Camp Harahan

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]