Q2 / 2018
Training at JRTC
Georgia Army National Guardsmen train at Fort Polk
&
Celebrating 25 Years
Youth ChalleNGe Program celebrates 25th anniversary
Plus: Georgia Guard Aviators Deploy | Preparing for the Storm | And soq2much more / 2018 | A1
CONTENTS ISSUE: Q1 / 2018
Facebook.com/GeorgiaGuard
12 04
The Georgia Army National Guard Trains at JRTC
Soldiers of the Georgia Army National Guard conduct training during a rotation at the Joint Readiness Training Center in Fort Polk, La.
08
columns 09| NCO notepad Why PT?
16| The Chaplain’s Corner
06
20
Biography of Chaplain Col. Blair Davis, State Chaplain.
Features
News
24| Blast From the Past “From Baccarat to the Marne”
04| Caring, It’s in his blood
Private First Class Charles Baker conducts medical training during drill weekend.
06| YCA 25th Anniversary
The Youth ChalleNGe Program celebrates 25 years at the Fort Stewart campus.
10| The Georgia Guard in the Spanish American War
08| Preparing for the Storm
30|Around the Guard
See what’s going on around the Georgia Guard.
30
The Georgia National Guard conducts a hurricane drill to enhance preparedness.
20|Operation Spartan Shield
Soldiers of 1-169th General Support Aviation Battalion and 935th Aviation Support Battalion deploy in support of Operation Spartan Shield.
22|Outstanding Airmen of the Year
A history of the members of the Georgia National Guard that participated in the Spanish Amerian War.
The Air Force annouces 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year.
18| Crows Landing In Georgia
23|Jstars arrives at fighter wing skridstrub
The Georgia Army National Guard gets a new generation of Common Remotely Operated Weapon Station (CROWS) instructors and operators.
18 2 | The Georgia Guardsman
Georgia Air National Guard’s JSTARS arrive at Fighter Wing Skridstrub in Denmark.
23
Georgia National Guard Commander-in-Chief Gov. Nathan Deal Adjutant General Maj. Gen. Joe Jarrard State Public Affairs Director Maj. Jeff Freeman State Public Affairs Officer Capt. Charles Emmons Operations NCO 1st Sgt. Gerard Brown Editorial Staff Managing Editor Desiree Bamba Contributors Maria Balderas 1st Sgt. Gerard Brown Capt. William Carraway Tiffany Irene Coulibaly Capt. Charles Emmons Sgt. Gary Hone Sgt. Amy King Staff Sgt. R.J. Lannom Jr. Chief Master Sgt. Roger Parsons Maj. Chaplain Jon Pirtle Sgt. Shye Wilborn
Georgia National Guard Channels
Contributing DOD Organizations
Disclaimer
124th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment, 116th Air Control Wing Public Affairs Office, Army National Guard Unit Public Affairs Representatives, Air National Guard Wing Public Affairs Representatives, Georgia State Defense Force Public Affairs.
The Georgia Guardsman is published quarterly under the provisions of AR 360-81 and AF 6-1 by the Georgia Department of Defense Public Affairs Office. The views and opinions expressed in the Georgia Guardsman are not necessarily those of the Departments of the Army, Air Force or the Adjutant General of Georgia. The Georgia Guardsman is distributed free-of-charge to members of the Georgia Army and Air National Guard, State Defense Force and other interested persons upon request. q2 / 2018 | 3
Story by: Sgt. Gary Hone | 124th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment | Georgia Army National Guard
Soldiers going through their annual medical Soldier readiness processing would not call it training, as they receive immunizations, have blood samples taken, and get a dental exam. For the Guardsmen who provide these services, however, it provides the chance to develop and improve their medical skills. Duluth resident Pfc. Charles Baker of the Georgia Cumming-based Headquarters Company, 3rd Battalion, 121st Infantry Regiment from Cumming, Georgia, did not know what the Army entailed when it came to jobs when he first enlisted. “The only real two jobs I knew of was infantry and combat medic,” said Baker. “I chose combat medic because I did not want to be in the infantry. It turned out to be one of the best decisions I ever made and I really enjoy it. I did not know I would enjoy it this much.” The training to be an Army 68W Health Care Specialist is 16 weeks long. During that time, Soldiers gain national certification as an Emergency Medical Technician-Basic and receive combat medical training, which consists of such things as combat casualty care, advanced airways, basic pharmacology and trauma management. “When I was in Advanced Individual Training, I was never a big fan of getting my blood work done or being stuck with a needle,” said Baker. “When you’re in training you do that. You train on each other, and obviously, you are no good
4 | The Georgia Guardsman
at it because none of us have ever done it before. That was a hurdle for me.” The military training Baker received qualified him for a civilian career with Emory Johns Creek Hospital as an emergency department technician. He was able to expand his knowledge and capabilities a few months later while he was with his new unit when he was offered the chance to go through the Advanced EMT certification with the Atlanta based Grady EMS Academy. “When you come out of training, you have a basic EMT certification, but when I came to the unit after a couple of months I had an opportunity to get my Advanced EMT certification,” said Baker. “Grady EMS works with the Georgia National Guard teaching the advanced certifications to the Soldiers. The Guard pays for the advanced certification and it helps me in advancing my civilian career and helps me as a combat medic.” The two years since Baker graduated from AIT he has advanced his skills. This provides him the opportunity to share and give back to his fellow Guardsmen and train them on what he knows. “He finds a way to make it relaxing by cracking jokes and improving everyone’s attitude,” said Spc. Dunkin Seguin, the 3rd Battalion, 121st Infantry Regiment noncommissioned officer in charge during the Medical Commands June SRP. “He then turns around and walks everyone through the
crawl-walk-run. He is always patient with everyone and knows not everyone gets it, just as long you’re committing to the effort to learn, he will teach each and every person.” The combat medics augmented the June 2018 SRP being held by MEDCOM in Marietta, Georgia, assisting in various areas like the EKG and lab. Sergeant Daniel Kobler, one of the two NCOICs in the phlebotomy lab for MEDCOM, was happy to have the support. “Baker was one of the augmentees to help with the speed and efficiency of the SRP,” said Kobler. “He, even as a Pfc., showed poise, showed discipline. He was able to get up to speed in the lab to execute blood draw. He has a good bedside manner with his patients, never showing signs of agitation or annoyance. I am glad to have had him here and wouldn’t mind having him back.” Baker may not have enjoyed getting his blood drawn like every other Soldier, but he continues to practice his skills so his patients do not have to think about. “I know if I did my best and I help to improve someone’s life, I know, at the end of the day, I did good,” said Baker.
