Welcome to Stories from the 28th Division Archives. I am Dr. Walter Zapotoczny. While working as the 28th Division Command Historian, I discovered stories in the archives that were not in the history books. In this episode, we are going to take a brief look at the division’s involvement with peacekeeping in Bosnia.

In the aftermath of the brutal war in Bosnia and Herzegovina, a glimmer of hope emerged in the form of the signing of the Dayton Peace Accord in Paris in December 1995. With this agreement, the possibility of peace was on the horizon. But peace wasn’t just going to happen on its own. Under the authority of United Nations Security Resolution 1031, the Implementation Force (IFOR) was born, ready to embark on its mission on December 20, 1995. While the mission grew ever closer, the Pentagon decided on a dramatic change that would have far reaching effects on Pennsylvania soldiers. It was announced that soldiers from the 28th Division would deploy to Bosnia.

On January 5, 1996, President Clinton and Governor Ridge approved the deployment of 40 Division soldiers to support IFOR’s peacekeeping operations in Bosnia. These soldiers, hailing primarily from Central Pennsylvania, joined troops from five other nations in Tuzla, forming a multinational brigade dedicated to preserving peace in the region. Among these soldiers were the forward observers from the Headquarters Battery, 28th Infantry Division Artillery. In March 1997, Battery F, 1st Battalion, 109th Field Artillery, headquarters in York, joined the mission. Thirty-one members strong, their mission was to protect a French Italian task force in and around Sarajevo. With advanced radar units, they tracked thousands of targets, earning praise for their unwavering dedication from Major General David L. Grange, commander of the 1st Infantry Division and Task Force Eagle in Bosnia.

As time passed, the mission evolved and once again, Pennsylvania soldiers answered the call. Company H, 104 Aviation, received orders to provide air traffic services in Bosnia, contributing to the peacekeeping efforts for 270 days. But challenges lay ahead. In July 2001, Battery F, 109th Field Artillery, embarked on its second peacekeeping mission to the Balkans. As the world grappled with the aftermath of September 11, 2001, the 28th Infantry Division found itself mobilized for new roles in homeland security. Yet, preparations for NATO’s Stabilization Force (SFOR) continued. Task Force 1-109 and Task Force 1-104 were mobilized, training for high-intensity conflicts while maintaining peace in Bosnia. NATO intensified efforts to disarm warring factions through Operation Harvest. The 1st Squadron, 104th Cavalry Regiment played a vital role, contributing to the destruction of thousands of weapons and munitions.

As SFOR 12 drew to a close, the focus shifted to redeployment and Pennsylvania troops returned home. The journey that began with the Dayton Peace Accord in 1995 had come full circle. In March 2003, Pennsylvania's heroes returned, their mission accomplished.

If you like these stories, visit our website for more stories that were not in the history books and please consider becoming a veteran or associate member of the 28th Division Association. Your tax-deductible membership will help us support the men and women of the division and help us to tell their stories.

Until next time, Roll On.