307th Airborne Medical Company
Unit History

Overhead view of Camp Claiborne, Louisiana, birthplace of the 82d A/B Division. Note how the Pyramidal Tents have been erected over wooden frames.

| Activation & Training | Overseas Movement | Sicily (Operation "Husky") |
| Italy (Operation "Avalanche") | Normandy (Operation "Neptune") |
| Holland (Operation "Market") | Belgium (Battle of the Bulge) | Germany |
| Roster |

Activation & Training:

The 307th Sanitary Train was constituted on 5 August 1917 and assigned to the 82d Division. Having been demobilized 9 May 1919 (after WW1), the 307th was reconstituted on 24 November 1936 as part of the Organized Reserves, and reassigned to the 82d (Infantry) Division. It was to be consolidated with the 307th Medical Regiment. In October 1941, the unit was transferred to Jacksonville, Florida; and on 30 January 1942, it was redesignated the 307th Medical Battalion.
The Battalion was activated 25 March 1942 and sent to Camp Claiborne, Alexandria, Louisiana (Engineer Unit Training Center & Infantry Division Camp) as part of the 82d Infantry Division. Battalion Commanders were Major Clifford A. Best (25 Mar 42 > 3 Apr 42) followed by Major William E. Williams (21 May 42 > 14 Aug  42). With the conversion of the 82d Infantry Division into an Airborne organization, the Battalion’s Headquarters & Headquarters Company was however once more reorganized and redesignated as the 307th Airborne Medical Company (having lost A, B, C, and D Company in the process, i.e. about 50% of its previous strength, from 31 July 1942 on).

The Company was finally reactivated as the 307th Airborne Medical Company on 15 August 1942, under command of Major Wolcott L. Etienne (15 Aug 42 > 29 Jan 43), an organic unit of the 82d Airborne Division.
In fact, the unit never lost its historic ties with the 82d Division, whether Infantry or Airborne!
Sources from which personnel were obtained: cadre from the 9th Infantry Division, Reserve Corps, voluntary Enlistment and the Draft.

From its very activation, on 25 March 1942 until 28 September 1942, the unit remained stationed at Camp Claiborne, Alexandria, La. The 307th moved to Fort Bragg, Fayetteville, N.C. (Field Artillery Replacement Training Center and Airborne Command Headquarters) by truck and train, where it arrived on 2 October 1942, and remained until 8 February 1943.
On 30 January 1943, Major Wolcott L. Etienne was promoted to Division Surgeon, he was replaced by Captain William H. Houston (30 Jan 43 > 6 Jun 44).
Between 8 February – 20 February 1943, the Company moved by motor convoy to Laurinburg-Maxton Field, N.C., for advanced glider training, including classes in loading and lashing.
While remaining at Fort Bragg until April 1943, the unit sent out following Detachments for individual training in glider techniques, and general methods and techniques related to airborne operations.

Close-up illustration showing bumper markings on the rear of a ¼-ton Trailer belonging to the 307th Airborne Medical Company. Photograph taken in June 1944, France.

Third Platoon (CO > Capt. C. R. Lulenski) was attached to the 325th Combat Team, and moved to Laurinburg-Maxton Field from 12 – 16 March 1943.
First Platoon (CO > Capt. J. J. Belden) was attached to the 325th Combat Team, and moved to Laurinburg-Maxton Field from 17 – 24 March 1943.
Second Platoon (CO > Capt. D. E. Rossiter) was attached to the 320th Field Artillery Battalion, and moved to Laurinburg-Maxton Field from 26 March – 1 April 1943.

On 23 April 1943, the entire Company, under command of Major William H. Houston, moved by troop train from Fort Bragg, N.C., to Camp Edwards, Falmouth, Mass. (Antiaircraft Artillery Training Center).

As can be derived from the above, the search for better methods, perfected organization, and improved equipment for the expanding Airborne Force, was continuous. With the development and growth of the Airborne effort from Infantry alone to ALL elements of a Division, other arms and services had to be developed and trained for Airborne operations! Therefore the assistance and cooperation of the various Service Schools were timely and helpful. This was especially true with The Field Artillery School – The Infantry School – and The Antiaircraft School of the Coast Artillery. The Parachute School at Fort Benning, Columbus, Ga., previously operating under the Infantry School, was activated by the Airborne Command, and its activities expanded to meet the ever-increasing demand for parachute personnel. The requirement for the establishment of a dedicated  training camp for the exclusive usage of Airborne troops resulted in the selection of Camp Mackall, Hoffman, N.C., as the perfect location.

