GRAFTON, N.D. (KFGO) - A major part of North Dakota's military history comes to an official end at this weekend's Veterans Day observance in Grafton. The National Guard will conduct a Final Formation Ceremony of the Grafton National guard unit, organized 132 years ago. Nationwide downsizing has closed armories in Grafton and other communities and incorporated units elsewhere.
Shirley Olgeirson, group history and a retired Lt. Colonel with the North Dakota National Guard, says it was the one of the first military units recognized in Dakota Territory in 1885, four years before statehood. Company A was formed in Fargo, Company B was in Fargo, and Company C was based in Grafton.
Olgeirson says the regiment came home as hero's after the Spanish-American War. Private Thomas Sletteland of Grafton was one of 9 members who received medals of honor. The regiment was then deployed for a year to the Mexican Border War and then to Europe during World War One. The 164th Infantry Regiment, as it was then known, is famous as the first U.S. Army unit to offensively fight the enemy in World War Two when they reinforced Marines in a decisive victory at Guadalcanal in the Pacific theater.
The members were also activated for the Korean War and Desert Storm. Oleirson calls it an"elegant history." Members are expected to attend the ceremony at the Grafton Armory at 11 a.m Saturday.