CAP Talk

While rummaging through an old cabinet last night at my squadron meeting, I have come across about 4 1/2 paper case boxes full of old communications/uniform pamphlets (1952 - CAPP 10&11), etc ranging in date from 4 MARCH 1942 - 1980s.  All this stuff was just crammed in these boxes in no particular order.

A lot of it is communications from NHQ and a lot of it is related to our Wing's history and Squadron's history.

So, I have a few questions.

1) Do the National Historians accept historical documentation like this and if so, what do they do with it?  I am thinking that I'd like to put all this stuff in chronological order, scan it, burn it to CD(s) and send it somewhere where it can be properly archived and shared.  However, I don't want to send it to someone if it is just going to end up in their basement somewhere.

2) If our squadron doesn't want to part with the original documents, would the National Historians like to receive electronic copies (via CD's)?

3) I'd like to share some of the documents on here (obviously not all of them), but some that may be interesting - is that OK?  They may spur some discussions about our history.

I haven't started scanning yet, but I have a few I'd like to share now, so I'll transcribe them.

Off we go!

OPERATIONS DIRECTIVE)                                                                                   NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS
                  NO. 4       )                                                                                   WASHINGTON, MARCH 4, 1942


1. We are at war.  The Civil Air Regulations have been modified to meet the requirements of the Army and Navy in providing for the National Defense.  It is imperative that all pilots observe these regulations to the letter.

2. There are certain areas over which no flying is permitted.  These areas have anti-aircraft defenses which are under orders to shoot down any aircraft passing over them.  Civil Air Patrol pilots are hereby directed to familiarize themselves with areas and routes over which their particular flights are to be made and conduct their flying accordingly.  It is important that all pilots navigate accurately and adhere rigidly to their flight plans.

3.  This is no time for foolish flying.  The fact that the Civil Air Patrol insignia is displayed on a plane or that the plane is engaged in an official mission does not give the pilot permission to break the Civil Air Regulations or do unnecessary aerobatics.  On surveillance and search missions, for example, the operations orders governing the missions are not a permit for hedge-hopping.

4. Certain missions, including pick-up message training, will require low flying.  Such flying should be cleared with Civil Aeronautics Administration inspectors and airport managers.

5. Failure of Civil Air Patrol flight personnel to comply with regulations will not be tolerated.  Unit Commanders are hereby directed to take prompt disciplinary action against such personnel under their command who break regulations or engage in careless flying.

6. Without thorough air discipline, the Civil Air Patrol is of no value as a flying auxiliary to the armed forces.  Develop air discipline.

                      By Command of Major General CURRY:




-----------------
Edit:  Document is not on pre-printed letterhead, heading is manuall typed.  In the upper right hand corner, written in pencil are the numbers "25.302".  In the lower right hand corner are the numbers "26022".

Subject: Fatal Shooting

To: Lt. Col John F. Brown
      N.H. Wing Headquarters
      Concord, N.H.

1. On 7 May 1944 shortly after noon, Corp. Richard Towle CAP serial No. 1-1-929 attached to the Portsmouth Squadron, accidentally shot Leslie E. O'Brien CAPC., at the Portsmouth Municipal Airport.

2. Pvt. Adrien Frenette, CAPC had just relieved Corp. Towle at Squadron Headquarters and together with CAPC. O'Brien were standing by to receive telephone messages and to serve any incoming flying personnel.

3. The weapon involved - a 45 cal. colt automatic was hanging on a hook in a holster in the Officers day room with nothing in the barrel and the clip only partially inserted - left there for any of the night guards in case of emergency.
Orders had been given that no one was to touch the gun without authority.  Corp. Towle removed gun from holster and in working action accidently discharged it.  The bullet struck Cadet O'Brien in the stomach.

4. Cadet O'Brien was rushed to the hospital in a Police ambulance, given plasma and adrenalin but died shortly after arrival.

