Washington National Guard window display at Sears. Mannequin dressed as a Guardsman, stacked rifles, posters and flag are all intended to recruit young men into joining the National Guard. The Guard offered training in many areas and monetary compensation for the days that you served in the National Guard. Interested parties were asked to enroll at the local armory on South 11th Street and Yakima Avenue.
Military Organizations; Recruiting & enlistment--Tacoma; Flags; Militias; Arms & armament--Tacoma; Washington National Guard (Tacoma); Sears, Roebuck & Co. (Tacoma); Window Displays;
Officers greet one another in December of 1941 at the annual Christmas banquet for Company D, 116th Medical Regiment, Washington National Guard at Camp Murray.
Washington National Guard, Company D, 116th Medics (Tacoma); Banquets--Camp Murray; Holidays--Camp Murray--1940-1950;
Military unit at Fort Lewis. The flag identifies the group as Company B, 116th Regiment. The flag also has streamers identifying the group as the 1938 & 1939 attendance record holders.
Washington National Guard, Company B, 116th Regiment (Ft. Lewis);
A military brass band gave the 41st Division, Fort Lewis baseball team a royal sendoff on August 12, 1941 when they left Tacoma's Union Station for Wichita, Kansas. They were going to Wichita to represent Washington state in the national semi-pro baseball tournament. The team from the Army's 41st had finished third in the Washington state championship series that was held that year in Everett. The teams that came in first and second, the Lake Washington team from Seattle and the Everett Pilchuks, were unable to attend the tourney. (T. Times 8/13/1941, pg. 13- names in caption)
Washington National Guard, 41st Division (Camp Murray); Baseball players--Tacoma--1940-1950; Railroad cars; Military bands;
In December of 1940, Sgt. Jack Bergnouse, from Company G 161st Infantry, stood at attention while his comrades watched. He was modelling the battle togs and pack of the 1940 modern soldier. He posed with his helmet on, bayonet fixed and feet encased in military rubber overshoes. The battlewear was much lighter and more streamlined than that of World War I; but he was still wearing the M1917 steel "Doughboy" style helmet left over from the first World War. In 1941-42, the more protective M-1 "Steel Pot" helmet was adopted as a replacement. (T. Times 12/23/1940, pg. 1)
Washington National Guard, 161st Infantry, Company G (Wash.); Bergnouse, Jack; World War, 1939-1945--Military uniforms--United States;
A portion of the 1st Battalion of the 161st Regiment of Infantry is shown standing at attention at Fort Lewis. The 161st was part of the Washington National Guard. Along with the rest of the 41st Infantry Division, they had been called into active duty on September 16, 1940. They were first sent to Camp Murray and later moved to Fort Lewis. (T. Times 12/23/1940, pg. 1)
Washington National Guard, 161st Infantry, Company G (Wash.);
A portion of the 1st Battalion of the 161st Regiment of Infantry is shown slogging through the rain and mud at Fort Lewis. The 161st was part of the Washington National Guard. Along with the rest of the 41st Infantry Division, they had been called into active duty on September 16, 1940. They were first sent to Camp Murray and later moved to Fort Lewis. (T. Times 12/23/1940, pg. 1) TPL-10327
Washington National Guard, 161st Infantry (Wash.);
Mock attack of 161st Infantry at Camp Murray. The 161st was Washington National Guard, part of the 41st Infantry Division that had been called into active duty on September 16, 1940. They were at Camp Murray for training and war games. The men hold signs which say "Asst. Dresser Pvt.," "Clerk and Chauffeur Pvt.," "Water Chlorination Pvt.," "Asst. Surgeon (St. Sgt.)," "Litter Squad," " Hypo Corp," and "BN. Surgeon."
