California Militia
and National Guard Unit Histories
Outline History
of the California National Guard (1950)
The following was extracted from
the 1950 edition of the California Blue Book.
The Adjutant General
The Adjutant General, Major General C. D.
O'Sullivan, is Chief of Staff of the Governor and subordinate
only to him. The Adjutant General administers and controls the
affairs of the Office of the Adjutant General which is organized
according to general staff doctrine and procedure as set forth
in Department of Defense regulations. The office consists of an
Assistant Adjutant General, Assistant Adjutant General for Air,
Personnel, Administration, Operations and Training, Supply and
Logistics, Liaison, Armory Construction, Finance, Information
and Recruiting, Selective Service, and State Maintenance Sections;
necessary civil service and active duty personnel; a Headquarters
Staff, field organizations and installations. Subordinate only
to the Governor, the Adjutant General administers, directs, and
controls the California National Guard which consists of the State
Headquarters Detachment, 61st and 62d Fighter Wings, 40th and
49th Infantry Divisions, 112th and 114th AAA Brigades, the Provisional
Brigade-Non Divisional Troops, and other necessary units comprising
a total strength of approximately 27,000 troops.
The California National Guard is established
pursuant to the Militia Clause of the Constitution of the United
States as an integral part of the national defense. The California
State Constitution authorizes the Legislature to provide for the
organization and discipline of the militia. Pursuant to this constitutional
authority, the Legislature adopted the Military and Veterans Code
which implements the provisions of the State Constitution.
The National Guard receives pay and equipment
from the Federal Government and is fully organized and equipped
in accordance with Army and Air Force tables of organization.
The California National Guard is a federally supervised military
force of volunteer citizen-soldiers with a dual federal-state
status. It provides a state force in peacetime which, under the
direction of the Governor, will serve for local security, and
give relief in time of crisis and disaster. In time of war, it
represents a balanced armed force of trained and equipped civilian
volunteers capable of instant mobilization and ready to fight
any place in the world.
The Adjutant General administers, directs,
and controls the Naval Militia, when organized, and the unorganized
militia when activated. He directs and controls the California
Defense and Security Corps and the California Reserve and Retired
List. The Adjutant General administers the affairs of the California
Cadet Corps which consists of 80 schools with 6,000 cadets. The
corps is also supervised by an executive officer, assistant executive
officer and regional supervisors of cadets, all of whom are state
civil service personnel.
The Adjutant General holds office at the
pleasure of the Governor, and issues all orders in the name of
the Governor. The Adjutant General per-forms such duties as are
prescribed by law and by the Governor. He is responsible for the
training, discipline, and instruction of the National Guard and
for all military property issued to the State by the United States
or owned by the State. He keeps a correct account of all expenses,
and issues all military property as directed by the Governor.
He has control of all armories that are built, being built, or
acquired by the State, which armories total the sum of 75. He
supervises the affairs of the United States Property and Disbursing
Officer at Camp San Luis Obispo, California.
Major General Curtis Dion O'Sullivan
U. S., was born in London, England, October
29, 1894. Received his early schooling at St. Aubyns, Rottingdean,
Sussex; and at Westminster School, London, England. First came
to California in 1895. Graduated from University of California
with B.A. degree, 1915, and M.A., 1916. On December 27, 1917,
he was married to Helen Hooper, and they have two sons: Cornelius
Dion O'Sullivan-killed in action-and Curtis Hooper O'Sullivan.
He served as Captain of Infantry, 1917-1919; Colonel of Infantry,
1941-1946; Commanding General, 49th Infantry Division, 1950. Member,
California Society of Pioneers; Sutter Club; American Legion;
Veterans of Foreign Wars; M. O. W. W.; 7th Division Association;
Phi Beta Kappa; Phi Delta Phi; Phi Delta Theta; National Guard
Association; California National Guard Association; Adjutant General
Association; Newcomen Society; University of California Alumni
Association, Trustee, Phelan Estate. Former President, Mills Estate,
Incorporated. Former President, Building Owners Managers Association
of San Francisco. Former Director, San Francisco Real Estate Board.
Appointed Adjutant General of the State of California April 29,
1946.
Outline History of the California
National Guard
Since an early period, the American communities
have observed the distinction that exists between local security
and the defense of all the colonies and the Nation. The principle
of localization and of combination for a common cause was the
motivating force that prompted the First Legislature of the State
of California to adopt a measure on April 4, 1850, concerning
volunteer or independent companies. Enacted as Chapter 54, Statutes
of 1850, this original law provided that a judge of the superior
court of a county should cause a suitable person to open a book,
and to enter therein the names of all persons able to perform
military duty and who make application for such duty. After required
notice, the volunteers were organized, and their officers and
noncommissioned officers selected by election. The volunteer or
independent companies were armed and equipped as in the Army of
the United States. The units adopted a constitution and by-laws
as well as rules and regulations for the government of the personnel
and the determination of fines and penalties.
