National Guard unit celebrates 50th reunion
A special celebration was held in Clintonville on Saturday, Oct. 15, as the 50th reunion of the 32nd Division of the National Guard-Company D-127th Infantry took place at the Clintonville Riverside Golf Course.
Mayor Judith I. Magee spoke at the event, providing some historical information relating to the unit. Her comments, along with significant dates relating to the unit, are as follows:
1955: The 32nd National Guard Unit Company D - 127th Infantry- commanded by Capt. George Dahm was made up of men from Clintonville and the surrounding area.
1959: The Wisconsin National Guard was reorganized and the unit was reassigned with Lt. Leon Steenbock in command. The unit received numerous awards for outstanding proficiency in training.
1961: It was recognized by our defense department and our president that a crisis was about to occur. In the summer and fall of 1961, the Soviet Union tightened its Cold War grip on Eastern Europe, and the part of Berlin that it occupied after World War II. The Soviets and their East Berlin allies built a wall around West Berlin, cut off traffic and demanded that the allied forces withdraw.
Oct. 15, 1961 - 50 years ago today - heading off to Fort Lewis, none of you knew if it would just be a stopping point on your way to another war in Europe. You had done your training and you were prepared. Tensions ran high, and your unit answered President John F. Kennedy's call and prepared for the possibility of World War III. The Wisconsin National Guard was mobilized for active duty at Fort Lewis, Washington because of the tension that had been building up when the United States faced off with the Soviet Union over free access to Berlin in what became known as the Berlin Crisis.
I understand that approximately three weeks later your unit was moved from Clintonville to Fort Lewis, WA by troop train. There was a send off lacking the Mayor of Clintonville. I also understand that he arrived 15 minutes after your train departed. I was 15 years old at that time and realized that it was possible that some of you would not return home. You were called to protect our country. That is what you had been training to do from the day that you enlisted. You made everyone in Clintonville and from the surrounding area very proud that you were prepared and willing to serve the United States of America.
Upon your arrival at Fort Lewis you were immediately involved in an intensified training program and named to the Elite Strategic Army Corps. Your unit experienced a number of changes of command, but when you were released from active duty and returned to Clintonville, Capt. Steenbock was again in charge. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. God bless all of you and God bless the USA!
Mayor Judith I. Magee spoke at the event, providing some historical information relating to the unit. Her comments, along with significant dates relating to the unit, are as follows:
1955: The 32nd National Guard Unit Company D - 127th Infantry- commanded by Capt. George Dahm was made up of men from Clintonville and the surrounding area.
1959: The Wisconsin National Guard was reorganized and the unit was reassigned with Lt. Leon Steenbock in command. The unit received numerous awards for outstanding proficiency in training.
1961: It was recognized by our defense department and our president that a crisis was about to occur. In the summer and fall of 1961, the Soviet Union tightened its Cold War grip on Eastern Europe, and the part of Berlin that it occupied after World War II. The Soviets and their East Berlin allies built a wall around West Berlin, cut off traffic and demanded that the allied forces withdraw.
Oct. 15, 1961 - 50 years ago today - heading off to Fort Lewis, none of you knew if it would just be a stopping point on your way to another war in Europe. You had done your training and you were prepared. Tensions ran high, and your unit answered President John F. Kennedy's call and prepared for the possibility of World War III. The Wisconsin National Guard was mobilized for active duty at Fort Lewis, Washington because of the tension that had been building up when the United States faced off with the Soviet Union over free access to Berlin in what became known as the Berlin Crisis.
I understand that approximately three weeks later your unit was moved from Clintonville to Fort Lewis, WA by troop train. There was a send off lacking the Mayor of Clintonville. I also understand that he arrived 15 minutes after your train departed. I was 15 years old at that time and realized that it was possible that some of you would not return home. You were called to protect our country. That is what you had been training to do from the day that you enlisted. You made everyone in Clintonville and from the surrounding area very proud that you were prepared and willing to serve the United States of America.
Upon your arrival at Fort Lewis you were immediately involved in an intensified training program and named to the Elite Strategic Army Corps. Your unit experienced a number of changes of command, but when you were released from active duty and returned to Clintonville, Capt. Steenbock was again in charge. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. God bless all of you and God bless the USA!
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