q2 / 2018 | 5
Story by: Staff Sgt. R.J. Lannom Jr. | Public Affairs Office | Georgia Army National Guard The Georgia National Guard Youth ChalleNGe Program hosted civic leaders and alumni during its 25th Anniversary Celebration and All Class Reunion at the Fort Stewart academy campus. More than 50 civic and business leaders from across Georgia attended the celebration to learn more about the program and its impact on the state. The YCP provides a second chance for at-risk 16-18-year-old youth with three academies located at Fort Stewart (Savannah), Fort Gordon (Augusta) and Milledgeville, Ga. The academies conduct a 22-week, in-resident, military-like alternative education program that emphasizes structure, consistency, discipline, teamwork and self-improvement. Over the course of 25 years, the Ga. Guard’s YCP has graduated more than 15,000 students in Georgia. In the last year alone, 485 earned either a high school diploma or certificate of high school equivalency. With additional opportunities for development after graduation, 55 percent of graduates enter the workforce, 40 percent continue with their education and a select few join military service. “We can do in four months with the students of the academy what the schools do in nine,” said Dr. Roger Lotson, director, Fort Stewart, Georgia Youth ChalleNGe Academy, “We are good at what we do.” Addressing civic leaders during the celebration, Lotson emphasized the character and leadership training that sets graduates apart from other high schools and programs. “I’ll put our graduates up against anybody in the state,” said Lotson. “I know they are trained, drug-free, will show up to work on time, say ‘yes sir’ and ‘no sir’ and keep their pants pulled up.” Youth ChalleNGe Program graduates discussed the impact of the program on both their personal and professional lives. Some credited Youth ChalleNGe as the single most crucial factor in changing their lives for the better. Churisse Jones of Fairburn, Ga., graduated from Fort
6 | The Georgia Guardsman
Stewart’s YCA Class 10, in 1998. She volunteered for the program after dropping out of high school and realized she needed to make a change. After graduating the YCA program with a GED, Jones continued to work on her college education graduating from Ashford University with honors and is currently a special education teacher at Fickett Elementary School in Atlanta. “I learned who I was because of the YCA” said Jones. “Up to that point, I was looking for acceptance anywhere. YCA taught me to be successful you have to have character. Life requires it. It doesn’t matter how good your grades are if you have poor character, you will fail.” Jones was reunited with her former instructor, retired Georgia Army National Guardsman, Sgt. 1st Class Annie Powell, who, after 20 years, still serves at the YCA in the education department. “Ms. Powell has been a mentor to me throughout the last 20 years,” said Jones. “She has stayed in contact and we talk all the time about my goals.” The academies continue to adapt and update their
programs to grow and develop their cadets. With the addition of the U.S Department of Labor-funded Job Challenge Academy, graduating cadets can qualify for a five-month residential program which mirrors the Ga. Youth ChalleNGe concept and offers students certifications or technical school credit through Savannah Technical College. To date, the
Job Challenge Academy has completed three classes with 146 graduates. More than 80 percent of graduates have professional careers in different fields. “Our students, upon graduation from the resident course, can take the lessons learned here and apply them in various vocational programs like medical assistant, the automotive field, and the culinary arts,” said Lotson. “They are ready to be productive members of society.”
q2 / 2018 | 7
preparing for the storM
Story by: Capt. Charlie Emmons | Public Affairs Office | Georgia Army National Guard
W
ith hurricane season officially beginning, the Georgia Department of Defense continued to enhance its readiness by conducting two key events. The Ga. DoD partnered with a number of local, state, and federal agencies to conduct a hurricane rehearsal of concept (ROC) drill, June 7 and a hurricane event exercise in the Joint Operations Center, June 9. By hosting the two events, Ga. DoD was able to brief and train on their capabilities with interagency partners to communicate when Georgia DoD assets will be available in a phased response operation. “We want to get to a point where we are intimate with each other’s capabilities and capability gaps so we can anticipate when Georgia National Guard assets will be needed,” said Maj. William Parker, plans officer for Strategic Plans and Policies (J5) office. Some of the issues discussed during the events included the response packages that will be required from outside of the state to cover personnel shortages due to upcoming deployments. An estimated 3,000 Georgia Guardsmen will deploy to support combatant commands around the world in the coming year. The majority of which will come from the Macon-based 48th Infantry Brigade Combat Team. To meet the manning shortfall, the emergency management assistance comp ac t (EMAC) p ackages f rom neighboring states could be called upon to fill those capability gaps. EMAC offers assistance during governor-declared states of emergency or disaster through a responsive, straightforward system that
8 | The Georgia Guardsman
allows states to send personnel, equipment and commodities to assist with response and recovery efforts in other states according to http://www.emacweb. org. “We can conceivably use a brigade in just one county,” said Parker, referring to the massive local response deficit experienced by deploying a combat arms organization that doubles as a domestic response element. Based on the Georgia National Guard’s experience supporting Florida’s hurricane response efforts last year, they learned that it’s also a good idea to reach out to states beyond their FEMA region, because they wouldn’t be affected by a hurricane. An additional hurricane response challenge would be coordinating the admin, logistics and check-in process for incoming units through joint reception, staging, onward movement and integration (JRSOI) sites throughout the state. This process will be coordinated and conducted by the Ga. ARNG’s 78th Troop Command. “Once that EMAC goes out and the state picks it up and says they’re coming, how we talk to those guys,” Parker asked as a
hypothetical. “Who do they talk to in the JOC and how does that battle handover work?” These are some of the issues that these events help participating agencies work through. In 2016, Ga. DoD responded to Hurricane Matthew by activating 2,000 Soldiers and Airmen and more than 200 State Defense Force volunteers for missions that ranged from traffic management, security, debris clearance and sheltering operations to relief supply management and transportation. Georgia DoD provided several thousand personnel to support the 2017 response to Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, Jose and Maria. This included missions in Georgia, Florida, Texas and Puerto Rico. Throughout the years, Georgia partnered with other state National Guard organizations along with more than a hundred federal, state, and civilian agencies to conduct domestic response training throughout the region. One significant advantage through all of the disaster response missions and training exercises is the continuity of responders. “We are very fortunate in Georgia that across all the agencies that normally participate in exercises or hurricanes we’ve had the same folks and stability across these different agencies,” said Parker. “We’ve got the same crew together for this season, so I can’t tell you how encouraging that is.”
