Corporal Harold K. Hanson from Sioux Falls, SD at our booth is interviewed by a TV-reporter. Harold's son Harlan to the right. Harlan did a great job presenting the 99th Battaljon Separate.

A bit about the 99th Infantry Battaljon Separate that Corporal Harold K. Hanson was part of:

Unconventional War Plans for Norway

Early in World War Two, the United States recognized a need for special units with the cultural and linguistic background needed to conduct unconventional warfare operations in countries occupied by Germany or Japan.

Norway was one of those countries. It was hoped that at least four objectives could be accomplished in Norway through the use of unconventional warfare: (1) eliminate Norway as an economic asset for Germany; (2) force Germany to keep large numbers of troops on occupation duty in Norway and away from other active fronts; (3) limit the ability of German troops in Norway to attack allied convoys transporting supplies to the Russian port of Murmansk; and (4) prepare for the future occupation of Norway, and create a link through Norway to Russia.

Plans for the Norwegian operation developed under the code name “PLOUGH.” Initially the primary objective would be to destroy electrical plants. Before operations could be conducted troops had to be identified and trained, and a winter operations support vehicle had to be developed.

The first unit tasked with the Norwegian mission was the 1st Special Service Force. It was activated on 2 July 1942 and was to be trained as infantry with special skills as paratroopers, skiers, and mountain climbers. The T-15 Weasel tracked vehicle was developed to support their winter operations. Colonel Hanson took part in this training.