Administrative/Biographical History
The Third Regiment of the Illinois National Guard dates from October 25, 1811. General Orders No. 3, A.G.O., December 21, 1875, designated the following organizations to form the Third Regiment: Sterling City Guards, Rockford Guards, Sycamore Union Guards (Company A), LaSalle Light Guards, Morris Guards, Dwight Guards, Streator Veteran Guards (Company C), Bohemian Rifles, Naperville Guards (Company K), Elgin Guards, Lena Guards (Company H), Genoa (Company F).
During the Mexican War the regiment was composed of ten companies commanded by Colonel Ferris Foreman. The first regiment of the Civil War called to service was given the designation of the Seventh, as the first six regiments had served in the Mexican War. The separate unites of the 3rd Illinois merged into the Seventh regiment.
During World War I the Regiment was renamed the 129th United States Infantry. This regiment was ordered to Camp Logan, Houston, Texas, for training where they received the designation of the 129th Infantry, 65th Brigade, 33rd Division. Under orders to proceed overseas the regiment began entraining May 2, 1918. The Regiment remained overseas until the end of the war. They were discharged from U.S. service from June 2 to June 6, 1919 at Camp Grant, Illinois.
