The Georgia guardsman [Vol. 8, no. 5 (Sept., Oct. 1958)]

September-October

GOVERNOR MARVIN GRIFFIN

THE ADJUTANT GENERAL'S MESSAGE

MAJOR GENERAL CHARLIE F . CAMP

Fellow Guardsmen:
While the Army National Guard is pondering over the effects of a future reorganization, our Air National Guard Wing is already well along in a program of conversion of its component units to the Air De-
fense structure. It is experiencing the same problems of losses,
shifting strengths, changing of equipment, etc. which the Army Guard anticipates.
The change from a Fighter Interceptor Wing to an Air Defense Wing, with the acquisition of the F-86 L, radar equipped, all-weather aircraft, increases the potency of our Air National Guard and enhances in importance its role in the defense of oJ,Jr Country.
The reorganization of our units at Travis Field to the Air Defense structure has been accomplished and it is anticipated that the reorganization of our units at Dobbins Air Force Base will be completed in the very near future.
I congratulate the 116th Wing and its units in the excellent manner in which they are handling the many personnel problems presented by the required reduction of approximately 300 officers and men at Dobbins and the necessary gain of approximately the same number at Travis Field.
I know that our Wing will be as competent in its new role as it has been in those of the past.
I regret that at this writing I con throw no further light on the im-
pendin_g reorganization and reduction of the units of our Army National
Guard. This matter has again gone back to the Planners in the Pentagon for a restudy. However, from information available it is certain that under the new proposal we still will stand to lose a good percentage of our presently organized units.

----------------------------------------------------------------------THE GEORG/A GUARDSMAN
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THE GEORGIA GUARDSMAN
Vol. 8 Sept, Oct 1958 No. 5
A publication of the Department of Defense, Military Division, State of Georgia . Published in the interest of the Georgia National Guard and distributed free to members of the National Guard of Georgia. The Guardsman receives AFPS material.

* * * * * *
Former World War I veterans who served with Early T. Grant gather around him at the Forsyth armory . They ore, 1-r, kneeling, Clifton Jossey, Early T. Grant, Kennet h L. Holl i s, Silos Kelly, Moron Fletcher and Charl ie Garrett. Stand ing , 1-r, ore Rud isill Smith, Myron, Chambliss, Oscar Chapman, J . C. Corley, Wolter Floyd, Charles May
nord , Carl Sutton and Tom W. Ch i lds.

MAJOR DOUGLAS EMBRY Editor
CAPT. R. H. SPRAYBERRY Art Editor
SERGEANT DON GREER Photographic Technician
MISS GERALDINE CHILES Ed itori ol Secretory
MR . BEN L. ELLINGTON Printing Supervisor
MRS. ANNE K. MILAM Vori Typist
Publication and Edito ria l Office 959 E. C onfedera te Ave., S. E.,
Atlanta 16, Georg i a
Honorable Marvin Griffin
Governor of Georgia
Major General Charlie F. Camp
Th e Adjutant General
The op irtions expressed in the Geor gia Guardsman are those of th e Staff Writ ers of the Publication and mem hers of the Georgia National Guard and do not necessarily reflect an y official v iews of th e Office of the
Adjutant General of Georgia.

WW I Guardsmen Hold Forsyth Reunion

Forsyth Guardsmen, ex-Guardsmen, and prior members of Company "A", 193rd Tank Battalion, GaNG (when on active duty in Hawaii) held their first reunion at the National Guard Armory, in Forsyth, on 6 Aug 58.
A free barbecue was sponsored by lst Lt. Early T. Grant (Retired) and the present mem ber s of th e Forsyth National Guard. Present at the oc casion were Lt. Grant and thirteen of his World War I buddie s plu s approximately thirty ex-members of Co A, 193rd Tank Battalion, GaNG that served in World War II under Capt. William G. (Wild Bill) Bray.
Special guests were Maj. Gen. Charlie F. Camp, AG of Ga; Hon William G. Bray, Repre sentative from the State of Indiana; Ed Jen son, Veterans Service Officer; Ben T. Huiet, Comm. of Labor ; William B. Freeman, Representative to State; and Luther M. Wright, Forsyth Mayor. In addition, approximately 350 Guardsmen and exGuardsmen that had served at some time in the Forsyth National Guard, attended the gala event.
Col. W. D. Willingham was Maste r of Ceremonies. Early T. Grant related some of his military history, and enlightening talks were delivered by General Camp and Repres entative Bray.

83 AFNG SQDNS.
COMPLETELY JET-
EQUIPPED IN JULY
The ANG's 83 combat squadrons will be entirely jet-equipped upon completion of transitional training now taking place by the 149th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron of Richmond, Virginia.
Pilots of the 149th, the last Air Guard Squadron to relinquish propeller-driven aircraft, began checking out in F -84's late in July. The unit had earlier been assigned the B-26 light bomber. The transitional training is taking place at Langley AFB, Virginia, pending completion of runway extensions at Byrd Field near Richmond.
The 83 combat squadrons in the Air National Guard are based in the 48 States, Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico , and the District of Columbia. Fighter squadrons are ~equipped with F-lOO's, F-89's, F-94's, F-86's and F-84's. Tactical reconnai ssance squadron s emp loy the RF -84F and the Martin RB-57. All of the above a ircra ft are in the active inventory of the re gular Air Force.

**************************************************************
Our Cover ...

weekend is symbol ized on this month's cover. Sp3 Audry G.

Edwards of Springfield's 230th FA Bn battery tnkes up his vigil

A grim reminder to all Georgia Motorists that the Notional

in front of the State Patrol headquarters at Sylvania as the cars

Guard hod declared war on holiday deaths on the Labor Day

whiz by him.

SEPTEMBER, OCTOBER 1958

ADJUTANTS GENERAL CAMP, LANCE AND RICH CONFER

GENERAL DAVE Y ACCEPTS GAVEL FROM COL. TWIGG S

Largest

******
Gathering cof Georgia

Officers

Meets for the 8th Annual Convention

*********************************~***

The 8th annual convention of the National Guard Association of the United

Sta tes - the biggest to date - met in Atlanta 6-7 September with more than

666 offic<:'rs and their guests in attendance.

