The Georgia guardsman [Vol. 9, no. 5 (Oct., Nov., Dec. 1959)]

Oct-Nov-Dec 1959
ConnnnanJ er=1 in=iChief
Dedicates Canton Armory

*************************************** ****

THE

ADJUTANT

GENERAL'S

GOVERNOR ERNEST VANDIVER

MESSAGE

MAJOR GENERAL GEORG E J. HEARN

Fellow Guardsmen : Let me toke this opportunity to wish all of you a most joyous holi-
day season. You hove served your State and your Notion well during the past year and hove earned again the respect of all Georgians for your devotion to duty .
In the coming year, the Notional Guard faces a challenge to increase its strength or face future cutbacks. I om sure t hot by now your unit commanders hove brought this fact to your attention, and I would like to odd my strong recommendation that you encourage your friends to join with you and other Georgia Notional Guardsmen in the service of your great State and Notion.
It is a proven fact that, in the lost analysis, it is you --the Guardsman - who keeps the Guard on its feet and on its toes, ready to perform its mission day or night. We all shore the responsibility of "Keeping Our Guard Up." Invite your buddies to attend on armory drill with you. Tell them about the Guard and its advantages. Let them observe your training and equipment. Take- them in to see your unit commander, and give them the opportunity to get on the Notional Guard team.
May all of you hove a safe and happy holiday season. In the new year, it is my fervent hope that you and your fomi ly wi II hove happiness and prosperity.

************************* *

-------------------------------------------------------------------THE GEORGIA GUARDSMAN
*******************
THE GEORGIA GUARDSMAN

Vol. 9 Oct, Nov, Dec 1959 No. 5

A publication of the Department of Defense, Military Division, State of Georgia. Published in the intere s t of the Georgia National Guard and di s tributed free to members of the Na tional Guard of Georgia. The Guardsman receives AFPS material.
Honorable Ernest Vandiver
Governor of Georgia
Major General George J. Hearn
The Adjutant General
MAJOR DOUGLAS EMBRY Editor
Publication and Editorial Office 959 E . Confederate Ave., S. E.,
Atlanta 16, Georgia
The opirrions ex pressed in the Geor gia Guardsman are those of the Staff Writers of the Publication and mem bers of the Georgia National Guard and do not necessarily reflect any official views of the Office of the
Adjutant General of Georgia.
*******************
Our Cover...
For the first time in the 10-year history of The Georgia Guordsman maga:z:ine, a color photograph adornes our front cover. The picture shows Governor Ernest Vandiver delivering his dedication address at ceremonies opening the new Canton armory. The printing was done on the Department of Defense press operated by Mr. Ben Ellington. Through the generous cooperation by Mr. J. E. Gibson, an Atlanta Lithographer, the color separation negatives were pre pared. Taking a major part in the intri cate color balance and layout technique was S/ Sgt Don Greer, 248th Signal Bn, who prepared the finished layouts and plates. The story and other photos of the armory dedication appear elsewhere in this edition. Color photo by Major
Doug Embry

OCT, NOV, DEC 1959

At the scene of the tragic Meldrim, Georgia, train disaster, two Georgia Air Nat ional Guardsmen assisted victims of the propane explosion, M/Sgt James A. Douglas checks his remaining medical supplies after treating victims for burns. Douglas is a medical technician of the 16Sth USAF Dispensary at Travis Field, Observing with two other volunteers, Capt. Aubrey Prosser, with white cap, was in the scene In the capacity of fire marshal of Hunter AFB. Prosser is production control officer of the 16Sth CAMRON. Meldrim is only twelve miles from Travis, The accident took 22
lives of bathers and picnicers on a holiday outing in July,

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My wormest holiday greetings to all Georgia Azmy and Air National Guardsmen. In this season of the year when we reflect upon our blessing s and turn our attention to the birt h of the Prince of Peace, Georgians can be thankful for the valuable service you are rendering your State and Nation.
With the advent of a new year, you can take pride in your past accomplishments. You have done an outstanding job in hurtling the obstacles of reorganization to t he Pentomic Concept. Your part in the defense mi ssion of the United State ~ has the full backing of all our ci t izens, and in behalf of them, I would like to pass along Georgia's appreciation for the job you are doing.
I t was my privilege to visit with you at your encompnents this past S\.ll'lller, and I was inspired with your performances. I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your hospitality during my enlightening visits.
I am aware of the fact that our National Guard strengt h require s a new surge of enlistments, but I am confident that you will meet the challenge successfully as you have in the past.
Your constant vigilance and devotion to duty help t o provide the warm feeling of security that your families and all other free people enjoy during this Yuletide season. Each of you can be proud that your part in the overall defense of t his security is an important one. Without the individual effort s of every man in the Georgia National Guard, this great team could not function effectively, and the defense of our freedoms would be weakened .
May you and your l oved ones have a very merry Christmas and a most happy New Year.
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THE GEORGIA GUARDSMAN---------------------------------------------------------------

HISTORIC DOCUMENTS
Gov Vandiver, Gens Ruffner, Wilson Lend Flavor To Georgia Guard Association's 1959 Convention

The flavor of the past pervaded the gay atmosphere in and around Au-

gusta's Bon Air Hotel September 12-13 as some 450 officers of the Georgia

Army and Air National Guard met for the annual convention of the National

Guard Association of Georgia. Historic documents, orders of
the first Adjutants General and

* * * Governor Ernest Vandiver, prin-

records of early militia organiza- cipal speaker at the Saturday night

tions were on display in the hotel banquet, told the officers and their

lobby in the first public exhibit of guests that he had marked his 11th

Georgia's military archives. Spon- consecutive year with the National

s ored by the association, the dis- Guard at its summer encampments.

play was set up by Mrs. Mary

"From my vantage point, on four

Bryan, Director of the State Depart- separate Governor's Days, I had an

ment of Archives and History. opportunity to observe your accom-

Col. Edward J. Mackey was plishments and to discuss with sev-

elected President-elect, and Col. eral of you and your men the prob-

Wyont B. Bean assumed the office lems encountered in this reorgani-

of President of the associ- zation," the Governor said in

ation.

reference to the recent shift to the

Newly elected Vice-presidents pentomic concept.

were 'Major Tom 'Luck, Jr., Capt.

