Imperial Valley Press

'42 Minute Man Troops Planned

Groundwork Laid for Enlistment of Imperial County Residents in Militia Organization for Home Defense Duty

Imperial Valley will soon have units of "'42 Minute Men" as protection against possible enemy invasion.

Plans were underway Monday for Frank Beyschlag, county farm advisor, to begin enrollment of potential citizen soldiers to protect homes and crops against hostile action.

Under the setup residents of the valley between the ages of 16 and 65 who are adept at the use of firearms will form small groups, many in the rural sections, similar to those in the British home guard.

The organization was authorized this week-end by Governor Culbert L. Olson, and county extension agents were appointed recruiting officers. Beyschlag, Supervisor B. M. Graham, Deputy District Attorney Don Bitler and Sheriff Robert Ware attended the conference in Sacramento at which details were planned.

Although training will be along Indian fighting lines, the units will differ from guerilla bands. In case guerillas are caught by enemy troops during battle they are liable to instant death. The California State Militia will have regular uniforms -which will probably be designed to blend with the terrain- as protection against any such treatment.

Beyschlag scheduled a meeting of American Legion officers, school principals, state guard officials, newspaper editors and rifle club heads for Tuesday night at 7:45 in the courthouse to explain to prominent citizens the work of the militia."

"I'm waiting for additional information from Sacramento now, but I'll be glad to take any enrollments," Beyschlag said.

Firearms used by the militia will vary from shotguns to revolvers.

Many enlistments are expected from the hunters and rural marksmen of the county.