At the same First Session of the Legislature
and on April 10, 1850, Chapter 76 was adopted by which provision
was made for the organization of the militia. The enrolled militia
and volunteers or independent companies were organized into four
divisions and eight brigades, and the counties divided and assigned
to such units. The State Legislature elected four Major-Generals
and eight Brigadier Generals; one Adjutant General, to rank as
a Brigadier General; and one Quartermaster General, to rank as
a Brigadier General. Every free, white, able-bodied male citizen
of the State was required to perform military duty or to pay the
sum of $2 as a commutation for the nonperformance of such duty.
Such payment exempted the person from duty except in case of war,
insurrection, invasion, assistance to the sheriff, or a requisition
of the militia.
In the Third Session of the Legislature,
provision was made by the adoption of Chapter XL, Statutes of
1852, for the full employment of the militia in matters of security.
A company of Rangers was organized in the Fourth Session for the
purpose of capturing the famous bandit Joaquin Murietta. Pursuant
to the authority of these early statutes, 307 volunteer or independent
companies were organized. The first unit to be organized was the
First California Guard and officially mustered April 5, 1850.
On July 27, 1849, the early organizations were varied in type.
They consisted of guards, rifles, dragoons, rangers, volunteers,
light artillery, rough and ready cavalry, lanceros, fusileers,
hussars, carbineers, mountaineers, zouaves, sharp-shooters, cadets,
grenadiers, tirelleurs, musketeers, yaigers, and similar units.
The companies were concerned with Indian attacks, bandits, riots,
the Vigilantes, protection of officials, mining claim disputes,
and other civil disturbances. By Statutes of 1855, Chapter CXV,
the militia was again reorganized. Provision was made for six
divisions and 12 brigades, and for more extended military rolls
to be kept by the county assessors of each county. In the Thirteenth
Session of the Legislature in 1862, by Chapter CCXCVI, the militia
was reorganized, staffs provided, bonds required, military duty
exacted, enrollments and assessments created, volunteers companies
reorganized, battalions and regiments of the militia created,
muster rolls defined, the militia classified, activation of the
militia determined, disciplinary procedure adopted, courts-martial
provided, compensation fixed, arms and equipment provided, and
prior conflicting acts repealed.
In 1864, the Fifteenth Session of Legislature
witnessed a serious "tardy manner" in which volunteers
responded to the Governor's call for men to serve the United States.
A "Line Officer's Relief Fund" was created to pay line
officers of the companies of California Volunteers. The Sixteenth
Session of the Legislature adopted Chapter DXLI, Statutes of 1866,
and for the first time employed the term "National Guard"
as the title of the organized uniformed troops of the State. The
statute provided for the organization of the National Guard, General
and Special Staffs, formations of companies, service, arms and
equipment, created a Board of Organization, formed a Board of
Military Auditors, adopted a system of instruction and drill,
described in detail the duties of the Adjutant General, created
privileges and exemptions, allowances and expenses, limited the
issuance of arms to troops only, provided for military musters
and active service.
The Seventeenth Legislature reduced the
80 companies previously provided to 60 by the adoption of Chapter
CCCCXCX, Statutes of 1867-1868. The Eighteenth Legislature created
the University Cadets and provided for military instruction in
the University of California under the control of the Board of
Regents. The Nineteenth Legislature recognized military academies,
provided for commissions to military instructors and the issuance
of arms to such institutions. The Twentieth Session of the Legislature
adopted Section 64 of the Political Code and granted exemptions
from payment of poll tax, road tax, and head taxes. A further
exemption from military duty, except in time of war, was granted
to members of the National Guard who had served the State in a
military manner for seven years. The Twenty-first Legislature
reduced the military expense of the State, and limited the National
Guard to 36 companies. The Twenty-fourth Legislature, by Chap-ter
XXXVII, Statutes of 1881, provided for the creation of cavalry,
infantry, artillery, light batteries, and gatling batteries and
extended to the Governor the power to make rules for the National
Guard consistent with the statutes. The Twenty-seventh Legislature
authorized the increase of the National Guard companies to 50
and to be distributed throughout the State pursuant to military
requirements.
By Statutes of 1889, Chapter CCLXVI, the
Twenty-eighth Legislature organized the National Guard into six
brigades and apportioned the counties to these brigades. An increase
to 60 companies was authorized; new provisions were made for the
discharge of enlisted men; a signal corps was created; staffs
were reorganized; parades required as described; cadet companies
authorized; and the records of the California Volunteers were
to be rewritten and revised. During this period, Congress adopted
the Henderson Bill to pro-mote the efficiency of the militia.
