A century of Mississippi

National Guard, Sep 2003 by Blanton, Danny

This year's conference host made big contributions to National Guard history over the past 100 years

In 1798, Winthrop Sergeant, governor of the Mississippi Territory organized the Mississippi State Militia, a community-based defense force, to protect the citizens of the young territory. But throughout its two centuries, never did it see more growth than during the past 100 years.

The Mississippi Guard has come a long way since Adjutant Gen. William Henry asked Gov. A.H. Longing to increase the appropriation for the 2,000-man organization to $16,000 per year. With more than 11,000 soldiers and airmen today, it operates on a $300 million annual budget and plays a much larger role at home and abroad.

The Spanish-American War

The turn of the century saw President Theodore Roosevelt wage war against Spain over territories in the Caribbean Sea. The Mississippi Guard participated, sending two infantry regiments-some predecessors of the 1st Battalion, 155th Infantry. The first and second Infantry Regiments were activated from Dec. 20, 1899 to Dec. 10, 1901.

World War I

On June 18, 1916, President Woodrow Wilson activated officers and enlisted men of the state headquarters and the three infantry battalions-45 officers and 1,292 enlisted men.

Almost a year later, this increased when Congress declared war on Germany. A total of 171 officers and 5,398 enlisted men departed, leaving the state without military forces. During a special session in 1917, however, the state legislature passed a bill authorizing home guards for state defense.

Delta Flood of 1927

In the spring of 1927 the Mississippi River overflowed leaving most of the Mississippi Delta region under water. The 1st Mississippi Infantry Regiment was activated and rescued more than 100,000 refugees.

World War II

In June 1940, the secretary of war ordered Gov. Paul B. Johnson to begin total mobilization of the Mississippi Guard. The state headquarters was inducted into federal service from Sept. 25, 1940, to October 22, 1940. The remainder was ordered to active duty November 25, 1940.

Initially a one-year call-up, the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor in December 1941 threw all forces into the service for the duration of the war.

Post War

After the war, the Guard returned to its mission at home, assisting communities following natural disasters and helping civil authorities enforce state laws.

In addition, the 31st Infantry Division, previously composed of Florida, Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana Guard troops was reorganized, eliminating Louisiana and Florida troops. Mississippi units increased from 35 to 67.

Korean Conflict

About 95 percent of the Mississippi Guard was activated in the fall of 1949 when North Korea invaded South Korea.

The 631st Armored Field Artillery Battalion went to Europe to support the NATO Army, and the 138th Engineer Pontoon Bridge Company saw action in the United Nations effort. Of the 6,515 Guardsmen who answered the call, approximately 60 percent were ordered overseas to replace elements of the 8th Army in Korea or sent to Army units in Europe and other parts of the world.

The Cold War

As nuclear weaponry pitted the United States and Soviet Union against one another, it also affected the Mississippi Guard. The 183rd Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron, equipped with C-l 19 "Flying Boxcars" participated in several support missions for the Guard Bureau and the U.S. Air Force.

The Oxford Incident

In September 1962, the Army and Air Guard assisted federal authorities when James Meredith became the first black student to enter the University of Mississippi. The mobilization was successful, and the enrollment was completed despite a riot that resulted in two deaths and numerous injuries.

Hurricane Camille

At midnight on Aug. 17, 1969, Hurricane Camille battered the Mississippi Gulf Coast, killing 136 people and causing $1 billion in damage. Camille's winds were estimated at 200 mph, tides were 25 feet above normal and destroyed more than 50 square miles. More than 3,800 Guardsmen were activated to evacuate citizens and provide housing, traffic control, search and rescue and preservation.

Operation St. Patrick's Day Flood

A series of tornadoes brought destruction to the state in February 1971. Gov. John Bell Williams ordered 606 Guardsmen to help authorities in 12 counties where approximately 112 people were killed and many more were injured.

St. Patrick's day of 1973 was not a lucky time either when floodwaters ravaged the delta for more than two months. The Mississippi River levee at Greenville broke on March 15 and water covered 13 counties. Heavy rains also lifted the Yazoo and Sunflower rivers to flood stage. Coupled with the rapid rise of the Mississippi, the delta and Yazoo River Basin flooded. A total of 4,454 national guardsmen were activated to assist local authorities.

The Easter Day Flood of 1979

On April 8, 1979, tornadoes and thunderstorms caused destruction and flooding throughout the state. The flooding continued down the Pearl River Basin and affected approximately 47 counties, causing $1.2 million in damages.