Prepared for the Second World War - Civil Defense

For many years, Lloyd V. Tuttle contributed historic photos and information to the Defiance Crescent-News for his column, "A Backward Glance."  This clipping, undated, appeared in one of his columns, featuring the role of Civil Defense in Defiance during WW II.

Tuttle said:  "AIRCRAFT PLAYED A BIG PART IN THE SECOND WORLD WAR and while the chances were remote that the town would ever be bombed, Defiance had one of the finest Civil Defense organizations in Ohio

More than 1250 persons participated in the activity.  Complete blackouts of the town were frequent.  When the wildcat whistles were blown, folks turned out their lights, pulled down their blinds and automobiles were driven without lights.  There was very little traffic moving during an imitation raid which lasted only a few minutes. 

Notification of the practice raid would come from Columbus.  To simulate reality, aerial bombs would be shot from the ground and small planes circled overhead.

The CONTROL center from which all activity was directed was in the basement of the Northwestern Telephone Co. building.  It was completely equipped.  There were mop-up squads, fire squads, rescue squads, and air raid wardens in each block.

All members of the organization wore the CD arm band.  Wardens wore white helmets.  The ambulance girls wore white outfits.  The organization worked with military precision.  Much of the credit for its success was due the commander, John P. Reed.  John loved military activity.

Members of the executive committee were: Director, Virgil F. Kent; Commander, John P. Reed; Mayor Robert W. Galliers, Lloyd V. Tuttle, Victor L. Mansfield, and Glenn B. Hiatt.

PERSONNEL OF the control center shown here are: from left, Reed, Norman Kreischer (rear), Walter Speiser, Fred W. Bechdolt, L. E. Smart, Fire Chief Harvey Hughes (in light cap), Howard Squire (seated in front, A. F. Schatz (rear), Ora D. Symonds (seated, George A. Bolley, Wade L. Stever, Police Chief Karl A. Weaner (seated front), Ralph Goldenetz (rear), S. S. Evans (seated extreme right)."