The Civil Air Defense Service was first created in 1941. This organization was renamed Civil Air Patrol and was approved by the Commerce, Navy, and War departments in November 1941, and CAP national headquarters began operating Dec. 1. The first assignment of its resources was safeguarding merchant shipping in US coastal waters from German submarines. The CAP was very effective  in keeping shipping lanes open  and preventing submarine attacks. In 1943 the CAP was transferred from the Office of Civilian Defense to the War Department. After WWII, the CAPs focus became Cadet's programs, emergency services and aerospace education. many cadets later joined the US Air Force Academy. The Civil Air Patrol also  began participating in search and rescue missions and natural disaster relief. The CAP began flying Military Training Route surveys for the Strategic Air Command and the Tactical Air Command in 1979. The mission of the CAP has continuously evolved since that time to include service for the Red Cross, FEMA, and US Customs Service. 

 

Items in the Display:

Dress Jacket:

 

Civil Air Patrol Medal and Commemorative graphic:

This is a Civil Air Patrol's Exceptional Service Award given to Lt. Colonel Otha Vaughan for his service as a cadet  during World War II. The award was presented to Vaughan during CAPs 70th anniversary celebration at Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama.  

 

Civil Air Patrol Historical Poster:

 

Deck of B-17 Playing Cards:

 

Civil Air Patrol Hat and Armband

 

Photo of Mildred van Schoick:

This is a photograph of Mildred Van Schoick in her Civil Air Patrol Uniform. Mildred flew as Lieutenant Colonel in the Civil Air Patrol. She also worked as nurse, Red Cross Instructor, and expert in light duty rescue work.    

 

Civil Air Patrol Training Booklet:

Civil Air Patrol Graphic: 

 

Painting : "The Early Days"