The War of 1812

The D.C. Militia fought for and defended America’ capital against the British, only retreating during the summer of 1814 against an overwhelming and well-trained British force. This Captain of the Militia served with the 1st Brigade, Columbia Division, earning campaign credit for the Defense of Washington and Battle of Bladensburg.

The Civil War

D.C. National Guardsmen were among the first men to rally support of the Federal Government in the Civil War. As part of the District of Columbia Volunteers, this guardsman fought for the Union led by President Abraham Lincoln. Most troops in the American Civil War carried muzzle loading weapons, which required none separate motions to load and fire a single round.

The Spanish-American War of 1898

This Soldier served as a member of the D.C. National Guard’s 1st District of Columbia Volunteer Infantry, earning credit for the Santiago Campaign, during the Spanish-American War. His model 1895 woven cartridge belt replaced the antiqued leather cartridge box and marked the beginning of modern load bearing equipment.

The Great War

In 1917, America entered The Great War in Europe. This Soldier is part of the D.C. National Guard’s 1st Separate Battalion of Infantry, which was allocated to the French 157th “Red Hand” Division during the war. The term “Red Hand” was bestowed upon the 157th due to its tenacity in combat and is still used today as a call sign in HHD, 372d Military Police Battalion.  The 1st Separate Battalion (redesigned the 372d  Infantry during the war) was awarded the Croix de Guerre by the French for service in the Meuse-Argonne Offensive.

1968 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Riots

Following the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on April 4th, the D.C. National Guard was activated as part of Task Force Washington, to protect the District during mass riots that erupted in response to the news. Guardsman’s riot gear consisted of a protective shield, a M1944 club, and a M9A3 protective mask.

Modern Airman

This D.C. Air National Guardsman pilots the F-16C Fighting Falcon multi-role jet fighter, while wearing the U.S. Air Force Flight Suit. D.C. Air National Guard pilots wore this uniform during deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom where t5hey were awarded the Outstanding Unit Award with valor for their service. The D.C. Air National Guard operates the F-16C, while protecting the skies over the Nation’s Capital, twenty-four hours a day.

Modern Soldier