California Militia and National
Guard Unit Histories
Santa Cruz County California State
Militia Units, 1942-1943
Santa Cruz
8th Area Rifles: Licensed
21 December 1942. License revoked 1 October 1943 by Special Order
265. Commanded by W. D. Householder.
Santa Cruz Rifles:
Company A
Company B:
The unit was raised on 18 December 1942. Licensed 24 November
1942. License revoked 1 October 1943 by Special Order 265. The
26 January 1943 Fifth Region Station List stated that:
The unit was commanded by Capt Walter R.
Bettencourt
The unit consisted of one officer and 31
enlisted soldiers.
On 20 November 1942 the unit received the
mission to protect the following:
Southern Pacific wooden trestle.
Two groups of oil storage tanks.
Company C: Licensed
21 December 1942. License revoked 1 October 1943 by Special Order
265. Commanded by Paul D. Johnston.
Valley Rifles: Licensed
21 December 1942. License revoked 1 October 1943 by Special Order
265. Commanded by J. T. Cross.