| Camp Harahan Eponym: James T. Harahan |
|
|---|---|
| Jefferson Parish, near New Orleans, Louisiana | |
| Type | Staging area for New Orleans Port of Embarkation and training base. |
| Built | 1942 |
| In use | 1942 -- 1946 |
| Garrison | Acreage: |
Camp Harahan[1], also called Camp Plauche, was a troop staging area outside New Orleans, Louisiana during World War II. [2]
The camp served as a staging area for troops passing through the New Orleans Port of Embarkation. Its mission changed to that of a training base in 1942. Between 200,000 - 300,000 troops, including battalions of railroad troops, port troops and hospital men were organized and trained there. [3]
The Army Administration Officer Candidate School was established 19 October 1942 at Mississippi State College under the supervision of the Army Adjutant General. Within a few months the School was renamed the Transportation Corps Officer Candidate School (OCS) and moved to Camp Harahan. The curriculum included transportation modes, terminal operations, and cargo/personnel movement. [4]
The 765th Transportation Battalion was activated at Camp Harahan on 12 March 1943, as the 765th Railway Shop Battalion. It soon deployed to the European Theater. [5]
The 721st Railway Operating Battalion was activated at Camp Harahan on 14 April 1943. The unit comprised men from replacement companies, reception centers, a cadre from another battalion and reservists of the New York Central System, which sponsored the battalion. While at Camp Harahan for six weeks, the men underwent a vigorous physical training program, learning to march, hurdle obstacle courses, roll full field packs, fire a gun and become indoctrinated in Army discipline, rules and regulations. [6] The 721st deployed to the CBI Theater.
The 740th Railway Operating Battalion was activated at Camp Harahan in December 1943.[7]
The camp was later used to hold German and Italian prisoners-of-war (POWs). [8]