During the Vietnam War, the US 50th Medical Company was assigned to provide medical support to the 101st Airborne Division, also known as the "Screaming Eagles." The 101st Airborne Division was a U.S. Army division that served in various operations during the war.
The 50th Medical Company, being a medical unit, played a crucial role in providing medical care and support to the soldiers of the 101st Airborne Division. Their responsibilities included:
Medical Evacuation: The 50th Medical Company operated a medical evacuation (medevac) system, providing timely and efficient evacuation of wounded personnel from the battlefield to higher-level medical facilities. This involved using helicopters to transport injured soldiers to receive necessary medical treatment.
Field Medical Treatment: The medical personnel of the 50th Medical Company provided immediate medical treatment to wounded soldiers on the battlefield. This included stabilizing injuries, administering first aid, and preparing patients for evacuation.
Medical Support: The company provided medical support to the 101st Airborne Division's various operations. This involved setting up field hospitals and aid stations to provide medical care for soldiers who were injured or sick. The medical personnel also assisted with preventive medicine measures and conducted medical evaluations of personnel.
Training and Education: The 50th Medical Company conducted training and education programs to ensure that medical personnel within the 101st Airborne Division were equipped with the necessary skills to handle medical emergencies and provide proper medical care to soldiers.
The medical personnel of the 50th Medical Company worked tirelessly to save lives, provide medical care, and support the combat operations of the 101st Airborne Division during the Vietnam War. They played a critical role in treating and evacuating wounded soldiers, ultimately contributing to the overall success of the division's missions.