Medical Detachment of the Lost Battalion

Fifteen (15) men comprised the Medical Detachment of the 2^nd Battalion, 131^st Field Artillery.  Their contributions to the unit were most critical in the POW camps where living conditions, forced labor and lack of food led to significant health declines of the men in the unit.  The Medical Detachment worked closely with a Dutch physician, Dr. Henri Hekking, to find natural remedies for dealing with the tropical diseases running rampant in the camps.  The contributions of Dr. Hekking were never forgotten by the men of the Lost Battalion and he was revered by them throughout the remainder of their lives.