5. Portsmouth authorities - Police and County Solictor [sic] made an ivestigation and determined the shooting to be purely accidental, Corp. Towle was immediately released after the finding.


Distribution
1cc Lt. Col Brown
1cc File

-------------------

Upper left hand corner of the document appears to have a form number for the letterhead "WF-9-7-43-100M.  The document is on preprinted letterhead and has the CAP Emblem (Dark blue circle with white triangle.  Inside the triangle, the CAP Tri-prop.  In the lower part of the circle the letters "US")

          SUBJECT: Restricted Comm. of 15 Feb.1947

          TO:          The Wing Commander

1. The question of dues for members ranging from Three Dollars to Twelve dollars raises the question in my mind if this would not be about the end of CAP.

2. These dues would be about the highest dues for any kind of a group or club ever heard of.  I donot [sic] believe but what it would be very hard to get members at that rate.  It seems as if tihis [sic] is a large tax to impose on officers who realy [sic] get very little but a lot of work anyway you look at it.  When a man gives his time and some money and he can see where he has done maybe a little good to some kid, he is glad to do it, but if he has to pay for the privilige of doing it, I am afraid we will have trouble geting [sic] officers.  I do not think we can get very many returned service men if they have to pay that much.


----------------------------------
Pre-printed letterhead, no emblems.  Appears to be locally printed.

EDIT: Just as a note: $3.00 at the time is the equivalent of $25.83 today.  The proposed $12.00 is the equivalent of $103.00 today, that is a substantial increase.

To: All Group and Squadron Commanders

From: Russell Hilliard

Subject: Volunteers for Guard Duty - Delaware

     
     We have just received word from Regional Headquarters that it is desired to obtain twelve men from the First Corps Area to serve as guards on Army and Civil Air Patrol equipment at the patrol base at Rehobeth, Delaware.

     Guards will be paid a per diem of $5.00, with one full day per week off and some time off during the week.  They will be paid 3 cents per mile for transportation to and from their homes.  They will be required to pay all other expenses and must furnish their own pump-type shotguns; ammunition will be supplied by the Army at the base.

     Please advise immediately if you have any personnel interested in the above work and how long they would be willing to fulfill such duties.



------------------------------------
Pre-printed letter head with Civil Defense white triangle and circle.  In the circle is the CAP tri-prop.  There is no "US" in the circle.

Also on the page is a hand stamp from "Civil Air Patrol, New Hampshire Wing, Room 318, State House, Concord, N.H." next to the pre-printed header.

In the lower right corner is an image of the National Guard minuteman with the text "FOR DEFENSE, BUY United States Savings Bonds and Stamps."

CAP LETTER 35-1

SUBJECT: Promotion of Wing Commanders

TO:          All Wing Commanders

      (CAP Letter 35-1 dated 7 March 1947 is hereby superseded)

                Effective this date, Wing Commanders who have served satisfactorily in the assignment of Wing Commander for not less than twelve (12) consecutive months will be eligible for promotion to the rank of Colonel.



DISTRIBUTION
A


---------------------
Not pre-printed letterhead, heading is typed on a typewriter.  No other marks.

Wow, this is cool stuff!

Thanks for sharing.  I for one would purchase a CD of these items.  Maybe a fund raiser for your unit?.

JEFFREY C WANDELL, Lt Col, CAP

Wow this is great to read. Better then reading in a history book. You would hope NHQ would want this to preserve. Better yet maybe the Smithsonian in Washington D.C.

Thanks for sharing it with all of us.

SUBJECT: Autonomous Air Force

TO:          All CAP Unit Commanders

    1. A few months ago, we could still talk of maintaining the air supremacy we then had.  Since VJ-Day our Air Force has been cut fron 2,200,000 almost to the peacetime level of 400,000.  When that level is reached in June, a large proportion will be raw recruits.  Our airplanes, though abundant, are obsolete and soon will be antique.  Planes of greater speed, range, load, and striking power will be available to all nations.  However fast and well the AAF trains its new men, the cannot defend our country, with yesterday's planes, even against a second-rate power armed with the planes of today and tomorrow.

