide enough pajamas for their stay in our hospital, Any clothing that was considered serviceable was washed, disinfected and returned to the patient. At no time was the supply of clothing overabundant, but it was always sufficient.

Laundry was another problem, as it was always located at least a half-day's distance from Cham. Enough linen was on hand, however, to keep an adequate supply of clean linen to the various wards while the balance was being washed. Blankets also proved a great problem, for since the majority of patients were suffering from malnutrition, and diarrhea, the turnover was terrific.The blankets were handled in the same manner as the linen, with the exception that they were disinfected upon return from the laundry.

Below is the rough estimate of clothing issued for patients between 2 May and 2 June 1945.

Pajama tops 140

Pajama bottoms 140

Nightgowns 155

Trousers 285

Coats 135

Shirts 250

Shoes 260

Socks 250

Undershirts 100

Drawors 80

Mattress covers 200

V. TRANSPORTATION AND MAINTENANCE SECTION:

Organization

Transportation and Maintenance Section consists of one (1) officer, one (1) S/Sgt., one (1) Tech 4 chief mechanic, one (1) Tech 5 chief mechanic, and eighteen (18) drivers.

Training

While in Camp Shelby, Mississippi and during the second week of basic training, a driver school of ten (10) day duration was given to a group of six (6) men who had previous driver training. These men were given instruction in the methods of teaching and proved considerable help as assistant instructors when an eight (8) week driver training program was instituted.

A driver training program was started in accordance with instructions in MTP 8-101. During training, frequent tests were given to assure the men were getting the full benefit of training. I

In addition to the training of new men, the Motor Officer and Motor Sergeant attended 1st Echelon Maintenance School supervised by 24th Headquarters. Special Troops, Second Army at Camp Shelby. The school was of fourteen (14)- days duration. Later one (1) officer and three (3) enlisted men attended the 25th Headquarters, Special Troops Second Echolon Maintenance school at Camp Shelby. This school was of six (6) weeks duration.

Weekly inspections of unit vehicles were made by 24th Headquarters, Special Troops, Second Army and other periodic inspections were made by Second Army Ordnance inspection teams.

Operation

Upon receipt of orders pertaining to preparation for overseas movement, all general purpose vehicles were turned in at Camp Shelby. Special vehicles (2 1/2 ton 750 gallon water truck, portable disinfector) were processed in accordance with instructions contained in WD directive, Preparation for Overseas Movement dated July 1944 and movement orders.

General purpose vehicles necessary to fill T/O and E allowance were drawn upon. These vehicles were given a complete second echelon check upon receipt to ensure no mechanical defects were present. Upon receipt of movement orders, trucks were prepared for short sea voyage in accordance with instructions in ZTOUSA directive POM - SSV. When vehicles were drawn a vehicle prohibitive maintenance roster was started to record weekly, monthly, and semi-annual checks. Shortly after receipt of vehicles all existing stocks of trip tickets and monthly check sheets were used up and mimeographed forms were substituted since APO forms were unavailable.

In the three (3) months from 3 March 1945 to 3 June 1945, this unit's vehicles travelled an average of 6500 miles without any serious mechanical trouble. This was due to strict first echelon maintenance by drivers and second echelon maintenance by the mechanics. During this period of time, two main difficulties arose. The first was tire trouble. Roads in France especially, were in terrible condition both as regards surface appearance and foreign material scattered over them. Flats caused by shells, "C" ration cans, glass, shrapnel and nails occurred faster than they could be repaired. Patching material was unavailable at supporting ordinance units. As a result of these road conditions, vehicles were forced to stop very frequently to check tires for foreign matter and change tires. When attempting to shuttle the hospital over long distances these excessive halts and extra time needed to change tires or repair flats caused interference with scheduled plans of movement.

It was found to be, in most instances, a physical impossibility to move the hospital with it's organic equipment in two (2) shuttles using organic transportation. The reason for this difficulty was manifold, but due in part to the acquisition of additional necessary equipment over and above T/O and E, such as water tanks, scrub basins, cabinets for sterile supplies, and additional items alloted by Army to supplement T/O and E. (I.E., Extra tentage, instruments, anesthetic machines etc.) There was also found to be a marked tendency among officers, nurses, and enlisted men to acquire objects which augmented their personal comfort. These items while insignificant when taken singly can create havoc with previously prepared loading plans. It is therefore necessary to constantly check such acquisitions and streamline all personnel periodically. The acquisition of luxuries, extends rapidly from individuals to whole sections and may make a difference of as high as eight (8) to ten (10) truckloads in an individual movement. On one occasion two (2) truckloads of flooring for the operating room were aquired from another nearby Evacuation Hospital. At the next streamlining this was dropped in addition to other luxuries and the number of trucks required to move the unit was reduced from sixty-seven (67) to fifty-seven (57).

Other factors influencing shuttling were found to be road hazards delaying the return of vehicle