The 44th Medical Brigade, the U.S. Army’s only airborne medical brigade, has provided lifesaving care from Vietnam to Iraq, Afghanistan, and global humanitarian missions. Based at Fort Bragg, it stands as the premier combat medical command trained to deploy by parachute with the XVIII Airborne Corps. Airborne Apparel Company is proud to offer reproductions and unique designs that celebrate the legacy of the 44th Medical Brigade.
Activated in 1965, the 44th Medical Brigade deployed to Vietnam, where it became the Army’s largest medical brigade, overseeing combat hospitals, surgical units, and medical evacuation. Its Soldiers treated tens of thousands of wounded during major campaigns including the Tet Offensive, establishing its legacy of medical excellence under fire.
Transition to Airborne Status
After Vietnam, the brigade moved to Fort Bragg, North Carolina, and was reorganized as the Army’s only airborne medical brigade. Assigned to XVIII Airborne Corps, the 44th trained to parachute or air-land into combat zones, providing immediate surgical and hospital capability to paratroopers and joint forces. This distinction set it apart from every other medical formation in the Army.
Combat & Operational Deployments
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Operation Urgent Fury (Grenada, 1983): Supported the 82nd Airborne Division during the rapid intervention.
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Operation Just Cause (Panama, 1989): Provided medical coverage for airborne assaults at Torrijos/Tocumen Airfield and Panama City.
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Operation Desert Shield/Storm (1990–1991): Established hospitals across Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, sustaining coalition combat forces in the Gulf.
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Global War on Terror:
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Afghanistan (Operation Enduring Freedom): Deployed forward surgical teams and hospitals across Regional Commands East and South.
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Iraq (Operation Iraqi Freedom): Operated combat hospitals in Baghdad and beyond, treating U.S., coalition, and local civilians under austere conditions.
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Humanitarian Operations: Supported disaster relief and medical aid missions worldwide, including Africa during the Ebola crisis.
Structure & Capabilities
The 44th commands a variety of medical units: combat support hospitals, forward resuscitative surgical teams, evacuation units, and sustainment assets. Its Soldiers — doctors, medics, nurses, and support personnel — are all airborne-qualified, making the brigade uniquely capable of deploying alongside paratroopers anywhere in the world.
Identity & Legacy
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Nickname: “Fort Bragg Medics” (informally)
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Motto: “Sustaining the Line”
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Unique Distinction: The only airborne medical brigade in the U.S. Army
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Decorations: Presidential Unit Citations, Meritorious Unit Commendations, and campaign streamers from Vietnam through the Global War on Terror.
Enduring Significance
The 44th Medical Brigade represents the fusion of airborne readiness with medical expertise. From jumping with the 82nd Airborne to establishing combat hospitals in Iraq and Afghanistan, it has ensured America’s paratroopers and Soldiers receive lifesaving care on the battlefield.
Airborne Apparel Company is proud to offer reproductions and unique designs that celebrate the legacy of the 44th Medical Brigade.