Calling All WWII Civil Air Patrol Members – You Earned a Congressional Gold Medal

The New Jersey Wing of the Civil Air Patrol is conducting a very important search mission – it is seeking CAP members who served during World War II in order to provide them the recognition they deserve. Late last year, Congress awarded CAP with the Congressional Gold Medal in honor of its founding members’ role in protecting the homeland against deadly German U-boat attacks during World War II and carrying out other vital wartime domestic missions. Now, New Jersey members from that time are to be honored.
“Here is New Jersey – the birthplace of the Civil Air Patrol – we are searching far and wide for our World War II volunteers or family members of those members so we can honor them properly – with a replica of the Gold Medal presented on Capitol Hill in December,” said Col. Steven M. Tracy, New Jersey Wing Commander. “We’re planning a special ceremony in their honor.”
The Congressional Gold Medal is the highest honor Congress can bestow upon a civilian.
“This is a call to our New Jersey neighbors – if you are, or know, a World War II CAP volunteer, please reach out to us so we can recognize you,” said Col Tracy. “Go to www.njwg.cap.gov to share your story.”
One week prior to the bombing of Pearl Harbor in 1941, the Civil Air Patrol established its first Coastal Patrol Base at Bader Field in Atlantic City. This historical airport, also known as Atlantic City Municipal Airport, was closed in 2006.
Some 200,000 men, women and teenagers from all walks of life – including stars of the silver screen and successful businessmen, future Tuskegee Airmen and aspiring pilots – participated in CAP during the war years, largely without recognition or reward. CAP volunteers supported the war effort by patrolling our coasts, escorting thousands of convoys and providing countless other critical services.
In-depth information about CAP and its World War II missions can be found at www.capgoldmedal.com