The Twenty-ninth Session of the Legislature witnessed the adoption
of Chapter CLXXVI, Statutes of 1891, by which a naval battalion
was attached to the National Guard. An annual encampment was directed
and provision made for active duty compensation. By Chapter XCII,
Statutes of 1893, the National Guard was increased to 70 companies.
Early provision was made by the Legislature for the suppression
of riots. Chapter CLXX, Statutes of 1895, provided for the employment
of the troops to suppress an insurrection or rebellion, to disperse
a mob, or to enforce the execution of the laws of the State. Chapter
CLXVIII, Statutes of 1895, reduced the National Guard to 69 companies.
In 1897, the National Guard was organized into three brigades
by Chapter CII, Statutes of 1897. The Thirty-third Session of
the Legislature adopted Chapter CXXVII, Statutes of 1899, and
thereby extended leaves of absence to members of the National
Guard who were mustered into federal service as volunteers into
the Spanish-American War.
By Statutes of 1901, Chapter CLXXXIV, the
National Guard was organized into 65 companies, of which 56 companies
were to be cavalry, artillery, infantry, or signal corps, and
five divisions of the naval militia. In 1905, the Thirty-sixth
Legislature adopted Chapter CCLXXXVIII and organized the National
Guard into one company of engineers, two companies of signalmen,
not less than four companies of coast artillery, four troops of
cavalry, not to exceed 60 companies of infantry, a medical detachment,
not to exceed seven divisions of Naval Militia, the officers of
the staff of the commander-in-chief, officers of the retired list,
and the total of all arms and services not to exceed 78 companies.
By Chapter 378, Statutes of 1909, the Legislature provided that
the National Guard shall consist of such members of companies
of engineers, signalmen, coast artillery, infantry, cavalry, and
divisions of naval militia as the Governor shall direct, provided
the total number of companies did not exceed 84. Chapter 353,
Statutes of 1909, continued the practice of the election of field
officers by the field and company officers, and the election of
company officers by the members of the organization.
By Chapter 600, Statutes of 1913, the militia
was divided into two classes: 1. The organized militia. 2. The
reserve militia. The organized militia was to be known as the
National Guard of California. The Legislature, by Chapter 409,
Statutes of 1915, authorized the organization of not to exceed
100 companies, troops, batteries, divisions, and marine companies,
and by Chapter 254, appropriated the sum of 810,000 to entertain
delegates to the Convention of the National Guard Association
of the United States.
Unsettled and threatening conditions of
international relations prompted the Legislature to adopt as an
urgency measure Chapter 16, Statutes of 1917, by which the organization
of the National Guard of the State was brought into accord with
the National Defense Act of June 3, 1916. Effective war-time reorganization
of the National Guard was accomplished by Chapter 207, Statutes
of 1917. Chapter 241, Statutes of 1919, provided that federal
service should be considered as continuous state service, granted
preference to units with federal service during the reorganization
process, recognized the attained federal commissioned rank of
officers, and provided for privileges, exemptions, and retirements.
The chapter adopted a plan for the return of the National Guard
after World War I. In order to overcome conflicts in existing
state law with provisions of the National Defense Act, an urgency
measure was adopted in the form of Chapter 16, Statutes of 1921,
by which qualifications for commission in the National Guard were
brought into accord with federal requirements. Statutes of 1923,
Chapter 168, extended to the Adjutant General control of all armories
and arsenals in the State. The power was extended to lease camp
sites and rifle ranges for the use of the National Guard by Chapter
463, Statutes of 1927. The power of eminent domain was con-firmed
in the Adjutant General by Chapter 106, Statutes of 1929. By Chapter
47, the same Legislature provided that the organization of the
National Guard should conform to the provisions of the National
Defense Act. By Chapter 120, state employees and officers were
permitted to attend military training encampments without deduction
of pay. A new military status was added by Chapter 219, Statutes
of 1931, whereby not to exceed 20 honorary members were authorized
for each company, troops, or division. The Fiftieth Session of
the Legislature witnessed the substantial revision of the military
laws in the adoption of Chapter 975, Statutes of 1933, whereby
a Military Code was adopted for the State. The laws governing
the National Guard were assembled and rearranged, and obsolete
provisions eliminated. Chapter 389, Statutes of 1935, combined
the laws, and adopted a Military and Veterans Code. The code remained
in the same form substantially to 1946. A revision of the code
is contemplated for consideration by the Legislature in 1950,
in order to harmonize the sections of the law and to add seriously
required amendments that will clarify the organization and employment
of the military forces of the State. The Legislature, as always,
promptly responded in making changes in the military laws necessary
for the security of the State, and has authorized reorganizations
and new fields of action when military requirements so indicated
a change.