Overseas Movement and first Operations in the MTO:

Aid men of the 307th Airborne Medical Company tend to the wounds of a fellow Paratrooper injured during combat jump training in North Africa, 3 June 1943.

On 27 April 1943, the 307th Airborne Medical Company moved from Camp Edwards to the Staten Island P/E,   New York, where it embarked on the USAT “George Washington” on 29 April sailing for North Africa. The ship was very much crowded, and the Company had to sleep on ‘G’ deck (the lowest in the hold). Due to lack of sufficient accommodation, troops had to sleep in two shifts.
After an uneventful trip, except stopping for minor ship repairs en route, the unit disembarked at Casablanca, French Morocco, on 10 May 1943. After disembarking, the Company had to hike 5 miles with full gear to the bivouac area, where individual tents were pitched outside of the city until 13 May. The site was designated Camp Don B. Passage. It then left for Oujda in different groups; First Platoon left by C-47, a small group followed by motor convoy, and the remainder went by train. The Company was stationed at Oujda from 15 May – 24 June 1943. A limited Station Hospital was set up to treat patients suffering mainly from malaria and dysentery. During that particular period, the 307th started forming separate Detachments to operate with the respective Infantry Regimental Combat Teams.
Near the end of May, Division asked for volunteers to go to Jump School. 2 Officers and about 30 EM began a rigid 16-days of parachute training (they would become the first jump-qualified personnel in the Company, and were later sent on detached service to the different Parachute Regiments, to become Medical Detachments).

Sicily (Operation “Husky”):

In view of forthcoming operational requirements, the Company was reorganized 17 June 1943 as follows:

• Headquarters Section
• First Medical Detachment (CO > Capt. Jerry J. Belden) attached to 325th CT, moved to Marnia, Algeria
• Second Medical Detachment (CO > Capt. Chester R. Lulenski) attached to 505th CT, remained at Oujda, French Morocco
• Third Medical Detachment (CO > Capt. Donald E. Rossiter) attached to 504th CT, remained at Oujda, French Morocco

On 24 June 1943, the Company and the separate Detachments moved (some by plane and by glider, others by train) from Oujda to Kairouan, Tunisia, where they arrived on 30 June 1943. The 307th Airborne Medical Company would stay at Kairouan from 30 June until 25 August 1943, and during that period, it would undergo additional reorganization and movement.
On 6 July 1943, the Third Medical Detachment returned to Kairouan, Tunisia.

Members of 3d Bn, 505th PIR during combat training in Oujda. Note the Medic standing centre front wearing the Marine Medical Drop Kit (over his B-4 Life Vest).

On 10 July 1943, 307th Airborne Medical Company elements (CO > S/Sgt Kenneth I. Knott) made their first three combat jumps over Sicily where they set up a Clearing Station. Jump-qualified Medical Detachments parachuted into Sicily with their 504th (3d Bn, CO > Lt. Col. Charles Kouns) and 505th (RCT, CO > Col. James M. Gavin) Combat Teams the nights of 9 and 11 July and served throughout the scattered fighting and the subsequent Division campaign from Agrigento to Trapani.
On 16 July 1943, the Advance Medical Detachment under command of Major William H. Houston, left for Sicily on board C-47s, and after participating in combat operations on the island, and running a small quarters Hospital at Castelvetrano, returned to Africa on 20 August 1943 (to enhance medical support a Detachment of the 56th Medical Battalion (Separate) was temporarily attached to the 82d A/B Division).
On 28 July 1943, the Second Medical Detachment was disbanded and returned to Kairouan to join the remainder of the Company.
On 26 August 1943, the entire Company (minus rear echelon) traveled to Bizerte, Tunisia, by motor convoy. First Platoon was now attached to the 325th CT at Sousse.
On 8 September 1943, the Company moved to Gela, Sicily, by air and sea, while First Platoon left Sousse for Licata, Sicily.
On 17 September 1943, the Third Medical Detachment was disbanded (after its combat mission) and returned to join the Company at Gela, Sicily.
On 18 September 1943, the 307th (including First Platoon, but still minus its rear echelon) moved from Gela to Termini, Sicily. There was now talk about a seaborne movement into Italy.

