This special issue, titled “A South Dakotan in the Great War,” focuses on the life and military service of Alfred G. Dahlin, who served in the U.S. Army during World War I. The article, written by State Museum Registrar Corey Christianson, follows Dahlin’s early life and path as a soldier in the 362nd Infantry Regiment, 91st Infantry Division, from his training in the United States, to the regiment’s deployment and march through Europe, and the battles they engaged in on the Western Front. It details Dahlin’s wounding in battle and his long recovery and eventual return home to the family farm near Sisseton, SD.
The South Dakota State Historical Society has received items from the Dahlin, Stanley, and Christensen families pertaining to their ancestor, Alfred G. Dahlin. The collection that was donated is extensive and will be shared between the State Museum Collection and the State Archives; some of these artifacts, including Dahlin’s uniform, many of the letters he wrote to family during his military service, and photos, are highlighted in this article.