Local Heros | SDPB

Civil War

Swords & Plowshares - South Dakota & the Civil War Thousands of Civil War veterans came to South Dakota after the war. Many of them had been wounded, and a far-higher-than-normal percentage had experienced multiple battles and, probably, combat trauma. Some came to live life quietly, and others helped create the institutions of government, industry, and civic life that define the character of South Dakota to this day.

Support provided by: The Leo P. Flynn Estate, Charles and Kay Riter, Steve Zellmer and Kitty Kinsman, and the Friends of SDPB

South Dakota's Civil War Veterans

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.

World War I

Part 1: Dakota Digest

Part 2: World War I

Part 3: Post World War I

Frank Buckles, Last Living American WWI Veteran, Visited South Dakota in 2008

Frank Buckles was the last American World War I veteran. He passed away on February 27, 2011. Mr. Buckles visited the Black Hills, in July of 2008, at the invitation of the National Park Service and the Mt. Rushmore National Memorial Society. During Independence Day activities at Mt. Rushmore, he was honored for his military service in World War I. He was also honored for his survival as a civilian prisoner of war during World War II and his many years of service to his country, traveling the globe as a steamship purser, and for his well-lived long life. Mr. Buckles spoke extensively with SDPB journalist Jim Kent during his visit to South Dakota.

Left - Frank Buckles was presented with an American flag to recognize his military service during Independence Day ceremonies at Mt. Rushmore in July 2008. Photo by Jim Kent

Part 4: World War II POW

Part 5: Post World War II

Part 6: Closing Thoughts

South Dakotans in the Mexican Border War

Miners at the Border

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.

World War II

American Ace: The Joe Foss Story

American Ace is the story of Joe Foss, a World War II Ace, Medal of Honor winner, and governor.

Dakota Heroes: SD's Role in World War II

SDPB Radio looks at the State's role in this global conflict with a documentary, DAKOTA HEROES.

HOMEFRONT: SOUTH DAKOTA WWII STORIES

Veterans shared these WWII stories with us, and we are honored to share them with you.

South Dakota History Series: The Homefront

This episode looks at how our citizens participated in the war efforts of our nation "on the home front."

Igloo, South Dakota: The Utopia That War Built

In 1941, as the US prepared for the possibility of entry into WWII, an ammunition storage facilities was built near Edgemont, SD.

Sioux Messengers

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.

Pearl Harbor Survivor Stories

South Dakota Public Broadcasting recorded the breathtaking stories of nine survivors.

WWII Memorial Dedication and Veterans of the WWII Battleship South Dakota

South Dakota Public Broadcasting recorded the breathtaking stories of nine survivors.

Bringing a South Dakota WWII Veteran Home

Korean War

Korean War Memorial Dedication and Survivor Stories

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.

Vietnam War

Vietnam War Survivor Stories

SD Vietnam Memorial Dedication Parade - 2006

Dakota Life: Vietnam War Artists Stephen Randall and James Pollock

Dakota Life - The Art of War

Since its early existence, art has always been a creative medium for telling stories and providing perspective. Famous painter, Harvey Dunn, used art to chronicle life from the prairies of South Dakota to the battlefields of World War I. As a combat artist, Dunn witnessed and captured the experience of war using paintings rather than pictures. Years later during the Vietnam war, two South Dakotans also followed a similar path. Their story examines the life of a combat artist, the legacy of Vietnam, and the significance of the art of war.