"I am extremely gratified," he

Wilmot B. Ouzts, and Major Henry said, "that the undertaking is pro-

J. Chandler. Major Ben L. Kersey gressing smoothly and without

was re-elected Secretary-Treasurer. major difficulties."

Outgoing President Bernard M.

After pointing out the necessity

Davey and Capt. Paul Stone were for the maintenance of a strong Nat-

named to the Board of Directors. ional Guard and his recent efforts

2

to strengthen the Guard's position (by making the key National Guard address at the annual Conference of Governors), the Chief Executive concluded:
"Your State Administration is proud of you. The people of Georgia are proud of you. The people of America look to you and your counterparts in other states as a source of protection in time of peril.' '
"Gentlemen, I salute you as guardians of our free dom. "
"And I salute your wives and the members of your families for their understanding and appreciation of the sacrificies you are making to preserve the sacred heritage of our beloved country."
Lt. Governor Garland T. Byrd,-an ac tive Guardsman, was also present with Mrs. Byrd but did not address his fellow Guardsmen.
Key addresses during the Saturday afternoon business session were given by Lt. General Clark L. Ruffner, Commanding General of the
OCT, NOV, DEC 1959

THE GEORGIA GUARDSMAN

GOVERNOR ERNEST VANDIVER

MAJ. GEN. WINSTON P. WILSON

LT. GENERAL CLARKE L. RUFFNER

Third United States Army, Major General Winston P. Wilson, Deputy Chief, NGB, and Major General George J. Hearn, Georgia's Adjutant General.
***
General Ruffner, departing from a prepared speech, told the officers that he had had the opportunity to observe the 48th Armored Division at Fort Stewart recently. Referring to the readiness of the division, he said "Give me the 48th for one month, and I'll take them into combat against anybody, anywhere." A burst of applause erupted from the officers after this statement.
The Third Army commander, pointing out the necessity for today's Army to be an immediately ready, mobile striking force, said "If we are to meet these objectives efficiently and successfully, the National Guard will and must play an important role as an integral and coequal part of the Army and Air Force. A properly organized, well-equipped, thoroughly trained and immediately available National Guard, to come to the assistance of the relatively small force of active services, is a necessity if our basic military policy is to produce satisfactory results."
General Ruffner continued: "Our National Guard units are in being. Their location, strength, and status are of as common knowledge to potential aggressors as they are to our allies. It is important that we
let friend and foe alike see that our
OCT, NOV, DEC 1959

National Guard is ready to bring the force of its organizations to bear immediately in the event of any national emergency."
***
General Wilson, speaking earlier at the Saturday session, said the 158th Fighter Interceptor Squadron of the Ga ANG will join the nation's Air Defense alert system on 1 January 1960. Pointing out the value of the ANG program, the Air Guard Chief said ANG pilots flew some 4,500 jet hours in nuclear testing and cloud sampling. Our pilots also fly test missions to evaluate our radar surveillance and reaction capability.
In concluding, General Wilson unequivocally denied that the advent of pushbutton warfare would make the reserve forces obsolete. He said:
"The Reserve Forces -- especially the Army and Air National Guard -- have a greater and more responsible role to play in both the tactical and strategical planning of our defense leader than ever before in our history.
"We won't ever take the place of the active Army and Air Force but we're here to stay as integral, first-line components of the active forces preparing and prepared to take our places beside them should the balloon ever go up again."
***
General Hearn in his annual report told the officers that all units

should get up to maximum authorized strength. "We must meet the requirements of the program we fought for," he emphasized. The Adjutant General pointed out that Georgia units are not meeting their six months quotas. Quoting Governor Vandiver, the Adjutant General said, "The National Guard, as our first line of defense, must be maintained. Reduction is detrimental to national defense."
***
General Bernard M. Davey, as Association President, thanked his committees for their help during the year and expressed his concern over the legislative program, ROP A ammendments and other problems facing the Guard. He said that the year had been an active one for the Guard Association and cited the dedication of the National Guard Association Memorial Building as an example of the progress made. General Davey thanked the Adjutant General and his officers for assist ance rendered the Association and said that the Association would remain dedicated to the maintenance of the National Guard at its rightful place in the defense posture of the United States.
Major Tom Luck, Chairman of the Committee on Finance, reported that the Association had over $5,600 in the till as of 31 Aug!fst with an anticipated expenditure of $2,729 for expenses incurred at the convention.
(Continued on next page)
3

THE GEORGIA GUARDSMAN

He recommended that $1,5 00 of the operating fund be transferred to the savings account so that the Associ ation could receive income from the interest, The Committee recommen ded that a maximum of $2,000 be set aside by the Association for future conferences and suggested that the registration fees be adjusted so that the annual meetings will be less costly to the Association regardless of the location at which the meeting is held. The Committee report was adopted.
***
Colonel Charles S. Thompson, USPF&O for Georgia, said that the National Guard had a most success ful year in regard to materiel, comp troller, and construction matters. He said that 99.5 per cent of the funds available to the USPF&O had been expended and credited the cooperation of the units for making it possible. He said that similar prospects would prevail for Army and Air for fiscal year 1960. Colonel Thompson said three organizational maintenance shops were erected at a cost of $25,000 each and the re mainder of the shops are scheduled for construction soon.
***
Colonel William Wrigley, Chair man of the Committee on History, introduced Colonel Thomas J. Moran who gave the officers a resume of facts he had collected concerning the history of the National Guard. In his research Colonel Moran unearthed many interesting and humerous in cidents which he related in some detail to the officers.
Mrs. Mary Bryan, State Historian, was introduced to the delegation and said that Georgia is rich in mili tary lore. Mrs. Bryan, who brought many interesting volumes of early militia records to Augusta, made an appeal for new housing for the ancient documents. She pointed out that the State has 20,000 cubic feet of historical records which need temperature and humidity control. Showing the officers slides made in the ancient Archives Building, Mrs. Bryan pointed out areas in which the building was in need of repair. She pointed out that the records shoukl be microfilmed, but first she said there should be some system of records management which would allow proper recording of the price less documents.

