The 14th Coast Artillery Regiment

From the History of the Western Defense Command

From the days of the American Revolution in 1779 until the year 1901, all artillery units of our Army, of all calibers and weights, were part of the Artillery Corps of the United States Army. On February 2, 1901, the Artillery Corps was reorganized and divided into thirty mobile batteries of Field Artillery and one hundred twenty companies of Coast Artillery, assigned to fixed harbor defenses. No regimental organizations were created. (See Historical Register of the United States Army from its organization, September 29, 1789 to 1903, by F. B. Heitman, Clerk, Adjutant General’s Office, War Department).

On January 25, 1907, the War Department created separate artillery branches of the service, naming them Field Artillery and the Coast Artillery Corps, which have existed up to this date. During the First World War in 1917, regiments of Coast Artillery were organized and saw combat in France.

In 1924, the War Department for the first time created permanent Regular Army coast Artillery Regiments among which was the 14th Coast Artillery.

On July 1, 1924, this regiment was organized pursuant to War Department General Orders No. 8, dated February 27, 1924, and in accordance with General Orders No. 18, Coast Defenses of Puget Sound (as then named), Fort Worden, Washington, dated June 17, 1924. Colonel Percy M. Kessler, U.S.A. was the first regimental commander of the Regiment. The history of the regiment really goes back much further than 1924, because the separate organizations which were chosen to become the 14th Coast Artillery are so intimately associated with the Harbor Defenses of Puget Sound, that we can claim descent from old pioneer Fort Townsend.

Only three years after Washington Territory was created, Fort Townsend was established in 1856. Then, already, the City of Port Townsend was one of the leading cities of the Pacific Northwest. Because of the bloody raids by neighboring Indian tribes who resented the strict enforcement of the terms of the treaties made with the United States Government, the citizens of Port Townsend and adjacent settlements appealed to our Government for armed protection. Therefore, the War Department established this historic army post, known now as Old Fort Townsend, on the Chimacum Road. The pacific means used by the officers and men garrisoning Fort Townsend were so effective that they were found no longer necessary, and in 1858 were withdrawn. In 1874 the Fort was reconditioned, many new buildings built and again manned. However, water was scarce and, in 1895, when the barracks burned as the result of a kerosene lamp explosion, orders were given to decommission the fort. The buildings that remained fell to ruin, and in 1936 were destroyed as a menace to public safety.

All that remains today of Historic Old Fort Townsend is the original 130 foot flag pole, which was reconditioned in 1936 and now flies the flag at Cape George.

In 1866, President Johnson approved plans for adequate defense of Puget Sound and set aside as military reservations the land now occupied by Ports Worden, Casey, and Flagler. It was not until more than thirty years later, however, that installations at these ports were commenced. In 1887, the first transcontinental railroad was built to Puget Sound. The rush of settlers to the Northwest Country, the consequent rapid development of agricultural, commercial, marine and manufacturing interests in and about Puget Sound and the construction, nearby, in 1891, of the only drydock on the Pacific coast capable of taking a battleship, immediately made imperative adequate defensive fortifications.

In 1898, constructions of these fortifications commenced. Fort Worden was designated as Headquarters for these Harbor Defenses. This post was named in honor of Admiral John L. Worden, U.S. Navy, who commanded the famous gunboat MONITOR in her historic engagement with the confederate ram MERRIMAC, at Hampton Roads, Virginia, during the Civil War. Fort Flagler was named in honor of Brigadier General Daniel Webster Flagler, former Chief of Ordnance, and Fort Casey was named in honor of Brigadier General Thomas Lincoln Casey, former Chief of Engineers, who was in charge of the construction of the Congressional Library Building, the State, War and Navy Building, and completed the Washington Monument in Washington, D.C. Fort Whitman was built to guard the narrow, treacherous channel of Deception Pass between the north end of Whidbey Island and the mainland.

The Harbor Defenses of Puget Sound were first garrisoned in 1902, by Companies of Coast Artillery troops. In July 1916, these Coast Artillery Companies became known as: The First Company, Fort Worden; the Second Company, Fort Worden: The First Company, Fort Casey; the First Company, Fort Flagler; etc. In August 1917, these designations were changed to First Company, Puget Sound; Second Company, Puget Sound; Third Company, Puget Sound: etc. and in 1922 were again changed to their original designations as Coast Artillery Companies.

