Bismarck, N.D. (KFGO) – Douglas, “Doug” Burtell, the last North Dakota National Guard World War II soldier known to be residing in North Dakota died in Bowman on April 3rd, just weeks shy of his 97th birthday.
Burtell served in the famed 164th Infantry Regiment. He was only 16 years old when he joined the North Dakota National Guard in Fargo in late 1940. Assigned to the Intelligence and Reconnaissance Section of the Infantry Regiment, he was trained to interpret aerial photographs, draw maps based on reconnaissance patrols, and analyze captured materials.
He was one of 1,723 of the 164th mobilized in February 1941 for a year of training. The Division was the first army unit to engage the enemy when they landed at Guadalcanal in October of 1942, to reinforce the 1st Marine Division.
Burtell was also known for his sketches of the soldiers who fought through the South Pacific. Burtell was recently honored when North Dakota adjutant general, Maj. Gen. Al Dohrmann announced that one of his sketches would be featured on his new recognition coin.
Other artwork by Burtell is etched in granite on the 164th Infantry Regiment Memorial located at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery near Mandan, his final resting place. Burial will be Thursday, April 8th at 3 p.m.
