During January, 1952, an abnormal heavy
and continuous rainfall occurred causing floods in many areas
within the State. The floods resulted in extensive property damage
and personal injuries and threatened to create immediate danger
to the lives, health and well-being of persons in these areas
as well as to the safety of public and private property and the
maintenance of essential services.
As a result of the conditions existing at
that time, the employment of California National Guard and California
Air National Guard personnel, equipment and facilities was deemed
desirable to assist counties, cities and other local agencies
and officers in alleviating and preventing actual and threatened
damage.
One hundred fifty-eight guardsmen were
activated at San Jose, California. Personnel came from the following
units:
637th Field Artillery Battalion,
Headquarters and Headquarters Battery
Service Battery
Battery A
Battery B
Battery C
49th Military Police Company
159th Infantry Regiment
2nd Battalion, Headquarters
and Headquarters Company
49th Quartermaster Company: Twenty-two guardsmen
144th Fighter Wing
146th Fighter Wing
195th Fighter Squadron: Three airmen.
In addition to the above, a large number
of National Guardsmen volunteered their services on a part-time
basis during the flood period but were never officially activated.
Source: 1950-1952 Biennial
Report of the Adjutant General of the State of California