EXAMINING THE RECORD OF GEORGIA'S FIRST ADJUTANT GENERA L ARE LEFT TO RIGHT, GENERAL FLYNN, GENERAL HEARN, GOVERNOR VA NDI .'
VER, GENERAL DAVEY AND COLONEL THOMAS J. MORAN

A report by the State Public In formation Officer, Major Douglas Embry, gave the officers a brief re sume of the wealth of information that has flowed from press, radio and television media concerning the Nat ional Guard. Major Embry urged the officers to capitalize on this publi city which he termed the most favor able in many years, and maintain the high degree of respect which Guard units hold in their various communi ties.
Colonel Donald E. Mees, Executive Officer of the Military Division State Department of Defense, reporting on the Association Building Fund said that all obligations had been met and a surplus remains in the Association treasury.
Brigadier General James C. Grizzari:l, Headquarters, Georgia National Guard Chief of Staff, said that all resolutions adopted by the Asso dation Building Fund said that all resolutions adopted by the Associ ation last year had been made law.
Lt. Col. John Hancock, Chairman of the By-Laws Committee, re commended the following changes:
1. Include Lt. Governor as honorary member of NGA.
2. That a Committee on Continu icy be added to the eight other standing committees.
3. That the Chairman of the Committee on Continuity be included on the Board of Directors.

4. That representatives on the Nominating Committee come from Air National Guard, Division, Antiaircraft and Signal (with the Signal space substituting for one previously allocated to the disbanded 160th Armor Group.)

***

Colonel W. H. Kelly, Chairman of

Time and Place Committee, said

that Savannah would be the location

of the 1960 annual conference.

Colonel Wesley D. Willingham,

Chairman of the Resolution

Committee, proposed the follo wing

resolutions:

1. Retirement program for full-

time National Guard employ

ees. (The Committee was

appointed to petition through

the Adjutant General for state

action of this matter.)

2. That the Legislative Committ

ee confer with Governor Van

diver for the purpose of ex-

pediting the 1958 General

Assembly

recommendatioo

that a new building to house

Sta te historical documents be

constructed.

3. That Association President

convey to Governor Vandiver

the Associatio 's vote of con-

fidence for his message to the

Annual Conference of Gover-

nors concerning the National

Guard.

OCT, NOV, DEC 1959

--------------------------------------------------------------------THE GEORGIA GUARDSMAN

LADIES HAVE A LUNCHEON PRIOR TO PLAYING BRIDGE SATURDAY AFTERNOON

COL. BEAN, SEATED, DISCUSSES 1960 PLANS WrrH NEW OFFICERS, L-R, COL. MACKEY (PRES. ELECT), MAJORS
CHANDLER, LUCK AND KERSEY

Resolutions four and five conveyed appreciation to Major Beckum and Colonel Twiggs for hospitality to National Guardsmen during the conconvention.
Retired Lt. General Patrick E. Seawright, Chairman of the Committ-

ee on Continuity, recommended that names of retired officers who desire to maintain their affiliation with the National Guard be forwarded to the Association's Secretary. At this point, Brig. Gen. Charlie F. Camp, Assistant Adjutant General for Army,

said that if an officer retires, he may pay $50.00 as lifetime dues to the National Association.
After the installation of officers, Colonel Wyont Bean, president, addressed the group and promptly adjourned the 1959 convention.

CANTON'S '59 MD CAMPAIGN NETS $2,700

by Gene Mikell
Ninety-nine men, six officers and one civilian plus thousands of warm hearted Cherokee Countians pooled their efforts and went over the top in the drive for funds to help wage war against the dread killer Muscular Dystrophy. During the month of November, in a series of planned drives, the men and officers of Company C, 2nd Medium Tank Battalion, 108th Armor, 48th Armored Division 1n Canton, Georgia raised $2,700 for Muscular Dystrophy. For the third year in a row Captain L. Wallace Allred, is expected to lead not only the State of Georgia but the entire United States.
In the past two years, the Canton. Guardsmen have collected more money in their county per capita than any other unit in the nation. In 1957 they collected $1,545 and in 1958 they boosted their receipts to $1,865. Both of these figures calculated on a per capita basis in Cherokee County led the nation.
The Guardsmen were assisted by Assistant Cherokee County Agent Ray Scott who solicited donations for the 1959 drive from Cherokee

County business establishments. The Guardsmen, on three successive Saturdays in November, set up road blocks. Motorists were asked to con-
tribute to MD. Wh en motorists made their donations, they were given stickers signifying their contributions. Some $2,100 was collected in this manner. In addition 210 MD coin cannisters were placed in Canton business offices to swell the figure. Officers in the Canton unit rounded out the total to $2,700.
Cherokee County Cltlzens were made aware of the public service drive through the cooperation of Can-

ton's station WCHK and the North Georgia Tribune which carried stories on the drive regularly through-
out the solicitation month of November.
When the final figures are tallyed at the headquarters of the Muscular Dystrophy Association of America in New York, it is anticipated that the Canton Guardsmen will retain their title as top MD fund collector in the nation. On the basis of past performances Captain Allred has challenged all other Guard units in the. State to out-collect Company C during the 1960 Muscular Dystrophy drive.

CONTRIBUTORS TO MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY IN CANTON STOP AT KEY INTERSECTIONS TO BOOST CHEROKEE COUNTY DONATIONS.

OCT , NOV, DEC 1959

5

THE GEORGIA GUARDSMAN - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

M-48 tank of the 2nd Medl um Tank
Battalion and troop of Company C concentrate their fire to 1how 1pectators the fire power an armored company can
mu1ter.

With his hands on the trigger Governor Vandiver gets the feel of o .SO caliber machine gun from the turret of a M-48 tonk as Captain Allred gives the Go ve rnoro
quick ride around the Armory to demonstrate Company C' s power and mobili ty.

