Page 24 - MFM May 2020.indd

Short History of the 163rd Montana Infantry After being sent overseas in December, the 41st
Division was relegated to replacement and depot status,
The Montana National Guard has consistently played a as the 163rd Depot Brigade. The 163rd was broken up as
role in the protection of the state. The Montana Territorial men were moved to various units. From there, the men
Militia was established in 1867, over twenty years before continued their training in areas throughout France
Montana became a state. The First Montana Militia, as well as serving along the front lines. In March 1919,
later known as the Montana National Guard, served well the 163rd returned home. During the 163rd’s service in
beyond Montana’s borders. The 1st Montana Volunteer Europe, 39,276 Montanans served in the armed forces
US Army was called into federal service for the first time including the National Guard, dra ees, and regular
during the Spanish-American War. Beginning as the 1st enlistees - out of a state population of 496,131.
Regiment of Infantry in the Montana National Guard
during the 1880s, the Volunteer Infantry was in service
from May 1898 to October 1899. When the Volunteer
Infantry was mustered out of service after the campaign.
At the turn of the century, the federal government gave
the National Guard a more permanent role in the military
on a national level. The Guard’s annual appropriation
was raised and equipment was issued by the federal
government. In return for the appropriation, the Guard
was expected to become a federal reserve force. Due to
this change in the duties of the Guard, the Montana
National Guard was reorganized and designated the 2nd
Montana Infantry Regiment in 1901. In June 1916, the 2nd
Montana Infantry saw their first national service when
the regiment was mobilized for guard duty during the
Mexican border conflict after the Mexican Revolution.
In early July 1916, the regiment set up camp in Douglas, 2nd Montana, 163rd Infantry Company H
Arizona. After only a few months in federal service, the leaving for France, October 24, 1917. Helena, Montana.
regiment was demobilized at Fort Harrison in October
1916. The Offi cers of the Second Montana Regiment
The 2nd Montana Infantry was ordered into Federal When the Second Montana Regiment left Montana
service on March 25, 1917 by President Wilson and it comprised 2,050 officers and men. The officers
mobilized at Fort Harrison in preparation for service in were:
Europe. In July, the Guard was ordered to prepare for
duty overseas. As the War Department integrated the Col. John J. McGinness (Helena)
National Guard into federal service, the 2nd Montana Major Jesse B. Roote (Butte)
Infantry was re-designated as the 163rd Infantry Major Erastus H. Williams (Bozeman)
Regiment, 41st Division. On July 18, 1917, the War Capt. O. S. Perry, Adjutant
Department designated the National Guard of Idaho, Maj. William C. Riddell, Chief Medical Officer
Montana, Oregon, Washington and Wyoming to form First Lt. William Pippy, Chaplain
the 41st Division. On August 5, 1917, the designation of Captain Whipps, Supply Officer
the Second Montana Infantry was changed to the 163rd Special Units:
Infantry Regiment, 82nd Infantry Brigade, 41st Infantry
Division. It became part of American Expeditionary
Division. It became part of American Expeditionary Capt O. S. Perry, Headquarters Company
Forces (A.E.F.).
Forces (A.E.F.). Second Lt. Orsino Newkirk the Supply Company
Capt. Leroy A. Foot the Machine Gun Company
Maj. Riddell the Medical Detachement
The companies, their home headquarters and
commanding officers were:

Company A Bozeman Capt. Charles L. Sheridan
Company B Roundup Capt. Herman S. Brice
Company C Shelby Capt. Claude McGuinnen
41st Division Company D Valier Capt. Willard E. Olson
The 41st Infantry Division was composed primarily Company F Kalispell Capt. C. J. Smith
of National Guard units from Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Company G Glasgow Capt. Jos. P. Sternhagen
North Dakota and Washington that saw active service in Company H Kalispell Capt. J. Snell
World War I. Called the “Sunset Division” for its shoulder Company I Baker Capt. Wade Doble
sleeve insignia.
Montana Freemason Page 24 April/May 2020 Volume 96 No. 3