The Viking Battalion

Published October 1, 2014 · Updated October 1, 2014

Special free film screening at Camp Ripley, Oct. 4th, memorial dedication on the 5th

Photo courtesy of Erik Brun
The memorial that will be unveiled and dedicated at Camp Ripley this weekend.

Erik Brun
99th Infantry Battalion
Educational Foundation

99th Infantry Battalion Education Foundation (www.99battalion.org) will present a screening of the documentary The Viking Battalion at Camp Ripley on Oct. 4, at 7:00 p.m. Doors open at 5:00 p.m. for viewing of displays about the battalion, which was activated at Camp Ripley in August 1942.

“The Viking Battalion” has been screened around the country in special events, broadcast on Norwegian Television, and reviewed by Norwegian American Weekly (June 20, 2014).

The Minnesota National Guard is inducting the Battalion into the Minnesota Court of Honor on Sunday, Oct. 5. As a special thanks for this great distinction, the 99th Educational foundation is hosting a free screening of the Documentary The Viking Battalion on Saturday evening at the Camp Ripley Post Theater.

The 99th Battalion was the only Norwegian-American Battalion in WWII, formed of Norwegians living in America and Norwegian Americans. It was activated at Camp Ripley in 1942, and went on to train at Fort Snelling before moving to the Mountain and Winter Warfare Center at Camp Hale Colorado. They fought in Europe and were the Guard of Honor for the Royal Family on their return to Oslo in 1945.

99th Battalion Events at Camp Ripley
Saturday, October 4th:
5:00-6:30 p.m. Open house at the theater, displays about the Battalion in WWII.
6:30-9:30 p.m. Screening of the Viking Battalion Documentary. With introductions, DVD showing, and Q&A. Hosted by the 99th Educational Foundation.

Sunday, October 5th:
1:00 p.m. Court of Honor induction Ceremony at the Hanger. The audience at the Hanger will be invited to move to the museum for the unveiling of the monument dedication at the conclusion of the ceremony.
2:00 p.m. The Dedication of the 99th Monument at the Minnesota Military Museum, nearby on Post.

This article originally appeared in the Oct. 3, 2014 issue of the Norwegian American Weekly. To subscribe, visit SUBSCRIBE or call us at (800) 305-0271.