Losses in Action – Sicily

Italy (Operation “Avalanche”):

Personnel of the 307th Airborne Medical Company, along with Ambulance drivers of the 504th Service Company remove patients from an ambulance.

The qualified Medical Detachment members jumped again with their respective Combat Teams in the Sele Plain, Italy, the nights of 13 and 14 September 1943.
On 28 September 1943, the 307th left the port of Termini, Sicily with destination Italy and boarded an LST for the trip. Unfortunately it bogged down on a sandbar, and the troops had to wait for another vessel to pick them up. Finally the journey started on the afternoon of 28 September; as the seas were rough many of the men became seasick. Salerno Beachhead, Italy was reached 28 September, but everyone had to spend another night on the ship, until moving on to Maiori the next day for unloading and disembarking. After docking, the 307th moved out by motor convoy heading for Naples. Castellamare, just outside of Naples, was to be the first bivouac and pup tents were pitched in an old ball park. Somewhat later, troops established a Clearing Station which took care of a great many patients in a short time (meanwhile a Med Det was already supporting the 505th CT during its advance against Naples).
On 2 October 1943, all the patients were evacuated, the Clearing Station was broken down, and the 307th Airborne Medical Company moved into Naples! The unit took over the “23d of March Hospital”, a brick construction, a large and modern place, but lacking electricity and water! The 307th Clearing Station was the only American medical service facility available in Naples, before being relieved by the 95th Evacuation Hospital (at this time, there were 1150 patients admitted and 600 still on hand). After having spent 11 great days in the building, the Company moved into a smaller place on the waterfront, called “L’Ospital Ravaschieri”, where it operated for approximately 6 weeks, under constant threat of enemy bombing.
On 4 October, a Medical Detachment moved to the Volturno River front to support the 505th Prcht Inf, it returned on 8 October.
On 27 October, another Medical Detachment moved to Alije and Agricola to support the 504th Prcht Inf, it returned on 4 November.
Quarters patients continued to be treated until 18 November 1943, when the unit sailed for the United Kingdom…

Losses in Action – Italy

First Operations in the ETO:

On 18 November 1943, the 307th Airborne Medical Company boarded the USS “Thomas Jefferson” sailing out of Naples, first passing Sicily, then along the north coast of Africa, before spending several days at Oran, Algeria. The voyage then took the unit through the Strait of Gibraltar, first heading west, and then suddenly north. The 307th disembarked at Belfast, Northern Ireland, 9 December 1943. Traveling by train the unit arrived at Castledawson on 10 December, and went into winter quarters, not leaving it again until 12 February 1944, when it went by train to England. Continuing via Liverpool, the Company would later reach and settle down at Leicester, England from 14 February – 6 June 1944 (until D-Day, the Invasion of France).
The unit’s camp site was Braunstone Park, about 15 minutes walk or 5 minutes by streetcar from downtown Leicester. Between May – June 1944, the Company was reorganized into 1 Clearing and 4 Collecting Companies, while personnel strength nearly reached 250. Near the end of May, the 307th split into two groups which were sent to different Airfields in southern England.

Normandy (Operation “Neptune”):

Final roll call for 307th Airborne Medical Company personnel, 82d A/B Division, before departing for the airfield, England, June 1944

In the night of 5 – 6 June 1944, 8 jumpers from the 307th Airborne Medical Company parachuted into France with Division Headquarters! At 1852 hrs, the evening of 6 June, gliders towed by C-47s took off for Normandy carrying medical personnel pertaining to the 307th under command of Major W. H. Houston. A total of 19 British Horsa and 1 American Waco CG4A gliders took off from England (part of Force “B”), flying over the Channel, and encountering only moderate enemy flak over the Cotentin peninsula. The main body of the Company landed together in swampy, half-flooded fields crisscrossed by small canals and ditches. By midnight a small Clearing Station was set up and casualties started coming in.
The next day, sad news was received that the 307th Airborne Medical Company’s Commander, Major William H. Houston, had been killed (KIA 6 Jun 44 at 2130 hrs)! He was replaced the same day by Captain Jerry J. Belden, XO. Three hours after landing, the Company began to treat casualties from the glider crashes as well as other airborne stragglers. After changing locations three times, because of enemy interference, they started operating on a large scale as from 9 June, only one quarter mile south of Ste-Mere-Eglise … the only available vehicles were ¼ trucks (i.e. jeeps) and trailers brought along in the gliders.
On 10 June, the seaborne elements (Force “C”) joined the Company and made the assembly complete. About a half mile away, the 315th Medical Battalion (90th Infantry Division) suffered a direct bomb hit that interrupted its normal operation, and for the next 36 hours, the 307th took over their casualties as well.

