1st Battalion 22nd Infantry Indian Wars Plaque

1st Battalion 22nd Infantry

Plaque Honoring 22nd Infantry Service
in Indian Wars Dedicated

May 2005

Plaque honoring Indian war veterans dedicated

By JOHN RICHMEIER, Times Staff Writer

Veterans of various wars were recognized this past holiday weekend, but the Indian Wars probably didn't get too much mention during most ceremonies.

But a plaque remembering a group of soldiers who served during this time was dedicated Friday at Fort Leavenworth's Memorial Chapel.

The plaque, which hangs on the north wall of the chapel, recognizes members of the 22nd Infantry Regiment who served during the Indian Wars.

The plaque was donated by the 22nd Infantry Regiment Society, which was holding a reunion last week in Kansas City, Mo.

Ivan Lawhon, reunion coordinator for the organization, said placing such a plaque at Fort Leavenworth made sense because of the post's proximity to the Indian Wars. And it's the only post in which members of the 22nd Infantry Regiment served during that period that's still active.

Members of the 22nd Infantry Regiment were said to have been at Fort Leavenworth in 1865 and 1866.

The plaque states, "The 22nd Infantry regiment served in the plains states during the Indian Wars, 1866-1891. While they supported the American frontier, they earned five campaign streamers, including the Little Big Horn. Two members of the regiment earned the Medal of Honor during this time."

The plaque also includes what was said to be a motto for the regiment, "Deeds not words."

22nd Infantry Regiment Society President Bob Babcock
speaks at the dedication.

The plaque dedicated Friday joins 88 others on the walls of Memorial Chapel, which was built in 1879.

The tradition of the plaques is said to have started not long after the Battle of the Little Big Horn. Three tablets were hung in the chapel in memory of Lt. Col. George A. Custer and the other men who had died in the battle.

The plaques are said to honor mostly soldiers and units that served at the fort, but two-long serving organists at Memorial Chapel and a Boy Scout killed in 1922 are among the people recognized.

The plaque for the 22nd Infantry Regiment already was in place on the north wall of the chapel before the start of Friday's ceremony, but it was pointed out to those in attendance.

People from the 22nd Infantry Regiment Society reunion had arrived at the chapel in two buses and filled up the pews for the event.

A color guard from Fort Hood, Texas, where the first battalion of the 22nd Infantry Regiment is now located also was on hand for Friday's event.

Soldiers from Fort Drum, N.Y., where the 2nd battalion is located also brought guidon flags for the event.

Bob Babcock, president of the organization, said veterans of various conflicts including World War II, Korea, the Cold War and Vietnam were represented in the audience.

"We have soldiers among us who are fighting in the current war on terror," he said.

The event included a laying of a wreath by Joe Motil, a D-Day veteran, and Army Maj. Jason Westbrock, an officer currently serving at Fort Leavenworth.

The Leavenworth Times http://www.leavenworthtimes.com/

22nd Inf. troopers pay respects to those who served before - Command Sgt. Maj. Salvador Martinez, 1st Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment from Fort Hood, Texas; Sgt. 1st Class Eric Wiser, 2nd Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment from Fort Drum, N.Y.; and Staff Sgt. Kevin Prine, also of the 2/22nd, stand to be recognized for their service in the Global War on Terror during the plaque dedication ceremony at Memorial Chapel Friday. Veterans in the 22nd Infantry Regiment Society were recognized for their service on D-Day and in World War II, and Vietnam War. A plaque was installed in the chapel commemorating members of the 22nd Infantry Regiment who fought during the Indian Wars (1866-1891). Lamp photo by Prudence Siebert.

The Fort Leavenworth Lamp OnlineThursday, June 2, 2005

http://www.ftleavenworthlamp.com/

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