FIREPOWER DEMONSTRATION, GOV'S TALK FEATURE CANTON ARMORY DEDICATION

A colorful fire power demonstration and a dedication speech by Governor Ernest Vandiver were among the many outstanding highlights at the dedication of Canton's new National Guard Armory September 27th. Among the other features which gave thousands of Cherokee County spec tators a look at the Armory and the armament of Com pany C, 2nd Medium Tank Battalion, 108th Armor, were a display of military equipment, a fly over by two Air National Guard F-86 Saber jets and the music of the Air Guard's 530th Air Force Band. In addition, a luncheon was held by Captain L. W, Allred and his unit in honor of Governor and Mrs. Vandiver. At the luncheon the Gover nor received souvenirs of his visit to Canton from local
manufa~turers .
* * * In his address to the Guards
men and other citizens of Cherokee County plus a large delegation of v1s1tors, Governor Vandiver said, "This Armory is a modern symbol of the strength and readiness of the National Guard. While our attention has been turned recently toward the moon and the earth's first contact with that lunar body, we must not fail to recognize the value of our citizen soldiers who are today back ing up our active armed forces with trained men, modern arms and equip ment.''
The Governor pointed out that, "It is particularly fitting that Can ton Guardsmen are now housed in beautiful new structure, for they

have consistently maintained a hig h degree of combat readine ss." The
Guard's Commander-in-Chief cited Company C's record of being the outstanding unit in its battalion and having received superior ratings at field training and during last year's federal inspection. He also commended Company C for its ex cellent community relations program , particularly pointing out the work it has done in behalf of Muscular Dystrophy.
After the address Major General
George J. Hearn, the Adjutan t Gen
eral of Georgia, officially turned over the keys of the Armory to Cap tain Allred who expressed his appre dation for the Adjutant General, and his Senior Commander.
To conclude the dedication cere monies Captain Allred and Guard s men of Company C put on a color ful fire power demonstration fe atur ing M-48 tanks firing blank ammu nition, platoon of fast-moving troops demonstrating . the mobility of the armored personnel carrier, a fly-over by L - 19's and other modern military tactics. Lt. Col. Horace T. Clary, Commander, 2nd Medium Tank Battal ion, described the action as it took place on the field below the new Canton Armory.

6

OCT, NOV, DEC 1959

,
----------------------------------------------------------------------THE GEORGIA GUARDSMAN

Waynesboro Guardsmen observe the first closed-circuit telecast from Fort Gordon 30 Nov as they get information from signal instructors at the remote installation. The Guardsmen were able ta question the instructors by means of a special
hookup. ( Photo by Frank J. Christian, Jr.}
NATION'S FIRST!

Georgia National Guardsmen of the 110th and 111th Signal
Battalions were briefed on the operation of television equip ment at Fort Gordon's television studios during summer
camp.

CLOSED-CIRCUIT TELECASTS BEAMED,TO 111th SIG BN Closed circuit telecasts to Geor
gia Guardsmen were inqugurated at

Fort Gordon November 30th with

live and video tape messages trans

mit ted to the National Guard Armory

in Waynesboro. The telecast marked

the first time that National Guards-

men in the United States received

instructions by television from a re

mote military installation.

Guardsmen of Company B, 1llth

Signal Battalion in Waynesboro,

received two hours of video instruc

tions from signal experts located 25 miles away at Fort Gordon.
A video tape made a few hours earlier at Fort Gordon by Brig. Gen.

General Hearn decorates Colonel Fettig with the Distinctive Service Medal before television cameras as the first closed circuit telecast is inaugurated to Nationa I Guard units of the 111th Signal Battalion. At left is General Gibbs and right is Col-
onel Jack G. Johnson, Commander of the 102nd Signal Depot .

David P. Gibbs, Commanding General of the Signal Training Center, and by Major General George J. Hearn, the Adjutant General of Georgia, was

Commanding Officer of the Army Signal Unit Training Group, was pre sented the State's highest award, the

Distinctive Service Medal. General Hearn made the presentation as part of the video ceremonies.

transmitted to the Waynesboro

Guardsmen at the beginning of their

regular training period at 7:30 p.m.

General Gibbs said this was the

first such training for Guardsmen i.n

the United States. The telecasts

are to be expanded to National Guard

armories in Augusta, Louisville and

Sandersville. "Plans also call for

this training by television to be furn-

ished National Guard signal units in

Savannah and Brunswick," he said.

General Hearn commended Gen-

eral Gibbs and his staff who have

assisted the Guard signal units in their training since the Georgia Guard was reorganized July 1, 1959.. For his "invaluable assistance and

Major Garland T. Byrd, left, Lieutenant Governor of Georgia, takes his first jet ride in a T33 jet trainer at Robbins Air Farce Base September 26th , Major Byrd was at Robbins Air Force Base on a speaking engagement when he was invited ta take a ride in the speedy jet. He was flown by Captain

advice" Colonel John J. Fettig,

Robert G. Bell, right.

OCT , NOV, DEC 1959

7

THE GEORGIA GUARDSMAN --------------------------------------------------------------------------_,-----------------------------------------------------------------------THE GEORG/A GUARDSMAN .

The Joint Defense Committee was briefed by General Hearn in the Adjutant General's office. Shown clockwise starting at left are Brigadier General Homer Flynn, Rep. Floyd, Brigadier General Charlie F. Camp, Colonel Charles S. Thompson, Lt. Col. Earl Bodron, Rep. Ingle, Rep. Summers, Senator
Clary, Major Ralph Brown, and General Hearn.

Legislators take ride in 155 MM self-propelled howitzer. Left ta right are Maj or Ralph Brown, Major General George J. Hearn, Senator Cla ry, Rep. Floyd, Rep. Summers, Rep. Ingle
and CWO Woody.

Explaining the operation of a radar console of his 117th AC & W Flight, Lt. Col. Creighton L. Rhodes, right, briefs State Legislators and Brigadier General Bernard M. Davey,
116th Fighter Interceptor Wing Commander. In the group are left to right, Senator Clary, Rep. Ingle, Senator Watson and
Rep. Floyd.

Examining_ a 90 MM gun in front of the Winder armory are left to right, Senator Clary, Rep. Floyd, Rep. Summers, General
Hearn, and Rep. Ingle.

Observing the spotlessly clean kitchen fa cilities of the 165th Fighter Group, the state officials recall long-gon e KP days in much less modern surroundings. The officials were escorted on the T ravis Field tour by, left to right, Major W. P. Rams-
den, Brig. Gen. B. M. Davey and Col. W. H. Kelly.

Capt. Patterson "flies" the F-86 Flight Simulator an a radar interception mission to show the legislators how an Air Guard jet pilot can detect a target, fly within range and shoot it down without taking his head out of the cockpit.

