29 SEP--This Day in US Military History

2015-09-29T14:09:06-04:00

1919 – The Secretary of War deploys federal troops to Omaha after the preceding day’s rioting.

The race riot resulted in the brutal lynching of Will Brown, a black worker; the death of two white men; the attempted hanging of Mayor Edward Parsons Smith; and a public rampage by thousands of whites who set fire to the Douglas County Courthouse in downtown Omaha.
The riot lasted until 3 a.m., at that hour, federal troops, under command of Colonel John E. Morris of the Twentieth Infantry, arrived from Fort Omaha and Fort Crook. Troops manning machine guns were placed in the heart of Omaha’s business district; in North Omaha, the center of the black community, to protect citizens there; and in South Omaha, to prevent more mobs from forming.
Major General Leonard Wood, commander of the Central Department, came the next day to Omaha by order of Secretary of War Newton D. Baker. Peace was enforced by 1,600 soldiers. Martial law was not formally proclaimed in Omaha, but it was effectively enacted throughout the city. By the request of City Commissioner W.G. Ure, who was acting mayor, Wood took over control over the police department, too.

https://thisdayinusmilhist.wordpress.com/2014/09/29/september-29/

September 29

29 September Feast Day of St. Michael the Archangel, Patron Saint of Soldiers, marines, Military Police, Aviation, and Airborne: The name Michael signifies "Who is like to God?" and was the war cry...

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Sep 29 at 2015 2:12 PM

2015-09-29T14:12:56-04:00

Wow Posse Comitatus was signed in 1878. I did not realize that Federal troops were used so soon after WW1 to deal with riots in this nation. Thanks for sharing 1SG Private RallyPoint Member

Response by SCPO David Lockwood made Sep 29 at 2015 2:13 PM

2015-09-29T14:13:17-04:00

Awesome article. Thanks for sharing!

Response by SSgt Alex Robinson made Sep 29 at 2015 2:41 PM

2015-09-29T14:41:34-04:00

Thanks for the history lesson 1SG Private RallyPoint Member