NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS - Civil Air Patrol members who served during World War II may soon be recognized for their service with the Congressional Gold Medal.U.S. Sen. Tom Harkin, D-Iowa, has introduced S. 309 and U.S. Rep. Michael McCaul, R-Texas, has introduced H.R. 755 in the 113th Congress to honor the founding members of CAP, who used their own aircraft to conduct combat operations and other emergency missions during World War II.
The Senate bill has three co-sponsors - Sens. Mark Begich, D-Alaska; Thad Cochran, R-Miss.; and Ron Wyden, D-Ore. The House bill is co-sponsored by U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar, D-Texas.
During the war roughly 60,000 civilians - men and women 18-81 years old - were CAP members. Their war service was extraordinary in scope, especially since it involved civilian volunteers conducting combat operations in their own aircraft.
CAP graphic
The Congressional Gold Medal commemorates distinguished service to the nation and is considered by many to be the highest form of congressional recognition. Since 1776, only about 300 awards have been given to a wide range of military leaders and accomplished civilians, including George Washington, John Glenn, Robert Frost, Douglas MacArthur and Colin Powell. Foreigners awarded the medal have included Winston Churchill, Simon Wiesenthal and Mother Teresa.
The award to CAP would be unusual in that a single medal would be awarded for the collective efforts of all World War II adult members. Other organizations that have been recognized by Congress for their wartime contributions include the Navajo Code Talkers, Tuskegee Airmen and Women's Airforce Service Pilots.
"We want to make sure our World War II-era members who
remain and those who have passed are rightly honored for their great service to
America," said Carr, noting that only a few hundred CAP members who served
during World War II are still living.
Citizens interested in supporting this legislation
should ask their senators and representatives to join the effort by also
becoming co-sponsors. FMI: CAP