Photo by: Capt. Charlie Emmons | Public Affairs Office | Georgia Army National Guard
W Chief Master Sgt. Robert Tinnin 116th Air Control Wing Georgia Air National Guard
NCO Notepad Words of wisdom from one to another
ho can recall cigarette commercials being on television? I remember them AND the “Johnny Smoke” anti-smoking commercials. At that time no one habitually buckled a seat belt and child restraint devices were not something I recall seeing until years later. There were no laws requiring the use of either. I didn’t know it then, but the “Johnny Smoke” anti-smoking campaign was just the opening round of a fight that would see smoking banned from most public facilities to include hotels, restaurants, airplanes and all government facilities. Today no one would consider putting vehicle in motion without first buckling up or not safely secure a child in some sort of child restraint device. As crazy it will sound many were resistant to these changes. I especially recall resistance to the seat belt laws that took some time to pass. When the Department of Defense required it’s personnel to utilize seatbelts it would still be many years later before all the states would follow suit (in some instances under federal pressure/influence). Through education and the passing of laws habitual seatbelt use and safer transportation of our children was achieved. The same is true regarding public use of tobacco. By choosing to enact laws to regulate tobacco use we can enjoy dining in smoke free atmospheres and working in clean air environments. Again, through education fewer people in this country use tobacco and we have achieved a healthier lifestyle for the majority. In the years since my first enlistment we have drawn down from a large deterrent driven cold war force to a smaller mobile expeditionary force. This posture change has necessitated many changes to include how we live our daily lives in regard to fitness. In 1979 we simply ran a mile and a half once year. That was the program. Most of us drank like fish and smoked like demons. This sedentary lifestyle was unnoticed in such a large military geared toward deterrence. Here, in 2018, we are in a position where we MUST repeat history. Our forces are smaller, more expeditionary and too budget constrained to tolerate a lifestyle that promotes physical weakness, obesity, and other health concerns that prevent successful mission accomplishment and drive up health costs. We have already authored guidance designed to promote healthier, fitter lifestyles. This guidance should drive us to exercise regularly and eat healthier. Yet there is resistance. It exists in many forms. The idea that being good at your job is what matters and being physically fit is of little importance. How about the idea that with a fitness assessment drawing near you get ready for it by exercising for a while just before taking it? Sound too familiar? It’s resistance, a simple lack of compliance. We must overcome it the way we did in the past in regard to seatbelts, vehicular child restraints and tobacco use. What’s at stake is not how skinny you are, how fast you are or how strong you are. What’s at stake is how healthy you are. We must achieve a lifestyle that promotes strong physical and mental health to keep pace in this current challenging environment.
q2 / 2018 | 9
Georgia Volunteers in the Spanish American War Story by: Capt. William Carraway | 161st Military History Detachment | Georgia Army National Guard On April 25, 1898, the United Stated declared war on Spain following the destruction of the U.S.S. Maine in Havana Harbor. The Treaty of Paris ended the war December 10, 1898. The conflict sandwiched between those dates would be referred to by Col. Theodore Roosevelt as a “splendid little war.” Indeed, the Spanish American War is in large part remembered for the flourish of Roosevelt’s Rough Riders who fought side-by side with the African American Soldiers of the 9th Cavalry Regiment at Kettle Hill and San Juan Hill. The war marked the emergence of the United States as an international power. Victory granted the United States the Spanish colonies of the Philippines, Puerto Rico and Guam and heralded the political rise of Theodore Roosevelt and the progressive movement. But despite the glory of Roosevelt’s “crowded hour,” the Spanish American War would have a deleterious effect on many of the Citizen Soldiers from Georgia who volunteered for service. On October 17, 1900, the report of the Adjutant General of the State of
10 | The Georgia Guardsman
Georgia for 1899 to 1900 was delivered to Georgia Governor Allen D. Candler. Brigadier General Phill G. Byrd, Adjutant General of the Georgia State Troops, in his foreword to the Governor noted: “…on January 1st, 1899, because of the demoralization growing out of the Spanish-American War, and other causes, the State Troops had become so badly disorganized as to exist in name only.” It is worth exploring what events caused the great demoralization the adjutant general lamented. What organizational ennui befell the Georgia State Troops as a result of their involvement in the Spanish American War? Background As 1898 dawned, the modern concept of the National Guard was in its infancy. In Georgia, the military establishment was known as the Georgia Volunteers and would be known thus until a December 21, 1899 act changed the name to the Georgia State Troops. The Volunteers had an authorized strength of more than 12,000 men, but an organized strength of less than 5,000. The Volunteers were organized into six regiments and four battalions of infantry; one regiment, one battalion (not squadron) and one troop of cavalry; three batteries of artillery, a machine gun battery and four companies of Naval Reserve Artillery. African American Citizen Soldiers constituted three of the infantry battalions, one troop of cavalry and one battery of artillery in the then segregated Volunteer structure. The Georgia Volunteers were organized into companies, battalions and regiments, with the company being the basic maneuver element for most domestic missions, such as riot control. Companies were raised locally as they were prior to the American Civil War.
Thus, many companies retained names evocative of their town of origin: The Macon Volunteers, the Albany Rifles or the Savannah Volunteer Guards. Uniforms were the private property of the volunteer and the standard firearm in service was the 1873 model 45 caliber Springfield Rifle. Georgia Responds In response to the April 25th declaration of war, Georgia’s Governor, William Y. Atkinson issued a proclamation calling for the volunteers to form two regiments of infantry and two batteries of light artillery for service in Cuba. General Order No. 5, issued April 28, 1898 established that each infantry regiment would be composed of 12 companies of at least 80 volunteers and that the light artillery batteries would have a minimum strength of 121. Colonel Alexander Lawton was appointed commander of the 1st Georgia Volunteers and Col. Oscar Brown was appointed commander of the 2nd Georgia Volunteers. Although these regiments bore the same number as existing units in the Georgia Volunteers, they were not composed of the same
Photos Courtesy of: 161st Military History Detachment | Georgia Army National Guard
companies. As an example, the Company B of the 2nd Regiment of Infantry, the Macon Volunteers, became Company F of the 1st Georgia Volunteers. On May 4, 1898, General Order No. 8 established Camp Northern in Griffin Georgia as the rendezvous for the Georgia Volunteers. Colonel Brown was appointed to command the state camp. Over the next ten days, the Georgia Volunteer Regiments coalesced at Camp Northern. The 1st and 2nd Georgia Volunteer Infantry Regiments completed their mustering from May 11 to 14, 1898 while the Georgia Light Artillery mustered from May 13 to 15. The 1st GVI mustered 1,006 officers and men while the 2nd GVI mustered 985. The Georgia Light Artillery mustered 254 volunteers. Shortly after mustering, the 1st GVI and Light Artillery moved to the Chickamauga Battlefield in north Georgia and encamped awaiting further orders. For these and may other units, Chickamauga would be a final destination rather than a way point. The Long Wait of the 2nd Georgia Volunteer Infantry The 2nd GVI advanced to Tampa, Fla. May 21, 1898. Less than a week later, the 2nd was assigned to the Seventh Army Corps, commanded by former Confederate Maj. Gen. Fitzhugh Lee. Over the next two months, the 2nd was transferred from one brigade to another. The Georgians sweltered in the Tampa heat as U.S. troops landed east of Santiago Cuba and engaged the enemy at Las Guasimas June 24, 1898. The Georgians were still awaiting orders when Theodore Roosevelt and his Rough Riders charged up Kettle
