Honoring the Monumental City Guard’s Service and Legacy

Maj. Gen. Linda L. Singh, the adjutant general of Maryland, and the Maryland Museum of Military History host a Black History Month event in recognition of the historic Monumental City Guard’s service in the Maryland National Guard in World War I and the Korean War, at the Fifth Regiment Armory in Baltimore, Md., Feb.14, 2016.

“We need to honor those who paved the way for change,” said Singh to members of the 231st Transportation Truck Battalion and members of the Maryland Military Department during the event.

The event included a chance to visit the Maryland Museum of Military History and see the different artifacts and exhibits, including an exhibit about the 231st Transportation Truck Battalion.

The Monumental City Guard was formed in 1879 as a patriotic African American social club that competed in military drill ceremony with the reputation as being one of the best units in the art of Soldiering and marching. In 1882, they would become part of the Maryland National Guard as the First Separate Company. In World War I the First Separate Company was activated and were renamed the Company 1 in the 372nd Infantry Regiment of the 92nd Infantry Division.

The unit legacy would continue when they were renamed 231st Truck Battalion and were activated to support the Korean War. It is the only unit in the Maryland National Guard that carries Korean War battle honors.

“I am proud of my heritage, and that’s to be an American, and to be more importantly a Black American,” said Singh.