 |
US Installations details - 2 |
U.S. Army Hospitals in Berlin
by Mark Lind & Reinhard v. Bronewski
source of the history parts: U.S. Army books
The 279th Station Hospital
Location:
The 279th Army Station hospital was located at #40- 46 'Unter den Eichen', Dahlem, district of
Zehlendorf in Berlins' American sector. The compond is in between of the side streets: Fabeckstr. &
Kamillenstr. The main double lane street 'Unter den Eichen' in its front is the long road also known as
'Bundesstrasse #1' which goes from district Tiergarten (Brit. Sector), all the way down via Schoeneberg,
Steglitz, Zehlendorf to Potsdam. (Brandenburg). This long straight street, like an heart artery of Berlin,
has got on its way several different names like: Potsdamer Str., Hauptstr., Rheinstr., Schlossstr., Unter
den Eichen, Berliner Str., Potsdamerstr. (once more again), Potsdamer Chaussee & finally Koenigstr.,
(Golf Course), ending at 'Freedom Bridge' (Glienicker Bruecke). These name changes caused that Army members
often got confused or lost.
History:
It started as a private, German-owned hospital at the turn of the century and was known as
'Stubenrauch-Krankenhaus'. Its red brick buildings were originally constructed to care for Kaiser
Wilhelm's' II society. It was in June of 1900 when the Empress August Victoria presided over the opening
ceremonies. When the Kaiser was forced to abdicate after World War I, the Weimar government took charge
of the hospital. In June, 1934 the SS set up their headquarters not far from the hospital, in the former
Prussian Army Cadet School. From that time foreword, the medical facility as gradually nazified until
1941, when the 'Third Reich' officially purchased it. It subsequently was used by SS units until the end
of World War II. As the war wore down, and SS casualties mounted rapidly, there were as many as a 1,000
severely wounded men in the crowded wards. In April, 1945, as the Nazis' collapsed, the Red Army captured
the premises.
After 1945:
In August 1945 the U.S. Army occupied the Stubenrauch-Krankenhaus and converted it to the
279th Station Hospital. With the help of Army Engineers, 279th had the facility up
and running by Christmas. The reorganization centered around 4 of the red-brick buildings, and separate
dental, obstetrical, x-ray, laboratory, veterinary and preventive medicine departments. Inpatient &
outpatient medical care were provided. In addition, there was an interdenominational chapel, a library,
a softball field, EM (Caduceus) club, and the Cleveland Steward movie theater. The chapel and the theater
were located in the old building #549 of the medical company. (right next to Kamillenstr.)
On July 17, 1976, the new American Army Hospital was ceremonial opened. After the completion of the new
hospital in December 1976, the compound with the old red-brick buildings was returned to the ownership of
Berlin. Now the German facility: 'BAM' ( Bundesamt fuer Materialpruefung) maintains countless offices
there. A few of the old buildings were torn down, and replaced by new ones, but most of the old Hospital
site still is there and in use. Several old gates are visible but abandoned. Walking inside of that legendary
installation gives the feelings that the spirit of the old Army hospital still is there! Now follow
photo impressions, enjoy ! Many thanks to Robert Barker who has provided me with several old photos!
The new U.S. Army Hospital
Location:
The 'new' hospital (USAHB) is located in Dahlem, #60-62 Fabeckstrasse. It's in the rear of the 'old'
hospital compound, about 200 yards away of 'Unter den Eichen'.
In front of the main hospital building (#580) was the flag pole. Around of it, were placed several
benches for relaxing & a big parking lot. Next to it located was the large building # 573
(for storage & other purposes) & a few other buildings of different sizes.
History:
Since Summer 1976, the comprehensive medical care has been offered to the American Military Community
of Berlin in the new hospital installation. This modern installation had about 90 operational beds, but
could expanded to 200 beds if needed, and 10 bassinets. Patients needing more than the 'short-term,
-acute care' general medical services available at U.S. Army Hospital Berlin can be transferred to either
a German civilian hospital in the city or moved to a military Medical Center in West-Germany or in the
USA, as appropriate, in order to receive whatever care is required. The Ambulatory Clinics (outpatient
care) operated on an appointment basis, and all persons using the hospital were encouraged to use Patient
Appointment System (PAS). Although there were some problems inherent in the use of PAS, time and
experience had shown that such system is overall, most efficient. The hospital enjoyed the reputation
for delivering concerned, as well as quality and other health care professionals who were dedicated to
providing the patients with quality medical care. There were a number of specialty clinics and additional
services available to serve and assist the patients and to insure that the medically support they receive
is both timely and complete.
Since Summer of 1994, departure of the Berlin Brigade, this compound belongs to the 'CHARITE' - 'Campus
Benjamin Franklin'-. Like the 'Klinikum Steglitz' (well known hospital complex in Steglitz) & the
main 'Charite' in the center of Berlin, both are parts of that huge medical organisation.