Sparked by key addresses of the normally falls on the weekend after

Adjutants General Association of the Labor Day.

United States and the Deputy Chief

Besides the informative business

of the National Guard Bureau, the s;essions, highlights of the conven-

meeting focused attention on the ac- tion were the cocktail party, banquet

complishments of the past year and and dance. A special feature for the

the state of readiness of our Army ladies was a fashion show and lunch-

and Air Guard components.

eon, held at the Dinkier Plaza Hotel

Brig. Gen. Bernard M. Davey, Com- Saturday noon.

mander of the 116th Air Defense

Bustling committees, handling ar-

Wing, took over as president of the rangements under th e direction of

Georgia association when Lt. Col. General Davey, invaded the Biltmore
Albert J. Twiggs handed him the Hotel early Saturday morning to reg-

gave l of a uthority . Col. Twiggs, com- ister the cordons of officers who

mander of Augusta's 250th AAA Bn, descended on Atlanta.

held the reigns during a tumultuous

Chaplain (Major) Robert C. Pooley

year of crises which saw the Guard gave the invocation shortly after

hold its own against Pentagon pres- 2 p.m. to start the 1958 convention.

sure to mortally curtail Army Guard Posting of the colors by the 116th

strength and troop structure.

Air Police unit also helped to get

Colonel Wyont B. Bean, veteran the business session off to a good

Atlanta artillerman who is now Ex- start.

ecutive Officer of the 48th Armored

After the secretary reported prac-

Division Artillery, was elected Presi- tically every unit represented, Lt.

dent-elect. Augusta was chosen as Col. Twiggs presented the distin-

the site of the 1959 convention which guished guests. Among them were

Major General Maxwell E. Ri ch, AG Association president, Major General Winston P. Wilson, Deputy Chief of the NGB, Major General Mark W. Lance, AG of Florida, Lt. General (Retir ed) Patrick E. Seawri ght a nd Lt. General (Retired) George G. Finch.
Col. Twiggs introduced Mayor P ro Tern Lee Evans of Atlanta who rendered the address of welcom e. Brig. Gen. B. F. Merritt, Asst . Cmdr., 48th Armd Div and Mayor of Ma c on, responded.
Askin g support by the mem bership of the incoming administration, Col. Twiggs thanked th e officers for the ir assistance in carrying out hi s prog rams for the past ye ar. Se cretaryTreasurer Ben L. Kersey then revealed th a t the association was still solvent, having a balance of $4,5 70. 90 in the till before convention expenses. He also said in his report that $4,000 was in the association's savings account.
Next on the agenda was the annual report of the Adjutant Gen e ral. Ma j. Gen. Charlie F. Camp took th e ros-

2

SEPTEMBER, OCTOB E R 1958

OFFICERS AND WIVES REGISTER FOR 1958 CONVENTION CQL. GARONI, GEN. WILSON, GEN. PERSONS, COL. WILLIAMS

NG LADIES BOARD BUS FOR TRIP TO FASHION SHOW

GENERALS SEAWRIGHT, DAVIS & FINCH ON ROSTRUM

trum to reveal the financial status of the State Department of Defense and .what was being done with the money to admini s ter the affairs of the Georgia Army and Air National Guard.
General Camp said that his department during the past year had undertaken a $16,000 microfilming project to preserve old records and reduce filing space. He also set aside some $9,000 in state funds to pay for the newly authorized medals and ribbons for Georgia Guardsmen. Another $35, 000 was paid out for state active duty missions during FY 1958 he revealed.
Reporting that only four armory contracts had been awarded during the past year, General Camp said 18 more are needed to complete the program.
He termed the summer encampments as "excellent" from the standpoint of attendance, reporting that 97% of assigned Guardsmen were on hand or otherwise accounted for. In addition General Camp said 26 units Were Superior, and 68 were Excellent in Field Training ratings. He
SEPTEMBER, OCTOBER 1958

reported 120 officers and 144 noncoms attended service schools during the period.
Pointing out some of the major problems encountered by the Guard, he cited the proposed reorganization and the readjustments in strength of the army components. Besides these losses, the Wing suffered a cutback of 145 airmen, and he warned "We are still figh ting for the life of the National Guard."
In conclusion General Camp told the officers "You can be sure persons in authority in the Department of Defense (Pentagon) will continue to reduce the Guard." "We must continue to oppose this program at the unit level," he said, "if we are to survive."
Florida's veteran Adjutant General, Mark Lance, then rose to praise Georgia's Senator Richard B. Russell and Congressman Carl V. Vinson, Chairman of the Senate and House Armed Services Committees respectively, who he said have been "invaluable" in preventing the National

Guard from being reduced. General Lance also cited Senator Herman E. Talmadge as one of the Guard's staunchest supporters in its recent fight.
Next came the report of the United States Property and Fiscal Officer for Georgia, Colonel Charles S. Thompson, Jr. Illustrating his talk with charts and graphs, Col. Thompson enumerated the details of his sections and cited the function of each. He reported that he had a property accountability valued in excess of $150,000,000 and processes $1012,000,000 annually.
Col. Thompson told of the federal funds obtained by the State for construction of new facilities at Travis Field and gave other eye-opening figures concerning payrolls and operating costs.
In presenting General Rich to the National Guard group, General Camp reviewed the accomplishments of the association's guest speaker, citing his service to the Guard during the crucial months of last Spring as
(Continued Next Page)
3

MAJ. GEN. MAXWELL E. RICH

LT. GOV. ERNEST VANDIVER

MAJ. GEN. WINSTON P. WILSON

MAJ. GEN. CHARLIE F. CAMP

MAJOR BYRD VISJTS GROUP OF 2SOTH OFFICERS & GUESTS

P resident of the Adjutants General Association of the United States.
General Rich took the rostrum to tell the officers of the latest developments concerning NG reduction. Reviewing briefly the firm support given the NG by Congress and the Governors, he said the recent AG conference in Washington resulted in a counter-proposal to the Pentagon's plan. He said the counter-proposal "outlined a program retaining but reorganizing Guard units." Reorganization would be acceptable, he indicated, if Arm y units were retained in sufficient strength to maintain 400,000 Guardsmen as a mtntmum.
"Brucker put his staff to work to it ," General Rich continued, and s ubsequently sent a letter to Governor Joe Foss of S. Dakota, who is chairman of a special Governor's committee meeting with the AG's. In the letter, General Rich said, Secretary Brucker wrote that it appeared
the reduction would not entail 360.
000, but 400,000 would be the minimum.
4