In 1854, the First Battalion, First Infantry
Regiment, was formed in San Francisco, California, and consisted
of the National Lancers, San Francisco Blues and the First Light
Dragoons. The battalion served during the Vigilante trouble in
1856. In May of 1861, the First Infantry Regiment consisted of
eight companies to wit: First California Guard, California Fusileers,
Black Hussars, California Rifles, City Guard, National Guard,
Light Guard, and the French Guard. The regiment served in the
coolie labor trouble, the railroad strike of 1894, in the Philippines,
at Cavite, on Luzon, at Manila, on the Isle of Negros. On August
26, 1899, the regiment returned to San Francisco as the "Fighting
First Regiment."
The First Regiment of Cavalry was organized on January 30, 1864.
Nine cavalry units were included, to wit: First Light Dragoons,
San Francisco Hussars, Jackson Dragoons, Suisun Cavalry, Redwood
Cavalry, Burnett Light Horse Guard, Contra Costa Guard, New Almaden
Cavalry, Jefferson Cavalry, and Lincoln Cavalry. The Cavalry Regiment
was employed in the anti-Chinese labor demonstrations, the DeYoung
incident, and in other disturbances.
The Third Brigade Signal Corps was organized
June 18, 1889, at Stockton, California. The corps was one of the
first units to offer its services in the war with Spain.
The Second Infantry Regiment was organized
on December 9, 1862. The companies included were Montgomery Guard,
Emmet Life Guard, McMahon Guard, Shields Guard, Emmet Rifles,
Wolfe Tone Guard, Meagher Guard, Benicia Guard. The Second Regiment
was known as the Irish Regiment. The regiment was employed in
the Chinese coolie labor disturbances. The Second Artillery Regiment
was formed when the Second Infantry Regiment was redesignated
as the Second Artillery Regiment, June 1, 1881. The regiment's
batteries were Batteries A to H, inclusive.
The Third Infantry Regiment has a history
that began in the Second (Irish) Infantry Regiment which was mustered
out in 1866, and re-entered the National Guard as the Third Infantry
Regiment in 1871. The regiment was active during the Civil War,
and, therefore, was mustered out of service when the Legislature
reduced the National Guard companies to 80. The regiment existed
from 1871 to 1881, and was employed in the coolie labor demonstrations,
in the De Young incident, during the funeral of King Kalakaua
of the Hawaiian Islands, and the reception given in San Francisco
to President Benjamin Harrison.
The Fifth Infantry Battalion was reconstituted
as the Fifth Infantry Regiment on August 1, 1885. The battalion
had consisted of the Oakland Guard and the San Jose Zouaves. On
January 21, 1903, Congress passed the "Dick Militia Law"
and the activities of the regiment were changed to comply with
the new rules. The Fifth Regiment served in the railroad strike
of 1894, the San Francisco earthquake and fire of 1906, on the
Mexican border, and in World War I.
From 1880 to 1887, unattached companies
were formed, consisting of the San Bernardino Cavalry, Eagle Corps,
San Diego Guards, First Troop Cavalry, Oakland Light Cavalry,
Forsyth Guard, Emmet Guard, and Colusa Guard. The units participated
in drill, ceremonies, and minor disturbances. In 1895, four troops
on unattached cavalry were reconstituted as Troops A to D, inclusive,
and assigned to the First, Second and Third Brigades respectively.
The First Brigade, Signal Corps, was organized
May 28, 1890, pursuant to legislation adopted April, 1889. The
Second Brigade, Signal Corps, was organized April 30, 1889, and
engaged in drill, encampments, and ceremonies, as'well as the
railroad strike of 1894 and other disturbances. The Third Brigade,
Signal Corps, was organized June 18, 1889, and formerly Signal
Corps, Fourth Brigade. The corps served in the War with Spain
and was mustered out in 1904. The Signal Corps, Fourth Brigade,
was organized August 1, 1887, but was not a legal unit until July
17, 1889. In 1895, the entire National Guard was organized into
three brigades and the Fourth Brigade was disbanded, and the signal
unit transferred to the Third Brigade.
The Second Infantry Regiment, Third Brigade,
was formed from the consolidation of the Second and Eighth Infantry
Regiments on December 9, 1895. The regiment remained a nine-company
unit until 1907, when it absorbed five companies of the disbanded
Sixth Infantry Regiment. The regiment participated in drills,
ceremonies, maneuvers, rifle matches. The Second Infantry Regiment
did not enter the War With Spain as a unit. Company E was attached
to the Sixth Regiment, California Volunteers, five other companies
were made a part of the Eighth Regiment, and three companies did
not enter federal service.
