Bob+Mullally

(Added June 22, 2010)

Bob Mullally

On the day of the 1972 flood, June 6, I was working in Pierre for then Governor Richard F. Kneip. He and I and two other people, with me driving a black Lincoln Continental provided by Harding Motors to the Governor. We completed the meeting at around 3:00 p.m. and left for Pierre. About half way back I looked in the side rear view mirror and commented to the group that I had never seen a cloud as black as the one hanging over the hills. By the time we arrived at the Governor's Mansion it had started to rain in the Hills. At approximately 8:00 p.m. calls were being made via phone and short wave radio to the Governor seeking his guidance as to how the Highway Patol and National Guard personel should respond because "It looked like things could get seriouse". The Governor said to handle it as they saw fit and to stay in constant contact with he, the Governor who also was Commander in Chief of the Guard and direct supervior of the Patrol. We really had no idea what was about to happen. The next day the Governor and his wife Nancy returned to the Hills to give what aid and comfort they could. Many. many lives were saved because the Guard and the Patrol responded immediately, however, three Guard members were lost and have yet to be found.