In the summer or 1917 three Wisconsin National Guard companies came together to form the 150th Machine Gun Battalion of the now famous 42nd “Rainbow” Division. As true comrades, they relied on one another for support as they fought in every major battle of the American Expeditionary Forces, including the landmark battle of the Chateau-Thierry, which cost the unit dearly.

Today the 150th is all but forgotten, in part because their unit history has never been written. Through letters, diaries and other recollections, Brad Larson reveals the stories of these Guardmen’s experiences.

Author Brad Larson has been the director of the Oshkosh Public Museum since 1989. He has been researching and presenting public programs about the 150th Machine Gun Battalion for many years.