Hill and San Juan Hill July 1. More than three weeks later, on July 23, 1898, The Secretary of War directed the 2nd GVI be dispatched to Santiago Cuba, along with the 5th Maryland Volunteers and 1st Florida Volunteers. Two days later, land op erations b egan in Puerto Rico and the 2nd GVI, still in Tampa, was ordered to proceed to Puerto Rico instead. By July 30, the regiments had yet to depart, and no further orders were issued for their movement. Hostilities ended August 12, 1898 following the destruction of Spanish naval squadrons in Manila Bay and Santiago de Cuba and the successful persecution of the land campaign in Cuba. On August 18, the 2nd GVI finally departed Tampa. Rather than Cuba or Puerto Rico, the 2nd arrived August 21, 1898 in Huntsville, Ala. Crestfallen, the volunteers of the 2nd GVI returned to Georgia and were mustered out of service in November along with the 1st GVI and Georgia Light Artillery. None of the men who rushed to volunteer for service in May ever left the United States. Of the regiments with which the 2nd GVI were brigaded at Tampa, only the 1st District of Columbia Volunteer Infantry reached Cuba where they saw service during the Santiago campaign. The 3rd GVI Goes Forth In June 1898, with the Georgia Volunteers mired at Chickamauga and Tampa, the Adjutant General of Georgia announced recruiting for a third regiment of volunteers. This regiment, the 3rd GVI, mustered in on August 24, 1898 at Camp Northern, 12 days after Spain sued for peace and 72 hours after the 2nd GVI abandoned their hopes for overseas service. The 3rd GVI left Griffin November 21, 1898 and arrived in Savannah the next day. On January 14, 1899 the regiment sailed for Nuevitas, Cuba aboard the S. S. Roumania and arrived after a voyage of four days. The 3rd GVI arrived in Cuba
five months after the bulk of U.S. forces had left the island amid outbreaks of malaria and yellow fever. The regiment remained in Cuba little more than two months before sailing for home on March 25, 1899. In April 1899, long after the victory parades had faded into memory, the men of the 3rd GVI mustered out of service in Augusta, Ga. They received no medals, and no campaign credit for their service. In total, the Georgia Volunteers mustered 3,531 men for service. One hundred fifty-six became casualties to accidents and disease. Still others simply left the ranks to return home, disillusioned that their volunteerism had been for naught. Epilogue Those Georgians who flooded the ranks of the Georgia Volunteers did so with tales of past glory ringing in their ears from Civil War veterans. They fully expected to be tested as their forefathers had, but in the end, they would not share in the ten-week conflict and returned to their hometowns without the laurels of victory. The situation was so bad that the Adjutant General’s office did not even have sufficient funds to issue an annual report in 1898 as required by an act of the Georgia legislature. Nevertheless, reforms and reorganization initiated by Byrd in 1899 salvaged what remained of the morale and structure of the Georgia Volunteers and set the stage for the training and equipping of troops for the coming Great War.
q2 / 2018 | 11
Georgia Guard Trains at JRTC Story by: Capt. Charlie Emmons | Public Affairs Office | Georgia Army National Guard
12 | The Georgia Guardsman
M
ore than 4,500 Georgia Army National Guardsmen from throughout the peach state converged on the Joint Readiness Training Center (JRTC) located in Fort Polk, La. during the month of May to conduct rotation 18-07, the first of two Army National Guard JRTC rotations this calendar year, and the first brigade-sized rotation for the Ga. ARNG since 2009. As the Army National Guard focuses on increased individual and collective training through the ARNG 4.0 readiness concept, the 48th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, headquartered in Macon, Ga. led the charge into the training area known as “the box” to conduct full spectrum progressions of their combat capabilities. These evolutions are needed to certify the organization for near-term deployment requirements. “It’s important for our unit to take advantage of the training opportunities afforded to it,” said Georgia Army National Guard Commander, Brigadier General Randall Simmons Jr. “There is no better training opportunity on the planet than a collective training readiness center like JRTC.” Commanders and staff primaries spent over a year planning the logistics of the operation by way of meetings, visits, and phone calls with on-post coordinators. While Ga. ARNG’s cycle at Fort Polk spans almost the entire month, the actual evaluation phase lasts only a few weeks. The weeks before and after are necessary to move thousands of personnel, hundreds of vehicles, and a massive array of equipment and personal gear. The middle weeks that Soldiers spend in the dirt, wearing Multiple Integrated Laser Engagement System (MILES) halos and harnesses, challenges the participants to react and make decisions under pressure in specialized scenarios. The unique events within the storyline require the rotational training unit (RTU) to work with role players that vary from local villagers to ambassadors of foreign lands. They conduct all of this under the watchful eye of observer controller-trainers, who provide feedback and mentorship during and after the rotation is completed. “We want the brigade to show improvement from day one to the last training day,” said Simmons. “We want them to get better. They’ll have many reps of training through this
q2 / 2018 | 13
rotation and build on their competencies which will give them much more confidence going forward.” The lessons learned from this exercise will be packaged up as after action reviews and built upon as the brigade moves closer to a deployment timeline. Everyone from the newest junior Guardsmen to the most seasoned leaders will have opportunities for growth as they respond to high stress decision making processes and tactical battles with enemy opposition forces, played by visiting National Guard members from other states. “The rotation is critically important in terms of exposing the 48th to challenges it can’t experience in any other training environment,” said 48th IBCT Commander, Col. Matthew D. Smith. “That exposure will identify weaknesses in our training and abilities, and that in turn, will allow us to address those weaknesses.” While the 48th IBCT is ultimately the brigade conducting the rotation, a number of support elements to include those from 648th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, headquartered in Columbus, Ga., provide administrative, logistical, and operational support to the Soldiers conducting mission scenarios within the training area. “The big challenge is that we are bringing not only my Soldiers here, but Soldiers from the brigade and other units across the state,” said Lt. Col. John Lowe, commander of the 348th Brigade Support Battalion, Ellenwood, Ga. “We’re spread all across the post, so we’re not all physically located together.” Lowe also expressed his appreciation for the way his Soldiers gelled quickly to
14 | The Georgia Guardsman
make the rotational support a success. “They’ve come in, and they’ve had a great attitude,” said Lowe. “It was pretty seamless.” The 48th IBCT was partnered with the active Army through the Associated Unit Pilot program in 2016, task organizing with the 3rd Infantry Division located in Fort Stewart. Throughout the last two years, the brigade has conducted a number of training exercises with the division and is now being evaluated and certified as a ready brigade that can be deployed to support 3rd ID combatant commanders during future overseas contingencies. ‘The world is a very dangerous place and the threats that face our nation are real,” said Simmons. ‘If we are called in the future to do something, rotations like this and training opportunities like this will help our Soldiers be more lethal and more survivable on the battlefield.”