Fast-paced, Fact-finding Tour of Guard Facilities Given State Defense Committeemen

The State Department of Defense was host to members of the General Assembly in November for the second annual tour of facilities of the Army and Air National Guard within the State.
Members of the Interim Committee on Defense and Veterans' Affairs, chairmanned by Mr. James H. Floyd of Chattooga County, began theirfactfinding tour with a visit to the office of the Adjutant General 23 November 1959.
The joint Committee was composed of Senator H. Eulond Clary, Thomson, Chairman of the Senate Committee; Senator Charles C. Smith, St. Marys; and Senator C. P. Watson, Concord.
In addition to Chairman Floyd, members of the House of Representatives included Representatives Buford Ingle, Resaca; Marvin Summers, Cordele; and Harry Magoon, Hartwell.
Following a briefing by Major General George J. Hearn and his Staff, the group was given a tour of the National Guard Reservation. The legislators were treated to a quick ride in a 155 SP howitzer before leaving for Winder
B

for a stopover with the 108th Artillery Brigade. General Hearn, host for this visitation to his own command, showed them the Brigade armory and associated facilities. After the tou r, the group boarded an ANG C-47 for the next leg of the journey to Savannah and Travis Field. Host for the ANG tour was Briga dier General Homer Flynn, Assistant Adjutant General for Air.
During the morning of the 24th, Brigadier General Bernard M. Davey, Colonel Ralph G. Kuhn, and Colonel ~illiam H. Kelly conducted a briefing on the tactical mission of the 165t h Air Defense Group. This was followed by a tour of facilities of the Group and the Permanent Field Training Site.
General Davey, Commander, 116th F ighter Interceptor Wing, as host outlined the ANG overall air defen se mi!.':>ion and explained tactics andstrategy. Captain Ben Patterson of the 158th Figh ter Interceptor Squadron,. demonstrating the F -86 flight simulator, conduc ted a hypothetical scramble and interception above 35,000 feet. The Solon s were impressed by the simulated mission and the intricate electron ic equipment operated by Captain Patterson.
Later in the a ternoon, the Georgia Statesmen visited the 117th AC& W Flight area, located in southeast Savannah. The 117t h is commanded by Lt.

OCT, NOV, DEC 1959

OCT, NOV, DEC 1959

Col. Creighton L. Rhodes, who explained the flight's operating facilities and electronic equipment. Of especial interest to the group were the elaborate radar scanning and search scopes used by the 117th .
On Wednesday, 25 November, the party was flown to Dobbins Air Force Base where the legislators were guests of the 32d Air Division (SAGE), USAF. During the thirty minute visit to the Division's combat center, the Division Commander, Brigadier General William H. Wise, and his staff explained operation of the center, its purpose and its relation to augmentation forces, such as the 116th Fighter Interceptor Wing, Georgia ANG.
To conclude the tour, the well-indoctrinated statesmen returned to Headquarters of the 116th for a briefing on the overall operation of the Georgia ANG by General Davey and some of his staff officers.
Showing keen interest in their tour, the legislators expressed concern over a number of the major problems confronting the Guard. Suggestions and recommendations were offered by Chairman Floyd and Senator Clary regarding the matter of Army and Air Technician retirement.
9

THE GEORGIA GUARDSMAN - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- -

** 1959 AWARDS AND DECORATIONS

1. Gov&rnor Vandiver congratulates

Warrant Officer Fred H. Word, Jr., of

Albany's 2nd Armd Rifle Bn, 121st lnf,

who received the state's highest award,

the Distinctive Service Medal, for his

outstanding service to the Notional

Guard.

2. Captain Mickle Wolff, Commander of

T ifton's Company C, 1st Armored Rifle

Battalion, 121st Infantry, of the Georgia

Notional Guard, receives the Governor's

Trophy, .30 caliber Rifle M-1, from

Governor Vandiver.

3, Governor Vandiver presents awards

to, left to right, (Ward) (Wolff); Captain

Perc)" C. Andrews, Jr., Thomasville's

B/ 4/108 Marksmanship Plaque; 1st Lt.

St. Clair L. Solvont, Atlanta's 48th M P Co, Division Pistol Chomps.

1

2

4. Major General George J. Hearn pre-

sents Captain Robert L. Stevens, CCB,

the Small Bore Rifle Trophy.

5. Captain Lewis C. Varnedoe, comman

der of Rome's Co A, 2nd Medium Tank

Battalion, 108th Armor, won the Adju

tant General's Trophy for his unit hav-

ing the Best Supply and Orderly Room

in the division. Presentation was made

by Governor Yond iver.

6. Mrs. Louise Shell presents Captain

L. B. Greer, Co A, 2nd Armd Rifle Bn,

121st lnf, with the Captain Shell M-1

Markmanshlp Trophy.

7. Lt. Governor Garland T . Byrd pre

sents Captain Robert L. Stevens with the

Hudson Trophy which was won by Head-

quarters Company, Combat Command "B'' .

3

4

8. Mrs. C. L. McKenna presents Lt

Robert C. Crosby, Company B, 4th Medi

um Tank Battalion, 108th Armor, the

IMcKenna Trophy for carbine proficiency. 9. Brigadier General Charlie F. Camp presents SFC Claude Belcher, Head-

quarters Company, 2nd Armd Rifle Bn,

121 st lnf, Sergeant Edge Trophy for

pistol marksmanship.

10. Brigadier General Bernard M. Dovey

presents M/ Sgt Grover C. Deriso, Head-

quarte rs, 4th Medium Tank Battalion,

108th Armor, a plaque for his unit hov

ing th e best supply and orderly room.

11. Major General George J . Hearn pre

sents Sgt Robert Bridgeman, Head-

quarters Company, CCB, award for Head

quarters Company winning the State Small Bore championship competition

5

within Combat Command "B".

12. 1st Lt William T. Esco is shown

wi th th e Eisenhower Trophy which he

as Commanding Officer accepted for

Headquarters Battery 108th Artillery Brigade. It marked the fourth consecu

tive tim e that Lt Esco's unit had won

the award from the Notional Guard

Bureau for being the best unit in the State.

