HISTORY OF K COMPANY

By

SFC Edgar Rudy

Co K was organized as a National Guard unit of the 196tth Infantry Regiment and was first designated as Co F on 24 Mar 47 with Huron, SD as the home station.

The company began with three officers and 27 enlisted men.  At the time of activation, Co F was commanded by Cpt LaVerne Maher of Huron and used the auditorium of Huron College as a place to hold weekly meetings.  These meetings were held until the 1st two weeks in June 1948 when Co F attended it's first encampment at Camp Rapid,   Rapid City, SD.  Prior to encampment at Camp Rapid the company acquired a new company commander, Cpt Conrad Benson, on 13 Jun 48.  Cpt Benson, with one officer and 40 EM attended Camp Rapid.  Cpt Benson left the company to become a member of the 3rd Battalion staff and after the return from Camp Rapid, the company was commanded by Lt Donald Nenaber.

Co F resumed weekly meetings in the auditorium at Huron College during the fall of 1948 and spring of 1949.  By the end of June 1949 the company's strength was two officers - Cpt James Hyldahl, who took command of the company several months after the transfer of Lt Neaber - and 46 EM.  During the last two weeks in June the company trained at Camp Ripley, near Little Falls, MN.  Two months later the company's designation was changed to Co K, 196th Infantry Regiment.

During the encampment at Camp McCoy, WI the company total strength was four officers and 46 EM.  On 7 Aug 50, the announcement was made that the 196th Inf Regt was to be inducted into federal service.

The official induction date was set at 1 Sep 50.  After the announcement of mobilization the company stepped up weekly drills to three meetings each week.  From 1 Sep to 9 Sep, preceding the movement to Camp Carson, SO, the company trained at the College Auditorium.  During these eight days the men took physical examinations, were issued clothing and trained in dismounted drill.  On 3 Sep the advance detachment started for Camp Carson.  This was followed by the motor convoy which left 6 Sep.   The remainder of the company entrained 8 Sep and arrived 9 Sep with the motor convoy.

After training hours, time was spent getting the camp in shape.  The barracks hadn't been inhabited for several years and were in need of repairs.  The grounds were over grown with weeds and required hours of policing.  On 11 Sep a training schedule was set up and training began.  The company was on a cadre and pre-cycle status.  All NCO's and potential NCO's attended cadre classes while pre-cycle men took a more basic course

Sgt Trebian worked hard getting the supply room in order.  The chow at first left much to be desired but Sgt King soon whipped up a first class staff of cooks who began putting out wholesome food as soon as the rations were available.  Lt Wider, the CO, and 1st Sgt Dallas Hartley had able assistance in training the men with some veterans of World War II.  Sgt Scott injected drive and set the pace in the training.  Sgt Morrison, an old paratrooper of the 82nd Airborne, added greatly to the training.  A drill sergeant of the highest caliber, Sgt Russell, had shown his talents by organizing a crack drill squad in Huron.

Training concentrated on individual and crew-served weapons, drill and ceremonies, military courtesy and discipline.  Through this morale and discipline was maintained at a high level.  Near the end of September and early October, physical fitness was emphasized.  The men became thoroughly acquainted with the "horrible half mile," the confidence course.

About this time the company went through a reorganization with the appointing of platoon sergeants and squad leader positions.  Sgt Russell took over the first platoon, Sgt Deyo, an ex-marine, took over the second platoon and the third was handled by Sgt Scott, an ex-Americal Division man.  The weapons platoon was taken by Sgt Johnston, an overseas veteran of World War II.  Sgt Johnston  was backed by section leaders, Sgt Flolo and Sgt Sager.

On 21 Nov, the company was filled by new inductees.  Most of these men were from the eastern states.  Basic training began now with a zeal in all phases; weapons, drill ceremonies and individual training.  Now that basic training was started on a large scale the men were chosen as assistant squad leaders and they took pride in their appointments.  During basic most men qualified in their T/O weapons.  It was always a point of argument among the recruits as to  who was the best shot.    It was finally proven that Pvt Payne was the best shot with the carbine and he received the trophy for marksmanship. 

About Christmas time furloughs were given out.  Most of the cadre were given 10 days leave but the new men had not accumulated enough leave time as yet.  A few went home for five days but most men found this impractical.  Shortly after Christmas, Sgt Johnston was discharged and Sgt Tessmer, an enlisted reserve, was sent to take his place.   Sgt Hoback, also an ER, took over the 60mm mortar section.  Since the mortar section was in need of a squad leader Cpl VanCamp, an old mortar man was transferred back from the kitchen.  Cpl Smith was transferred from the third platoon to the 57mm recoilless section as a squad leader.

In January, the company went on it's first overnight bivouac and the mercury stood at a frigid seven degrees below zero.  Shortly after the men completed infiltration and combat in city courses.  This was about the end of basic training and most of the men were glad to see it end.  Training from this time on fell into the advance training bracket and consisted of squad, platoon and company tactics.

When the unit was activated, Cpt Hyldahl left immediately for school at Fort Benning, GA.  1st Lt Kenneth Wider then assumed command.  Lt Wider continued as company commander until February 11, 1951 and 1st Lt U.S. Bond assumed command.  Lt Wider went to officers school at Ft Benning.  Cpt John Salem assumed command of Co K about April 2, 1951 and Lt Bond also left for school.