General Rich, the Adjutant General of Utah, quoted Brucker as saying to Foss that there was some "misconception in the Guard proposals which needed clarification." As a solution to the involved deliberations, Governor Foss replied to Secretary Brucker asking for the opportunity of sitting down with him and his s taff, together with the other members of the Governors' committee and representatives of the Adjutants General and National Guard Associations of the United States "to work out the details of any reorganization."
General Rich told the officers he did not be lieve that bob-tailed divisions (52% of authorized strength) were in the bests intere s t s of the United States. He said "fully organized divisions can be maintained through the present troop basis. Nondivisional units can be converted if they are not needed." "We will convert them to what the Army wants and needs," he concluded, implying that it must be done by maintaining an overall strength of 400,000.

Following the afternoon session, a cocktail party provided refreshments for the thirsty officers and their nattily attired wives. The Crystal Ball Room buzzed with long dormant conversation which must have been held in abeyance since the last convention judging from the intensity of the repartee.
Responding to the call for their presence at the banquet, the Guardsmen and their guests "esculated down" to the Exhibition Hall where roast beef and all the trimmings were waiting.
Two surprise appearences enhanced the banquet and dance when Lt. Gov. and Mrs. Ernest Vandiver and Major and Mrs. Garland T. Byrd came in from extensive (and suc e s sful) campaign trails to visit with their fellow Guardsmen. Governornominee Vandiver, Adjutant General of Georgia under former-Governor Herman Talmadge, in an impromp tu talk said he would "always be th ank ful for the wonderful six years s pent working with the Georgia National
SEPTEMBER, OCTOBER 1958

MAJOR BEN L. KERSEY

LT. COL. ALBERT J. TWIGGS

COL. CHARLESS.THOMPSON

***

***

GEN. MERRITT INTRODUCES MR. LEE EVANS

Guard," which he described as "the greatest organization in the world."
Major Byrd, a combat engineer during WW II and holder of the Silver Star, is a member of Hq & Hq Detachment but is now better known as the Democratic Lt. Governor nominee.
The banquet speaker, Gen. Wilson, was introduced by Brig. Gen. James C. Grizzard, Asst. Adjutant General of Georgia for Air, who described the Deputy Chief of the NGB as a man who had "earned the respect of us all" and one "who has unquenchable confidence in the ability of Air National Guardsmen to man the nation's most modern first-line aircraft.''
General Wilson, a veteran Arkansas Air Guardsman, began his address with a tribute to the ladies who understand and support the NG program which of necessity keeps husbands and sons away from home much of the time.
On the national scene, the twostarred Air Force general said there is a greater need now for an active

reserve structure than ever before in our history. Bringing out the cost factors, he emphasized the value of Guard units which he said can be maintained at a fraction of active duty costs. Today, Guard units "can maintain Nike missile units as do the active forces and at a considerable savings," he pointed out.
Runway alerts which have been in operation by 17 fighter interceptor squadrons are expanding to 22, seven of which will be on a 24-hour basis, General Wilson revealed in citing the Air Guard's active role in day-to-day missions. All of the Air Guard's 85 tactical and reconnaissance squadrons have now been converted to jet aircraft, such as are used by the active Air Force. Two squadrons, he said, are now equipped with F -100 Super Sabres.
The nation's air defense is being strengthened also by the full-time employment of four aircraft control and warning units of the AFNG, General Wilson pointed out. As another example of AFNG progress, he called attention to the conversion of Geor-

SEPTEMBER, OCTOBER 1958

COL. THOMASJ.MORAN
gia's Wing to Air Defense which will "bolster Southeastern air defense measures."
In concluding, he stated that the "AFNG's readiness today is the highest it has ever been." Four hundred pilots were graduated from flyi:.6 school in AFNG status last year, and, he said, the Air Guard has been directed to maintain 90% of authorized strength - 73,000 officers and airmen - during this fiscal year.
The lively tempo of Lannie Frye's band soon surplanted the speech making, and the 1958 convention really got into high gear and full swing.
After a devotional service render ed by Chaplain (Captain) Cecil W. Carpenter, the Sunday morning ses sion began with the committee re ports.
Col. William B. Wrigley introduced Col. Thomas J. Moran who is writing a history of the Georgia militia. Col. Wrigley told the officers that the association had agreed to continue
(Continued Next Page)
5

MAJOR HIRAM HONEA

BRIG. GEN. JAMES C. GRIZZARD

~
BRIG. GEN. GEORGE J. HEARN

DELEGATES TO CONVENTION CROWD ASSEMBLY HALL

CAPT. WILLIAM B. PAUL

to finance the research by Col. Moran even though the pace of the research had been slowed by additional class es being given Col. Moran, who is getting his Masters degree in History at the University of Georgia. Col. Moran revealed some more hitherto unknown facts about Georgia's military heritage and gave a few hints about what could be expected in his final historical study.
Major Douglas Embry, Chairman of the association's Public Relations and Publicity Committee, reported the Georgia Guard had reached a pin nacle of popularity among the general public and listed the outstanding examples of NG activities during the past 18 months which he said ac counted for the steady rise in the Guard's prestige. Two programs were singled out by Major Embry as being the greatest front-page boosters of the Guard during the past year: the Muscular Dystrophy march for funds and the dete-rmined resistance of Guardsmen to Pentagon's plan to reduce the ARNG.
Lt. Col. Jesse M. Reeves, gave
6

the National Building Fund report. He said the funds already paid were over $32,000 with an excess of $4, 000 still on deposit to the building fund account. He urged unit command ers to encourage donations to the fund. A new Oldsmobile, which the association agreed to buy and give to one of the lucky donors, provided added incentive for Guardsmen to complete Georgia's share of the re vised building fund quota. (Story of the outcome of this drive appears elsewhere in this edition.)
Gen. Grizzard, Chairman of the Legislative Committee, said no new legislation was contemplated, but there was a desire to create a more distinctive license tag for Georgia Air Guardsmen. Later, it was agreed that a special committee under Col. William H. Kelly would recommend any changes to be made in the pre sent tag at the next convention meet ing.
Mr. Mike Goldwire, State Secretary of the Muscular Dystrophy Association, thanked the Guard officers for their efforts in making last year's

