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| Photo compliments of the Russell H. Barrett Collection (MUM00024), Archives & Special Collections, J.D. Williams Library, The University of Mississippi |
On September 30, 1962, President John F. Kennedy issued Executive Order 11053 to provide “assistance for the removal of unlawful obstructions of justice in the State of Mississippi” in relation to integration of the University of Mississippi.
The entire Mississippi National Guard (Army and Air) was placed on active federal service on the same day. The Mississippi National Guard called this period "Operation Rocky Road", while the United States Army called it the "Oxford Incident".
The Department of the Army published "The Role of the Army in the Oxford, Mississippi, Incident, 1962-1963", which includes the employment of Mississippi National Guard forces.
The following high-resolution documents are relevant to establishing Veteran's status for those Soldiers and Airmen who served during this period of active federal service. Due to the file size, they may be slow to download. For assistance, email the
command historian.
President John F. Kennedy's executive order dated September 30, 1962.
Major General Creighton W. Abrams served as the Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations during this period. This message repeats the Secretary of Defense's order.
From Secretary of the Army, instructed by the Secretary of Defense, calling the Army and Air National Guard of the state of Mississippi into active federal service.
SECARMY instructs mobilization of the Mississippi Army and Air National Guard.
MSNG Press Release announcing federalization.
Mission assignments for 155th Infantry Regiment, 108th Armored Cavalry Regiment, and directing all other units to remain at home station and await orders.
Request for release of units due to sunken barge filled with chlorine gas on Mississippi River near Natchez.
Release of select units effective October 5, 1962.
Release of select units effective October 5, 1962.
SECARMY instructs NGB to notify MSNG regarding impending release of units.
SECARMY instructs NGB to notify MSNG regarding impending release of units.
Release of select units effective October 5, 1962.
Administrative release procedures for Soldiers/Airmen separating from active federal service.
DA instructs XVIII Airborne to release Guardsmen to their "normal vocations" while remaining on active federal service, excluding the 155th Infantry Regiment and the 108th Armored Cavalry Regiment.
Release of select units effective October 9, 1962. Message number may be a typographical error and resent as DA MSG 313794
Release of select units effective October 9, 1962
DA MSG 318794
Release of select units effective October 9, 1962. The MSNG does not have a copy of this DA MSG on file.
Advance text of 3A GO 288.
Release of select units effective October 9, 1962.
Reduces troops on active federal service by 30%.
Notification of 30% troop reduction.
Releases 407 personnel from active federal service.
Release 155th Infantry Regiment from active federal service.
Provides notice that 2ID will be releasing 155th Infantry Regiment.
Advance text of order releasing 155th Infantry Regiment.
Release of 108th Armored Cavalry Regiment effective October 23, 1962.
Advanced text of order releasing 108th Armored Cavalry Regiment.
Notifies that 2ID will release 108 ACR
Release of 108th Armored Cavalry Regiment effective October 23, 1962.
Summaries of service from the major units involved:
The Commander's Orientation Packet:
Messages regarding the Mississippi Guard's conduct during the Oxford Incident:
Miscellaneous: