The Persian Gulf War, which included Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, was the United States’ first major armed conflict since the Vietnam War. The Wisconsin National Guard saw its first major mobilization in thirty years. The units activated consisted of the 13th Evacuation Hospital, the 132nd Military History Detachment, and the 1122nd Transportation Detachment from Madison, the 32nd Military Police Company from Milwaukee, the 107th Maintenance Company from Sparta, the 229th Engineer Company from Prairie du Chien, the 1157th Transportation Company from Oshkosh, and the 1158th Transportation Company from Monroe. In addition to the National Guard, more Wisconsin men and women served in other branches and units. An estimated 10,400 men and women from Wisconsin served during the Persian Gulf War, with eleven dying.

The Wisconsin Veterans Museum preserves the stories of Wisconsin’s role in the Persian Gulf War. An annotated bibliography of published works relating to Wisconsin’s role in the war includes first-hand accounts, memoirs, and books about the home front. Remember to search the museum’s collections to find artifacts, books, oral history interviews, letters, photographs, and more from Wisconsin Persian Gulf War veterans. Contact us if you have any questions or comments.