Source
State Archives of Florida, Collection M87-46
Description
Letter from Lieutenant Colonel Mark Lance, who was serving in the southwest Pacific, to Major General Albert Blanding regarding the possibility of Florida Guardsmen receiving extra retirement credits for active service during World War II. Lance also briefly describes military operations against the Japanese.
General Note
In 1940, prior to direct American involvement in World War II, President Franklin Roosevelt initiated the first peacetime draft in United States history and mobilized elements of the National Guard. Most members of the Florida National Guard, which was part of the 31st "Dixie" Division, went into Federal service at this time. After a long period of training, the 31st was sent to the Pacific Theater, where it participated in campaigns in New Guinea and the Philippines. Born in North Carolina in 1898, Lance served in the U.S. Naval Reserve in World War I, and then joined the Florida National Guard in 1927 as a captain. He was mobilized in 1940 and served with the 31st Division in the Pacific. Appointed Adjutant General of the Florida National Guard in 1947, he retired in 1962 as a major general. Lance died in 1966. Albert Hazen Blanding was one of Florida's most prominent soldiers. Born in Iowa in 1876, Blanding moved to Florida with his family at the age of two. He joined the Florida State Troops in 1895 and within four years was commissioned captain. As colonel, he commanded the 2nd Florida Regiment on the Mexican Border, and in 1917, soon after the outbreak of World War I, he was promoted to brigadier general. Blanding was sent to France, where he commanded a brigade in the 27th Infantry Division. After the war he served as commander of the National Guard's 31st Division, and in 1936 President Franklin Roosevelt appointed Blanding chief of the National Guard Bureau. The general retired in 1940, but during World War II he served as military advisor to Governor Spessard Holland and as head of the State Defense Council. Blanding died in 1970.
Upon the receipt of your letter I advise[d] Lowry, Hutchinson and Hesterly of its contents, following which Lowry called a meeting of Florida officers and thoroughly discussed the amendment (proposed) giving credit for double time for active duty. He advises that he has written Robert Milam [?] and Herman Ulmer in Jacksonville and Cody Fowler and Pickens Cole of Tampa to advise on plans to bring this before the 1945 legislature.
I am sure Lowry in his letter asked only for assistance and guidance as how best to get this small amendment on the Governors program, thus assuring its passage. I have shown your letter to Hesterly, as you requested, so am sure he has again written you. There is no thought but that you would fully and wholeheartedly assist in passing this act if it were brought before the 45, instead of waiting for the 47 session.
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