Jeeps and 1/4-ton Trailers of the 307th Abn Med Co bring in supplies at 505th Regtl Aid Sta #1, situated at La Fière, 2 miles west of Sainte-Mère-Église.

Throughout combat operations until 4 or 5 July 1944, the Clearing Station itself was never further than 3 miles from the frontlines! The Station was often subjected to enemy artillery shelling, air bombardment, and on 11 June was even deliberately strafed by German fighters, notwithstanding the visible Geneva Red Cross marker. By 22 June, medics had cleared over 3,000 casualties, and by 5 July, the number was over 4,200.
The Company was later set up across the Douve River (sixth location), providing medical care to the Division holding the bridgehead for more than 10 days. Later they were called upon to support VIII Corps during its frontal attack, suffering casualties from wounds and exhaustion in the process. Being still out at the Infantry Battalions, the 307th finally received some aid from VIII Corps who sent 60 aidmen and 5 ambulances to help the unit operate.

Another view of personnel and vehicles pertaining to the 307th Airborne Medical Company. This photograph was taken several days after the Aid Station had been established, and the evacuation chain had been initiated. Note how the aid man standing in the foreground wears a Geneva Convention Brassard on his right Medical Pouch (typical of the 505th Prcht Inf Medical Detachment).

Operations were concluded on 11 July 1944. After spending a night on the beach in pup tents, the unit embarked from Utah Beach on 13 July, reaching Southampton, England, and proceeding by train, returned to its Leicester base the same day. Waiting for the 307th, was the biggest group of replacements that had so far joined the Company!

Digitally recreated map from a hand drawn original example received from a 307th Airborne Medical Company Veteran. It shows the unit's operations in the Cherbourg Peninsula.

Losses in Action – Normandy

American and German medical personnel care for wounded paratroopers of both nations in the Hospice (505th Regtl Aid Sta #2) situated in the center of Sainte-Mère-Église.

Holland (Operation “Market”):

Late in the morning of 18 September 1944 (D + 1), the Company took off from three different British Air Bases for Holland. The unit was broken down into 4 Collecting Companies and 1 Clearing Station, and attached was a Platoon pertaining to the 50th Field Hospital (2 Off + 52 EM) as well as 2 Auxiliary Surgical Teams (6 Off + 4 EM). The total lift was made up of 67 Waco CG4A gliders towed by C-47 aircraft and on board were 296 men (26 Off + 270 EM), 27 jeeps and 34 trailers, and over 10 tons of medical equipment. 11 EM from the Company had already jumped into Holland with Division Headquarters 17 September!

Holland, 18 September 1944. S/Sgt Egidio Lemme, ASN 31038333, 307th Airborne Medical Company, in his crashed CG4A Waco glider.

After a flight of approximately 3 ½ hours, the unit came down under mortar fire, a few men were hit, but after successfully exiting the LZ, the unit set up a first Clearing Station in an open field at 1800 hrs, some two miles west of Groesbeek. There was an overflow of patients (649 incoming patients during the first 40 hours), moreover, operations had to take place under strict blackout conditions rendering the task especially trying. The tented area (16 tents) was strafed twice by enemy planes, although Red Cross markers had been set up. After two days, the facility moved into a large building (Seminary) at the outskirts of Nijmegen. In fact, the Clearing Station run by the 307th was doing the work of an Evacuation Hospital! The 24th Evacuation Hospital was situated 70 miles to the rear (Leopoldsburg, Belgium), far away and difficult to reach. Later a Platoon of the 384th Ambulance Motor Company (First US Army) remained attached to help with future evacuation.

Fred B. Morgan Jr. operates a Jeep fitted with specially designed litter carrying racks. The photograph was taken in front of the Regimental Aid Station in Nijmegen, which was established inside a former girls' school. The building had previously been used as a hospital complex by the German Army.

