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Labor Troubles in Flint

 

Michigan Guardsmen during Flint labor dispute In 1937, rioting broke out in Flint as a result of labor troubles in the auto industry. The Michigan National Guard was called to the area to maintain law and order as it did during the 1913 Copper Country strike. The situation was fraught with many pitfalls. Proper control by Guard commanding officers, coupled with a very skillful Flint area headquarters, no serious incidents occurred. The auto workers settled most of their differences with the auto manufacturers, and the troops went home. The troops spent 42 days on duty.

 

As in the 1913 action, the troops received the highest commendations possible from the Governor for the skill with which they conducted themselves. He was especially lavish in his praise of the officers for the manner in which they handled matters.

 

In the following year, 1938, Michigan was authorized to organize its portion of the 107th Quartermaster Regiment and to complete the organization of the 107th Medical Regiment and the 182nd Field Artillery.

 

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