The Sixth Infantry Battalion, Third Brigade,
was organized at Stockton, California, on July 22, 1885. The battalion
consisted of the Stockton Guard, the Emmet Guard, and the Forsyth
Guard. The battalion formed the basis for a reorganization into
the Sixth Infantry Regiment. The battalion was known as the "Sixth
Harvesters" and participated in the Moquelemos land dispute.
The First Artillery Regiment, Fourth Brigade,
was formerly the First Infantry Battalion, Fourth Brigade, and
Sacramento Light Artillery, and was organized March 19, 1880.
The regiment participated in the Raten incident and in minor civil
disturbances.
The Second Infantry Regiment, Fourth Brigade,
was organized July 1, 1893, by a reconstitution of the First Artillery
Regiment. The regiment consisted of eight companies, and took
part in the railroad strike of 1894. The Seventh Infantry Battalion
was organized July 22, 1885, and consisted of the San Diego City
Guard and the Eagle Corps. Its formation marked a new interest
in the militia in Southern California. The Seventh Infantry Regiment
was organized May 5, 1888, and was formerly the Seventh Infantry
Battalion, composed of three companies. The regiment participated
in the raid= road strike of 1894 and the fire and/earthquake in
San Francisco in 1906. In 1907, the unit took part in the street
car strike in San Francisco, and performed service in the Mexican
War. The regiment was mustered out of service November 11, 1916.
The Ninth Infantry Regiment was organized
February 8, 1890, in the First Brigade, and took no part in any
major activity. The Eighth Infantry Battalion, Fifth Brigade,
was organized February 15, 1890. The Sixth Infantry Regiment was
formed from a consolidation of the Ninth and Tenth Infantry Battalions
on December 7, 1895. The regiment participated in the railroad
strike of 1894, the Spanish-American War, and the fire and earth-quake
of San Francisco of 1906. The Eighth Infantry Regiment was organized
February 1, 1890, was reconstituted October 31, 1891, and took
part in the railroad strike of 1894. On May 13, 1890, the Tenth
Infantry Battalion, Sixth Brigade, was formed. The First Battalion,
Coast Artillery, Second Brigade, was formed April 19, 1901. The
battalion took part in the services performed during the fire
and earthquake of San Francisco in 1906. The First Squadron of
Cavalry was organized August 15, 1905, reorganized in 1911, and
entered World War I in 1917. The squadron took part in the fire
and earthquake of San Francisco in 1906.
The Coast Artillery Corps, First Coast Defense
Command, was organized April 19, 1909, and the Second Coast Defense
Command on June 16, 1916. The California Political Code provided
for 16 companies of coast artillery, but the Adjutant General
responded to federal wishes, and formed only 12 new units. During
the period 1916-1918, 16 separate companies were formed, numbered
numerically, and given instructions as other units.
The National Defense Act of June 3, 1916,
authorized the State of California to organize one battalion of
engineers. Company A, Corps of Engineers, was formed July 21,
1916, Company B was formed October 12, 1916, and Company C was
organized May 28, 1917. Battery A, First Separate Battalion, Field
Artillery, was formed November 1, 1921, Battery B was formed on
the same date, and Battery C was created April 1, 1922. Battery
B, Field Artillery, California National Guard, was formed November
29, 1920, Battery E was organized March 17, 1921, and Battery
D was formed January 31, 1922. Battery A, Field Artillery, First
Brigade, was organized on May 29, 1911, Battery B was formed May
31, 1911, and Battery C was created Decem-ber 14, 1912. The field
artillery batteries were redesignated, and mustered into federal
service in World War I.
On August 3, 1917, the First Battalion,
Field Artillery, was redesignated as the First Field Artillery,
and consisted of Batteries A, B, C, D, E, F, head-quarters company,
and a supply company. In 1917, the Second Field Artillery was
formed, and consisted of Batteries A, B, C, D, E, F, a head-quarters
company, and a supply company. This regiment was mustered into
federal service in World War I, and was redesignated the 144th
Field Artillery, August 5, 1917. The batteries performed service
on the Mexican border. The 143d Field Artillery was organized
December 20, 1912, but the initial, steps in its formation started
in May, 1911. On September 24, 1917, the First Field Artillery
was redesignated the 143d Regiment of Field Artillery and left
for France in August, 1918. The troops were assigned to the First
Army as Army Artillery. The regiment was demobilized at the Presidio
of_ San Francisco in January, 1919. Reorganization of the 143d
Field Artillery was started in 1921 and completed in 1924, with
the formation of the Second Battalion and special units. A series
of infantry companies were organized as follows: Company C on
May 4, 1921; Company G on June 1, 1920; Company H on July 22,
1920; Company I on August 4, 1920; Company K on August 6, 1920;
Company L on August 24, 1920; Company M on October 1, 1920; First
Separate Company at San Leandro on February 13, 1924; First Separate
Company at Los Angeles on October 5, 1920; Second Separate Company
on May 28, 1924; Second Separate Company at Fresno on October
4, 1920; Third Separate Company at Los Angeles on November 30,
1920; Third Separate Company at San Jose on June 20, 1924; Fourth
Separate Company at Los Angeles in November, 1920; Fifth Separate
Company at Glendale on January 2, 1921; Sixth Separate Company
at Berkeley on February 3, 1921; Sixth Separate Company at San
Francisco on June 30, 1921; Sixth Separate Company at Colusa on
July 22, 1921; Seventeenth Separate Company at Santa Ana on August
19, 1918.