As in previous Airborne operations, different groups of aidmen and litter parties were detached to the Regiments to assist with evacuation from the frontlines, and many jeep and ambulance drivers moved over roads under enemy artillery and small arms fire. Aerial resupply and enemy medical sources proved adequate except for a shortage of penicillin and oxygen. Nursing aid was obtained from Dutch volunteers.

During the Holland operations, following medical units were attached to the 307th Abn Med Co; 1st Auxiliary Surgical Group (which supplied some extra Surgical Teams), the 6th Field Hospital, and the 50th Field Hospital (one detachment, Unit “A”). Subject elements were attached from 18 September to 8 October 1944.

Throughout the entire period, almost all evacuation and transfers were effected by the Company’s own means, causing no interruption in the transfer of casualties from the Aid Stations to the Clearing Station. Two important innovations to the Clearing Station were the use of a positive pressure Anesthesia apparatus (vital for chest and lung cases), and the introduction of a portable X-Ray machine (which arrived on 25 Sep 44).

Captain George B. Wood, 505th PIR Protestant Chaplain, pictured in the ruins of buildings somewhere in Sainte-Mère-Église.

After spending 2 months in Holland, everything was packed and the Company left for France by motor convoy. The date was 16 November 1944. The 307th Airborne Medical Company arrived at Sissonne, France, 17 November 1944, where it was to spend the coming winter.

Losses in Action – Holland

Rest and Recreation – France:

The garrison period spent at Camp Sissonne, France wasn’t nearly as comfortable as the Hospital days in Holland. Everyone was however glad to get away from the noise of artillery and the dangers of bombing. The 50th Field Hospital was staying with the 307th, and ran a Post Hospital where some of the Company’s medics were detailed to help from time to time. There were frequent passes to Reims, and even to Brussels and Paris. Things were going along nicely, and time was spent cleaning and policing the area, going through days of training, getting excellent food, watching pretty good movies and stage shows, and sleeping in warm barracks. The Company was ready to spend another Christmas away from home!

Capt. Gordon C. Stenhouse (1st Battalion Surgeon, 505th PIR) rides a 'liberated' German Kettenkrad Motorcycle, now adorned with Allied Symbol (blue flag with white star) and Geneva Convention Markers. The trooper standing at right, Cpl. Lenagham was killed moments following the taking of this photograph.

Then on 17 December 1944, the news came that the Division was to move out on an unexpected mission – there were rumors of a German breakthrough – these were confirmed by radio – the Germans had launched an Offensive – and the Division was told to be ready to march the next day!

Belgium (Battle of the Bulge):

The 307th Airborne Medical Company was alerted at 2030 hrs on 17 December 1944 to prepare to leave its quarters with the Division within 12 hours, for the First Army sector, somewhere in Central Europe. Necessary preparations chiefly involving procurement of previously requisitioned medical supplies were made and the unit left its Base Camp at Sissonne, France, at 1100 on 18 December by motor transport.
The group consisted of 15 Officers and 187 Enlisted Men, augmented by 10 Officers (including 6 Nurses) and 47 EM of Detachment A, 50th Field Hospital.

The journey to Belgium was far from comfortable, everyone was uneasy about what was to follow within the next weeks, but thankful to be going to battle in a truck rather than in a glider!
After reaching Werbomont (the journey took 22 hours), the Company immediately set up its Clearing Station in tents in an area 1 mile east of town. Casualties were relatively light the first week, except for the 504th Prcht Inf after its attack against Cheneux and vicinity. It was there that the 307th spent its second Christmas overseas – but the Army kept its promise and a turkey dinner was served.
On 26 December, the entire installation was moved to Chevron (Chevron Sources), where it opened in a small Hotel building, approximately 3 miles northeast of Werbomont. Indoor conveniences allowed for more satisfactory medical care, but because of the distance between the rear and the frontlines, an advance Collection Station was established in another area. The addition of other parachute units, such as the 517th and of a separate Parachute Battalion, the 551st, caused some hardships in allowing for adequate transportation (mostly limited to jeeps), but this was worked out satisfactorily! The main thing remembered about Chevron, was the sound and  sight of Buzz Bombs (V1s) flying over; one came down and landed very near the Clearing Station, but it was a dud and it didn’t do any harm.

A group of 507th PIR Medical Officers, along with Major Daniel B. McIlvoy (505th Regtl Surgeon) front left, and Captain John J. Verret (507th Chaplain) in the middle.