At the time of the organization of the Fourteenth Coast Artillery Regiment in 1924, four of the batteries were organized as active units, while seven others were organized as inactive units. The origin of the several batteries is as follows:

Headquarters Battery, 14th Coast Artillery, (Active) was formed from the 106th Company of Coast Artillery and the 6th Coast Artillery Band. The Old organizations were formed at Fort Lawton, Washington on 13 August 1901, by subdividing the 32nd Company, formerly Battery K, 3rd Artillery. As Battery K, 3rd Artillery, this unit saw active service in the Philippines form August 1898 to June 1901 as a Caraboa Battery, and during the Siege of Manila as a light Battery. It served at Camp Skagway, Alaska in 1902, as the 106th Company of Coast Artillery, and was then ordered to the Coast Defenses of Puget Sound where it was stationed at Fort Flagler until 1907, when it was transferred to Fort Worden. In 1913 the 106th Company of Coast Artillery was designated as Mine Company. On 13 July 1916 the unit was redesignated the Fourth Company, Fort Worden, and on the 28 August 1917 it became the Fourth Company, Puget Sound. It was again redesignated as the 106th Company Coast Artillery in 1922 and was assigned the duties of a headquarters Company. It remained in this capacity until it became the regimental Headquarters Battery, 14th Coast Artillery, 1924.

Battery A, 14th Coast Artillery. (Active) was formed from the 108th Company of Coast Artillery, activated originally, on 16 August 1901, form the 74th Company of Coast Artillery at Fort Williams, Maine. The 108th Company remained at Fort Williams, Maine until 22 January 1903, when it was transferred to the Philippine Islands where it arrived 25 February 1903. It was assigned to Cuartel de Espana, Manila until 11 June 1904, when it was ordered to duty at Fort Casey, Washington. In 1905 it was moved to Fort Worden. On 13 July 1916 the unit was redesignated the Fifty company, Fort Worden. On 13 July 1916 the unit was redesignated the Fifty company, Fort Worden, and on 28 August 1917 it became the Fifth Company, Puget Sound. In 1922 it again became the 108th Company of Coast Artillery and remained as such until 1924, when the Fourteenth Coast Artillery was organized.

Battery B, 14th Coast Artillery, (Inactive) was formed from the 94th Company of Coast Artillery. The original date or place of activation of the 94th Company is not known since it did note take place in these Harbor Defenses. It may be assumed that it was formed in 1901. In July 1916 it became the Third Company, Fort Flagler, and in August 1917 became the Fifteenth Company, Puget Sound. In 1922 it was again redesignated the 94th Company of Coast Artillery and remained as such until the 14th Coast Artillery Regiment was organized in 1924, at which time it became an inactive unit of that regiment.

Battery C, 14th Coast Artillery, (Inactive) was originally organized as the 92nd Company of Coast Artillery, pursuant to General Orders No. 25, Adjutant General’s Office, dated February 28,
1901. Organization commenced 10 April 1901 under the command of Captain Edward Davis, A.C. and 2nd Lieutenant Guy V. Carleton, A.C. The organization was effected at the Presidio of San Francisco. The personnel was taken from the 28th Company of Coast Artillery stationed at Fort Winfield Scott, and consisted of four sergeants, four corporals, one musician, one mechanic and thirty-eight privates. On 30 April 1904, the Company sailed for Fort McKinley, Manila, P.I., and remained there until 5 July 1905 when it returned San Francisco. On the 22 July 1905 it was transferred to Fort Flagler, Washington. In July 1916 it was redesignated the Second Company, Fort Flagler and in August 1917 it became the Fourteenth Company, Puget Sound. It was again redesignated the 92nd Company of Coast Artillery in 1922, and in 1924 became Battery “C”, an inactive unit of the 14th Coast Artillery.

Battery D, 14th Coast Artillery, (Active) was organized as the 85th Company of Coast Artillery, 15 April 1901 by a division of the 50th Company at Fort Wadsworth, New York. The unit was sent to the Philippine Islands in the early part of 1903, where it remained until the fall of 1904. Upon return to the United States the battery was stationed at Fort Casey, Washington. From 30 May 1906 to 6 June 1906 the Company was on duty at the Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition at Seattle, Washington. In July 1916 it was redesignated the Second Company, Fort Casey, and in August 1917 became the Tenth Company, Puget Sound. In 1922 the unit again became the 85th Company of Coast Artillery and remained as such until the organization of the 14th Coast Artillery in 1924.

Battery E, 14th Coast Artillery, (Inactive) was formed from the 149th Company of Coast Artillery. This unit was transferred from the Coast Defenses of Columbia River, where, prior to 1922, it was known as the Third Company, Columbia River. No further information is available regarding the organization of his unit.

Battery F, 14th Coast Artillery, (Inactive) formed from the 149th Company of coast Artillery in 1901, became the Third Company, Fort Casey in July 1916 and was redesignated the Eleventh Company, Puget Sound in August 1917. In 1922 it again became the 149th Company of Coast Artillery. The historical records of this company have been lost and it is not known whether this unit ever served outside the Harbor Defenses of Puget Sound.