MD drive successful. Substituting for General Camp who
was giving Generals Wilson and Rich a tour of Atlanta's fam e d Cyclorama, Capt. William B. Paul, Jr. reported on the Military Code of Georgia. He recommended changes which would amend laws governing military le av e and suggested punishment powers under court martial be brought in line with federal legislation. Two other recommendations on military justice were made.
1\1ajor Hiram Honea, a veteran Air Guardsman who is an authority on the Reserve Officer Personnel Ac t, told the officers how ROP A was af fecting the Air Guard and how it would "particularly hit hard" at rhe ARNG when i't becomes effective in 1960. Recommended changes in ROP A are contained in an Air Force omnibus bill heading for Congress.
Lt. Col. Andrew W. McKenna ren dered a negative report on the activi~ ties of the By-laws committee.
Brig. General George J. Hearn, Chairman of the Membership Commit
SEPTEMBER, OCTOBER 1958

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

LT. COL. ROBERT T. BAIRD

I
'
NEW OFFICERS POSE: GEN. DAVEY, COL. BEAN, COL. MACKEY, COL. CLONTS, MAJ. LEIKER, LT. COL. HIGGINS, MAJ. KERSEY

LT. COL. PAUL INNECKEN

tee, reported only a few officers were keeping the association from being 100% in membership. However, he said, most of the delinquent officers were away attending service schools.
Chairman of the Finance Committee, Lt. Col. Robert T. Baird, reported the association's operating budget was put at $1,800. Only minor changes were made in last year's budget. The secretary's salary was raised from $300 to $480 a year.
Lt. Col. Ernest W. Higgins, Chairman of the Time and Place Committee, recommended that Augusta be the site of the 1959 convention. In making this choice, he said his committee noted the association had grown to such an extent that only three cities in Georgia could handle the crowd at convention-time.
Ten resolutions were submitted by Lt. Col. Paul E. Innecken, Chairman of the Resolutions Committee. All
SEPTEMBER, OCTOBER 1958

were approved. Adopted were resolutions to commend Mayor William B. Hartsfield for Atlanta's hospitality, to commend Brig. General Bernard M. Davey in appreciation for the arrangements, to encourage units to again aid in the War against Muscular Dystrophy this November, and to commend the State's senators and congressmen for their fight for the preservation of the Army National Guard.
General Seawright volunteered to serve as Chairman of a new Committee on Continuity which has as its function to encourage participation in National Guard affairs by veteran officers who have retired or have otherwise become inactive. Colonel McKenna recommended the by-laws be amended to include the Committee on Continuity as one of the standing committees.
Col. Wrigley, Chairman of the Nominating Committee, advanced a slate

of new officers who were unanimously elected: General Davey became president, Col. Wyont Bean, president-elect; Mayor Albert Leiker, Capt. Joe Dyson and Lt. Colonel Higgins, vice presidents, and Major Kersey was re-elected secretarytreasurer. Named to the board of directors were Col. Mari@n L. Clonts and Col. Edward J. Mackey.
In taking over the reigns as president, Gen. Davey declared he would continue the progress of the association and would appreciate the assistance and cooperation of all Georgia officers.
Thus ended the 8th annual convention of the Georgia association. Judging from the influx of officers to Atlanta this year, Augusta's Bon Air Hotel better contract for another wing and some more floor space 'cause it's going to be bulging at the seams in 1959.
7

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

COL.W. R. ROBINEETE, LT. COL. PLUNKETT,CAPT. R. H. SPRAYBERRY PLAN AERIAL RECONNAISSANCE OF HIGH-
WAYS NEAR ATLANTA.

LT. COL. JOHN P. WALLIS POINTS OUT A ROADBL OCK TO GUARDSMEN OF HIS 950TH AAA BN IN ELBERTO N. THIS OPERATION DEATHLESS PATROL INCLUDED (1-r) SP3 LAVASQUE , SGT. MAXWELL, M/ SGT CORDELL & CAPTAIN
SHIRREFFS.

************************* *
'Operation Deathless'Holds Ga. Fatalities

To 8 as Guard Patrols Hwys. Labor Day

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

With a predicted death toll of 14 on Georgia high ways facing Governor Marvin Griffin over the long Labor Day weekend, the safety-conscious governor ordered the Georgia National Guard into action.

ing authority and did not attempt to chase errant drivers; how ever, they did maintain road blocks and obser-

Code-named ''Operation Death- tributed 20,000 letters from Governor vatio n points at key intersection s

less," the mission of the Guardsmen Griffin as kin g motorists to cooperate and highways and kept traffic fl ow-

was to get out on Georgia highways with the State Patrol and prevent accidents and deaths.
To accomplish the task some 600 Army National Guardsmen from 33 units throughout the State were selected by Major General Charlie F. Camp, Th e Adjutant General, to work with patrol posts. Equipped wi th approximately 115 radio-equipped

in making the holidays safe and dea th-free. Another 20,000 letters were handed out by the 400-man patrol.
Also scanning th e hi ghways were two helicopters, two L-20's and 16 L-19 aircraft of the ARNG. Communications were maintained with the patrol, both from aircraft and jeeps, to coordinate the reporting of traffic

ing s moothly. The combined effort did result in
the saving of six lives. Only eight deaths were reported during the time Guardsmen we re on duty: 6:00 p. m. F riday through 12 :00 midnight Monday.
In addition to handing out letter s, the Guardsmen and troopers distributed State maps and rendered as-

jeeps, the Georgia Guardsmen dis- offenders. Guardsmen had no arrest- sistance in fixing flat tires, getting

8

SEPTEMBER, OCTOBER 1958

GUARDSMEN OF SPRINGFIELD'S BTRY C, 230TH ARMD FA BN, READY A PATROL NEAR SYLVANIA. L-R ARE SGT
c. W. HELMEY, SFC S. D. GINN & 2ND / L T G. E. THOMAS.