     2. Perhaps the folly of the past generation in letting Air Power decline after the last war was excusable.  Air Power was a theory then.  Today it is a compelling fact.  We can make no excuses to the next generation if we fail them now.  If another war is caused by our unpreparedness, many American lives will be forfeited not only on remote battlefields and in our coastal cities but in our strategic centers across the country, all vulnerable to attack.

     3. Far from regaining air supremacy, we cannot be sure of meeting minimum defense requirements if our Air Forces again are subordinated to the surface forces, concerned with surface tactics and equipment.  American Air Power was supreme in the war because, after decades of subordination, our Air Forces were given a degree of autonomy.  That autonomy must not lapse.  You know of the official proposals to that end, approved by the President and the War Department.

     4. What do you intend to do about it?  Do you know the full facts?  Have you taken pains to study -- really study and inform yourself intelligently?  Do your friends and neighbors know these things?  Have you told them?  Informative material is within easy reach in your CAP unit library.  Further material is being sent to all units.  Read it; discuss it; tell it.  If you can impress the facts upon your friends so they will tell their friends, you will be doing a service to our country.

     5. Knowledge is power.  See that your knowledge makes Air Power.


DISTRIBUTION:
"Z" (5) (2) (2) (2)
5 cys to CG AAF (AC/AS-1)
5 cys to CG AAF (AC/AS-3)


--------------------------
Typewritten header, not formal printed letterhead.

Thanks for the replies so far.  I am really interested in preserving this information and getting it somewhere where it will be preserved.  While much of it isn't necessarily "historically significant" it is at the very least interesting to read and gives good perspective on the climate and culture of CAP during the different times.

I have decades worth of this stuff, the 1940s, 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s.  Some of the stuff includes a CAPP 10 (male) & 11 (female), which is a uniform pamphlet from 1952.  A CAPP 10 from a later date that is some sort of leadership training pamphlet.  There are things like medical evaluation forms, old membership cards, communications, airport logs that note target towing missions, aircraft accidents, old hock shop price books, some application for a "Civil Air Patrol League, Inc" - I'd like more information on that...

I have a bunch of stuff that talks about CAP pursuing non wartime activity and it talks about setting up CAP flying clubs.  It even includes the bylaws of a CAP Flying Club (the first) established in Oakland CA and suggests that CAP set itself up that way.

The more I find, the more I'll share.  Once I get them all on CD, I don't see why I couldn't distribute them. 

Quote from: Ohioguard on March 14, 2008, 01:42:25 PM
Thanks for sharing.  I for one would purchase a CD of these items.  Maybe a fund raiser for your unit?.

JEFFREY C WANDELL, Lt Col, CAP

I second that idea. I thnk are a great many members who would easily pay five or ten bucks for a CAP Historical Documents cd. Who knows, you inspire others to dig around in old files...

MEMORANDUM:  To All Unit Commanding Officers

    1. Each unit of the Civil Air Patrol is now authorized two Chaplains.  

    2. Unit commanders are requested to solicit membership in Civil Air Patrol to fill these vacancies.

    3. Squadron chaplains will be commissioned in the grade of Captain.  Flight chaplains will be commissioned in the grade of 1st Lt.

    4. It is suggested that Form 19 be submitted with applications.

    By Order of Colonel Wilson:

GENERAL ORDERS   )
                               : NUMBER 16             )


      1. Under the provisions of Air Force Regulation 45-11, 11 January 1949, and pursuant to the provision of letter, Department of the Air Force, subject "Activation of Puerto Wing [sic], Civil Air Patrol" dated 23 September 1949, the fifty-second Wing of the Civil Air Patrol, to be known as the Puerto Rico Wing, Civil Air Patrol, is activated at San Juan, Puerto Rico, effective 0001 22 November 1949.

