News
Sorben donates mine to county vets
Scott Wagar
07/10/2012
Individuals who drive by the Bottineau County Veterans Memorial Hall on Fifth Street will have a great opportunity to see a part of World War II history, because standing just outside of the building is a sea mine, which was utilized in WW II by the U.S. Navy.
Duane Sorben donated the mine to the county veterans, which will eventually become a permanent display at the county veterans’ new memorial hall north of town once the building is constructed.
“Duane has been a long time supporter of the veterans and he felt the Bottineau County veterans should have it,” said Al Wondrasek, local veteran who is playing a major role in the development of the new memorial hall building. “The mine will be part of our outside displays.”
Sorben purchased the mine many years ago as a surplus item. After Sorben purchased the mine, he converted it into a gas tank on his homestead just west of Bottineau. Since retirement, Sorben has considered donating the mine to the county veterans and just recently gave it to the group as a gift.
As for the mine, the county veterans know little about the history or making of the mine mine.
“I wish I had all the answers about the mine, but I do not,” Wondrasek said. “We are presently researching the color of the mine. Our old navy vets tell me that the color of the mines back in World War II were either silver gray or navy gray. Once we know for sure, we will paint it.”
Wondrasek added the Bottineau County veterans are pleased to have been given the mine as a gift from Sorben.
“This is great,” Wondrasek said. “This is part of our history and is one great display item.”