Georgia National Guard History

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Georgia National Guard History

This is the official page of the Georgia National Guard History Office. When international conflicts arise, it serves alongside active military.

Description
Since 1732, In times of local natural disasters or civil disturbances, the Georgia Guard has stood ready to help civilian authorities.

08/18/2026

August 18, 1987:

A thunderstorm with winds gusting to near hurricane-strength struck Columbus, Georgia. A Georgia Air National Guard C-130H of the 165th Airlift Wing, piloted by Col. Douglas Padgett and Col. Steven Westgate, was preparing for takeoff from Columbus Metropolitan Airport when the control tower warned of strong winds. The crew taxied the aircraft from the runway to wait out the storm. The C-130 was stationary when it was struck by a microburst that lifted the aircraft tilting the plane onto its wing, damaging two engines. The winds also damaged two hangars and overturned two civilian aircraft.

One of the damaged propellers from C-130H 80-0322 is among the historical artifacts displayed by the Savannah-based 165th AW.

08/17/2026

On this day we remember Sgt. 1st Class Edgar Roberts of Hinesville, Ga. who died Aug. 17, 2010, from wounds received in Afghanistan.

08/16/2026

We remember Sgt. Michael Stokely of Troop E, 108th Cavalry Regiment who was killed in action in while conducting combat operations in Yusufiyah, Iraq August 16, 2005. He rests in Arlington National Cemetery. A memorial to Stokely is also located in Corinth Memorial Gardens in Loganville near fellow E-Troop Soldier Master Sgt. Mark Allen.

Come What Will.

08/14/2026

TSgt. John Hamlin
Company A, 121st Infantry Regiment

John Millard Hamlin was born October 6, 1915, in Butts County, Ga. He was the oldest son of farmers Benjamin and Annie Hamlin. He received a primary education and worked on the family farm until September 23, 1940, when he enlisted in the local Georgia National Guard unit: The Jackson Rifles, Company A, 121st Infantry Regiment. He was killed in action in France August 14, 1944, during the campaign against Dinard. He rests in Macedonia Baptist Church Cemetery, Stark, Ga.

08/12/2026

Eighty years ago today:

The August 11, 1946 edition of the Atlanta Constitution reports that Brig. Gen. Marvin Griffin, Georgia’s Adjutant General, anticipates the reactivation of the Georgia National Guard’s 121st Infantry Regiment as part of the post-World War II reorganization of the Georgia National Guard. The 121st was one of the three Infantry regiments to form the core of the newly constituted 48th Infantry Division which also included the Ga. ARNG’s 122nd Infantry Regiment and the 124th Infantry Regiment of the Florida National Guard. The 121st continues in service today as part of the 48th Infantry Brigade Combat Team.

08/11/2026

120 years ago today:

The camp of the 1st Infantry Regiment, Georgia National Guard, on the Chickamauga battlefield August 11, 1906. The Georgia National Guard conducted annual training at Chickamauga August 5 to 20, 1906.

08/10/2026

Capt. Young Barber
128th Observation Squadron

Young Ben Barber was born September 18, 1915, to Jesse and Lillian Barber of LaGrange, Ga. Barber’s father worked as a clerk at the post office. After attending Russell High School in East Point, Barber completed a course of studies at the Georgia Military Academy before enrolling at the Georgia Institute of Technology. In 1940 he was employed as a welder at a steel mill. Barber was accepted into federal service as a private in the Atlanta-based 128th Observation Squadron June 28, 1941. He was commissioned and completed pilot training at Moody Airfield in Valdosta, Ga. April 29, 1943. In March 1944, Barber mobilized overseas and was assigned to the 485th Bomb Group, 831st Bomb Squadron. He was killed in action August 10, 1944 while piloting a B-24 Liberator south of Cerignola, Italy. Barber was a recipient of the Distinguished Flying Cross and a veteran of 47 missions.

08/07/2026

Pvt. James Castleberry
Company F, 122nd Infantry Regiment

James Franklin Castleberry of Rising Fawn, Ga. was born August 6, 1896, to Leroy and Mollie Castleberry. James’ father was a mining contractor and by 1910, James was working as a water carrier. He was inducted into federal service Sept. 19, 1917, at Camp Gordon, Ga. in Company I, 326th Infantry Regiment, 82nd Division. On October 14 he was transferred to Company F, 122nd Infantry Regiment, Georgia National Guard. In June 1918, Castleberry transferred out of the 122nd and was ultimately assigned to Company F, 38th Infantry Regiment. He was killed in action August 7, 1918, during the Battle of Fisme and Fismette. He rests in Arlington Cemetery.

08/06/2026

August 6, 1953:

Pilots of the Georgia Air National Guard's 116th Fighter-Bomber Wing review a flight route for their F-51 Mustangs during annual training at Travis Field, Savannah, Ga. Left to right: Lt. William Tennent, Lt. George B. Dunbar, Lt. John E. Hayes and Capt. Charles H. Allen. Georgia National Guard Archives.

The P-51 Mustang of World War II was redesignated the F-51 in 1948 following the establishment of the U.S. Air Force as a separate military branch.

08/05/2026

Pvt. Thomas Griffin
Company E, 121st Infantry Regiment

Thomas Jenning Griffin of Brinson, Ga. was born to Henderson and Elizabeth Griffin in July 1895. Griffin’s father worked at a sawmill to support his family of seven. On September 26, 1916, Griffin enlisted in Company E, 2nd Infantry Regiment, Georgia National Guard at the age of 21. In September 1917, Griffin’s company was redesignated Company E, 121st Infantry Regiment. In June 1918, Griffin transferred out of the 121st and was ultimately assigned to Company H, 166th Infantry Regiment of the Ohio National Guard. The 166th was part of the 42nd Division along with the Georgia National Guard’s 151st Machine Gun Battalion. Griffin deployed with the regiment to France in February 1918. He was mortally wounded by a high explosive shell August 5, 1918. He rests in Griffin Cemetery in Decatur County, Ga.

Address

Georgia Guard History Office, Bldg 447, Clay Center, 1000 Halsey Avenue
Marietta, GA
30060

Website

http://www.georgiaguardhistory.com/

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