      2. The address of the Puerto Rico Wing, Civil Air Patrol, will be as follows:

                                 Commanding Officer
                                 Puerto Rico Wing, Civil Air Patrol
                                 Post Office Box 829
                                 San Juan, Puerto Rico

           BY COMMAND OF MAJOR GENERAL BEAU:



OFFICIAL:

JEROME H. KEATING
Captain, USAF
Adjutant

DISTRIBUTION: "A"

----------------------
typewritten letterhead, signed by Jermore H. Keating.

I would also like to see the replies from the National Historian you pose in the beginning of this thread.

I've run across 6+ large footlockers of Missouri Wing material from the 1960's on.

It's very interesting stuff!  Mundane and jaw-dropping.

One thing I might mention, and would like an answer to from the National Historian, is what to do with the fact that member's CAP ID numbers in the past were their social security numbers.  Do we black those out now?  Does that destroy the value of these historical documents? 

Dr. Dave

SUBJECT: Neglect of Official Duties

TO: Raymond C. Whitcher, Captain
       CAP 1-2-541
       Portsmouth Squadron, CAP

       1. During the investigation of an aircraft accident which occurred at Conway Valley Airport, Conway, New Hampshire, 30 March 1949, causing damages to USAF L-4 #42-15192, while operated by personnel of your Unit, the following violations of existing regulations were noted:

                       a: Pilot was not wearing official CAP uniform. (Reference Paragraph 2c, CAP Reg. 60-1).

                       b: CAP Form 3, Flight Release, was not witness as required.

      2. In view of the fact that you, personally, as squadron commander, signed CAP Form 3, authorizing the flight in L-4 #42-15192 on 30 March 1949, without requiring the pilot to wear proper uniform and without proper completion of CAP Form 3, the undersigned is of the opinion that you were most negligent in the performance of your official duties.

      3. You are hereby officially reprimanded for neglect of official duties.

      4. A copy of this letter will be placed in, and become a permanent part of, your official 201 file.

      5. It is directed that you acknowledge receipt of this letter by indorsement [sic] hereon.

Quote from: jimmydeanno on March 14, 2008, 12:30:28 PM

CIVIL AIR PATROL
An Auxiliary of the Army Air Forces

7 May 1944

Subject: Fatal Shooting

Follow up to this message included this document:

-------------------------------




Subject: Service Record

To:         Lt. Thomas Cleworth
              Chaplain, U.S.A.
              Camp Langdon, N.H.

1. Cadet Leslie O'Brien enlisted on Jamuary[sic] 26, 1944 and completed his basic training March 29, 1944.  He was a member of the Rifle Team and qualified as an expert rifleman.  He was, at the present time preparing himself to be a pilot, by studying navigation and radio communications.

2. While in the Civil Air Patrol, Cadet O'Brien's service was honorable and faithful.

3. Resolved: that in the death of Cadet O'Brien the Civil Air patrol has lost a loyal and trustworthy member.

--------------------------
Hand typed letterhead, no emblems or seals.  Both of these documents also include the hand written drafts and a 1st typed draft with corrections noted.

This is very interesting and fascinating stuff! Thanks for your efforts in sharing, and I'm glad that someone who cares about these things has "rescued" the documents from future loss or destruction!


In regards to our SSNs on older documents that should be preserved:

I had a long time squadron member request that his information be withdrawn from our squadron's archives - about 20 binders with sheet protectors containing stuff back to our charter. This had been my little project over several years as the unit historian.

Almost EVERYTHING from mission participation lists to promotion and award documents have SSNs. I almost felt ill, being asked to remove or alter dozens of preserved documents. That because of the modern threat of "identity theft" and the ilk, I'd have to (in my mind) destroy our historical records.

I told him that while I respected his request, I absolutely did not agree with it. My own information appeared right along side his, along with 100s of others. I'm not the current historian any longer, so it really wasn't my place to make any decisions. I don't know if he went any further than talking with me, or if anything has been done since his original request. I hope the archives have been left untouched.