TOCCOA TROOPER AND GUARDSMAN STOP A S.C. MOTORIST NEAR THE STATE LINE TO CAUTION DRIVER AND
HAND OUT LETTER FROM GOVERNOR GRIFFIN.

COL. WM. R. ROBINETTE, ARNG TNG . OFF . , & MAJOR C. W. UNDERWOOD, STATE PATROL DIRECTOR, CONFER ON PLANS FOR OPERATION DEATH-
LESS.

more gasoline for standard motorists, helping stalled vehicles and untying traffic jams caused by funeral processions, accidents and other obstacles.
On around-the-clock duty, the Guardsmen stopped cars with defective lights at night, assisted in several arrests and detained drunken drivers.
For their help, the Guardsmen were highly praised by the State patrolmen who attributed the presence of the jeeps, loaded with Guardsmen, as a positive deterrant in preventing accidents. Jeeps we re decorated with

12 by 18-inch placards on which OP ERATION DEATHLESS and skull and cross-bones were printed.
An MP arm band was provided at least one Guardsman per jeep, and one Guard officer was on duty at all times throughout the operation with each Guard unit.
* * * * * * * * Two unusal events were reported
by the air patrol: One helicopter pilot said he was outrun by one car until he was able to cut the driver off at a bend in the road. When the motorist was aware that the chopper was observing him, he slowed to a

SEPTEMBER, OCTOBER 1958

normal speed. Another pilot claimed he was out
distanced by a speeding car. Since the pilot was flying an L-19 having a top speed of 100 mph, this story has not been confirmed. The Guardsman claimed the motorist pulled ahead of him on the straight away. It is presumed he had a head-wind, too.
"Operation Deathless" marked the first time the Georgia National Guard was used for patrolling the highways in an all-out effort to save lives over the Labor Day weekend.
9

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

LT. TROTTER, LEFT, CAPT. PARROTT ARE CONGRATULATED ON RESCUE BY THEIR SQUADRON COMMANDER, MAJOR FLETCHER E. MEADORS, RIGHT

Two Ga. Pilots Rescued at Sea

Flying a tow-target mission 50 miles off the coast of Savannah Sunday,

September 21st, two Georgia Air National Guard pilots of the 128th Fighter

Interceptor Squadron felt a slight jar ripple their T-33 jet trainer. Glancing

at his right wing, Capt. Eugene H. Parrott noticed fuel streaming from sev-

eral jagged holes near the aileron. Secorid Lieutenant Oliver E. Trotter, Jr.,

watching from the rear cockpit, saw smoke begin billowing from the rupture.

Captain George N. Lindsey, in an

F-84F, pulled alongside the stricken seat attached to the parachute. When

craft and reported that fire was ema- he pulled the little green "apple"

nating from the damaged area. Second which discharges a small carbon

Lt. Willie C. Bussey, also in the dioxide cylinder, the raft only par-

gunnery pattern, watched the drama tially inflated. Using the small rub-

as the jets streaked toward the un- ber tube used for such emergencies,

seen shore at 12,000 feet altitude.

Captain Parrott blew up the raft as

As soon as Captain Parrott was he floated downward toward the wait-

advised his jet was on fire, he ad- ing waves.

vanced the trottle to 100% power in

Meanwhile, Lt. Trotter had his

an effort to blow out the fire. Shortly, raft inflated and ready as the sea

however, one half of the aileron rushed toward them. One half of his

melted and blew off, and a vibration rubberized life vest had already in-

threatened to shake off the wing.

flated during the high-speed bailout.

At 400 knots, 50 miles from an ob-

"You don't know how comforting

scured coastline, Captain Parrott it is to see a plane circling around

said to Lt. Trotter, "Let's get out when you're in that kind of trouble,"

of here!" Simultaneously, both pilots Lt. Trotter said later. He was re-

ejected themselves from their doom- ferring to Captain Lindsey who kept

ed aircraft.

both pilots in sight by making tight

Equipped with automatically open- turns around the descending chutes.

ing parachutes, the pilots awoke from

Both jet pilots quickly got i:ato

the momentary blackout of the ejec- their dingies as soon as they hit the

tion forces and found they were water. Captain Parrott claimed he

floating down toward the ocean with- didn't even get his head under water

in shouting distance of each other.

as he practically landed on his raft.

Captain Parrott maneuvered to It was not more than one minute after

inflate his dingy, a compact rubber he hit the water before Lt. Trotter

life raft which normally serves as a slipped out of his chute harness and

10

settled into his dingy. Captain Lindsey had already called
the Savannah Ground Control In tercept Station "Glena" and asked for air-sea rescue for the pilots. By the time they had settled into the water "Glena" had a "fix" on their posi~ tion and a Marine rescue helicopter stationed at Beaufort, S.C., had been "scrambled." An Air Nation al Gu~rd C-47 was also dispatch ed to the scene and dropped additional rafts.
With fuel almost exhauste d, Captain Lindsey, who kept a close surveillance on the pilots until rescue operations were well under way, was replaced by Captain Roland H. Rieck of Savannah' s 158th Fighte r In terceptor Squadron. Captain Riec k helped "Glena" vec tor the re scue craft to the scene and tran smitted other necessary information and observ ations to shore installations.
Sea marker dye, spread by the pilots from their life vesr kit s, now easily marked the area where the bright yellow rafts were floating.
The Marine helicopter out of Be aufort whirled into position for the pickups les s than an hour after the pilots jumped out of their blazing jet. Lowering a sling-type hoist, the helicopter picked up Lt. Trotter fi rst and swooped in to scoop up Captain Parrott. The rescue operation was completed one hour and two minutes after it began, resulting in the saving of a veteran Air Guard pilo t, Captain Parrott, who flew 100 combat missions in Korea, and Lt. T rotte r, who graduated from flying school in March of this year after going through the Air Guard pilot program.
Except for bruises and slight skin abrasions, both pilots were in rem arkably good condition when picked up. They were taken to Hunter Air Force Base, Savannah, for observation a nd were released to go home by noon the next day.
Captain Parrott, who lives in Chattanooga, is a salesman for a ceme nt firm. Lt. Trotter, also a Chattanoogan, is planning to continue hi s education at Georgia Tech.
The fortunate jet pilots had nothing but praise for their rescuers who they agreed couldn't have done a better job.
SEPTEMBER, OCTOBER 1958

TOCCOA GUARDSMEN FIRE THEIR 75MM SKYSWEEPER

171ST INFANTRYMEN ATTACK POSITION HELD BY 161ST

108TH AAA BRIG. & !60TH ARMOR GROUP

COMBINE OPERATIONS AT FORT STEWART

The rumble of heavy tanks again merged with staccato bursts from bat

teries of ack-ack guns when the Georgia National Guard's 160th Armor Group

and the 108th AAA Brigade combined operations at Fort Stewart, August

10-24, for their annual summer encampments.