Battery G, 14th Coast Artillery, (Active) was organized as the 150th Company of Coast Artillery, 1 August 1907 at Fort Worden, Washington, by transfer of personnel from the 62nd Company of Coast Artillery, 1 August 1907 at Fort Worden, Washington, by transfer of personnel from the 62nd Company of Coast Artillery. The unit was transferred to Fort Ward, Washington as the 150th Company (a Mine Company), 1 September 1907 and became the First Company, Fort Ward in July 1916. In August 1917 it was redesignated the Sixteenth Company, Puget Sound, and in 1922 again became the 150th Company of coast Artillery. On 1 July 1924 the unit became Battery G, 14th Coast Artillery and one month later was transferred to Fort Worden, at which time fort Ward was placed on a caretaker status.

Battery H, 14th Coast Artillery (Inactive) was formed originally as the 128th Company of Coast Artillery. In July 1916 it became the Sixth Company, Fort Worden, and in August 1917, the Sixth Company, Puget Sound. After the First World War in 1919, the unit was absorbed by the Fifth Company, Puget Sound. It was later reconstituted as the Twelfth Company, Puget Sound and in 1922 again became the 126th Company of Coast Artillery. on the 1 July 1924 it became an inactive unit of the 14th Coast Artillery.

Battery I, 14th Coast Artillery (Inactive) was formed from the 115th Company of Coast Artillery, formerly the Second Company, San Diego and Battery A, 65th Artillery. The date of original organization is not known. As Battery A, 65th Artillery, the unit saw active service in the First World War, and is the only battery of the 14th Coast Artillery to have this distinction. Battery A, 65th Artillery was engaged in the St. Mihiel Section near Manonville, France on 12 September 1918 and also participated in the Meuse-Argonne offensive from 26 September 1918 until the Armistice. ON 28 February 1919, the 65th Artillery was demobilized, and in 1922 the inactive unit again became the 115th Company of Coast Artillery. On 1 July 1924 it became an inactive unit of the 14th Coast Artillery.

Battery K, 14th Coast Artillery (Inactive), the Searchlight Battery, was formed from the 160th Company of Coast Artillery, formerly the Second Company, Columbia River. Since the unit was not originally organized in these Harbor Defenses, its actual date and place of organization is not known. On 1 July 1924, it became an inactive unit of the 14th Coast Artillery. The Battalion Headquarters Batteries were outgrowths of the Regimental Headquarters Battery and no history is recorded for them prior to their activation at the time of the National Emergency in
1941.

The Regimental Staff at the time of the organization of the 14th Coast Artillery was as follows:

Commanding Officer – – – – – – – – Colonel PERCY M. KESSLER, CAC
Intelligence Officer – – – – – – – Captain LOUIS J. BOWLER, CAC
Adjutant – – – – – – – – – – – – – Captain LOUIS J. BOWLER, CAC
Plans and Training Officer – – – – Major JOHN P. TERRELL, CAC
Supply Officer – – – – – – – – – – Captain EUGENE T. CONWAY, CAC
Communications Officer – – – – – – 2nd Lt. CLAUD T. GUNN, CAC
Munitions Officer – – – – – – – – Captain CHARLES J. HERZER, CAC

BATTALION COMMANDERS:

1st Battalion – – – – – – – – – – Lt. Col., FRANK B. EDWARDS, CAC
2nd Battalion – – – – – – – – – – Captain MARTIN J. O’BRIEN, CAC
3rd Battalion – – – – – – – – – – Major JOHN P. TERRELL, CAC
Of these Officer, citations had been made as follows:

The strength of the regiment at the time of its organization was as follows:
Officers /Enlisted Men
Hq and Hq Battery 16/ 161
Battery A 2/ 145
Battery D 1/ 68
Battery G 2/ 26
Total 21/ 400

During the years from 1924 to 1940, the 14th Coast Artillery Regiment was engaged in the usual duties of a peacetime garrison. The number of men authorized for the Regiment varied somewhat according to the availability of authorized strength of only 300 Enlisted Men and 19 Officers. A few of the more important changes that took place in the Regiment are as follows:

On September 11, 1927 a redistribution of personnel was made by General Orders No. 19, Headquarters Harbor Defenses of Puget Sound, dated 29 August 1927, which included Regimental Headquarters and the 14th Coast Artillery Band as a unit, separate from Headquarters Battery. Prior to this the Band had been part of Headquarters Battery.

Battery D, 14th Coast Artillery, was rendered inactive as of midnight, 20 September 1930, in compliance with 1st Wrapper Ind, 322.175, from the Commanding General, Ninth Corps Area, September 30, 1930, on radio to the Commanding General, same date.