During the month of December 1944, 95 cases of combat exhaustion were included in the disease admittances and 115 cases of trench foot in the injury admittances. In addition 33 wounded enemy PWs were cleared through the Company as well. It was considered that the overall medical service rendered by the 307th was very satisfactory, particularly with regards to evacuation of casualties from the forward areas to the rear echelon. The performance of the attached Army Ambulance Companies of the 176th Medical Battalion (First US Army) was excellent throughout. The only drawback was that no more facilities were available in the form of an attached Field Hospital with Surgical Teams, so as to allow for complete care of all non-transportable casualties without having to move them further back for additional treatment.

As the Allied Offensive was resumed on 3 January 1945, the forward installation was now displaced to Haute-Bodeux, Belgium. The building occupied was comfortable enough, but too small, and most of the Enlisted Men had to sleep in tents outside. The cold weather enacted its toll and climatic injuries such as trench foot and frost bite were now appearing more often. Evacuation became more difficult because of heavy snowfalls and snowdrifts impeding road traffic. There were 2338 admittances for the first ten days of January, including 103 enemy wounded. After a week, troops pulled back, and the unit moved back to Chevron for a short rest.
When in Chevron, all Company Privates became Privates First Class, because of Congressional action in the States.

Medical personnel of the 307th Airborne Medical Company use an M29 Weasel to evacuate wounded comrades from the Bulge.

The Company moved from Chevron to Ligneuville on 26 January. On 27 January, the Clearing Station opened at Ligneuville. Because of the hilly terrain and the lack of adequate roads, evacuation became more difficult, and in the forward areas, Weasels (M29 tracked cargo carriers) were introduced to overcome this problem. Larger numbers of motor Ambulances were also required from the Regimental Aid Stations to help evacuate patients from the Company Clearing Station. During this time, a small group of Officers and Enlisted personnel moved to Nonceveux and set up a small Quarters Hospital.
Factors affecting the effectiveness of the Company were the difficulties experienced in prompt and fast evacuation, caused by scarcity of good and adequate roads – and the importance of bad climatic and living conditions.

On 29 January 1945, the 307th Airborne Medical Company arrived at Wallerode by motor convoy for a brief stay in a damaged school building where it established an advance Clearing Station which somewhat contributed to solve the evacuation problem in the area. The main channels of evacuation from the front took place over the ice covered firebreaks in the forests. Apart from a sudden rise of casualties suffered by the 325th Gli Inf Regt when it broke through the Siegfried Line at Neuhof and Udenbreth, the overall number of patients remained low to moderate.
The unit left again on 6 February for Lierneux, where it only stayed for two days, before receiving marching orders for Germany which it reached on 9 February. The 307th opened next at Roetgen, Germany, where it would spend the next 10 days.

Losses in Action – Ardennes (Bulge):

Germany:

The 307th rode unmolested through the so-called impregnable Siegfried Line into Germany. Arriving in Roetgen, the town buildings were almost intact and there was little rubble or destruction. The Company set up in a former German Beer Hall. The snow had meanwhile kept on melting and the mud was now literally knee-deep!

Ludwigslust, 7 May 1945. Official re-burial of 200 bodies of KZ-Wöbbelin, organized by the 82d Airborne Division, in presence of Airborne personnel, captured German Army Officers, and German citizens. Funeral rites were held by Major George B. Wood, Division Chaplain.

Most of the incoming casualties were the result of land mines and booby traps. Throughout the scope of military action in this sector until 19 February, the Clearing Station remained in Roetgen. A temporary movement was accomplished when the Company was divided to establish two separate Clearing Stations, one in the vicinity of Brandenburg, and the other near Schmidt. This had to do with the planned crossing of the Ruhr River, which however was cancelled. Both Stations were abandoned and torn down on 17 February.
The 307th reassembled at Roetgen, and began the long and wearisome train and motor trip back to Camp Sissonne, France, to reorganize, reequip, and continue training…

LVTs are being assembled for the Ruhr River assault crossing. Similar tracked vehicles were used by the 82d A/B Division for crossing the Elbe River 30 April 1945.

