Veteran’s Corner 

Tom Krabbenhoft 

The Minnesota National Guard has a very proud and prestigious battle history. When the Civil War broke out Governor Ramsey was the first to offer troops to President Lincoln. The “First Minnesota” is recognized as the most senior regiment in the Union Army.
It’s legend began on 2 July 1863, at the battle of Gettysburg. The 1st MN was ordered to attack after bloody fighting. The Minnesotans now only numbering 262 and out of ammunition charged the lead Confederate Brigade and their 1600 men. They stopped the Butternuts long enough for the Union to reorganize the line and win the day.
The next day only 47 Minnesotans answered the call. To this day it stands as one of the highest casualties of any US unit. The Minnesotans were absorbed into another unit. They took position and bore the brunt of Picketts charge, the line was broke. Minnesotans counter-attacked and won the day. Three Medals of Honor were earned that day by Minnesotans.
The MN guard at this same time guarded the plains and settlers.
MN Guard was also called to service in the Spanish American War. The 13th MN took the right flank under command of General Douglas McArthur. During the battle of Manila the heaviest fighting took place on the right flank. The 13th took more casualties than the rest of the fighting forces combined.
Minnesotans were called to action against Pancho Villa, action in WW1 Minnesotans were used as fillers. The 109th Airlift Squadron was found in Minnesota, it’s the first Air National Guard unit.
Many MN units were called up for WW2 service. Korean War saw Minnesotans in action. Minnesotas Airlift units served in Berlin Airlift. Vietnam War, many guardsman were activated.
A major peacekeeping mission in Bosnia which Minnesotans took a lead role in. Several units were activated during the first Gulf War.
During the long War on terror. The Minnesota National Guard again deployed many units and service members. One of the units pulled (in dispute) the 1st or 2nd longest tour of any unit.
You can add in state emergencies for floods, riots, blizzards etc.
I consider it a deep honor to walk in the footsteps of history belonging to the Minnesota Guard. I’m even more proud to have walked it with my cousins Wayne and Paul.
With such a proud heritage it’s so very confusing, frustrating and infuriating to have Stolen Valor with one of our own.
It’s a violation of trust and tarnished honor on those that serve past, present and future.
Honorable service is respectful enough, morphing your service to further your career is wrong.

Send your veteran related items to me at 11btwk@gmail.com.