News Releases for February 2008
February 22, 2008
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Hoeven Congratulates Family And Community Of Medal Of Honor Winner Woodrow Wilson Keeble
BISMARCK, N.D. - Gov. John Hoeven today extends his congratulations to the family of Woodrow Wilson Keeble and the Sisseton-Wahpeton Sioux tribe in response to the White House announcement that Keeble will be awarded the Medal of Honor in a posthumous ceremony on March 3, 2008, in Washington, D.C.
“Master Sgt. Woodrow “Woody” Keeble’s extraordinary acts of valor in World War II and Korea will finally be properly recognized with the bestowing of our nation’s highest decoration for heroism,” Hoeven said. “With this decision, Master Sgt. Keeble’s name will join the ranks of distinguished recipients of the Medal of Honor. We congratulate his entire family and community in celebrating this well deserved honor.”
“This is a proud day for all North Dakotans as this former North Dakota Guardsman joins the list of distinguished recipients of the Medal of Honor,” said Maj. Gen. David Sprynczynatyk, N.D. Adjutant General. “Including Keeble, 17 North Dakotan are the recipients of our nation’s premier award – the highest per capita number of recipients in the nation.”
In 1951, when Keeble was a member of the North Dakota National Guard’s Wahpeton based Company I, 164th Infantry Regiment (Rifle), the unit was ordered to active duty. Keeble later volunteered to join the 24th Infantry Division where his heroic actions above and beyond the call of duty on October 20, 1951 near Sangsan-Ni, Korea were recognized.
Keeble, who passed away in 1982, was a member of the Sisseton-Wahpeton Sioux tribe and the first of the Sioux Nation to receive the Medal of Honor. He also served with the 164th during WWII and is the state’s most decorated Soldier.
Gov. Hoeven will be accompanied to the White House ceremony by the current N.D. Adjutant General, Maj.Gen. David Sprynczynatyk and the previous Adjutant General, Maj.Gen. (Retired) Michael Haugen. Members of Keeble’s family will also be present at the ceremony.
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