Losses in Action – Germany

France:

The 307th Airborne Medical Company returned to Sissonne, France, with mixed emotions. Some of the men were glad to be back, but some would just as soon have stayed in Belgium or Germany, for when being there they were fortunate enough to have buildings to stay in most of the time. When arriving at Camp Sissonne on 21 February, everyone found out that they were now set up in a tent city! Luckily, there were enough sleeping cots, warm blankets, and pot bellied stoves, but … the camp site had to be made presentable, there were sidewalks to  build, there was cord of wood to cut when the coal ran out, and much more. This made classes and training almost impossible.
Passes and furloughs were granted, not only to visit Reims, Paris and Brussels, but a few 7-day furloughs were obtained to England and the French Riviera. Rotation furloughs were also begun for some of the men who had been away from home for the longest time.

The invincible Siegfried Line had been pierced, but everyone was thinking of the next operation – a Rhine crossing was most probable, since more and more Allied troops were reaching the river everyday – moreover, it seemed logical that an Airborne Division would precede any actual crossing. The establishment of the Remagen Bridgehead sent Company morale soaring, and the 17th Airborne Division’s assault on 24 March 1945 shot it up to the very peak!

The 82d Airborne which had been part of every major operation in the European Theater, couldn’t miss the end of the show, and on 2 April 1945, the Company began the long trek to Cologne – back into Germany!

Germany:

The Company departed Camp Sissonne, France for a motor movement into the area of Cologne, Germany. The Division was assigned the mission of occupying a wide area on the west bank of the Rhine, in order to prevent enemy forces trapped in the Ruhr pocket from crossing the river in order to govern and control this sector.
The 307th Clearing Station was set up in the “Sankt Elisabeth Krankenhaus”, an immense German civilian Hospital building which had every possible commodity such as a mess hall, big bathrooms with hot water, large wards, lots of beds, tables and chairs, it just missed all of its windows!
Casualties remained light and mostly resulted from extensive patrol activities across the Rhine. Sick and wounded from DP Camps under Division control were evacuated with the Company’s help. The DP Camps were located in former Luftwaffe or Wehrmacht Barracks. Military Government duties in Cologne were taken over from the 86th Infantry Division.

Düren, 26 April 1945. 666th QM Trk Co vehicles deliver 82d Airborne Division troops to the Düren railhead for transportation to Bleckede for the Elbe River crossing.

Then came the order to move across the Rhine River and deeper into Germany. From there on till the end of the war in Europe, the 307th would almost continually be split up and on the move.

The next change of Station took place on 26 April 1945 when the unit set up shop at Gr. Malchau, in the vicinity of Ulzen, Germany. After this stay, the Clearing Station became operational in the town of Kostorf, near Bleckede. The successful Elbe River crossing in the early morning hours of 30 April necessitated a displacement of the Collecting Companies to the far shore immediately after completion of a pontoon bridge across the river. Casualty evacuation was carried out by using British-operated Buffaloes (LVT2 and LVT4 tracked landing vehicles) for transportation across the river, where Ambulances then took over to continue to the Clearing Station. Casualties remained surprisingly light. The following day, the 307th moved on to Lubtheen, where it arrived on 2 May. It did not remain long in order to keep pace with the rapidly advancing troops and armor, and hit the road by motor convoy once more, bound for Ludwigslust. Following the collapse of enemy resistance in the sector, and after hearing of the death of Adolf Hitler, everything went very quickly, as the Germans began surrendering in droves. Because of the wide dispersal of Divisional troops it was decided to continue to operate a small Clearing Station in Lubtheen, while the rest of the Company went on to Ludwigslust, where it arrived 4 May 1945.

Overall battle casualties remained light and by 8 May 1945 (V-E Day), only 41 patients were treated and evacuated.

The Company got back together and occupied a German Labor Camp, where they met large numbers of regular  Wehrmacht soldiers who after surrendering, marched unarmed and without guards, to the PW cages! The 307th, together with other Divisional units, witnessed the downfall of the once mighty Wehrmacht – for the better part of two days, after the 21st German Army had surrendered to the 82d Airborne, surrendering enemy troops filed past the camp, and they were a pretty sorry looking bunch. They came in cars and trucks, they were on wagons and riding bicycles, and many were on foot, it was an endless caravan of beaten soldiers, who had once been a proud and strong Army! Once in a while, a French, Polish, or Russian DP would make a dash and seize a car, a wagon, or a bicycle, and there was nothing the Germans could do, no one stopped them!