Battery D, 14th Coast Artillery, was reconstituted as an active unit with station at Fort Worden, Washington, 1 January 1931, per letter 320.2 (AG-M), Headquarters Ninth Corps Area, 23 December 1930 subject: Reconstitution of Battery D, 14th Coast Artillery, the personnel being transferred from Headquarters Battery, Battery A and Battery G.

A detachment of 2 Officers and 72 Enlisted men from the 14th Coast Artillery attended the Minor Joint Army and Navy Exercises at the Harbor Defenses of San Francisco, Fort Winfield Scott, California. The Detachment left Fort Worden 2 August 1930 and returned 21 August 1930.

Battery K, 14th Coast Artillery (Inactive) was demobilized pursuant to paragraph 1 c, General Orders No. 12, headquarters Ninth Corps Area, dated 12 September 1935.

The following changes in organization were made by General Orders No. 12, Headquarters Ninth Corps Area, dated 12 September 1935:

Units rendered Inactive:

Headquarters, 1st Battalion, 14th Coast Artillery, Harbor Defense
Headquarters, 2nd Battalion, 14th Coast Artillery, Harbor Defense
Headquarters, 3rd Battalion, 14th Coast Artillery, Harbor Defense.

Units constituted inactive units of the Regular Army:

Headquarters Battery, 1st Battalion, 14th Coast Artillery, Harbor Defense
Headquarters Battery, 2nd Battalion, 14th Coast Artillery, Harbor Defense
Headquarters Battery, 3rd Battalion, 14th Coast Artillery, Harbor Defense.

Headquarters Battery, 1st Battalion, 14th Coast Artillery was activated 1 July 1939. Aside from these minor changes, the regiment remained rather stable, as far as can be determined. In 1940, the passage by Congress of the Selective Service Act paved the way for increased activity in the Army as a whole, and the 14th Coast Artillery was not exempt.

Pursuant to instructions contained in a letter, Adjutant General’s Office, file AG 320.2 (1-13-41) M(Ret) M-C, subject: Constitution and Activation of Units, dated 13 January 1941: and General Orders No. 2, Headquarters Ninth Corps Area, dated 20 January 1941, the following units of the 14th Coast Artillery were activated on the effective dates and at the stations indicated, with cadres to be furnished by active elements of the organization:

Unit Station Date of Activation
Hq & Hq Btry Harbor Defenses of 2nd Bn, 14th CA (HD) Puget Sound, 3 January 1943
Btrys B, C and E, Harbor Defenses of 14th CA (HD) Puget Sound, 3 January 1941

Pursuant to paragraph 5c(1), letter, Adjutant General’s Office, file AG 320.2 (4-25-41) M (Ret) MC, April 24, 1941, subject: Constitution and Activation of Units: the following units of the 14th Coast Artillery were Activated at Station indicated:

Unit Station Date of Activation
Hq & Hq Btry, Harbor Defenses of 3rd Bn, 14th CA (HD) Puget Sound, 4 June 1941
Btrys F, H, I, K (SL), Harbor Defenses of 14th CA (HD) Puget Sound, 4 June 1941

Following the activation of the first units under the increased strength plans of the Selective Service Act, the following changes in station were made by authority of General Orders No. 1, Headquarters Fourteenth Coast Artillery, Fort Worden, Washington, dated 11 January 1941:

a. Batteries A, B and C, 14th CA from Fort Worden to Fort Casey.
b. Battery C, 14th CA from Fort Worden to Fort Flagler.

Under authority of the same order dated 11 January 1941, the following assignments of command were made:

a. The Commanding Officer, 1st Battalion, 14th CA will be in command of Fort Casey.
b. The Commanding Officer, Battery G, 14th CA, will be in command of Fort Flagler.
c. The Commanding Officer, Headquarters Battery, 14th CA is in charge of the following outposts:
(1) Fort Townsend
(2) Cape George Reservation
(3) West Secondary Reservation
(4) South Secondary Reservation
(5) Fort Whitman

General Orders No. 2, Headquarters Fourteenth Coast Artillery, pursuant to letter, AG 221 (12- 27-40)E, subject: Allotment of Grades and Ratings for Enlisted Men and Authorized Strengths, dated 27 December 1940, authorized the strength of the Fourteenth Coast Artillery as follows:

Band – – – – – – – – – – – 28
Hq. Btry – – – – – – – – 125
Hq Btry, 1st Bn- – – – – – 30
Btry A – – – – – – – – – 140
Btry B – – – – – – – – – 140
Btry C – – – – – – – – – 140
Hq Btry, 2nd Bn- – – – – – 30
Btry D – – – – – – – – – 140
Btry E – – – – – – – – – 140
Btry G – – – – – – – – – 140
Total- – – – – – – – – – 1053

Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 1st Battalion, 14th CA changed station from Fort Worden to Fort Casey, Washington, on 7 February 1941.

