|
Medical Detachment -
124th Infantry |
| For outstanding devotion to duty
in the performance of exceptionally difficult tasks at Aitape,
British New Guinea, Morotai, Netherlands East Indies, and Mindanao,
Philippines Islands, from 07/12/1944 to 96/12/1945. During the time
the regiment was in a garrison or semi-garrison status, and the
dispensaries could be operated, an average of 3,000 treatments a
month were given to the sick, injured and wounded, and dental work
was performed for an average of 300 patients per month.
Thorough and complete supervision was given to sanitation and malaria control and, through persistent instruction while on Morotai, the malaria rate was reduced 85 per cent. In combat, the detachment accomplished its mission in an outstanding manner against seemingly insurmountable obstacles. Continuous supply to the battalion sections was maintained over difficult terrain by means of native trains, boats, DUKW, and air drops. During the Aitape operation the detachment set up a collecting point and handled the treatment and evacuation not only of all the casualties of the regimental combat team but also those of an attached infantry battalion. At all times casualties have received immediate attention with a minimum of delay. On many occasions the wounded have been removed from in front of the lines in the face of concentrated enemy fire saving the lives of many. During the Mindanao operation, when, because of causalities in the detachment, it had to operate at half strength the same high standard of operation was maintained. In the performance of it assigned duties under especially difficult conditions this unit maintained an exceptionally high standard of efficiency and discipline and an unusual devotion to duty. By Command of Major General Martin |
| source: John Bowen - National Archives |
 Page
last revised
02/18/2014James D. West www.IndianaMilitary.org |