13. Lt Governor Garland T. Byrd is

congratulating Guardsmen of Augusta's

1s t Gun Bn, for winning

the non

divisional carbine championship.

I 14. Winners of the Gov's Trophy in the .45 caliber pistol competition were, left

to ri ght, Lt. Col. Earl Bodron, Major

Robert Warren, Lt John Rainer, and

j S/ Sgt Solomon Sosebee of the 878th Engr Bn.

7

8

OCT, NOV, DEC 1959

10

11

12

13

Guard, CD Gird for Gracie

A standby force of Georgia National Guardsmen from the southeastern portion of the State were ready for action in September when hurricane Gracie roared toward the Georgia coast near Savannah. The 120 m. p. h. winds turned sharply northward after approaching Savannah and entered South Carolina, but National Guard and Civil Defense forces were ready for any eventuality.
Even though the heart of the hurricane missed Georgia, winds were strong enough in Savannah to blow down telephone and power lines. Six generators from National Guard units located in Savannah, Statesboro, Waynesboro, Swainsboro, Lyons and Reidsville were rushed to Savannah to provide power for hospitals. Another generator was delivered to Florence, South Carolina from the Guard in Augusta.
The 25 F-86-L Saber Jets, Air National Guard, based at Travis
OCT, NOV, DEC 1959

14
Field were evacuated to safer ground. During the two-day emergency, National Guard and Civil Defense radio communication networks assisted in the delivery of emergency messages to State and local agencies during the storm. 1be 30 kilowatt generators loaned by the National Guard to the stricken areas are normally used to supply power to 90MM aircraft guns of the 108th Artillery Brigade.
11

THE GEORGIA GUARDSMAN---------------------------------------------------------------------
Separate ANG Unit Encampments

Decorating the dining hall of the 129th AC&W Squad ron dur in g field training at Camp Breckenridge, Ky., is Dixie Collins, who left her job in the Supply Office long enough to boost the mora"le of, 1-r, A I/ C Franklin Sligh, A3/ C Raymond
Sutherland and A3/ C Thomas R. Green .

St. Simon's 224th Radio Relay Squadron, Ga ANG, held their two weeks field training at Rosyln Air National Guard Station, Long Island, N. Y., completing their practical trammg 7 August. Spread over 4 states, the 224th provided communi cations between Rosyln ANGS and Otis AFB, Mass. with radio relay sites located in parts of Conn. and Rhode Island.
The unit was operational for approximately 98.5% of field train ing handling traffic for other units. It would have been approximately 99 8% if a "Yankee" outfit had not "goofed" on their parallelcircuit to one the 224th installed, according to a prejudiced islander.

Prior to their departure for summer training at Ft. Campbell, Ky., airmen of Savannah's 117th AC&W Flight folded up their radar equipment for the journey to the Blue Grass State. The intricate equipment is constructed in such a manner that

it can be collapsed in a relatively short period of time and moved to another location. Brig. Gen. James C. Gr izzard, left, visited with 117th commander, Lt. Col. Creighton L. Rhodes before departure and visited the unit later in Ke ntucky.

Guardsmen of Macon's 202nd Communications Maintenance Squadron are working on highly technical radio and radar equip ment at Robins AFB where they were on active duty. Working on navagational equipment in the nose of a C-130 are, 1-r,
T / Sgt Charles H. Kill)ball, S/ Sgt Willie J. Pate, S/ Sgt James

E. Hall and A2/ C Herbert R. Ledden, all Robins AFB empl oy ees. At right, A2/ C Jackie Bush and T / Sgt Kimball ch eck airborne electronics equipment. Other detachments received training in such remote areas as Griffis AFB, Rome, N.Y. , and Keesler AFB, Miss. The 202nd had 16 officers and 240 a irmen
on duty.

12

OCT, NOV, DEC 1959

-------------------------------------------------------------------THE GEORGIA GUARDSMAN

GOVERNOR VANDIVER DEDICATES THE SANDERSVILLE ARMORY, AT LEFT, AND CAPTAIN WILMOT B. OUTZ,

COMPANY COMMANDER, ADDRESSES SANDERSVILLE CITIZENS.

Sandersville Armory 1s Dedicated

With a keynote address by Governor Ernest Vandiver, the music of the 48th Armored Division band, the traditional turning over of armory keys to the commander and climaxed by a free barbecue, Sandersville's Georgia National Guard armory was dedicated July 10, 1959.
As some 1,000 Citizens of Washington County gathered outside the $110,000 armory, Governor Vandiver said "This armory is a modern symbol of the strength and readiness of the National Guard. It symbolizes also the spirit of free men who more than three centuries ago formed into small bands of militia forces in defense of their homes in the wilderness -- a wilderness that has become the greatest and most powerful country the world has ever known."
He said "The National Guard must continue to be firmly welded into the nation's security plans. It must continue to be an irreplaceable component of our defense establishment, for in time of emergency it is the only defense force in being that can be counted upon to step into the breech and protect our country's security."
Citing the new role of Georgia Guardsmen in the field of communications, Governor Vandiver told the audience "That Sandersville was selected to furnish personnel for a National Guard organization of this nature is a tribute to the competence your local Guardsmen have demonstrated in the performance of their military duties."

The Governor was introduced by Major Tom Carr.
Following the Governor's address, Major General George J. Hearn presented the keys to the armory to Capt. Wilmot B. Ouzts, commander of the Sandersville Company, recently changed to Company A (Wire Operations), 111th Signal Battalion.
In presenting the keys to Capt. Ouzts, General Hearn charged him with the responsibility of maintaining the armory in the service of the community.
Capt. Ouzts expressed his appreciation to those who had made the armory possible and invited local citizens to come in and look over the new armory.
Mrs. Otis C. Malcom, Jr. pins on the new gold bar as her husband is commissioned as Second Lieutenant of Armor, Georgia Army Notional Guard. Lt. Malcom is assigned as Liaison Officer in Macon's Combat Command "B" and has the full-time position as Stoff Assistant for Training. He is a graduate of the NG OCS at Ft. Benning.