The 159th Infantry Regiment was organized October 1, 1921, Regimental
Headquarters and Headquarters Company, Service Company and Howitzer
Company were located at Oakland and Berkeley; the First Battalion
and its units were located at Oakland and Berkeley; the Second
Battalion and its units were located at Fresno, Colusa, and Sacramento;
the Third Battalion and its units were located in San Francisco.
Only three units of the 159th Infantry Regiment were disbanded
in the 16 years of its history. The organization of the 184th
Infantry Regiment in 1924 resulted in the assignment of the Sacramento
and San Joaquin Valley units of the 159th and 160th Regiments
to the 184th Regiment. The men of the 159th Infantry Regiment
per-formed service as volunteers or as militiamen during the railroad
strike of 1894, during the fire and earthquake of 1906 in San
Francisco, on the Mexican border, in federal service in World
War I, and other civil disturbances.
The 160th Infantry Regiment was organized
October 14, 1917, by the consolidation and redesignation of the
former Seventh Infantry Regiment and six companies of the Second
Infantry Regiment. On August 23, 1921, the 160th Infantry was
reorganized with headquarters at Los Angeles. The regiment was
the first organization to be mustered into the new National Guard,
and consisted of the Second, Third, and Fourth Separate Battalions
of Infantry which were designated the Third and Second Battalions,
160th Infantry. In the 16 years of the regiment's existence, there
were very few changes in its units. It performed duty during the
visit of Colonel Charles Lindbergh in his plane the Spirit of
St. Louis; during the visit of the airliner Graf Zeppelin; during
the strike of longshoremen in San Francisco on July 15, 1934;
and during numerous ceremonies, drills, and parades.
Reorganization continued in the Coast Artillery
Corps, and the First Company was mustered into state service on
June 16, 1920, by Major David P. Hardy, Reserve Corps, United
States Army. On January 20, 1921, Major Richard E. Mittelstaedt,
Ordnance Department, California National Guard, mustered the Second
Company, Coast Artillery Corps. Fifth Company was organized February
10, 1921; Sixth Company on March 1, 1921; Seventh Company on April
20, 1921; Eighth Company on April 20, 1921; Ninth Company on April
21, 1921; First Separate Company on August 1, 1924; Second Separate
Company on August 1, 1924; and the Third Separate Company on August
1, 1924. The First Separate Machine Gun Company was organized
September 1, 1924.
The 184th Infantry Regiment was organized
July 1, 1924, with two battalions. The Headquarters Company of
the regiment was a successor to the Sarsfield Grenadier Guard
organized in Sacramento in July 29, 1870. Company E, Second Battalion,
claimed one of the earliest histories and as the successor to
the Union Cavalry, Buckeye, Yolo County, June 25, 1863. The regiment
participated in the Folsom riot on November 24, 1927, the longshoremen's
strike in San Francisco, July 5, 1934, and numerous ceremonies,
drills, and parades.
The Headquarters, Seventy-ninth Brigade,
Fortieth Division, California National Guard, was organized November
25, 1922, in Sacramento. The brigade consisted of the 159th and
the 160th Regiments. The headquarters was relocated at Berkeley
on March 16, 1925, and was again relocated in Los Angeies on October
16, 1926, where it remained until the brigade was redesignated
the 80th Brigade on May 6, 1929. The 160th Infantry and the new
185th Infantry were assigned to the 80th Brigade. The new 79th
Brigade received the 159th Regiment of Infantry and the 184th
Infantry Regiment. The units participated in the San Francisco
Emergency in 1934.
The 40th Tank Company. 40th Division, was
organized at Salinas on June 18, 1924. The company participated
in the Folsom riot incident on November 27, 1927. The 115th Quartermaster
Regiment Headquarters was organized June 18, 1926, the Headquarters
Company was formed on the same date. Two battalions were created
with Company A and Company B in the First Battalion together with
a Headquarters and a Headquarters Company. The Second Battalion
was formed with Companies C and D, together with a Medical Detachment.
