Fort George G. Meade: The First 100 Years

Fort Meade During WWII
WORLD WAR II YEARS
119
In 1940, the size of Fort Meade had shrunk from the
50,000 troops housed during WWI, to as low as 140
officers and 2,100 enlisted men. The post anticipated that
by January 1941, that number would increase to 1,200
officers and 25,000 enlisted.
Multiple construction projects were launched to replace
the temporary housing used during the WWI muster, with
the permanent barracks and family housing required to
accommodate the increase in population. Construction
included $7.5 million in housing.
Major organizations on post were 70th Tank Battalion,
93rd Infantry Battalion, 1st Evacuation Hospital, Medical
Corps Recruitment Detachment, School for Cooks and
Bakers, Quartermaster, Ordnance, Signal and Medical
Detachments.
Fort Meade’s ranges and other facilities were used by
more than 200 units and approximately 3.5 million men
between 1942 and 1946. At its peak, the military strength
at Fort Meade reached 70,000 in March 1945.
Fort Meade’s Reception Center processed voluntary
and selective service personnel at a rate of 1,500 per day.
Recruits received medical exams, shots, haircuts and then
shipped off to basic training at some other location.
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(Pg. 117) Officers gather for a briefing at Meade's Summer
Encampment c. 1945.
(Left) Members of the Tank Destroyer Force prepare for field
training exercises. (Below) 519th MPs enjoy a soldier's
breakfast, coffee and cigarettes. May 1943, Fort Meade.