Delaware Army National Guard
| Delaware Army National Guard | |
|---|---|
| Active | 1903- |
| Country | United States |
| Allegiance | Delaware |
| Branch | Army National Guard |
| Type | State Army National Guard |
| Part of | Delaware National Guard |
| Garrison/HQ | Wilmington, Delaware |
| Commanders | |
| Current commander |
Major General Carol A. Timmons |
| State Command Sergeant Major | CSM Donald J. Catalon |
The Delaware Army National Guard is a component of the United States Army and the United States National Guard. National coordination of various state National Guard units are maintained through the National Guard Bureau.
The Delaware Army National Guard maintains 15 armories in 12 communities.
Delaware Army National Guard units are trained and equipped as part of the United States Army. The same ranks and insignia are used and National Guardsmen are eligible to receive all United States military awards. The Delaware Guard also bestows a number of state awards for local services rendered in or to the state of Delaware.
The Delaware Army National Guard traces its origins back to August 31, 1655, when Swedish settlers were asked to take up arms to defend the colony against a Dutch attack on Fort Christina.
During the American Revolution, Delaware's First Regiment fought with General George Washington at the Battle of Long Island.
In the War of 1812 all Delaware volunteer units saw service at Lewes, where they comprised the bulk of force that drove off a British naval squadron seeking control of the Delaware River. The 198th Signal Battalion (ARNG DE), which traces its lineage to three militia units that were federalized during the War of 1812, is one of only nineteen Army National Guard units with campaign credit for the War of 1812.
In the Mexican War (1846–1847), the Federal Government would not accept volunteer companies but the Delaware volunteers were not content to stay home. After much red tape, a statewide composite unit was formed. They fought with distinction in the battles of Contreras, Cherubusco, Molino del Ray and Chapultepec where there were almost twice as many Delaware volunteers present as marines. The unit lost so many men in these actions it became known as "The Bloody 11th."
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Wikipedia