Veterans Collection
The residents of Richland County have supported the dedicated members of our armed forces since the early days of the county. Wahpeton was long home to Company I 164th infantry. The Company was originally formed in Webster, Dakota Territory but relocated to Wahpeton in May 1897. Captain Thomsen stated in 1923 that the purpose of the guard unit was "to be a worthwhile cog in the machinery of our National defense." The company lived up to his words by serving in four different wars. As a state organization, company members could not be forced to serve overseas but when the call for volunteers to fight in the Spanish-American War came, Company I stepped up. 82 men from Wahpeton and Richland County served 18 months in the Philippines. In 1916, members of Company I served at the Mexican Border during the Mexican Revolution. The men returned home in early 1917 only to be sent to France to fight in WWI in July of that same year. In 1942 the members of Company I 164th infantry were part of the first American Army unit in action in WWII, fighting in the Battle of Guadalcanal. Finally, the company men served in Korea.
The soldiers of Company I fought bravely in every battle they entered, earning many medals and accolades. The most decorated soldier in North Dakota History, Woodrow Keeble, served with this company. Because of his actions in Korea, he was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor in 2008.
The Richland County Historical Museum proudly supports our veterans and active duty service members. Thank you for your service.
The soldiers of Company I fought bravely in every battle they entered, earning many medals and accolades. The most decorated soldier in North Dakota History, Woodrow Keeble, served with this company. Because of his actions in Korea, he was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor in 2008.
The Richland County Historical Museum proudly supports our veterans and active duty service members. Thank you for your service.
Resources and More Information
"An Invitation to Join Company I." Richland County Farmer Globe, 23 September 1949, P. 1.
"Captain Thomsen Tells of Purpose of Guard." Wahpeton Globe, 2 January 1923, P. 1.
"Company I Boasts a Long, Proud History." Daily News Reflections, 16 October 1980, P. 25.
"Company I Notes." Globe Gazette, 10 May 1917, P. 1.
"Gov. Guy Writes to Keeble Commending his Record." Richland County Farmer Globe, 20 January 1961, P. 1.
Helm, Merry M. Woodrow Wilson Keeble: The Man Called Chief. Fargo, ND: Writers Guild of America west, 2009.
"164th Infantry Photographs." University of North Dakota Scholarly Commons. commons.und.edu/infantry-photos/
"164th Regiment." Wikipedia. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/164th_Regiment_(United_States)
"164th Infantry Regiment-North Dakota National Guard." 2-1-196th.com/httpdocs/Sub_Htms/History-164th-Infantry.htm
"Wahpeton Man Decorated." Richland County Farmer Globe, 28 March 1952, P. 1.
"Captain Thomsen Tells of Purpose of Guard." Wahpeton Globe, 2 January 1923, P. 1.
"Company I Boasts a Long, Proud History." Daily News Reflections, 16 October 1980, P. 25.
"Company I Notes." Globe Gazette, 10 May 1917, P. 1.
"Gov. Guy Writes to Keeble Commending his Record." Richland County Farmer Globe, 20 January 1961, P. 1.
Helm, Merry M. Woodrow Wilson Keeble: The Man Called Chief. Fargo, ND: Writers Guild of America west, 2009.
"164th Infantry Photographs." University of North Dakota Scholarly Commons. commons.und.edu/infantry-photos/
"164th Regiment." Wikipedia. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/164th_Regiment_(United_States)
"164th Infantry Regiment-North Dakota National Guard." 2-1-196th.com/httpdocs/Sub_Htms/History-164th-Infantry.htm
"Wahpeton Man Decorated." Richland County Farmer Globe, 28 March 1952, P. 1.