Wöbbelin Concentration Camp, 3 May 1945. 82d Airborne personnel guard one of the Camp's gates while former inmates carry one of their comrades to his final resting place...

The remainder of the first period at Ludwigslust was spent operating a large Clearing Station downtown, and a smaller Station at Lubtheen. In addition to the Clearing Stations, Company medical personnel supervised 6 Wehrmacht Hospitals and controlled 1 large DP Hospital.

Not far from Ludwigslust a German Concentration Camp had been liberated (KZ Wöbbelin – liberated 2 May) and most of the men had the opportunity to visit it. Here was conclusive evidence of the brutality of the people the Allies had been fighting all of the time – it was almost impossible to describe the horror of the camp as it is to think of a fitting punishment for its instigators. Nobody from the unit was to ever forget that particular sight of a Prison Camp for Political Prisoners. Most members of the 307th attended the special funeral services for the victims of Nazi atrocities, organized by the Division Chaplain, Major George B. Wood (ASN 0-471681) on 7 May. The civilian population was required to be present, they were led past the graves and had to look at the bodies, followed by Nazi officials who also were forced to look at the result of their incredible work of horror. As it was impossible to provide enough coffins, many bodies were buried in simple white sheets.

France:

Early in June 1945, the 307th Airborne Medical Company was alerted and on 1 June moved by train from Ludwigslust, Germany to Sissonne, France. A motor convoy with Officers and EM left 4 June and arrived at Sissonne on 6 June. The move was completed by 8 June 1945. While at Sissonne, the unit kept busy repairing equipment and checking records. The most important topic became the newly released Point System, and nearly everyone felt pretty sure he was going to get out of the war fairly shortly!

Vehicles of the 307th Airborne Medical Company prepared for the invasion of Normandy. Note the interesting markings on the 1/4-ton Trailer covers, and also the small 'invasion star' on the hood of the Jeeps.

On 14 June, the Company moved by motor and rail to Epinal, France, where it was billeted in French Military Post Barracks. On 24 June, 131 men were transferred to the 224th Airborne Medical Company of the 17th Airborne Division for redeployment to the Zone of Interior. These soldiers were replaced by 132 low point Enlisted Men of the same unit. On 1 July, 11 Officers left the Company to join the 224th Abn Med Co, and were replaced by 9 Officers from the 17th A/B Div on 5 July.

Major Jerry J. Belden, MC, CO > 307th Airborne Medical Company, was also transferred to the 17th Airborne Division, and returned to the United States. He was replaced by Captain Hubert C. Stewart, MC (former Battalion Surgeon, 320th Glider Field Artillery Battalion), who assumed command on 3 July 1945.

During July 1945, 43 .30 caliber Carbines were issued to the Company and a Defense Platoon was organized. Medical Technicians operated 2 Pro Stations at Epinal, while the remainder of the unit carried out an extensive training program. The last week of July was spent in preparation for the move to Berlin, Germany, as part of the US Occupation Forces.

Germany:

On 3 August 1945, 3 Officers and 80 EM departed by train from Epinal, and the following day 14 Officers and 133 men left by motor convoy. The 560-mile move was completed without incident on 7 August, when both the motor and train convoy arrived safely in Berlin, the former German capital.

Medical ID Card (2d pattern, laminated) of Pfc John L. Randall, ASN 33727821, member Medical Detachment 307th Airborne Engineer Battalion ( 82d Abn Div).

The 307th relieved C Company of the 48th Armored Medical Battalion (2d Armored Division) and was billeted in a schoolhouse in Zehlendorf, Berlin.
Immediately upon arrival, Company personnel began to operate Dispensaries at a DP’s Camp and in a War Criminals Camp. In the latter part of August 1945, the Dispensary work at the DP’s Camp was taken over by United Nations Agencies (UNRRA).
A Clinic for VD was opened on 20 August and operated by a few Officers and Medical Technicians.
During Occupation activities, Captain H .C. Stewart remained in command.

The 82d Airborne Division was relieved of Occupation duty by December, and then prepared its return to the United States. The whole Division finally embarked on the Queen Mary, which departed Southampton, England on 29 December 1945, arriving in New York on 3 January 1946.

307th Airborne Medical Company Roster (incomplete)

Copy of the Unit Citation awarded to the 307th Airboen Medical Company, 82d Airborne Division.