download mobile army surgical hospital korean war

For military purposes NORMASH was formally placed under the command of the US 8th Army, similar to all other participants. The operation of the hospital The equipment was received in June 1951 and July 19, the same year, the Norwegian Mobile Army Surgical Hospital (NORMASH) was officially opened. The Norwegian Red Cross assumed responsibility for the administration of the hospital on behalf of the Norwegian Foreign Ministry until the end of 1951, when responsibility was passed on to the Norwegian Ministry of Defense. May 16, 1951, the first group of personnel was on their way. After some negotiations, it was decided that Norway would buy a field hospital from the US. Cooperation with the key allies was necessary.

However, before the hospital could be operational, some arrangements had to be done. Norway had made its decision to provide and operate a strongly needed mobile hospital to assist the UN forces in Korea.

A month later, the necessary funds were granted. The Norwegian Storting passed a resolution approving this plan March 2, 1951. Thus the Norwegian Red Cross prepared a plan for operating such a hospital. There was, however, a more urgent need of a mobile surgical hospital to help the UN forces in Korea. After a request from the Norwegian Foreign Ministry, the Norwegian Red Cross presented a suggestion for aiding the Korean civilians, especially the increasing number of refugees. Consequently, discussions started on how to provide practical help. Norway was in favor of the UN resolution and wanted to support South Korea. The United Nation’s Security Council responded quickly, calling for its members to come to South Korea’s assistance.

Download mobile army surgical hospital korean war