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1915. "National Guard of D.C. -- Field tactics." Nothing like a blanket toss to confuse the enemy. Note the Hollywood type behind the movie camera. Harris & Ewing Collection glass negative, Library of Congress. View full size.
Here we see the nascent US Air Force making the case for purchasing flying machines. "Imagine the heights we could reach with an aeroplane!"
Upon showing him this photo, my father immediately tried to convince me that blanket tossing was the prescribed way to check over the lip of the trench for enemy activity.
"No really! You try and shoot that kind of moving target!"
I've heard my older relatives talk about the "good, clean fun" they had in their youth and I suppose this is what they meant. I am sure that if a bunch of National Guardsmen decided to "go out tonight and have some fun," this would not be what they meant. The cameraman is very cool, especially his hat. Thanks again for the great photos and can you tell me if Shorpy has a twelve step program to break the addiction to this website. No matter how hard I try, I cannot stay away.
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