Page 66 - history-of-military-units-in-columbia-county-fl-(1970)-robert-gary-shields

History of Military Units in Columbia County, FL (1970) Robert Gary Shields

WORLD WAR II

In November of 1940, mobilization orders were given to all units

of the 31st Division and on Nov. 25, 1940, Company H, 124th Infantry
was inducted into Federal service. It moved to Camp Blanding where it
joined of units of the 31st Division from all over the South. Much

of the construction at Camp Blanding was done by this Division. In
July and August of 1941, the Division took part it maneuvers in Louisiana

and then returned to Camp Blanding. In November 1941 the unit moved
to the Carolinas for a bitter cold, four-weeks maneuver. Once again
the Division returned to Camp Blanding.

Because of it's superior performances during the Louisiana and

Carolina Maneuvers the 124th Infantry was picked by the Army to serve
as demonstration troops for the Infantry School at Ft. Benning. On
December 15, 1941, the 124th was relieved from assignment to the 31st

Division and moved to Ft. Benning.

Company H, commanded by Capt. Harkness,was at that time, a "heavy

weapons company" and taught and demonstrated the machine gun to the O.C.S.
classes. On July 8, 1942, Capt. Harkness was given the task of organizing
and forming a new "Cannon Company." Capt. Harkness was given first

choice in the selection of enlisted personnel. He. chose Sgt. Claude Cason
of Company H for the 1st Sgti's job. Others from Company H were chosen

including Sgt. Leonard J. Witt, who latter became 1st Sgt. In Oct. 1943,
the regiment was sent to Ft. Jackson and began to break up. The first
group was sent to Indian Town Gap, Pa. where they were used as replacements

for the 3rd. Division which was fighting in Italy. A few days latter a
second group was sent out; this time to Camp Picket, Va. and was assigned
back'to the 31st. Division. A little more than 500 men were left at Ft.

Jackson. They were sent to Camp Attiberry, Tnd. in 1944, where they
joined the 30th Division, which was also known as the "Old Hickory Division.

This ended the Lake City contengent of the Florida National Guard
as it's men.were now serving in three different Divisions.

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