Brig. Gen. George J . Hearn's Bri- 90mm guns with M- 2 mounts. Master-

gade and Col. Wesley D. Willingham's ing the new gear wi th professional

Group, joined by the 20lst Ordnance dexterity, the 10 1st also scored Ex-

Company and Hq & Hq Detachment, cellent on its ATT.

GaARNG, toiled in the blazing sun

Hq & Hq Battery of the 108th won

and on into the night to polish up the Eisenhower Trophy for the sec-

combat techniqu es with intensive ond year in a row, and the 214th AAA

training schedules designed to bring Group's pistol team won the non-di-

the Guardsmen up to fighting trim visional pistol matches, just to show

again after a year's absence from its versatility.

field maneuvers.

Meanwhile, back at the tank range,

It was not all statistics, either, massive M-48 tanks, used by the

which these young men gathered from 160th for the first time, were brought

the dust of Fort Stewart. Besides up to the firin g line the first week

plenty of blisters and bruises, they by tankers of the 160th and 161st

collected some medals and trophies. Tank Battalions. And the 144th and

Lt. Col. John Wallis' 950th Sky- 171st Armored Infantry Battalions

sweeper Battalion took its ATT combined with the tank battalions to

(Army Training Test) for the first participate in a four-day field prob-

time using its automatic, radar- lem the second week which was

equipped 75mm gun. The aerial artil- climaxed by a realistic movement of

lerymen pulled down a rating of armor under cover of darkness.

Excellent in the combat-effective-

From operations orders to recon-

ness test.

naissance to deployment of forces,

Just as noteworth,, was the per- the 160th Group was trained from the

formance of Lt. Col. Bothwell A. hi ghest to the lowest level of com-

Johnson's 101stAAA Battalion. This mand. Bivouaced under shady pines

outfit came to camp with new M-33 near Glissons Pond, the tactical and

radar equipment and ne wly-acquired aggressor forces engaged l.n simu-

SEPTEMBER, OCTOBER 1958

lated combat tactics using blank ammunition. Across open fields and into rough terrain the lumbering tanks and APC's thundered. Manned by tough young Guardsmen with a yen for battle, the machines responded to the urging of the tankers and were hurled skillfully through difficult maneuvers.
High point of the camp for the tankers was the night problem. Attempting the mo vement of some 182 of the mighty juggernauts for 25 miles under blackout conditions was a tedious logis tic problem as well as one that could turn into a nightmare of accidents. However, not even one scratch or injury was sustained throughout the all-night ordeal to the amazement of a representative of the Continental Army Command who observed the s uc cessful operation.
During th e encampment approxi mately 200 tank crewmen were trained in gunnery. The tankers got their share of trophies and medals too, as may be seen in this edition's report of awards and decorations.
From all Standpoints-summer camp ratings, training, safety, accomplish ment - the 108th Brigade and 160th Armor Gro up had plenty to be proud of during their 1958 training.
11

METEOLOGICAL TEAM FROM WINDER LOFTS RADIOSOND

RADAR TRACKER TUNED UP BY SWAINSBORO GU ARDSMEN

950TH MEDICS, ON VIGIL NEAR SKYSWEEPER RANGE

----~ J
SURGICAL HOSPITAL MEDICS PRACTICE SURGERY

MAJ HERRINGTON, COL JOHNSON, GEN HEARN, COL B. A. JOHNSON OBSERVE 90MM GUNS OF THE 101ST BN AS GUARDSMEN OPEN FIRE
12

AUGUSTA GUARDSMEN EMPLACE M-33 RAD AR SEPTEMBER, OCTOBER 1958

CAPT. OUZTS' AMMO BEARERS SHOW SHELLS TO YOUNG LARRY HAYNES LT. McELROY SHOWS SON DENNIS GUN PORT
BAXLEY GUARDSMEN OF 144TH AlB ASSEMBLE 3.5" ROCKE T LAUNCHER 144TH ARMORED INFANTRYMEN MAKE A TRAIL WITH PERSONNEL CARR I ER COL. TEAGUE POINTS OUT TANK TARGETS TO GEN. CAMP

DUBLIN GUARDSMEN BRUSH UP ON WRECKER OPERATION SEPTEMBER, OCTOBER 1958

HELICOPTER VIEW OF 160TH TANKS ON THE FIRING LINE 13

Pistol team members relax in the shade of their Georgia flag at at Camp Perry prior to firing in compet iti on with other NG pistol teams. They are, L-r, SFC Buchanon, SFC D. M. Walden, Sp2 Maddox, 1st Lt. Jones WO Sosebee, 1st Lt. Davis and Sp2
J. P. Walden.

Members of the Georgia rifl e team pose at Camp P erry. They are, 1-r, front, Cpl. Merritt, SFC Geo. Pittman, SFC Max Pittman, Sp3 Saunders. Standing, 1-r, Lt . Sheldon, SFC Cape, Sgt.
Davenport, SFC Blackman, M/Sgt Reddick, M/ Sgt Spaldi ng.

