The 111th Medical Regiment perpetuates the history and records of the 111th Sanitary Train of the World War I 36th Division and earlier organizations of medical department troops. The Hospital Corps, Texas National Guard, was first organized March 27, 1911, served on the Mexican border in 1913 when called by the Governor. On October 1, 1913, the Hospital Corps was expanded to form the Field Hospital. In 1916, this designation was changed to Field Hospital No. 1, being called into Federal service for duty on the Mexican border May 10, 1916; seeing service at Harlingen, Brownsville, Point Isabelle and Corpus Christi, Texas, and was mustered out March 24, 1917.
When the United States entered the first World War, Texas was authorized to raise the following additional sanitary troops: one headquarters, two hospital and two ambulance companies. Field Hospital No. 1 was reorganized and redesignated Field Hospital Company No. 1. Field Hospital Company No. 2, Ambulance Company No. 1 and Ambulance Company No. 2 were organized in July 1917. All four companies were mustered into Federal service August 5, 1917. These organizations upon draft, became a part of the 36th Division. On October 1, 1917, the 36th Division was reorganized and the 111th Sanitary Train was formed with the above named companies as the nucleus.
After its organization and training at Camp Bowie, the train sailed for France July 18, 1918, arriving July 31. Upon arrival, the train was detached from the 36th Division and sent to Bordeaux in Brittany, where it was stationed until ordered to rejoin the division at Bar-sur-Aube August 24, 1918. The train moved on September 26 to the area between Epernay and Chalons, division headquarters being established at Pocancy, Department of the Marne. The train returned to the United States in two sections: the first sailing May 23, 1919, and arriving May 30, and the second sailing May 29 and arriving June 6, 1919. The train was demobilized at Camp Bowie, June 16-19.
Today the 111th Multifunctional Medical Battalion enables the 36th Sustainment Brigade and the Texas Army National guard and provides a flexible and modular medical battle command, administrative assistance, logistical support, and technical supervision capability for assigned and attached medical organizations, which can be task-organized to support deployed forces. In 2009 the 111th was awarded the Meritorious Unit Commendation for their meritorious
service in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. The unit's superior performance in delivering health service support and combat health logistics to the Iraqi joint operations area contributed immeasurably to mission successes.