The Military Career of Butler B. Miltonberger

Born in North Platte in 1897, Butler B. Miltonberger began his military service as a private in June of 1916, when the National Guard was mobilized during the Mexican border dispute. During World War I, Miltonberger fought with the 4th Division in the Argonne region. On May 12, 1923, he was commissioned a First Lieutenant, and a year later was promoted to Captain. He commanded Company “D” of the 134th Infantry Regiment. In May of 1944, Miltonberger led his men overseas as Regimental Commander. In 1945 Miltonberger was promoted to Assistant Commander of the 35th Division.

In September of 1944, city officials presented Colonel Miltonberger with a scroll expressing their gratitude after the 134th Infantry Regiment liberated Nancy, France. (RG3558.PH0-00496) (above left).

During his military career he distinguished himself by earning numerous military honors including the Mexican Border Campaign Ribbon (1916-1917); the Victory Medal with one Bronze Star (World War I); a European Theater Ribbon with five Bronze Stars; a Victory Ribbon (World War II); and the United States Distinguished Service Medal (1947). After his retirement from the military in 1947, he divided his time between his family home in North Platte, and Lincoln where he was a member of the State Engineering staff. On March 23, 1977, at the age of 79, Miltonberger died at his lakeside cabin outside of North Platte. He was survived by three children and his second wife, Caroline.

The Library/Archives holds the papers of Butler B. Miltonberger including maps, activity reports and unit journals of the 134th Infantry. The collection includes Miltonberger’s personal copy of the history of the 134th Infantry Regiment (Nebraska National Guard) during World War II.

 

All Hell Can’t Stop Us: history of the 134th Infantry Regiment. (RG 3558.AM: SG13, S.5, v.8, Box 11) (at right).
“All Hell Can’t Stop Us,” the regiment’s motto, came from a statement by an American general observing the First Nebraska Volunteer Regiment in the Philippines in 1899: “There go those Nebraskans, and all hell couldn’t stop them.”

For more information about the Butler B. Miltonberger collection, see the collection inventory or contact the Library/Archives Division.

-Tom Mooney, Curator of Manuscripts

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