<ElaineAndMike.us> <Camp Ellis>
Activated March 1, 1943 at Fort Sheridan. An advance "scouting" party was dispatched to Camp Ellis to establish a temporary dispensary and provide emergency hospital facilities in the troop area and to prepare for the arrival of the contingent of 127 men and two officers three days later. They arrived at Camp Ellis on April 12. On April 17 the designation was changed to 1624 Service Unit and on April 20th 426 enlisted men reported for duty with the Medical Company.
Eleven medical officers, two medical administrative officers, a chief nurse and her assistant had reported. Hospital headquarters were moved from Building 505 to the Station Hospital Building. Hospital mess halls were opened. On May 3, 1943 the first wards of the hospital were ready to receive patients.
On May 5, 1943, the first permanent dispensary to be constructed and opened was partially destroyed by fire caused by a faulty heating system. Later that spring a violent windstorm swept over Camp Ellis and destroyed Kirk Corridor in the hospital area.
During May and June 1943 the hospital added X-ray, out patient, clinic and the hospital facilities were expanded.
On June 1, 1943 420 beds were added along with a modern dental clinic with 10 operating chairs.
June 5, 1943 the pharmacy opened.
June 8, 1943 the Orthopedic clinic opened.
June 10, 1943 an Emergency Medical Unit (Mobile) was activated.