The Medical Detachment, 14th Coast Artillery, was activated 21 April 1941, by General Orders No. 4, Headquarters Fourteenth Coast Artillery, Fort Worden, Washington, dated 21 April 1941, in compliance with provisions of War Department letter, file AG 320.2 (12-20-40)M (Ret)M-C, dated 26 December 1940; War Department letter, file AG 320.2 (12-27-40)E Dated 27 December 1940; and instructions contained in letter, Commanding General, Ninth Corps Area, file Surg. 322.052, subject: Activation of Medical Units, dated 3 Feb. 1941.

General Orders No. 6, Headquarters, 14th Coast Artillery, Fort Worden, Washington, dated 20 June 1941, in compliance with letter, The Adjutant General’s Office, file AG 221 (5-22-41) EA-A, dated 28 May 1941, subject: Allotments of Grades and Ratings for Enlisted Men and Authorized Strengths; and paragraph 2, Circular No. 72, War Department 1941; authorized the strength of the 14th Coast Artillery as follows:

Band – – – – – – – – – – 28
Hq Btry- – – – – – – – – 136
K Btry S/L – – – – – – – 184
Hq Btry, 1st Bn- – – – – 31
Btry A – – – – – – – – – 153
Btry B – – – – – – – – – 125
Btry C – – – – – – – – – 125
Hq Btry, 2nd Bn- – – – -30
Brty D – – – – – – – – – 125
Btry E – – – – – – – – – 125
Brty F – – – – – – – – – 125
Hq Btry, 3rd Bn- – – – – 31
Btry G – – – – – – – – – 125
Btry H – – – – – – – – – 125
Btry I – – – – – – – – – 153
TOTAL 1621
Met Det- – – – – – – – – 44
1665

On 3 October 1941, a detachment of Battery K, 14th Coast Artillery, consisting of one Officer and, thirty-eight Enlisted Men was moved to station at Fort Flagler, for the operation and maintenance of fixed seacoast searchlights and mobile anti-aircraft searchlights at that Fort. At the outbreak of the War on 7 December 1941, the 14th Coast Artillery was stationed as follows:

Fort Worden:

Headquarters Battery
Headquarters Battery, 2nd Battalion
Battery D
Battery E
Battery F

Fort Casey:

Headquarters Battery, 1st Battalion
Battery A
Battery B
Battery C
Battery K (less detachment)

Fort Flagler:

Headquarters Battery, 3rd Battalion
Battery G
Battery H
Battery I
Detachment, Battery K

On 20 December 1941, Battery C, 14th Coast Artillery, was transferred to Fort Whitman, Washington to man two of the guns at Battery Harrison. This Fort had been in the hands of caretakers and had been classified as no longer required. However, with the existing emergency, it was deemed imperative that the entrance to Puget Sound through Deception Pass should be guarded.

Battery L, 14th Coast Artillery (HD) was activated at Fort Flagler, Washington, 22 January 1942, pursuant to authority contained in General Orders No. 5, Western Defense Command and 4th Army, Presidio of San Francisco, Calif., dated 12 January 1942. Personnel was derived by transferring 2 Officers from Battery G, 14th CA; attaching 2 Officers from Battery G, 14th CA; and transferring forty-one Enlisted Men from Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 3rd Battalion, and Batteries G, H, I and K, 14th Coast Artillery. Battery L was organized to man the Hydracoustic Ranging Station on Marrowstone Island. Later in the year 1942, Battery L was assisted in manning the Hydracoustic Station by a Navy Detachment and finally on 30 August 1942, it was relieved from this assignment entirely upon the Navy assuming full responsibility for the operation of the Hydracoustic Group.

Early in 1942, with the establishment of temporary fortifications in the vicinity of Port Angeles, the Harbor Defenses of Puget Sound began to cover more territory and hence the various units of the 14th Coast Artillery took on their share of the increased responsibilities.

On the 20 July 1942, Headquarters Battery, 2nd Battalion, 14th Coast Artillery was transferred to Camp Angeles, Washington, about five miles west of Port Angeles, Washington. Here the Battery assumed the administrative duties for the Angeles Group consisting of Battery E, 248th Coast Artillery manning Battery No. 226, and Battery X, 52nd Coast Artillery manning Battery No. 19. Battery L, 14th Coast Artillery, less a Detachment left to man the Hydracoustic Group at Fort Flagler, was transferred to Port Angeles, Washington, 2 August 1942 to man the Anti-Motor-Torpedo Boat defenses at Edis Book. These guns had been formerly manned by a detachment of Field Artillery from Sequim.