Georgia Rifle, Pistol Teams Invade Camp Perry

With a bright feather perched jauntily upon his gray felt hat, Sgt. Harold E. Davenport calmly fired his way to second place among Guardsmen in Camp Perry's National Trophy Individual Rifle Match.
The event took place 24 August - 8 September. One of 16 Guardsmen winning high honors at the annual rifle competition in Ohio, Sgt. Davenport won a gold medal and four spoons as he repeatedly fired Expert in individual and team matches. In the individual match, he was second only to Major Henry A. Silverman of Texas who fired 245 - 23. Davenport had 244 - 16. Firing in the individual match is in four stages - ten shots standing at 200 yards, ten shots sustained fire sitting or kneeling at 200 yards, ten shots sustained fire prone at 300 yards, and ten shots slow fire at 600 yards. Each shot is worth a maximum of five points with a bonus "V" for shots coming within a four-inch circle in the bulls-eye. Sgt. Davenport is a member of Macon's Hq Co, Combat B. All ten members of the team attended instructors school and qualified as rifle marksmanship in s tructors prior to th e matche s . Other members of the rifle ream rece1vmg spoons were SFC Max J. Pittman, who received two spoons, and SFC Geo rge W. Pittman and Sp3 Jack Saunders, who won a spoon apiece. First Lt. Robert C. Sheldon, Hq & Hq Detachment, Atlanta, was rifle team captain. Other members of the rifle team were Sgt. Davenport, Hq Co, CCB; SFC George Pittman, Co A, 121 AlB; SFC Max Pittman, Co A, 121 AlB; M/ Sgt James E. Reddick, Co A, 121 AlB; Pfc John H. Merritt, Hq Co, CCB; SFC James A. Blackman, Co D, 560th Engr Bn; Sp3 Jack Saunders, H/ S Co, 162nd Tank Bn; SFC James E . Cape,
14

Sporting new shooting jackets with Peach State decals plus Confederate hats with colorful feather and braid, wembers of Georgia's National Guard Pistol T eam re turned from Camp Perry loaded with silver.
The new apparel made both the rifle and pistol teams the envy of the other States. It must have helped the scoring, too, because the Waldens of Louisville brought home enough flat silver to set a banquet table.
Sp2 J. P. Walden and SFC Donald M. Walden , cousins of Co C, 160th Tank Bn, can now save wear an d tear on their fingers because they have 19 knives, forks and spoons to chose from when they side up to some of that good Jefferson County chicken.
They won the table artillery by having a steady hand with the . 45 caliber pistol. Max Walden won seven pie ces of silver: two knives, two forks and three spoons. He won first place in the . 22 caliber match.
J, P . Walden won two first place awards and brought home 12 pieces of silver tableware. Both marksmen won some second, third, fourth and fifth places in the ir match es.
The team won 7th place in the reserve Expert classification.
Another Louisville Guardsman , 1st Lt. Jessie W. Jo nes, attended the meet along with Sp2 Roy E . Maddox , Co A, 162nd ; \XIO Soloman W. Sosebee, 48th MP Co; SFC Charles Buchanan, Co B, 162nd Tank Bn; 1st Lt. William M. Davis Hq & Hq Det, team captain.
One member of the team said he was lucky to get aw ay from the Ohio matches with his shooting outfit. Men from other states kept trying to buy, swap or steal th eir hats and jackets - a handicap the best-dressed team always en.fure s at the national pistol and rifle matches.
H/ Svc Co, 162nd Tank Bn; M/ Sgt Alfred H. Spaldi ng, H/ S Co, 144th AlB.
SEPTEMBER, OCTOBE R 1 9~

** 1958 AWARDS AND DECORATIONS
GENERAL CAMP, GOVEI'lNOR GRIFFIN TROOP THE LINE GENERAL HEARN, COL. WILLINGHAM REVIEW THEIR PERSONNEL

' ********************- *************** *****

For their accomplishments in military pur su its, Georgia National Guardsmen are awarded medals, trophies and plaques each year at Governor's Day ceremonies.
During the colorful event, special recognition is given the officers and men who excelled in their profession and in th eir special talents.
uch was the case again this year at the 1958 encampments of the Army and Air Guard components. (The award of the Distinctive Service Medal to M/ Sgt Aaron B. Roberts of the AFNG was pictured in the JulyAugust edition.
The following describes the accomp lishments of ARNG personnel At Ft. Stewart d uring the Division, AAA and Armor Groups encampments:
1- Major William T. Roberts, Hq, !44th
AlB, received the DSM from Governor
Griffin for his efforts in "enthusiam, zeal, and untiring efforts" in devoting lllany additional hours to National Guard service, resulting in improved combat effectoveness, betterment of community

relations and improved morale. 2- M/ Sgt Hildre G. Coulter, Hq, 144th AlB, also was awarded the DSM. He was cited for "devotion to duty, resourcefulness, ingenuity, zeal and enthusiam" which resulted in his unit excelling in supply and administration. 3- First Lt. William T. Esco received the Eisenhower Trophy from Governor Griffin for the second consecutive year for his headquarters, Hq & Hq Btry, 108th AAA Brigade, having the best all-around unit for 1957. 4- The Governor's Trophy for the best pistol team among divisional and non-divisional units went to the 48th MP Co. Trophy was accepted by Sgt. Park E. Davison from Governor Griffin. 5- Capt. Aubrey Torrance of the 16lst Tank Bn's Carbine rifle team received the Governor's Trophy for his team winning the rifle competition between division and non-divisional units. Governor Griffin made the presentation. 6- The Governor's Trophy for the best M-1 rifle team went to the 14th AlB. Governor Griffin is shown presenting the award to Major Roberts. 7- The National Guard Bureau Small Bore Rifle Champions, Hq Co, CCB, brought a national honor to the State. Receovong the beautiful plaque is SFC Frank Watts, whose other medals indicate that his team did not win this cov-

eted prize by any fluke. 8- The Adjutant General's award for the best ad mini strati on and supply rooms went to Hq, !90th Tank Bn. The trophy is accepted by Capt. John W. Sheffield from Maj. Gen.
Charlie F. Camp. 9- Capt. Robert L.
Stevens' Hq Co, CCB, received the division M-1 rifle plaque from Gov. Griffin. To h is right, Sp3 John Merritt won a gold medal in the NGB indoor rifle postal match. 10- SFC Troy Faircloth accepted the non-divis ional M-1 rifle plaque from Gov. Griffin on behalf of his 144th AlB team. 11- Capt. Fred Forster's 48th MP Co team won the division pistol plaque. Here he is congratulated by Gov. Griffin. 12- Gov. Griffin congratulates M/ Sgt W. A. Ergle whose Co C, 121st
AlB, Carbine team won the divisional plaque. 13- Major Adolphus Callaway accepts the non-divisional pistol plaque from General Camp on behalf of his 214th AAA Group pistol team. 14- M/ Sgt Wm. E. Heath accepts the NG B trophy for his team winning the national postal match . In the background is Sp3 Robert E. Bridgeman who received the Third Army area plaque for rifle competition. Both Guardsmen are members of the champion Hq Co, CCB, rifle team. Gov. Griffin made the presentations.