OCT, NOV, DEC 1959

WAR ON MD BEGUN
Fatique-clad Georgia Guardsmen throughout the State participated in the November Muscular Dystrophy March for funds to mark the third straight year the Guard has "declared war" on the fatal disease.
In door-to-door canvasses, road blocks and cannister solicitations, the Guardsmen joined forces with other organizations and individuals to bring in financial support for research and cure of the dread killer.
Major General George J. Hearn was named State March Chairman of the MD fund drive for 1959. Coach Wally Butts of the University of Georgia, State Campaign Chairman, said "With his outstanding ability for orgamzmg large groups, and his great interest in aiding suffering mankind, I know of no one better qualified than General Hearn for this ~ post."
NG TO GET POLIO SHOTS
Polio shots are being added to the routine immunizations required of all Army National Guardsmen. Under a new change to the Medical Service regulation, NGR 62, the schedule of initial shots calls for the second to be given at least four weeks after the first, followed by a third at least seven months later.
Vaccinations of personnel aged 40 and over will be on a voluntary basis. Also booster shots will be given only to personnel who are going overseas more than a year after completing the basic series.
13

THE GEORGIA GUARDSMAN

Major Thomason, left, receives a plaque from Major Patsios in retirement ceremonies at Dobbins AFB. In the photo at right are officers and airmen who have served with Major Thomason since the organization of the 129th (with the exception of Major Patsios). They are, left to right, kneeling, Captain Thomas Burns, Major George J. Patsios, Major Wal-

ter H. Thomason, Jr., Captain Robert L. Robinson, Jr., Captain Curtis Walker, and M/ Sgt Roy Largin. Back row, left to right, are Warrant Officer Lynn S. Elliott, Capta in lvers~n Copeland, Lieutenant Ben J. Hash, Lieutenant Wa rren Mont-
gomery, M/ Sgt Lockland, and Captain C. K. "Pete" Cross.

Maior Walter H. Thomason, Jr. Retires

Major George J. Patsios has assumed the command of the 129th AC&W Squadron, Ga ANG, at Dobbins Air Force Base, replacing Major Walter H. Thomason, Jr. who has retired.
Major Thomason who commanded the 129th since its organization 13 October 1952, has been a Guardsmen since 1935. Prior to World War II, he was a member of the 122nd Infantry Regiment and the 179th Field Artillery. Called to active duty in 1942, Major Thomason joined the Aviation Cadets and graduated from Pilot School in 1943. As a member of the 8th Air Force, Major Thomason flew 34 combat missions in the famed B-17 flying fortress and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal with four oak leaf clusters and four battle stars for missions over enemy-held Europe.
Soon after the war he returned to Georgia and again became active with the National Guard. As a member .of the 154th AC&W Group, Major Thomason was inducted into active duty in 1951 for a year of training at Sewart Air Force Base, Tennessee. He was then transferred to French Morocco to set up a radar network.
Upon his retirement, Major Thomason was awarded the State of Georgia Service Medal and was presented a handsome mahogany and silver plaque by the officers and men of his squadron.

Major P,atsios, who presented Major Thomason the plaque, entered the Army Air Corps in 1942 and was trained in radio and radar operation and maintenance. A veteran of the landing on Omaha Beach in Normandy, he was awarded the Bronze Star and five battle stars during his combat in Europe.
After the war he joined the Illinois National Guard and was called to active duty with the 126th AC&W Squadron and was assigned to the 35th Air Division, Dobbins AFB, where he served as communications and electronics officer until August, 1953. An employee of the American Telephone Company, he was later transferred to Atlanta from Illinois and joined the 129th.
CRASH AREA GUARDED
A detail of Guardsmen from Company B, 2nd Howitzer Battalion, 118th Artillery, located in Jesup were assigned to guard the site of a crashed Florida Air National Guard F86 jet aircraft in November when it crashed in Wayne County. Guardsmen under the supervision of Captain William C. Parker were commended by Major General Mark W. Lance, the Adjutant General of Florida, for their efficiency in protecting sightseers from the dangerous area which was strewn with lethal rockets.

GIRL AIDED BY ANG
Governor Ernest Vandiver authorized the use of an Air National Guard C-47 to fly a 10-year-old Smyrna girl to Minneapolis September 30th for an emergency heart operation.
The Air National Guard plane was met at the Minneapolis-St. Paul airport by Shriners who rushed the stricken girl to the University of Minnesota Hospital for the delicate operation to prolong her life. The mission was flown by Major Billy J. Burgess, Headquarters, 116th Fighter Interceptor Wing.
Peggy Sue Abercrombie, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Paul Abercrombie of Smyrna, was suffering from a hole in her heart.
Financial sponsors of the operation, the Kennesaw Shrine Club, were assisted by Locals 10 and 4 of the United Auto Workers. The Shriners have said they would underwrite the cost of the surgery whatever it might be.
TROOP B DRAGS RIVE R
Guardsmen of Douglasville's Troop B, 1st Reconnaisance Squadron, lOBth Armor, participated in a sear..:h for a drowned Douglas County farmer in the Chattahoochee River in late November. Also in the search were Civil Defense units from Douglas County, Smyrna, Red Oak, Villa Rica, Carrollton, Cartersville, and College Park. A Covington rescue unit was credited with finding the body of the 69 year old Amos B. Newburn after a five-day search.

OCT, NOV, DEC 1959

---------------------------------THE GEORGIA GUARDSMAN

Hart Promoted Twice

For First Lieutenant Edwin

Hart, the 18th of November 1959

will always be a memorable date.

On that date, Lt Hart became a

new father for the first time, and

was also promoted to the grade of

Captain.

Hart joined the National Guard

as a Private in June of 1949, and

was a member of the 48th Division

Band. During the five years he was

a member of the Band, he rose to

the grade of Sergeant and became

a section leader of the trumpet

section. During this time, he was

also a student at Mercer University

and was participating in the Ad-

vanced R. 0. T. C. program.

General Hearn, right foreground, briefs senior commanders on new strength require-

Graduating from Mercer, he was

ments at state headquarters armory in Atlanta.

commissioned Second Lieutenant of

Artillery and entered active duty.