q2 / 2018 | 15
By: Chaplain Maj. Jon Pirtle | 201st RSG Chaplain | Georgia Army National Guard
Most chaplains applaud the reality that our ministry is focused on others. We do not crave the limelight. We are called to minister to other Soldiers and their families. An expression in the Chaplain Corps is that we exist to “bring God to Soldiers and Soldiers to God.” When I asked Georgia’s state chaplain if I could write an article about his promotion to Colonel, he laughed at the idea. We joked that another former second lieutenant had slipped all the way through the cracks to colonel. But that is one characteristic that sets Chaplain Davis apart; he is focused on others first. Several weeks ago, I was finishing up some pre-mobilization training for my upcoming deployment to Iraq. Chaplain Davis called me over to his office and said in his colonel voice, “Sit down, Jon.” I did. Then he looked at me and said, “Tell me something. How can I pray for you?” I asked him to pray that I would be faithful as a chaplain, and shared that I would love to baptize new believers in Iraq during this deployment, because I longed to see God grip our Soldiers and bring them to himself. That was it. But how many colonels would ask that of a chaplain who’s leaving on another deployment? ChaplainDavis did. I’m not unique. All of us could tell you similar stories. ChaplainDavis excels at investing in the next generation. How? Through focus on others. By answering God’s call upon his life, God has used our state Chaplainand thereby bolstered the formation as a whole. Chaplain (Col.) Blair L. Davis was born in Dekalb County, Ga. He grew up in McDonough and graduated from Henry County Senior High. He earned his B.S. in Interdisciplinary Studies at Georgia State University. Upon graduation from college, he commissioned as a 2nd Lt. Subsequently he completed training as a transportation officer in Fort. Eustis, Va. and was assigned to 1178th Transportation Terminal Unit in East Point, Ga. Chaplain Davis joined the GA ARNG in 1997 and was assigned as a platoon leader in the 1st Battalion, 108th Armor. In 2000 he was called to active duty and deployed to Bosnia-Herzegovina. Upon return, Chaplain Davis enrolled in Luther Rice University. In 2004 he received his Master of Biblical Studies degree. In 2005 he was deployed to Iraq, where he served as the Assistant Support Operations Officer for the 48th Infantry Brigade. Upon return, he completed his Master of Divinity from Luther Rice University and was federally appointed as a chaplain in 2007. In 2015, he deployed to Iraq again, this time as commander for the 139th Chaplain Detachment in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. His military education includes the Command and General Staff College – Intermediate Level Education, brigade Chaplain Functional Area Qualification, Chaplain Career Course, ChaplainBasic Officer Leadership Course, the Combined Arms Service and Staff School, Support Operations Course, Transportation Officer Basic and Advanced Courses, and is branch qualified as a Chaplain and Transportation Officer. Chaplain Davis’ assignments include Transportation Terminal Officer, 1178th; Platoon Leader, B-108th; Support Operations Maintenance Officer, 148th Support Battalion; Assistant S3, 148th Support Battalion; HHD Commander, 148th Support Battalion; Battalion CH, 78th AVN; Battalion CH, 878th EN, BDE CH, 78th TC and HRF; Commander, 139th Chaplain Det., and Deputy Chaplain for JFHQ. Currently, he is serving as the State Chaplainfor the Ga. National Guard. His awards include the Meritorious Service Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, Joint Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, Army Achievement Medal with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters, Operation Inherent Resolve Medal, Global War on Terror Service Medal, NATO Balkan Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal with two Bronze Stars, and the Combat Action Badge. Chaplain Davis and his wife, Rebekah, reside in Ball Ground, Ga. with their children, Renee and Abigail.
16 | The Georgia Guardsman
FOLLOW US Keep up with all the action by following us on social media and be sure to @ reply us and use the following hashtags during all of your social media posting: Facebook & Twitter @GeorgiaGuard Instagram @GaNationalGuard Flickr @GaNatlGuard YouTube @Georgia National Guard Have some coverage you’d like us to share along our social media platforms? Email your photos along with a paragraph caption to: gaguardpao@gmail.com
q2 / 2018| 17
Crows Landing in Georgia
T
Story by: Staff Sgt. R.J. Lannom Jr. | Public Affairs Office | Georgia Army National Guard he Georgia Army National Guard is getting a new generation of Common Remotely Operated Weapon Station (CROWS) instructors and operators. After-action reviews following two Georgia Garrison Training Center Machine Gun Leader Courses suggested there was a knowledge gap and a lack of qualified CROWS operators throughout the state. GGTC instructors searched for CROWS courses of instruction but were unable to find training opportunities for new operators beyond the initial fielding class. “There wasn’t any sustainment training available through the Army training system,” said Sgt. 1st Class Matthew G. Hersey, a senior instructor with the Georgia Army National Guard Pre-Mobilization Training Assistance Element, Fort Stewart, Ga. “So we decided to make one.”
18 | The Georgia Guardsman
After identifying the need, the Georgia Department of Defense’s Joint Force Headquarters and GGTC came up with a solution. “We coordinated to have the (U.S. Army’s) CROWS fielding team conduct another training class,” said Sgt. Maj. Joseph Shirer, operations and training sergeant major for the Ga. ARNG. “After training the new instructors, our intent is for those instructors to hold operators classes for the Ga. ARNG, other states and even the active component.” The CROWS initiative will add to the list of training events and courses supported by the GGTC. These courses include the Machine Gun Leaders Course, Small Arms Leader’s Course, Physical Readiness Training, and Raven Unmanned Operators Course. Increasing readiness across the state is the overall goal of the training innovation. “We are moving the readiness meter in the right direction,” said Maj, Robert M. Walker, commander of the Fort StewartPhotos by: Staff Sgt. Rob Lannom Jr. | Public Affairs Office | Georgia Army National Guard
“After training the new instructors, our intent is for those instructors to hold operators classes for the Ga. ARNG, other states and even the active component” based Georgia Regional Training Site, Maintenance. The M153 CROWs is an externally mounted weapons control system that allows the gunner to remain inside the vehicle, protected by armor, while firing the various crew served weapons it supports. The system can support the Mk19 automatic grenade launcher, M2 .50 caliber machine gun, M240 machine gun and M249 squad automatic weapon. The CROWS provides gunners the ability to traverse 360 degrees and elevate weapon systems up to 60 degrees while using the latest sighting technology to greatly improve first round burst hit probability against stationary and moving targets. “This system improves the safety and lethality of our Guardsmen,” said Walker. “The ability to get the gunner inside a protected space and improve shots is a no-brainer.”
