University of Maryland School of Medicine - Terrae Mariae Medicus (Baltimore, MD)

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.HefL exLons ig l each unit sailed independently of the other, into the Pacific The 42nd sail- ed on 19 May 1942 and arrived at its destination -Australia — on 1 June 1942. The 142nd sailed on 26 May 1942- -and after a two weeks pause in New Zealand — arrived at its destination-the Fiji Islands — about 1 July 1942. It opened o tent type hospital on 12 July 1942. The 42nd at about this time — was in Brisbane, Australia, where it was establishing a hospital in a convent school building. The 142nd, about eight months after establishing its first hospital, moved into a cantonment type unit, at another location in the Fiji Islands. The 42nd, after functioning for about one and a half years in converted buildings, moved into a cantonment type hospital — still in the same relative geographical area (Australia). In September 1944, the 142nd General Hospital wos moved to Calcutta, India, where it established itself in a large tile and concrete hospital build- ing with sfxjcious verandas. The 42nd General Hospital moved to Manila, Philippine Islands, in May 1945 In August 1945, it moved to Yokohoma, Japan, and after processing all American and Allied Prisoners of War, established itself in a very mod- ern fire-proof hospital in Tokyo. All original members of the 142nd General Hospital had returned home by August 1945; those of the 42nd by December 1945 Both units had interesting and varied experiences and both contributed their full share to the history of World War II Each in its own way added a valuable chapter to the military history of the University of Maryland. GEORGE H YEAGER -?i 1S2-, if?»» Copy of General MacArthur ' s let- ter commending the 42nd for its outstanding service. » »., «»i -M..J •ttu, 15

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f f t 4- lid : fk ft f . e z . nLi erdltu ot ar f land LAni ti In 1941, upon the request of the Surgeon General ' s Office, the Univer- sity of Maryland Medical School formed a thousand bed general hospital. This unit — known as the 42nd General Hospital — was developed from repre- sentative members of the medical, dental and nursing schools. Following the out-break of war in December 1941, it was thought that with the newer tactical problems being demonstrated, General Hospitals, to be of value in the Pacific, should be more mobile and flexible. Accordingly — and again at the request of the Surgeon General ' s Office — the School con- sented to break the unit into two 500 bed General Hospitals. This was done in March 1942 by approximately dividing the staff of the larger unit into two units — known as the 42nd General Hospital and the 142nd General Hospital. Shortages in certain specialized fields that existed as a result of this division, were overcome from Army sources. About a year after activation, due to the need of more beds and in- creased staffs, each unit was independently re-expanded to a 1,000 bed General Hospital. Each retained its original designation. The units were activated on 20 April 1942; the 42nd General Hospital being ordered to Ft. Custer, Michigan and the 142nd to Ft. Riley, Ka nsas. Both units, after two weeks intergration and indoctrination, were then ordered to San Francisco, California. After a brief exchange of greetings 14

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