What an incredible shift in trained and available manpower we have witnessed in the past 30 years in the Armed Forces.

As the son-in-law of a career Guardsman; SMSGT, James Orlando Benson(deceased), I have always taken interest in the participation of our loyal National Guard.

Approximately 9000 Army National Guard soldiers were deployed to Vietnam. 106 of the mobilized unit members died in Vietnam and eight Air National Guard were KIA.

Eight Army Guard units were sent to Vietnam: two artillery battalions and the 116th Combat Engineer Battalion from Idaho.

The only National Guard unit was from Indiana’s  D Company Rangers who performed long range recon patrols. They had 2 KIA and 100 WIA during 1969, which was the peak of the war.

The Kansas National Guard lost the most men in Vietnam in their 137th Infantry. 29 KIA. The 133rd Infantry  from Iowa was next with 12 KIA, and the 299th from Hawaii lost 10 men. All were assigned to regular Army units in Vietnam.

Two Officers who were with volunteer Guard Units were posthumously awarded the Distinguished Service Cross.

And now, it seems they are melded together with the Regular Army.  What will the future hold for those in harms way? And where are we to find them?

Source: VFW Magazine