SEPTEMBER, OCTOBER 1958

15

T HE GEORGIA GUARDSM AN

165TH AIR DEFENSE GP COMMENCES PUBLICITY FOR RECRUITING DRIVE
Publicity-wise, Savannah's 165th Air Defense Group got off to a ter rific start. The newly created com mand under the direction of Colonel Ralph G. Kuhn became effective 12 July when the 158th Fighter Intercep tor Squadron was reorganized.
In a recent Sunday edition of the Savannah News, a full page spread on the Air National Guard at Travis Field told the story of the Air Guard's new mission, gave the par ticulars concerning the new buildings the base is acquiring and pictured the key officers in the new Group.
Architects' drawings of the Group Headquarters, Hanger and Operations buildings appeared over the banner headline "The Air National Guard: An Expanding Asse~."
The need for new airmen was ex plained in the text of the story which should result in a flock of new en listments . More than 300 spaces for new airmen became available when the Group was activated. Present plans to enter an exhibit in the Coas tal States Fair indicate again that the 165th is going all-out to fill up its ranks as rapidly as possible.
Top recruiters among the Savannah Air Guardsmen will receive a Miami vacation. Cash awards have been offered, too, as added incentives to fill up the ros ters.
16

LT. COL. JOHN R. JOHNSON
CC C A d visor Gets Ko rean Assignment
One of Georgia's strongest sup porters of the National Guard, Lt. Col. John R. Johnson, is headed for an overseas tour after nearly four years as an Army Advisor to Combat Command C, which has the 122nd Ar mored Infantry Battalion and 163rd Tank Battalion under its command.
Col. Johnson, who was assigned to advise the 122nd Infantry Regiment in February, 1955, will join the 8202nd Korean Military Assistance Advisory Group after a brief course of instruction in Arlington, Va., Oc tober 6-31.
He termed as high points in his association with the Georgia National Guard "the improved ratings in IG's and summer training and the notable development of leadership among the junior officers."
As a veteran Guardsman who joined the South Carolina Guard in 1927, Col. Johnson was impressed with the "speed of changeover to armor" among the division battalions. Recalled to active duty to serve on the National Guard "desk" at Third Army Headquarters, Col. Johnson reported to Ft. McPherson June 26, 1951, at the direction of Major General James C. Dozier. As a member of the S.C. Guard, he commanded the 118th In fantry Regiment.

Gen. Cam p Leads
Georgia De legation
To NGA of US Meet
ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. -The role of the National Guard on the country's defense team of the future was the theme of the 80th General Conference of the National Guard Association of the United States held here Septem. ber 29 through October 2, 1958.
More than 2,000 National Guard officers and their guests from every State, The District of Columbia Alaska, Hawaii and Puerto Rico at: tended. Maj. Gen. Charlie F. Camp, TAG of Ga., led a delegation of 23 Georgia officers. Business sessions of the Conference were held in this city's boardwalk Convention Hall.
On opening day, the Conference was addressed by Under Secretary of State Christian A. Herter. Other Conference speakers were some of the nation's ranking military officials, including Army Chief of Staff, General Maxwell D. Taylor, and Air Force Chief of Staff, General Thomas D. White.
On Tuesday afternoon, September 30, the Department of Defense presen ted a four man panel discussion of the country's overall defense program. Highlight of the Conference was the annual States Dinner on Wednesday, October 1, which was attended by some 5 ,000 National Guard officers and their guests, in cluding more than a dozen Governors, several U.S. Senators and many other Federal and State officials.
TAV ENNER COMM ANDS
117TH SU RGICAL HOSP
Lt. Col. Michael C. Tavenner of Dublin is the new commanding officer of the 117th Surgical Ho spital unit located in Griffin.
A native of South Norfork, Va., Lt. Col. Tavenner attended William & Mary College, the University of Vir ginia and Temple University.
Lt. Col. Tavenner is Chief of Sur gery at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Dublin where he lives with his wife and five children.
SEPTEMB ER, OCT OB ER 1958

If you didn't get the idea from the front cover that curves are dangerous, we thought you might pay more attention to this provocative sign, which is considerably embellished by the presence of Merry Anders. Star of the Warner Bros. film, "Violent Road," Merry is an added enducement to slow down - to see the curves better. Now, if we could have posted Merry beside all the "Dangerous Curve" signs throughout the State over the Labor Day weekend, "Operation Deathless"' might have been more aptly called "Operation Breathless."

NATION Al GUARD OF l~DS

.... .

Acquisitio ns Divisl~n Th e Un iversit y o f Geor ~ ia Librarie s
The Unive r s ity of Geo r gia
At he ns. Georgia

All eyes were glued on when a non-ticket holder, Mrs. Delcor is Middlebrooks, 19, reached in and picked out the winning stub belonging to CWO John Love. Deloris is an op.erator, assistant switchboard type, with the State Department of Defense. Some 30-40 interested spectators from around the NG reservation in Atlanta wit-
nessed the picturesque ceremony.

0000

0000

Well, there a re approximatel y 10 ,000 unh appy and unluck y Georgia Guardsmen today, October 1s t, mainl y because th e re is posi tively on e lucky Guardsman who is also very happy.
The ge ntl eman we refer to i s Chief Warr a nt Office r John Love, commander of the 530th Air Force Band, Ga AFNG , who was the fortunate winner of the 1959 Oldsmobile 98 Holiday Sedan which the Georgia NG Association is g ivin g to the lucky contributor to the NG Memorial Buildin g Fund.
CWO Love, who liv es in Atlanta, is a retired Post Office employee . He is 58 years old a nd says "It 's th e first tim e in my life I've ever won anythin g." He held ticket No. 18067 and 36 others, too , just in case.
Since the associatio n held out funds fo r the purchase of the car, CWO Love will be able to pick out a 1959 model wi thin a few weeks . He says his 1956 Buick is in good condition to be exchanged for a new Ol ds.