On 4 August 1942, Battery F, was assigned to man the 37mm guns emplaced at Agate Passage and Rich Pass, in the vicinity of Bremerton Naval Installations. Two of the guns were emplaced on the North side of Agate Passage, on the Old Port Madison Indian Reservation. Another gun was emplaced at Beans Point near Old Fort Word and the fourth was emplaced at Orchard Point across Rich Pass. All four guns combined were known as AMTB No. 1.

Battery L, 14th CA was inactivated on 12 September 1942, the personnel being transferred to

Battery F, 14th CA. The men of old Battery “L” remained at Edis Hook to man the AMTB defenses there.

On 1 October 1942, pursuant to General Orders No. 118, Headquarters Western Defense Command and 4th Army, Presidio of San Francisco, California, subject: Inactivation of Certain Coast Artillery Units, dated 27 September 1942, Battery E, 14th Coast Artillery was inactivated. The personnel was absorbed in other units of the 14th CA.

In addition to its assignment to the AMTB defenses of Agate and Rich Pass, and Edis Hook, Battery F was assigned to man the 37 mm guns at Portage Canal, near the southern end of Marrowstone Island, and those at Hudson Point, in Port Townsend, on 1 October 1942. These two additional assignments were of a temporary nature only, however, for on 22 October 1942, Battery G at Fort Flagler was assigned to the defenses at Portage Canal and Battery H was given the defenses at Hudson Point. While these few Batteries were concerned with their assignments to AMTB defenses at the various outposts of the Harbor Defenses, practically all the other Batteries of the Fourteenth Coast Artillery, had their own special missions to perform in the form of observation posts for the Anti-aircraft intelligence service, patrols for beach defense and land defense, all in addition to their primary assignments to the regular armament of the Harbor Defenses.

All Batteries were actively engaged in the emplacement of barb wire entanglements around their defensive areas, and in a construction of field fortifications such as Machine gun pits, fox holes, and slit trenches. An extensive program of camouflage was also carried on. On 6 January 1943, Battery H, was assigned to both the AMTB defenses at Hudson Point and those at Portage Canal. These defenses were increased in February of 1943 and new defenses at Scow Bay and Marrowstone Point were added.

In September of 1943 the AMTB defenses at Edis Hook were abandoned and Battery F was relieved of this assignment. The following month, November 1943, a detachment of Battery I was moved to Camp Angeles to man the four portable searchlights assigned to the Angeles Group. The transfer of the 248th Coast Artillery from the Harbor Defenses of Puget Sound resulted in a reduction of the armament and installations that were manned. Since the 14th Coast Artillery alone remained to man the Harbor Defenses, the most important of the installations were selected and the various units of the 14th assigned to them.

Battery C was transferred from Fort Whitman to Fort Ebey to man the new modernization battery at Partridge Point. This resulted in Fort Whitman being inactivated and the armament of Battery Harrison being place in the hands of a caretaker detachment.

Battery C was transferred from Fort Flagler to Fort Worden and Battery A was moved from Fort Casey to Fort Worden. A detachment of Battery K was moved form Fort Casey to the Striped Peak Reservation to man the portable searchlights, formerly maned by the detachment of Battery I. The detachment of Battery I was returned to Fort Flagler to await movement orders out of the Harbor Defenses. Battery D, 14th Coast Artillery was transferred to Striped Peak Reservation to replace the Battery of the 248th Coast Artillery that was formerly stationed there. A detachment of Battery K was brought to Fort Worden to man the searchlights formerly manned by the 248th Coast Artillery. Battery H was moved from Fort Flagler to Fort Worden to man the newly emplaced AMTB defense battery at Wilson Point, formerly manned by the 248th Coast Artillery.

Headquarters Battery, 3rd Battalion, 14th Coast Artillery was transferred from Fort Flagler to Fort Worden, completing the movement of all units from Fort Flagler, with the exception of those units of the 248th Coast Artillery and Battery I, 14th Coast Artillery which were temporally stationed there while awaiting final movement orders away from there Harbor Defenses. It was planned to station One Officer and ten Enlisted men at Fort Flagler as a caretaker detachment upon the movement of the 248th Coast Artillery.

By the end of February 1944, all the armament at For Flagler having been placed in a Class C status, Battery “I” was moved from Fort Flagler to Fort Casey. At this same time, the remainder of Battery K that was stationed at Fort Casey was transferred to Fort Worden. On 1 March 1944, Battery F (less a detachment of 10 men) was brought back to Fort Worden from their positions at Agate Passage and Rich Pass. The ten man detachment was to continue to man the defenses at Agate Passage under a modified plan.

