The race was on to form the first Norwegian unit in the Civil War. Wisconsin was determined to win. The 15th Regiment, Wisconsin Infantry was organized at Madison, Wisconsin, and was formed at Camp Randall on February 14, 1862. This regiment was also known as the Scandinavian Regiment (or the Fighting Oles) since almost all of the soldiers were from Norway, with the rest from Denmark and Sweden. Over 90% of the regiment were born in Norway. They were led by one of their own, Colonel Hans Christian Heg. Some 906 men served in the 15th during its 3 year existence. All were volunteers. Over half died of wounds or disease, or were so physically crippled that the army gave them disability discharges. During its 3 year term of service, the 15th also earned a well- deserved reputation for bravery and steadfastness in battle. The history of the unit will be presented along with highlighting some Stoughton residents who were soldiers in the unit. David Listug, our presenter, holds a B.A. in Sociology from the University of Wisconsin and is a long time Civil War buff and lover of history in general. He is also a member of the Civil War Shooters Association and the North-South Skirmish Association. Each summer he participates in many shooting competitions wearing his Civil War uniform and using antique fire arms of the period. His great-great uncle Ole Troan was a member of the 15th Wisconsin regiment.