Washington National Guard, 161st Infantry (Wash.);
Interior of new addition to National Guard Armory showing soldiers in formation with twelve wheeled artillery guns. The new addition was constructed in August of 1939 with funds supplied by the state and the PWA. It was 100 by 200 sq. feet with a 30 foot ceiling. Its curved roof replaced the former pillars, providing an unobstructed view. After the extensive remodel, the size of the space had increased by 1/3, with vast improvements also in lighting, ventilation and acoustics. (T. Times 10/7/1939, pg. 1) (filed with Argentum)
State Armory (Tacoma); Washington National Guard (Tacoma); Military personnel--Tacoma--1930-1940; Uniforms--Washington National Guard--1930-1940; Artillery (Weaponry);
Photograph taken October 3, 1939 of the interior of the new addition to the National Guard Armory, 715 So. 11th St., showing soldiers in formation with a small band on the right. The new addition was constructed in August of 1939 with funds supplied by the state and the PWA. It was 100 by 200 sq. feet with a 30 foot ceiling. Its curved roof replaced the former pillars, providing an unobstructed view. After the extensive remodel, the size of the space had increased by 1/3, with vast improvements also in lighting, ventilation and acoustics. (T. Times 10/7/1939, pg. 1) (filed with Argentum)
State Armory (Tacoma); Washington National Guard (Tacoma); Military personnel--Tacoma--1930-1940; Uniforms--Washington National Guard--1930-1940;
148th Field Artillery Band with instruments. Group will play at Military Ball on May 20. Under director, Warrant Officer Louis G. Werson, the band won the state championship at Camp Murray encampment in 1938. The 148th F.A. was headquartered in Tacoma. (T. Times 5/12/1939, p. 20).
Washington National Guard, 148th F.A. Band (Tacoma); Camp Murray (Wash.); Military uniforms; Military personnel; Military bands;
Headquarters Troop; 24th Cavalry Division, circa June of 1938. Members of the division pose in uniform with cooks in the center of the back row and tents in the background. The Headquarters Troop, 24th Cavalry Division is part of the Washington National Guard and it is the oldest military organization in the state. The Washington National Guard encampment was held annually in June. (filed with Argentum)
Camp Murray (Wash.); Military personnel--1930-1940; Horseback riding; Horses; Washington National Guard, 24th Cavalry Division (Tacoma);
50th Anniversary banquet of Troop B Cavalry and Washington Cavalry Association, held in Tacoma June 25th, 1938. The banquet gathered together all the cavalrymen who had ridden under the flag of Troop B, Tacoma's most famous military organization. Troop B was the oldest military group in the state and was often referred to as the "City Troop" by old timers. Its actual designation was Headquarters Troop, 24th Cavalry Division, Washington National Guard. Troop B served as the guard of honor at the inauguration of the first Governor of the state in 1889, as well as in conflicts in Mexico and Berlin. (T. Times 6/23/1938, pg. 8)
Banquets--Tacoma--1930-1940; Washington National Guard, 24th Cavalry Division (Tacoma);
Washington National Guardsmen load one of the big coastal artillery guns at Fort Worden prior to firing it over the bunker wall. Beyond the bunker wall can be seen the beach and coastal waters.
Washington National Guard (Wash.); Fort Worden (Wash.); Military uniforms; Military personnel--Tacoma--1930-1940;
A bunker at Fort Worden, where National Guardsmen practice firing one of the big guns. While most of the Washington National Guard did their yearly training at Camp Murray near Tacoma, coast artillery units trained at this coastal defense base near Port Townsend.
Washington National Guard (Wash.); Fort Worden (Wash.); Military uniforms; Military personnel--Tacoma--1930-1940;
While the majority of the Washington National Guard held their annual training encampment at Camp Murray outside of Tacoma, coast artillery units of the Guard trained at Fort Worden, the coast defense for Puget Sound. The officers at this meeting at Fort Worden have been tentatively identified as Brigadier General Maurice Thompson, Adjutant General; Col. J.K. Partello, officer in charge of National Guard affairs of IX Corps area, San Francisco; and Major Edward C. Dohm, Commander 248th Coastal Artillery, Olympia.