During the early part of 1944, the new emplacements being constructed under the modernization program at the Striped Peak Reservation were far enough advanced to call for the movement of troops into the area. The mobile battery No. 26 was moved to its new position at Striped Peak in January 1944. Two of the guns were moved at one time and by 20 January 1944, Battery D was assigned to man the two guns that had already been emplaced at Striped Peak.

On 4 March 1944, Headquarters and Headquarters Battery 2nd Battalion, 14th Coast Artillery, moved from Camp Angeles, Washington to the Striped Peak Military Reservation under authority of the verbal orders of the Commanding General, Harbor Defenses of Puget Sound, there to assume their duties in the administration of the new camp.

Paragraph 2, Section III, General Orders No. 31, War Department, dated 17 April 1944, changed the name of the Striped Peak Military Reservation to Camp Hayden, Washington. Pursuant to instructions contained in letter, War Department, The Adjutant General’s Office, file AG 370.5 (11-APR-44) OB-S-GNGCT-M, dated 12 April 1944, subject: Transfer of Certain Western Defense Command Units to Camp Barkeley, Texas, and 2nd Endorsement, Headquarters, Northwestern Sector, Western Defense Command, dated 18 April 1944; Battery I, 14th Coast Artillery along with the 248th Coast Artillery and Battery B, 285th Coast Artillery, left Fort Worden, Washington on 25 April 1944. Transportation to Camp Barkeley, Texas. This was a permanent change of station. Upon arrival at Camp Barkeley, Texas, the unit was relieved from assigned to the Western Defense Command and was assigned to the Army Ground forces and XXIII Corps, Fourth Army, for further disposition.

Battery G, 14th Coast Artillery, moved from Fort Worden to Fort Casey on the 25 June 1944, for Commando Training and having completed it, returned to Fort Worden 18 September 1944. Battery F was transferred from Fort Worden to Camp Hayden, 9 August 1944. On 17 October 1944, pursuant to General Orders No. 80, Western Defense Command, 1944 and General Orders No. 34, Headquarters Harbor Defenses of Puget Sound, the Fourteenth Coast Artillery was disbanded, the personnel being divided among three new battalions of Coast Artillery; namely, 14th Coast Artillery Battalion (HD); 169th Coast Artillery Battalion (HD); 170th Coast Artillery Battalion (HD).

The disposition of the various units of the Regiment was as follows:

Unit Changes
Hq & Hq Battery Disbanded on 17 October 1944 and Personnel transferred to Hq Battery, HD of PS.
Medical Detachment Disbanded on 17 October 1944 and Personnel transferred to the three redesignated battalions and Battery A, HD of PS.
Band Redesignated 75th Army Ground Forces Band,

1 June 1944, per paragraph 2, Special Orders No. 113, Headquarters Harbor Defenses of Puget Sound, dated 27 May 1944.
Battery K (Searchlight) Redesignated Battery A, HD of PS, 17 October 1944.
Hq & Hq Battery Redesignated Hq & Hq Detachment, 14th 1st Battalion Coast Artillery Battalion (HD), 17 October 1944.
Hq & Hq Battery Redesignated Hq & Hq Detachment, 169th 2nd Battalion Coast Artillery Battalion (HD), 17 October 1944.
Hq & Hq Battery Redesignated Hq & Hq Detachment, 170th Coast Artillery Battalion (HD), 17 October 1944.
Unit Changes
Battery A Redesignated Battery B, 170th Coast Artillery Battalion (HD), 19 October 1944.
Battery B Redesignated Battery A, 14th Coast Artillery Battalion (HD), 17 October 1944.
Battery C Redesignated Battery B, 14th Coast Artillery Battalion (HD), 17 October 1944.
Battery D Redesignated Battery B, 169th Coast Artillery Battalion (HD), 17 October 1944.
Battery F Redesignated Battery A, 169th Coast Artillery Battalion (HD), 17 October 1944.
Battery G Redesignated Battery C, 170th Coast Artillery Battalion (HD), 17 October 1944.
Battery H Redesignated Battery A, 170th Coast Artillery Battalion (HD), 17 October 1944.
Battery I Released from assigned and transferred to Camp Barkely, Texas, effective upon arrival, per General Orders No. 51, Hq. Western Defense Command, dated 27 April 1944.

The strength of the Regiment at the time of its inactivation was as follows:
Officers – – – – – – – – – 62
Warrant Officers – – – – – 12
Enlisted Men – – – – – – – 1030

A brief description of the Coat-of-Arms of the Fourteenth Coast Artillery is as follows:
SHIELD: Gules two flaunches ermine.
CREST: On a wreath of the colors (or and gules) the head of a northern lynx emboshed (?) proper).
MOTTO: “Semper Vigilans” (Always Watchful).