q2 / 2018 | 19
Georgia National Guard Aviators Deploy in support of operation spartan shield
F
Story by: Desiree Bamba | Public Affairs Office | Georgia National Guard amily, friends and colleagues gathered at the Hunter Army Airfield in Savannah June 8, 2018 to honor the Soldiers of Company B, 1st Battalion, 169th General Support Aviation Battalion and Company B, 935th Aviation Support Battalion, Georgia National Guard. The Savannah-based helicopter units are deploying in support of Operation Spartan Shield, a contingency operation within Central Command’s area of responsibility. Their primary mission will be to build partner capacity in the Middle East to promote regional selfreliance and increase security. “These Soldiers are the very best the nation has to offer,” said Col. Dwayne Wilson, commander of the 78th Aviation Troop Command, Georgia Army National Guard. “They have worked hard and are prepared for the deployment ahead.” Over the past 22 months, Soldiers have trained and prepared for the
“It is an honor, privilege and awesome responsibility to lead these Soldiers. The unit is fully prepared to proved unrivalled support to the ground forces in theater.” - Capt. Brandon Long 20 | The Georgia Guardsman
Photos by: Desiree Bamba | Public Affairs Office | Georgia National Guard
deployment, focusing on warrior tasks, air support missions and aircraft maintenance. Members of Company B, 1-169th GSAB recently conducted disaster relief missions following Hurricane Irma and Hurricane Maria. “It is an honor, privilege and awesome responsibility to lead these Soldiers,” said Capt. Brandon Long, Commander of Company B, 1-169th GSAB. “The unit is fully prepared to proved unrivalled support to the ground forces in theater.” Originally designated the 1160th Transportation Company, Savannah’s helicopter units have their history rooted in Savannah since the late 1970s. In 2006 the unit was re-organized into separate detachments which included Company B, 1-169th GSAB. In 2012, 1-169th Soldiers fielded the Army’s most modern heavy lift helicopter, the CH47F Chinook. In 2006, the Georgia Army National Guard stood up an element of the 935th Aviation Support Battalion, designated Detachment 2, Company B, 935th DASB. Their mission in Savannah is to provide aviation intermediate
maintenance (AVIM) support and back-up aviation unit maintenance (AVUM) support, including aircraft armament and avionics equipment repair. “The Soldiers in front of you today have worked and trained hard,” said Chief Warrant Officer 4 Duane Sandbothe. “I look forward to working with each and every one of them as we move ahead.” During the year-long deployment, the Soldiers of 1-169th GSAB will conduct aerial missions for support and stability operations while the Soldiers of the 935th ASB will conduct maintenance on all aircrafts while deployed.
q2 / 2018 | 21
12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year
Content Courtesy of : Victoria Leoni
The Air Force has announced this year’s Outstanding Airmen of the Year winners. The 12 winners represent the service’s top enlisted members and were selected from a pool of 36 nominees based on their superior leadership, job performance and personal achievements. The winners are listed below in alphabetic order. Senior Master Sgt. Melissa Beam, Air Combat Command Staff Sgt. Elizabeth Caulfield, Air Force District of Washington Staff Sgt. Wilson Gardner, Air National Guard Senior Master Sgt. Ruth Griffin, Air Force Global Strike Command Tech. Sgt. Brett Laswell, Air Force Special Operations Command Master Sgt. Kit Lui, Air Force Reserve Command Master Sgt. Joshua Matias, Air Education and Training Command Tech Sgt. David Miller, U.S. Air Forces in Europe Senior Airman Patrick Schilling, Air Force Materiel Command Tech Sgt. April Spilde, Air Force Space Command Senior Master Sgt. Lucero Stockett, Air Mobility Command Senior Airman Jon Taitano, Pacific Air Force This year’s Air National Guard winner is Staff Sgt. Wilson Gardner from the Georgia Air National Guard. Gardner is an airfield systems craftsman, assigned to the 202nd Engineering Installation Squadron at Robins Air Force Base in Georgia. His responsibilities include managing
22 | The Georgia Guardsman
and Noah Nash
| Air Force Times
fixed and mobile meteorological, navigational and air traffic control ground-to-air radio systems. Gardner is currently on a Title 10 tour in support of United States Strategic Command at Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska. He has voluntarily deployed for more than 450 days and is currently serving his third tour of duty.
JSTARS arrives at Fighter Wing Skrydstrup Denmark
Story by: Senior Master Sgt. Roger Parsons |116th Air Control Wing | Georgia Air National Guard
A
n E-8C Joint STARS, assigned to the 116th Air Control Wing, Georgia Air National Guard, Robins Air Force Base, Georgia,
Airmen will join military forces from
while enhancing the NATO alliance.
17 nations to enhance flexibility
Robins Air Force Base, Georgia, is
and interoperability among allied
the sole location for the U.S. Air Force’s
and partner nations to strengthen
only E-8C Joint STARS unit. They have
plus active duty personnel assigned to
combined response capabilities, as well
been deployed continuously since 2001
the 461st Air Control Wing, and Army
as demonstrate international resolve
and have accumulated nearly 120,000
JSTARS personnel arrived at Fighter
to ensure stability in, and if necessary
combat flying hours in support of
Wing Skrydstrup, June 2, 2018.
defend, the Baltic Sea region.
combatant commanders around the
JSTARS brings a unique, manned,
The Saber Strike exercise facilitates
joint airborne command control,
cooperation between the U.S., Estonia,
Participation in multinational
i nt e l l i g e n c e , s u r v e i l l an c e , an d
Latvia Lithuania, Poland and other allied
exercises, such as BALTOPS and Saber
reconnaissance capability to participate
and partner nations to improve joint
Strike, enhances defense relationships
in Exercise Baltic Operations June 4-15
operational capability in a variety of
and improves overall coordination
and Saber Strike 18 from June 3-15.
missions and prepare the participating
and interoperability between allies and
nations and units for future operations
partner militaries.
During BALTOPS, the Georgia
Photo by: Senior Master Sgt. Roger Parsons | 116th Air Conrol Wing | Georgia Air National Guard
globe.
q2 / 2018 | 23
Blast from the past:
world war I
Story by: Capt. William Carraway | Military Historian | 161st Military History Detachment
Robert Gober Burton
VICINITY OF NEUFMAISONS, France, June 3, 1918 - Soldiers of the 151st Machine Gun Camp near the French camp of Village Indien in the Baccarat Sector. U.S. Signal Corps photo CAMP WHEELER, Macon, Ga., February 4, 1918 – Members of the 31st Division out on their gas masks while being timed. Photo 4615, National Archives Records Administration (NARA), College Park, Md.
Photos courtesy of Ga. Guard History Archives
24 | The Georgia Guardsman
F r o m B a c c a r at t o t h e m a r n e Editor’s Note: This article is a condensed summation of three chapters of the Georgia Guard History Blog. For more historic letters, images and original research visit the blog at www.georgiaguardhistory.com
Baccarat Sector
On March 30th, the 151st received orders to move with its supported units to new positions in the Baccarat Sector. Upon arrival in the sector, Maj. Cooper Winn established battalion headquarters at Neufmaison with the 84th Brigade HQ while Company A and B marched with the 167th Infantry Regiment and took up support by fire positions at Vacqueville. From there, they rotated into front line positions near Neuviller or Grand Bois. Companies C and D, moving with the 168th Infantry moved to Pexonne and entered front line positions in Badonvillier and Village Negre. The 42nd Division would maintain these positions through the end of June. C orporal Robert G. Burton, writing home from his position with the 167th Infantry in the Grand Bois center of resistance reassured his mother that he was doing fine and urged her to look
for news about the German offensive. S o m e w h e r e i n F r a n c e ( Th e Trenches near Saint Pol, the Baccarat Sector) April 2, 1918 My dearest mama, I suppose that you have seen by the papers of the great drive that the Germans are making. The general impression over here seems to be that if they fail which is more than probable that the war won’t last very much longer. It seems to be the death struggle of the giant. I don’t know so awful much about the drive, but I do know that we can’t lose. The Boche haven’t a chance. So, you watch the papers from about Mch 28 and see if the drive don’t fail. Mama, don’t you worry for a minute about me. Just think all the time that I am well and fine. Will write to you again before the week is up.
