MITCHELL S.D. (MITCHELLNOW) Nearly 3,000 South Dakotans have lost their lives in the service of the United States in war since statehood, that’s according to the South Dakota Department of Veteran’s Affairs. According to the South Dakota State Historical Society 549 South Dakotans lost their lives as active military members in World War One out of roughly 30,000 South Dakotans who served in that war.
According to the National Archives, 1,426 in the Army and 299 died in the Navy from South Dakota during World War II. The Air Force wasn’t created as a separate branch of the service until 1949 officially. Prior to that, pilots were either in the Army Air Corps or were Navy pilots. Roughly 68,000 South Dakotans served during World War II.
South Dakota Public Broadcasting reports 26,000 South Dakotans served during the Korean War with 130 losing their lives in that conflict.
The South Dakota Department of Veteran’s Affairs says about 28,000 South Dakotans served during the Vietnam Era with 209 dying during the course of that war.
There is a plaque honoring those from Mitchell High School who died serving in World War II in the main lobby as you enter the front doors. On an editorial note, it is to be hoped that plaque will be rescued and relocated prior to the demolition of the building once the new MHS opens.