The document “Maine State Guard History” provides an overview of the formation, organization, and activities of the Maine State Guard during World War II. It explains that after the Maine National Guard was federalized and deployed overseas, the state established the Maine State Guard to protect local infrastructure, maintain public order, and assist with civil defense operations. The force was composed primarily of veterans, older men, and younger volunteersineligible for federal service. Units were stationed across Maine to guard bridges, power plants, railroads, and coastal areas, ensuring the security of critical assets against potential sabotage or enemy attack. The Guard also assisted civilian authorities during natural disasters and wartime emergencies, often performing duties such as traffic control, fire response, and crowd management during blackouts and civil defense drills. Despite limited funding and equipment shortages, the Maine State Guard earned praise for its professionalism and reliability. Following the return of the National Guard after the war, the State Guard was inactivated in 1947, but its legacy continued as an example of effective state-level military organization that provided vital home-front security during one of the nation’s most challenging periods.
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