The units transported the troops of the 40th Division to and from
training areas.
The Coast Artillery began in April 18, 1901,
when the Board of Location and Organization ordered Companies
C, F, G, and K of the First Infantry Regiment to be detached and
become the First Battalion of Coast Artillery. The first company
of artillery to be organized was at San Francisco, and was designated
First Company, Coast Artillery, on June 16, 1920. The Second Company
was mustered January 20, 1921. On February 1, 1921, Companies
C and D, First Separate Battalion Infantry, were redesignated
Third and Fourth Companies of the Coast Artillery Corps. The four
artillery companies were organized as the First Provisional Battalion
Coast Artillery Corps, and on March 26, 1921, this unit was designated
the First Coast Defense Command. The 250th Coast Artillery participated
in the longshoremen's sts`ike in San Francisco on July 5, 1934.
The 251st Coast Artillery was organized
November 1, 1924. On January 1, 1930, the unit was redesignated
251st Coast Artillery (Anti-Aircraft). From 1924 to 1936, the
regiment consisted of six batteries, Headquarters Detachment,
Combat Train, and Medical Detachment. The batteries were Headquarters
Battery and Batteries A, B. C, D, and E. The Headquarters Battery
was previously organized as Seventh Company, Coast Artillery Corps
on April 20, 1921. It became the 465th Company on October 6, 1923,
and then Battery G, 250th Coast Artillery. When the 251st was
organized it was converted to Headquarters Battery. Battery A
was formerly the San Diego City Guard on October 12, 1881. Battery
B was formerly the Eight Company Coast Artillery Corps. Battery
C was originally the Eighth Company at San Diego on April 20,
1921. Battery D was formerly the Twenty-third Company, organized
October 6, 1916. Battery E was originally the Sixteenth Company,
organized September 24, 1916. Battery F was formerly Battery D
of the 251st Coast Artillery. The 251st Coast Artillery took part
in the earthquake at Long Beach in 1933, in many ceremonies, and
in drill and parades.
The 185th Infantry Regiment was organized
April 1, 1929. at Fresno, California. Redesignations of units
of the 184th Infantry Regiment were made to create some of the
new units of the 185th Infantry Regiment.
Company C, 184th Infantry became Headquarters Company, 185th Regiment.
Companies A, B, C, D, E, F, H of the 185th Infantry Regiment,
were formerly Companies A, B, K, D. F, H respectively of the 184th
Infantry Regiment. New units organized in the 185th Regiment were
Headquarters, Howitzer Company, Companies E, G, F, C, M, Headquarters
Company, Third Battalion. The regiment excelled in training and
in marksmanship. It received national recognition in target practice,
and participated in many ceremonies, drills, and parades.
The 40th Division Aviation, formerly the
40th Division Air Service, consisted of an Observation Squadron,
mustered in June 16, 1924; the 115th Photo Section, mustered Mav
3, 1926; and a Medical Detachment, mustered May 3, 1926. Hangars
and eight planes were supplied to the squadron by the Federal
Government. On May 13, 1931, five planes took off from the Glendale
National Airport for Dayton, Ohio, to attend the National Air
Corps Maneuvers.
The 196th Field Artillery was an organization
for only three months, and was then absorbed by the 144th Field
Artillery. The unit consisted of a Headquarters, Second Battalion,
Medical Detachment, Headquarters Battery and Combat Train, Battery
C and C, Second Battalion. The 144th Field Artillery was organized
April 16, 1936, with a Headquarters, Second Battalion, Headquarters
Battery and Combat Train. The 115th Medical Regiment was organized
April 27, 1936, with an Ambulance Company.
Headquarters Company, 80th Brigade, was
mustered in May 6, 1929, and was formerly Headquarters Company,
79th Brigade. Headquarters of the brigade was organized at the
same time in Los Angeles. The 160th Infantry Regiment was withdrawn
from the 79th Brigade and attached to the 80th Brigade. The new
185th Regiment was likewise assigned to the 80th Brigade. The
Headquarters of the 40th Division was organized September, 1917,
demobilized in 1919, reorganized June 18, 1926, and restationed
October 1, 1937. A Headquarters Company, Headquarters Detachment,
Headquarters Special Troops, and Medical Detachment were included
in the 40th Division. The State Staff of the Adjutant's Department
was organized April 12, 1950.