Your devoted son, Gober The great drive Burton referenced was the German Spring Offensive which was initiated March 21, 1918 in the hopes of striking a decisive blow before the Allied Expeditionary Force could fully deploy manpower and materiel. As March gave way to April the grim reality of trench warfare had set in for the men of the 151st Machine Gun Battalion. Life in the trenches was unsanitary, boring and terrifying. Letters from home provided the only relief from the dull routine and tense waiting while reminding the Soldiers that a world existed outside the scarred landscape of France. Corporal Robert Gober Burton’s aunt Mary Eulalia Gober wrote frequently to him and the other Soldiers in the 151st from Monroe, Ga. One of the Monroe Soldiers, Sgt. Tom Hensler, wrote back: In the Trenches April 28, 1918 Mrs. W. H. Nunnally Monroe, Ga, My very dear Mrs. Nunnally Are in the trenches tonight and it is about 2 am. Have just finished a letter to mother and am writing you. A setting in my dugout writing by a candle light and am on the alert for gas signals and other signals that might come up. Saw Gober Burton a day or so ago. Played a little catch with him and Ed Williamson was on this post in the trenches when I came up. Co B relieved Co A. Mrs. Nunnally, don’t forget me. Keep sending little remembrances and right time will write you more of my trench life, which is pretty hard at times. Will close,
q2 / 2018| 25
Sincerely, Sgt. Thomas Hensler Co B 151 M.G.Bn. As dawn broke on May 26, 1918, more than two months had passed since the 151st Machine Gun Battalion had suffered a casualty. The Soldiers in front line positions looked forward to relief. The men of Company D were rotating out of front line positions that evening near Ville Negre and would be replaced in the line by the machine gun company of the 168th Infantry Regiment after a front-line tour of more than two weeks. Just days before, Companies C and D had repelled German probing attacks and dodged strafing fire from a low flying German plane. German artillery fire delayed the relief of Company D, but the men were able to leave the trenches shortly after midnight on the morning of May 27. One hour later the Germans launched a massive gas projector and artillery attack on the American lines in the vicinity of Ville Negre. The lines of the168th were deluged with nearly 1,000 canisters of phosgene gas. The gas fell so fast that there was no time to sound the alarm and since many of the men were asleep, they were defenseless. German artillery also fired explosive shells behind the American fighting positions to prevent the Americans from evacuating the trenches, thus keeping them in the deadly cloud of gas. Throughout the night, German shells rained down on the Ville Negre Sector, but by dawn, the
26 | The Georgia Guardsman
fire slackened and the men emerged from the trenches to take stock of the damage and treat their wounded. By the end of May 27, the 168th Infantry had suffered 270 wounded and 35 killed. First Lt. N. P. Parkinson, an officer in Company D, 151st reported that the commander of the 168th Machine Gun Company had been killed in the engagement. Second Lt. Noxon, 1st Sgt. Russel Dudley and Pvt. Charles Anderson of Company D, 151st Infantry were treated for gas effects. Parkinson also recalled that, 2nd Lt. Louis Sola of Company C, 151st was gassed but would return to duty. May 28th brought more gas and more probing infantry raids but no additional casualties to the 151st. Corporal Burton and the Soldiers of Company A and B were not hit by the gas attacks but were similarly pinned down by artillery fire in their trench positions west of Ville Negre. As ambulances shuttled wounded from the trenches to aid stations at Pexonne and Baccarat, Burton wrote to his brother Frank and told him “the war will be ended by the first of 1919.” Somewhere in France (Neuviller, Baccarat Sector) May 27, 1918 The people in the States are working up t o t h e f a c t t h at t h e United States is in the War. When c asu a lt y lists begin to come in perhaps they will begin to wake up. The U.S. with what troops she has over here is playing a pretty big part in this war as
perhaps you have seen in the papers. Before the year is out she will be playing an even greater role than she is. You stay over there and do all that you can. I can do all the fighting that has to be done for this family. You hear about peace plans, but we don’t want any peace plans till we have whipped the Germans till they don’t want to fight anybody else or they won’t want any more world domination. Sincerely, your brother, Gober On June 11, 1918, the citizens of Macon received the grim news from the War Department that four Macon Soldiers of Company C, 151st, in addition to 2nd Lt. Sola, were casualties of the May 27, 1918 gas attack. Second Lt. John Cutler had been treated for gas effects but would return to the battalion. Private 1st Class William Pope also recovered and rejoined company C. He would be wounded two months later during the Second Battle of the Marne. Private 1st Class Melbourne Smith suffered more severe effects from the gas and would ultimately be discharged with fifty percent service connected disability. Corporal Jarvis Moore, a 20-year-old veteran of the 1916 Mexican Border expedition was severely wounded by gas. For months he battled
the suffocating effects of phosgene gas poisoning before succumbing on October 19, 1918. In total, the 151st MGB suffered eight casualties during the action of May 27, 1918. By mid-June 1918 Company C was rotating one platoon at a time to cover their battalion sector of fire for the 168th as preparations were made for the 42nd division to redeploy to another front. Before the division could complete its relief, Company D was again subjected to an extended gas projector attack and sustained 22 casualties, including 1st Lt. Monroe Means, the company commander. This attack occurred June 19 as Company D was relieved from their positions by Soldiers of the 77th Division. The final casualty of the battalion’s tour in the Baccarat section was 21-yearold Norman Hawkinson of Company A. The Vienna, Ga. native died of sepsis June 22, 1918.
