This Images of the Past collection explores the impact that Civil War veterans had on South Dakota, from Territorial times to today.
SDPB’s Images of the Past is a multiplatform project that offers a fresh look at historic images and documents from the well-known and nearly unknown places, people, and events of South Dakota.
Part 1: Dakota Digest
Part 2: World War I
Part 3: Post World War I
Part 4: World War II POW
Part 5: Post World War II
Part 6: Closing Thoughts
The “Miners” and 1000 of their fellow soldiers were among the 100,000 National Guard troops activated by President Woodrow Wilson after Pancho Villa invaded the United States on March 9, 1916. The Mexican revolutionary leader’s attack on Columbus, New Mexico, left ten civilians and eight soldiers dead, and large parts of the town burned to the ground. Villa was pursued into Mexico by General John J. Pershing and 4800 regular Army troops, but the guerrilla leader was never captured. Troops remained along the U.S. / Mexican border until the Spring of 1917.
American Ace is the story of Joe Foss, a World War II Ace, Medal of Honor winner, and governor.
SDPB Radio looks at the State's role in this global conflict with a documentary, DAKOTA HEROES.
Veterans shared these WWII stories with us, and we are honored to share them with you.
This episode looks at how our citizens participated in the war efforts of our nation "on the home front."
In 1941, as the US prepared for the possibility of entry into WWII, an ammunition storage facilities was built near Edgemont, SD.
Meet a man who's actions during World War II echo through history. Clarence Wolf Guts helped save the lives of American soldiers by speaking his native language.
South Dakota Public Broadcasting’s coverage of the Dedication and Survivor Stories.
By the end of the Korean War on July 27, 1953, some 6.8 million Americans had traveled to Asia for the war effort; 33,686 died, and 103,284 were wounded. Although the Korean conflict ignited just five years after World War II, South Dakotans answered the call. An estimated 26,000 South Dakotans traveled far from home to fight, and 170 died in that effort.
The Vietnam War Survivors Stories documentary features Vietnam War Veterans recounting some of their most poignant memories of their time overseas, their homecomings, and how Vietnam affected them as a person.
Clark Mola served two tours in Vietnam and flew over 2000 combat hours.
Clark Mola reflects on the 50 anniversary of the Tet Offensive
Dakota Life: Heroes Among Us - This archival one-hour special aired in 1999. "Today, across South Dakota, there are thousands and thousands of veterans. They may not see themselves as heroes, but if you take the time to listen to their stories, it is clear there are heroes among us." Five veterans were interviewed for this special, including veterans from World War I, World War II, Korean War, Vietnam War, and the Gulf War. The veterans shared their experiences during their service, including losing close friends and family to the fighting, the West Loch Disaster, Golf War Syndrome, and sustaining life-changing injuries.