Washington National Guard (Wash.); Fort Worden (Wash.); Military uniforms; Military personnel--Tacoma--1930-1940;
Although the United States was not at war in 1938, Washington National Guardsmen kept their skills fresh by attending the annual summer training camp. Most journeyed to Camp Murray near Tacoma but coast artillery units were stationed at Fort Worden near Port Townsend. Here they practiced loading and firing the big coastal artillery guns from bunkers. Strategically placed batteries were capable of defending the coast against battleships and enemy landings. (St. George: Fort Worden History-article)
Washington National Guard (Wash.); Fort Worden (Wash.); Military personnel--1930-1940; Artillery (Weaponry)--Fort Worden;
The reserves roll out their tanks as the 58th annual encampment of the National Guard stages the governors review at Camp Murray on June 19, 1938. The camp was named Camp Thomas Aston, after the late Colonel Aston who commanded the 161st infantry in Spokane. Over 2600 officers and men took part in the training exercises and review. (T. Times 6/20/1938, pg. 1)
Washington National Guard (Wash.); Camp Murray (Wash.); Military uniforms; Military personnel--Tacoma--1930-1940; Tanks (Military science); Armored vehicles--1930-1940;
A hand of cards helps pass the time during field maneuvers at Camp Aston, the annual National Guard training camp, held at Camp Murray in June of 1938. The man at the right listens for any instructions on his field radio.
Washington National Guard (Wash.); Camp Murray (Wash.); Military uniforms; Military personnel--Tacoma--1930-1940; Radios;
One reservist stares forlornly at his list of instructions while the other attempts to fix the wheel on the motorbike on which he is riding. They are part of the annual two week field training held at Camp Murray June 11-25th, 1938. The camp is given a different name each year, a memorial to a fallen comrade. In 1938, the camp was named after Thomas Aston, the late Colonel who commanded the 161st Infantry in Spokane.
Washington National Guard (Wash.); Camp Murray (Wash.); Military uniforms; Military personnel--Tacoma--1930-1940; Motorcycles--Tacoma--1930-1940;
National Guard members pose in front of the military marching band at Camp Thomas Aston, annual two week field training, held at Camp Murray. They include the band's drum major and an army cook. Camp Commander for the exercise was General Carlos A. Penington of Tacoma. (T. Times 6/20/1938, pg. 1)
Washington National Guard (Wash.); Camp Murray (Wash.); Military uniforms; Military personnel--Tacoma--1930-1940; Military bands--United States;
A training lecture is held in the relative stillness of a grove of trees at Camp Murray. An officer speaks beside an easel holding visual aids. He leans on a pointing device. The officers and men are taking part in the 58th annual training encampment for the National Guard, Camp Aston, held June 11-25th, 1938. General Carlos A. Penington of Tacoma was the Camp Commander and the Field Commander for the 81st Infantry Brigade. Brigadier General Albert H. Beebe of Seattle was the Field Commander for the 61st Field Artillery. Over 2600 officers and men took part in the exercise. (T. Times 6/11/1938, pg. 1)
Washington National Guard (Wash.); Camp Murray (Wash.); Military uniforms; Military personnel--Tacoma--1930-1940;
One reservist studies the map while others work on the vehicle during maneuvers at Camp Thomas Aston, held at Camp Murray. the two week field training was held June 11th- 25th, 1938. Over 2600 officers and men were involved.
Washington National Guard (Wash.); Camp Murray (Wash.); Military uniforms; Military personnel--Tacoma--1930-1940;
General Carlos A. Penington, of Tacoma, and his staff salute as they pass by the Governor's reviewing stand on horseback. They are taking part in Camp Aston, the 58th annual training encampment of the Washington National Guard, held June 11th- 25th at Camp Murray. Over 3,000 troops took part in the Governor's review held June 20th. (T. Times 6/20/1938, pg. 1)
Washington National Guard (Wash.); Camp Murray (Wash.); Military uniforms; Military personnel--Tacoma--1930-1940;
It is said that armies march on their stomachs, and here the culinary staff at Camp Murray prepares some tasty pies to make that process more enjoyable. Once a year, the camp exploded with an influx of almost 3000 Washington National Guardsmen at the camp for their annual training. They arrived by troop train and motor convoys, and they arrived hungry. Camp Aston, held June 11-25th 1938, was no exception.
Washington National Guard (Wash.); Camp Murray (Wash.); Military uniforms; Military personnel--Tacoma--1930-1940;