The Regiment was organized in the Coast Defenses of Puget Sound and the shield is the shield of the old coast defenses. This is red for the Artillery. The Flaunches of Ermine recall “Astoria” and the fur trade in the early days, and by their outline on the shield indicates the contour of the Straits of Juan de Fuca. The large gray lynx is characteristic of the country and the motto is truly military. Losses in action; officers and men; None.

Former and present members who have distinguished themselves in action: Unknown. Photographs of personnel important scenes or events: Enclosed photograph of final review of the Fourteenth Coast Artillery, 17 October 1944.

The following is a complete list of Regimental Commanders of the 14th Coast Artillery and their tour of duty from 1 July 1924 (Date of Organization) to 17 October 1944 (Date of Disbandment):

Colonel PERCY M. KESSLER, CAC, from 1 July 1924 to 1 August 1927
Lt. Colonel FRANK B. EDWARDS, 14th CA, from 2 August 1927 to 22 August 1927
Colonel H. M. MERRIAM, 14th CA, from 23 August 1927 to 18 May 1929
Colonel A. H. SUNDERLAND, 14th CA, from 19 May 1929 to 30 June 1930
Major G. RALPH MEYER, 14th CA, from 1 July 1930 to 14 November 1930
Colonel F. W. PHISTERER, 14th CA, from 15 November 1930 to 15 February 1933
Colonel ALEXANDER GREIG, 14th CA, from 16 February 1933 to 30 August 1933
Lt.Colonel WILLIAM R.McCLEARY, 14th CA, from 31 August 1933 to 9 February 1934
Colonel R. M. MITCHELL, 14th CA, from 10 February 1934 to 4 November 1936
Lt.Colonel WILLIAM D. FRAZER, 14th CA, from 5 November 1936 to 15 January 1937
Colonel W. G.PEACE, 14th CA, from 16 January 1937 to 1 May 1939
Colonel JAMES H. CUNNINGHAM, 14th CA, form 2 May 1939 to 10 July 1941
Lt. Colonel PHILIP F. BIEHL, 14th CA, from 11 July 1941 to 2 March 1942
Colonel CARL E. DONEY, 14th CA from 3 March 1942 to 29 March 1942
Lt. Colonel PHILIP F. BIEHL, 14th CA, from 30 March 1942 to 11 April 1942
Colonel CHARLES L. WOLFF, 14th CA, from 12 April 1942 to 22 May 1942
Lt. Colonel PHILIP F. BIEHL, 14th CA, from 23 May 1942 to 26 May 1942
Colonel FRANK H. HOLDEN, 14th CA, from 27 May 1942 to 19 January 1944
Lt. Colonel EUGENE S. BIBB, 14th CA, 20 January 1944 to 26 January 1944
Colonel PHILIP F. BIEHL, 14th CA, from 27 January 1944 to 5 June 1944
Lt. Colonel GEORGE A CONGER, 14th CA, from 6 June 1944 to 9 June 1944
Lt. Colonel WALTER F. WINTERS, 14th CA, from 10 June 1944 to 1 July 1944
Lt. Colonel NYLES W. BALTZER, 14th CA, from 2 July to 5 July 1944
Lt. Colonel GEORGE A. CONGER, 14th CA, from 6 July 1944 to 27 August 1944
Colonel PHILIP F. BIEHL, 14th CA, from 28 August 1944 to 17 October 1944

HEADQUARTERS FOURTEENTH COAST ARTILLERY

Fort Worden, Washington November 26, 1924
General Orders ) )NC……….2 )

1. The Secretary of War approves the following distinctive insignia for wear as a part of the uniform of this organization:

CREST: The head of a northern lynx caboshed molded in silver and surrounded by a ribbon in red enamel, forming a half circle around and below the face, with the motto Semper Vigilans in gold letters thereon, the ends of the ribbon terminating above and behind the ears of the lynx. The insignia is the crest and motto of the 14th Coast Artillery and will be manufactured in bright metal and enamel in one size, as the organization may select, but no in excess of 1-1/4 inches in height.

TO BE WORN:

BY OFFICERS: On the service uniform on the upper portion of the shoulder loops of coat; on the front of the service hat midway between band and crease. On mess jacket on both lapels above line of miniature medals.

BY ENLISTED PERSONNEL: On the service uniform on both sides of collar 3/4 of an inch in rear of the service insignia; on the front of the service had midway between band and crease.

2. This insignia is adopted as the distinctive insignia of the 14th Coast Artillery and will be worn by all personnel of this command.

3. Regimental Headquarters will make the necessary arrangements for the procurement of these insignia and will publish orders later concerning same.

By order of COLONEL KESSLER: J.P. TERRELL
Major, 14th C.A.O.
Adjutant