🎖️ SFC Don Zehnder: A Steadfast Leader in Missouri’s 129th Field Artillery Battalion

From 1948 to 1957, Sergeant First Class Don Zehnder served with distinction in the Missouri National Guard, holding the vital role of Section Chief for Battery A of the 129th Field Artillery Battalion. His leadership spanned nearly a decade of post–World War II transition and Cold War tension, a period when the National Guard remained a cornerstone of America’s military readiness.

Stationed in Clinton and Maryville, Missouri, the 129th Field Artillery Battalion was a proud unit with deep local roots and a strong sense of duty. As Section Chief, Zehnder was responsible for overseeing the training, discipline, and operational readiness of his artillery section—ensuring that both men and equipment were prepared to respond if called upon. His role demanded technical expertise, tactical precision, and the ability to lead under pressure.

Yet, during the Korean Conflict (1950–1953), the 129th was notably not placed on alert. The reason was as political as it was personal: President Harry S. Truman, who had once served as Company Commander of Company D of the 129th, made the decision to keep the unit stateside. Truman’s connection to the battalion ran deep, and his choice reflected both strategic considerations and a sense of stewardship over the men he had once led.

For SFC Zehnder and his fellow Guardsmen, this meant continuing their service in Missouri—training rigorously, supporting civil defense efforts, and maintaining readiness while others were deployed overseas. Their contribution, though less visible, was no less essential. They embodied the Guard’s dual mission: to serve both state and nation, in peace and in war.

Today, Don Zehnder’s legacy stands as a testament to quiet leadership and unwavering commitment. His years with Battery A helped shape a generation of citizen-soldiers and reinforced the enduring value of the National Guard in America’s defense.