C ha m pag n e Defensive
Marne
After a brief respite, the 151st was dispatched to Suippes July 3, 1918 and arrived the following morning. The battalion had been summoned to bolster lines east of Rheims to counter an anticipated German attack there. The next day, the 151st assembled at Thaon where they boarded separate trains bound for The Esperance Souain
Sector in the Champagne region. The men were being repositioned following the German offensives that had opened two salients in the Western Front. One of these, The Marne salient, extended from Soissons to Reims and plunged south to within 40 miles of Paris on the banks of the Marne River and the town of Chateau Thierry. The effects of the spring offensives and creation of the salients meant that the German Army now had a longer line to defend with fewer men. Recognizing this, and expecting another German offensive, General Ferdinand Foch, Supreme Allied Commander, began drawing additional forces to the Marne Salient and awaited the opportunity to launch a counteroffensive. The companies of the battalion established firing positions for their supported infantry regiments as in previous sectors. For the next ten days the men were briefed on the complex defensive plan for the 42nd Division’s sector. The French C ommander, General Henri Gourand had established a defense in depth composed of three lines in keeping with French General Order No. 4. The forward positions were occupied by the 170th and 13th French Divisions. These positions were to be manned lightly and to serve as an early warning to the following line which was emplaced two miles to the rear. From right to left, this line consisted of the
168th and 167th Infantry Regiments of the 84th Infantry Brigade followed by the 166th and 165th Infantry Regiments of the 83rd Brigade. A final line was positioned another mile to the rear of the intermediate positions. Over the next several days the intermediate line was strengthened and companies of the 42nd Division’s infantry regiments were moved forward from support positions to reinforce the main line of resistance. Availed of an opportunity, Cpl. Burton wrote home to his brother Frank on July 10, 1918. It would be the last such opportunity for several weeks. France (Souain Sector north of Suippes) July 10, 1918 My dear Frank, I am OK and right side up with care. You can rest assured that the boys over here will give the Huns hell and end up this war in a hurry. We are learning to hate the Huns and it is not a reckless mad hate but a cold determined hate that is most at a white heat. The influence of the US is being felt in the firing line now and the American troops are everywhere in France. You can go hardly anywhere without seeing US Troops. If the people back home will back us up, we will surely do our damndest
q2 / 2018 | 27
over here. The Soldiers of the U.S. are capable of great things which has been shown at Chateau Thierry and other places where they have been in the line. The Germans realize this and are concentrating all of their power to try and force an understanding before the spring is over. But the allied line will hold. Your devoted bro, Gober French intelligence correctly guessed the German intent and were preparing for an assault against the French 4th 5th and 6th Armies. A successful raid carried out by French Soldiers of the IV Corps on the evening of July 14 captured German prisoners who revealed the enemy would initiate artiller y bombardment just after midnight on the morning of July 15th unleash the Infantry upon the works held by the 4th Army just after 4:00. General Gourand’s preparations were about to pay off. Swiftly, the for ward line was reduced to the minimum number of personnel possible to provide early warning and orders were passed that no Germans were to pass the intermediate
28 | The Georgia Guardsman
line. At 11:45 on the evening of July 14 French and American artillery began a surprise counter fire. German artillery joined in, their fire concentrated on the now nearly empty first line. From their support position in the third line, the gunners of the 151st were exposed to air-burst shells. A German shell scored a direct hit on a machine gun position of Company B 151st killing or wounding every member of the crew. Killed were Cpl. Chambers Bunting, and Pvts. Daniel Hudson, George Robison and Guerry Temple. Wounded were Pvt. Luke Forrest (severely), Pvt. James Foster and Bugler Eugene Harris Jr. (severely). Corporal Fred Kitchens of Company A was also wounded by the same shell. T he s itu at i on w as wors e for Companies C and D. While braving concentrated artillery fire to carry a message to the 3rd Battalion 168th Infantry Regiment Pvt. George Rodman was beheaded by a shell. Private Richard Bryson of Company D was also killed while bearing messages from the main line of resistance. Corporal Roy S. Ratley of Company C was killed by
a shell that also wounded Pfc. James Stewart of the same company. Stewart reported that Ratley was “blown into bits by the explosion, and identification was made possible only by certain markings on the leggings he wore.� German shells also arched over the lines targeting transportation and logistics positions. The fire was so severe that Company C lost every cart mule in their supply train. Battalion Headquarters was compelled to move,
under fire, from Camp Nantivette to woods south of Suippes. Private 1st Class James Oliver of Headquarters Company was killed in the onslaught while Wagoneer Charlie Miller and Pvt. Asahel Lathrop were wounded. From their support positions in the third line, the men of the 151st could not see the actions going on at the main line of resistance and were only aware that the German Infantry assault was underway from messages that arrived nearly 45 minutes after the assault had begun. Nevertheless, casualties continued to mount. Artillery killed Pvt. Delmar Howard and Supply Sgt. Earl Wadsworth of Company C. In total, 27 men of Company C and D were killed or wounded. At least one, Pvt. William Akin of Company C was gassed. The main German infantry attack launched just before 4:00 am. French Soldiers in the first line fired flares and rockets to signal the German approach before retiring to the intermediate
line. Expecting to meet stiff resistance the Germans instead entered the first line only to find that these positions had been fully ranged by artillery and machine gun positions which raked the line, inflicting enormous casualties. Exhausted from their initial charge, the Germans now faced a charge across open ground to a second line manned by two French and one American Division. In heav y f ig hting, the Germans penetrated the intermediate line near Souain but were dislodged by a French countercharge augmented by Soldiers of the 167th Infantr y Regiment. By 10:00, the last of seven German waves had been beaten back and within one more hour the German offensive had stalled completely. Artiller y and small arms fire continued for the next several days. Company C was ordered to move to the main line of resistance July 16 amidst continuous artillery bombardment. In the course of their service at the intermediate line, Company C suffered
three casualties. Corporal Albert McLellan was gassed and Pvts. Robert Cook and Allen Dell were wounded. During the night of July 18, heavy bombardment of gas and artillery wounded Pfc. Claud Maxwell of Company B and four Soldiers of Company C. The next day the battalion received orders to prepare for a relief in place which was to be executed before dawn of the 20th. The Battalion successfully pulled back from the intermediate and support lines as ordered, but in the process lost Bugler John Phillips of Headquarters Company who was severely wounded. During the Champagne Marne Defensive the 151st had suffered 10 killed and 43 wounded. But these numbers pale in comparison to the casualties the battalion would soon experience.
Next Chapter: The Second Battle of the Marne
q2 / 2018 | 29
Around the Georgia Guard RETURN FROM DEPLOYMENT Soldiers of the Georgia National Guard’s 3rd Infantry Division Main Command Post Operational Detachment are greeted by family and friends during a welcome home ceremony held at Fort Stewart. The Georgia National Guard’s 3rd ID MCPOD Soldiers are back from a 9-month long deployment to Afghanistan.
NGAGA CONFERENCE The 70th Annual National Guard Association of Georgia Conference and the 42nd Enlisted Association of the National Guard of Georgia Conference was held jointly June 1-3, 2018 at the Atlanta Evergreen Marriott Conference Center in Stone Mountain, Ga. The conference is held annually for its members to see first hand from strategic leaders within the Georgia National Guard and the state government about the contemporary issues impacting the Georgia Guard and its future readiness.
30 | The Georgia Guardsman
ALOHA GARDEN PROJECT Members of the Georgia Air National Guard 165th Airlift Wing and 116th Air Control Wing contribute to the Aloha Garden Project, an effort to build critical infrastructure at Helemano Plantation, a senior living community in Wahiawa, Hawaii.
GSDF MEDICAL TRAINING Members of the Georgia State Defense Force Advanced Leader Course conduct a casualty evacuation training session at the Georgia Public Safety Training Center in Forsyth, Georgia
INTERNATIONAL TRAINING Georgia Army National Guard Soldiers of the 648th Military Engagement Team train in Oman with the Royal Oman Army and Fort Leonard Wood-based 35th Engineer Brigade.
q2 / 2018 | 31
Public Affairs Office Georgia Department of Defense 1000 Halsey Ave. Bldg. 447 Marietta, Ga. 30060 32 | The Georgia Guardsman