OFFICERS GET WORD ON STRENGTH

Completing the Field Artillery Basic Officer Course at Fort Still,

The "Buddy System" was extolled as the best method for getting recruits at the November 20th Con ference called by the Adjutant Gen eral in Atlanta.
Major General George J. Hearn, expressing grave concern at dipping strength figures, warned Senior Commanders and Staff Assistants present tbat units unable to meet
strength requirements may lose their federal recognition.
Showing graphs of present and projected strength figures, General Hearn told the officers that "the monkey is on your backs." He point ed out that successful recruiting takes place only at the community

"Regardless of the aggregate strength as set by our reorganization orders, every unit in the State ~ urged to ~ to its capacity." General Hearn said the only re striction was that no unit can ex ceed its full TOE authorized strength.
To maintain a constant watch on strength levels, General Hearn required ARNG units to begin furn ishing the Adjutant General weekly Strength Status Reports. In conclusion he assured the officers that "If we attain our goal, I am certain we will have a more stabilized program in the future."

he was assigned to Germany where he completed his two years of active duty.
On his return to civilian life, he enrolled in Emory University for advanced schooling and received his Master's Degree in Business Administration. During this time, he was a member of the U. S. Army Reserve for 18 months.
On 1 January 1959, Hart re turned to Macon and re-affiliated with the Georgia National Guard as a member of the staff of Headquarters 48th Armored Division. He is now assigned as an Assistant G-3 in the Operations and Trainin~ Section.

level.

Citing the need for maintaining ARNG strength nationwide at 400,000, General Hearn pointed out

ac LES CHAHGE, LIHBAGE aEMAIHS

that Congress had given us the

support we had so vigorously demanded, and we must maintain strength requirements or face future cuts.
Georgia's share of the increase needed is 453 men. To build up to a maximum authorized strength of 9,519, and maintain it, Georgia requires 716 additional trainees. Gen. eral Hearn said he realized the on again oH-again strength ceilings of 1957 and 1958 and the April and May "strength fiasco" of 1959 resulted in the criteria not being met hereto fore. "We have been assured that our program for this year will not be

Historic Savannah units of the Georgia National Guard and the Ef(lngham

Hussars of Springfield have been perpetuated even though unit designations

have changed as a result of the July 1st reorganization. The new des ig-

nations are as follows:

CHATHAM ARTILLERY

Hq & Hq Btry, 48th Armd Div Arty

Btry B, 1st How Bn, 11Bth Arty

SAVANNAH VOLUNTEER GUARDS

Hq & HqBtry, 1st HowBn, llBth

Arty, Btry A, 1st How Bn, 11Bth

- A rty

GERMAN VOLUNTEERS

Svc Btry, 1st How Bn, 11Bth Arty

IRISH JASPER GREENS

CoD, llOth Signal Battalion

REPUBLICAN BLUES

Co C, 110th Signal Battalion

GEORGIA HUSSARS

CoB, llOth Signal Battalion

EFFINGHAM HUSSARS

Btry C, 1st How Bn, 11Bth Arty

changed in any way," he emphasized.

OCT, NOV, DEC 1959

15

.....
THE GEORGIA GUARDSMAN - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - ; . . . . _ _ - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Armed Fo~rces Day
S~et for May 21
Washington (AFPS) -"Power for Peace" is the slogan for the eleventh annual Armed Forces Day to be held May 21, 1960, the Defense Department announced.
Washington will be the site of the national kick-off of the traditional military week beginning May 14. Local commanders are urged to schedule unit or post activities during the week preceding Armed Forces Day.
Open house programs and community projects will feature the annual observance. The local programs should be designed to give Americans and people of other countries "a better understanding of the personnel, equipment and teamwork of the various components of our Armed Forces."
Other programs suggested may be educational exhibits, demonstrations, air shows, parades. drills, award ceremonies, and
similar activities.

Operation Blonde

(AFPS Feature)
Neighbor: "Is your son hard to get out of bed i.n the morning?"
Housewife: "No. I just open the door and throw the cat on his bed."
Neighbor: "How does that wake him up?"
Housewife: "He sleeps with the dog."'
16

ON BEHALF of the chaplains of the Armed Forces, I extend warm Christmas greetings to the men and women of the military services stationed throughout the world.
Some of you are celebrating the Christmas season at home with family and friends this year. Others are not as fortunate because you are serving your country on the frontiers of freedom, in the far flung and remote areas of the world. Wherever you are, however, the true meaning of the blessed Christmas season will fill your hearts when you join with others around the world and bow in humble reverence to hear echoed again the .good tidings of great joy-"For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord."
May we celebrate Christmas 1959 in the true spirit of the Holy season as we dedicate ourselves to peace on earth and good will toward men.
Rear Adm. George A. Rosso, ChC, USN
Chairman, Armed Forces Chaplains Board
OCT, NOV, DEC 1959

A Jeep Substitutes for Donda, Blitzen, etc. and Santa's hel p
er is Miss Martha Jane Crowe, 19, Varitypi st for your Georgia Guardsman. Pre paring to deliver a bag full of goodies, Martha Jane hopes that all her Georgia Guardsmen friends have a Merry Christmas and Happy
New Year. This picturesque beauty in her special Santa Suit is an honor graduate of Rockdale County High School and lives in Conyers. She likes swimming and boating during which she unavoidably
calls attention to her 35-24-35 rigging. The Christmas banner on the jeep adornes all ve
hicles loaned to the Post
Office bd the Nationa I Guar during the
Christmas Season.

.....

NATIONAL

GUARD :r--rw(:

... ..... ..~ DF.~F.NOS

Ai1... il;Ci\

..

Acqui3ition9 Divi9ton The Unive~sity of Geo~gia Libr~ries The University of Ceorgia Athens , Ceorgia

The Georgia National Guard recreation area at Lake Aliatoone was dedicated in September wh e n hundreds of Guardsmen visited the scenic lakeside playground for an afternoon of boating, skiing, and picnicking. Hosts for the occasion were personnel of the 201 st Ordnance Company who cooked barbecued chicken and served drinks and potato chips. Army and Air Guardsmen who wish to join the Minutemen Club,

which entitle s G ua r dsmen to make use of the dock facil ities and picnic area throughout the year, should contact t heir command ing officers for details. The Guard recreation site has three floating docks and a concrete boat ramp. The area is expected to be well populated next year when thousands of Guardsmen bring their families to the picturesque shores
of Lake Allatoona.