48th Surgical Hospital

The 400-bed 48th Surgical Hospital landed on the beaches of Oran November 8, 1942 along with 30,000 American soldiers part of the Center Task Force. Doctors, Nurses, and enlisted of the 48th landed under artillery fire making them the first hospital unit to step onto the beach.

During this campaign, the lack of communication with Center Task Force among medical personnel came with shortage of supplies for proper function during the landing.

The first hours in Oran were challenging. With little supplies, nurses resorted to hair dipped in alcohol as suture until supply crates could reach the shores.

After experiencing several battles such as, withdrawal of Kasserine Pass, the 11th Evacuation Hospital relieved the 48th Surgical Hospital for reorganization on April 22, 1943.