Camp Harahan facts for kids

Camp Harahan, also known as Camp Plauche, was an important military base near New Orleans, Louisiana, during World War II. It served as a place where soldiers got ready to travel overseas. Later, it became a training camp for many different types of troops.

What Was Camp Harahan?

Camp Harahan was first set up in 1942. Its main job was to be a "staging area." This means it was a temporary home for soldiers before they boarded ships at the New Orleans Port of Embarkation. From here, they would travel to battlefields around the world.

From Staging to Training

In 1942, Camp Harahan's role changed. It became a full-time training base. Between 200,000 and 300,000 soldiers passed through its gates. These included special groups like railroad troops, who helped move supplies by train, and port troops, who managed busy harbors. Hospital workers also trained here to care for injured soldiers.

Training Future Leaders

Camp Harahan was also home to a special school for officers.

Officer Candidate School

In October 1942, the Army Administration Officer Candidate School (OCS) started at Mississippi State College. An OCS is a program that trains soldiers to become officers, who are leaders in the military. A few months later, this school moved to Camp Harahan. It was renamed the Transportation Corps Officer Candidate School. Here, future officers learned how to manage transportation, operate ports, and move supplies and people efficiently.

Important Battalions Trained Here

Several important military units were formed and trained at Camp Harahan.

765th Transportation Battalion

The 765th Transportation Battalion was created at Camp Harahan on March 12, 1943. It was first called the 765th Railway Shop Battalion. This unit was quickly sent to the European Theater, where they helped with railway operations during the war.

721st Railway Operating Battalion

On April 14, 1943, the 721st Railway Operating Battalion was formed at Camp Harahan. This group included new recruits, experienced soldiers, and even reservists from the New York Central System railway company. For six weeks, these soldiers went through tough physical training. They learned to march, navigate obstacle courses, and fire weapons. They also learned about Army rules and discipline. The 721st Battalion later deployed to the CBI Theater (China-Burma-India).

740th Railway Operating Battalion

Another railway unit, the 740th Railway Operating Battalion, was activated at Camp Harahan in December 1943. These battalions played a vital role in moving troops and supplies during the war.

Prisoner-of-War Camp

After its main use as a training base, Camp Harahan had another purpose. It was used to hold German and Italian prisoners-of-war (POWs) during the later years of World War II.

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