The records are replete with important incidents
of the employment of the militia and the National Guard. The troops
were employed successfully in the railroad strike of 1894; in
the Spanish-American War; in the Philip-pine Insurrection; in
the earthquake and fire in San Francisco in 1906; in the McCloud
River lumber strike of 1909; on the Mexican Border in 1916; in
the Folscm Prison riot in 1927; during the Long Beach earthquake,
March 10, 1933; during the strikes and emergency in San Francisco
in 1934; in the Ocean Park fire; during the Mt. Tamalpais fire;
in the Wheatland riots; in the Napa City fire; during the Sacramento
riots and the suppression of "Kelley's Army": on the
Mexican Border in 1914; during the St. Francis Dam disaster; in
the North Sacramento Floods; during the San Quentin fire and the
Stockton emergency; during the Chico and Redlands disturbances:
during Indian hostilities: in World War I and World War II; and
in a host of minor disturbances. It would be difficult to imagine
the course the State might have taken if troops had not been available
during its periods of crisis and emergency.
By General Order Number 34, Headquarters
of the California National Guard. Brigadier General R. E. Mittelstaedt,
C.N.G., was granted a leave of absence in order to enter federal
service as of March 2, 1941. On November 25, 1940. the 102d Radio
Intelligence Company was inducted into federal service. On October
7, 1940, the State Detachment; on September 16, 1940, the 250th
and 251st Coast Artillery: on February 3, 1941, the 144th Field
Artillery; on February 10, 1941, Company C, 194th Tank Battalion;
on March 3, 1941, the 143d Field Artillery; on March 3, 1941,
all of the units of the 40th Division and the 115th Observation
Squadron; and on April 1, 1941, the Headquarters Battery of the
76th Field Artillery Brigade were respectively inducted into federal
service. Their record and history is to be made available to all
by the Department of the Army, and is a record to be proudly preserved
and recalled at intervals, that the sacrifices may never be forgotten.
Many citizens of the State of California
have held office in the California National Guard or Militia and
have otherwise distinguished them-selves and become public figures.
Upon the cessation of hostilities in World
War II, the responsibility for the reorganization of the postwar
California National Guard was vested in Major General Curtis D.
O'Sullivan. the Adjutant General of the State of California. The
California National Guard was reorganized as a federally supervised
military force of volunteer citizen-soldiers with a dual federal-state
status. To the Nation, it represents a balanced armed force of
trained and equipped civilian volunteers, capable of instant mobilization
in time of national peril, and ready to fight any place in the
world. To the State of California, it provides a state force in
peacetime which, under direction of the Governor, will serve for
local security, and give relief in time of crisis and disaster.
To the community, it furnishes the local opportunity for individual
citizens to be trained for modern, effective preparedness while
they live at home and follow their normal civilian pursuits.
The California National Guard, as reorganized,
is authorized to receive pay and equipment from the Federal Government.
It is fully organized and equipped in accordance with Army and
Air Force Tables of Organization. The officers qualify under a
strict age-in-grade policy prescribed by the National Guard Bureau.
The personnel of the guard are required to meet physical and professional
standards identical with those prescribed for the United States
Army.
The California National .Guard is reorganized
into divisions, wings. regiments, squadrons, and other units similar
to the Regular Army. The Federal Government, through the National
Guard Bureau, allocated to the State of California a total of
375 units of which 41 are California Air National Guard units.
All of the air units have been organized and federally recognized.
The 334 Army National Guard units have been reorganized and federally
recognized, except 12 units which are allocated and in the process
of organization. The units of the California National Guard have
a total strength of 27,170 and constitute the Iargest Air National
Guard and the second largest Army National Guard in the United
States.
The California Legislature approved the
armory construction program of the Adjutant General and, as a
result, the prewar 12 state-owned armories have been increased
to 74 armories now completed or in process of construction. Approximately
$24,000,000 in federal funds will be paid to California citizen-soldiers
in the year 1950. More than S268,000,000 in real property and
equipment has been received from the Federal Government. The federal
pay roll in California for over 400 caretakers, mechanics, and
maintenance personnel now employed totals nearly $2,000,000. The
State Budget of the California National Guard for 1950 is nearly
$2,500,000.
The strength of the major organizations
of the California National Guard as of 31 December 1949 is as
follows:
State Headquarters
Unit
Officer
Warrant Officers
Enlisted
Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment
46
1
70
Separate Detachment, California National
Guard (See 1st Provisional Brigade)
10
2
16
Total
56
3
86
40th Infantry Division
Unit
Officer
Warrant Officers
Enlisted
Headquarters, 40th Infantry Division and
Division Troops
161
24
1,789
40th Infantry Division Artillery
146
10
2,148
160th Infantry Regiment
79
4
1,480
223rd Infantry Regiment
92
3
2,048
224th Infantry Regiment
91
4
2,174
Total
569
45
9,639
49th Infantry Division
Unit
Officer
Warrant Officers
Enlisted
Headquarters, 49th Infantry Division and
Division Troops