History of the 326th Airborne Medical Company
The 326th Airborne Medical Company served as the medical element of the 101st Airborne Division during World War II. Its personnel supported airborne troops through some of the division's most demanding campaigns, including Normandy, Holland, Bastogne, and the final advance into Germany.
Officially activated at Camp Claiborne, Louisiana, on 15 August 1942, the company was commanded by Major William E. Barfield and initially consisted of 20 officers and 195 enlisted men.
From Activation to England
After activation, the company moved to Fort Bragg, North Carolina, where its personnel underwent airborne and parachute training. The unit later participated in several training exercises before shipping overseas in September 1943.
The company arrived in England on 15 September 1943 and continued preparing for its first combat mission: Operation Neptune, the airborne phase of the Normandy invasion.
Operation Overlord — Normandy
On D-Day, the 326th Airborne Medical Company entered the Normandy Campaign in three ways: by parachute, by glider, and by sea. Medical personnel established aid stations, treated casualties, and worked to evacuate wounded soldiers under extremely difficult battlefield conditions.
In Normandy, the company operated a major aid station at Château Colombières near Hiesville. This was the first major field hospital established during the campaign. The station treated and evacuated large numbers of casualties before being struck by German aircraft on the night of 9 June 1944.
Operation Market Garden — Holland
In September 1944, the 326th supported the 101st Airborne Division during Operation Market Garden. The company landed in Holland by glider and quickly began treating casualties near Son before establishing a clearing station.
During the Holland campaign, the company continued operating aid stations, supporting forward troops, and evacuating casualties over an extended period of combat service.
Bastogne and the Final Campaigns
In December 1944, the 326th again served with the 101st Airborne Division during the defense of Bastogne in the Battle of the Bulge. The company continued its medical mission under severe winter conditions and heavy combat pressure. On 19 December 1944, the division clearing station was overran by German infantry and armor. This resulted in mass casualties and approximately 130 medical personnel and their patients being taken captive as prisoners of war.
The company remained with the division through the closing months of the war in Europe, continuing to provide medical support until the end of hostilities.
Legacy
The legacy of the 326th Airborne Medical Company is one of courage, skill, and compassion under fire. While airborne infantrymen carried the fight forward, medical soldiers carried aid, comfort, and hope to the wounded.
Our reenacting unit exists to preserve, educate, and honor that legacy through living history displays, public events, and historically inspired impressions of World War II airborne medical personnel.