MN SR146

Honors the 99th Infantry Battalion, a World War II unit formed in 1942 with Norwegian and Norwegian-American recruits from Minnesota and the Dakotas selected for their ability to speak Norwegian.

Battalion trained at Camp Ripley, Fort Snelling in Minnesota, and Camp Hale in Colorado; saw extensive combat in Normandy, northern France, Germany, and the Battle of the Bulge, with 52 killed, 207 wounded, and 6 missing in action during 101 days of combat.

Unit received 305 Purple Hearts, 15 Silver Stars, and 20 Bronze Stars; served as Honor Guard for Norway's King Haakon VII upon his return from exile at the end of World War II.

Veterans and families will be honored at Nordic Fest in Thief River Falls from May 26-28, where pictures and memorabilia will be displayed in a Hall of Honor.

Secretary of the Senate is directed to prepare and transmit an enrolled copy of the resolution, authenticated by the Secretary and Chair of the Senate Rules and Administration Committee, to the Sons of Norway.