-Ace

This is really incredible, just the day to day workings of CAP, but absolutely facsinating. I'm sure the wartime documents are particularly interesting.

Wow, someone got the smackdown for flying in the wrong uniform... :)

In 1949! 

IIRC, the NB made a policy that CAP records are the property of CAP, not the member. This was because they felt much of the history of CAP was disappearing.

Personally, I don't really trust any nonprofit organization to really maintain historic records.  I would donate them to your state historical society, state archives, or some other reputable institution in your home state that can properly maintain them.  I don't include county historical society's in this category-- never seen one that really new anything about document preservation.

The State Historical Society of Missouri and their Western Historcial Manuscript Collection are excellent for the MO Wing materials. 

Until such time as CAP has a proper archives or better yet can have its materials kept with the AF records I wouldn't send any original documents to NHQ. 

Doesn't the AF have a historical agency or branch.  They should be the ones we give CAP papers (especially when they were running everday CAP business) signed by AF Officers during the later 1940's through the 1980's.  I don't have much confidence in the historical abilities of NHQ to maintain the amount of material we have.  I suspect it just sits in a storeroom or worse, someones basement.

SUBJECT: Military-Civilian Gulf Bridged by C.A.P. Medals

TO:          All Units, New Hampshire Wing, Civil Air Patrol

1. The New York Wing has brought to the attention of these headquarters the following article by Gill Robb Wilson appeared in the New York Herald Tribune on 26 April 1948 and is quoted for your information:

"At ceremonies on April 17 in Philadelphia, the Air Force presented to Civil Air Patrol Group 17 the first thirty-one of the 824 air medals awarded by citation to members of the twenty-one anti-submarine patrol squadron of the Civil Air Patrol.  The presentation was made by Major General Lucas V. Beau, National Commander, Civil Air Patrol, who will decorate the remaining twenty squadrons at ceremonies in various cities over the next several months.

This recognition, while significant as the greatest number of civilians ever to receive military decoration and because the medals are so richly deserved, is yet more significant because it symbolizes the growth of a fresh concept both in military and civilian thinking.  The recognition constitutes a bridging of the gulf which traditionally has lain between the defense establishment and the citizen.

The Civil Air Patrol was born at the dawn of one crisis to the accompaniment of military ridicule and contempt.  It stands in the threat of a succeeding crisis as a recognized fundamental adjunct of air power.  The contrast of its standing then and now is the yardstick of intellectual progress during the interim.  In short, the broad gulf which formerly separated the military establishment from the civilian population and constituted a basic weakness to the nation has been filled in and is now only a vocational line of demarcation.

If trouble should ever again come to the United States, the civilian capacity to stand firm would be essential to military effectiveness.  After the air battle of Great Britain, Mr. Churchill said of the airmen: "Never did so many owe so much to so few."  This was a deserved eulogy.  But of the civilian population of London who acted as spotters, fire wardens and in a hundred kindred capacities, it could be just as truly said: "Never did a nation owe so much to so many."

It is in the nature of modern security that, while drama still walks in uniform, liberty in the final analysis still rests in the hands of the embattled people.

In actual accomplishment the anti-submarine groups of the Civil Air Patrol carried out 5,684 special missions in connection with convoys; sighted and reported 171 submarines; summoned help for 181 vessels in distress; detected and reported seventeen mines laid by subs in front of convoys; found and called help for 363 survivors of torpedoed ships; observed and reported 863 instances of irregular conduct on the part of ships at sea; and in a night flying patrol program broke up the routine of signaling between German submarines and enemy agents along American shores.

In the course of this work the anti-submarine element of the C.A.P. flew 24,000,000 miles at sea in personally owned light aircraft between March 1, 1942, and August 1, 1943, when the submarine menace was defeated.  Ninety planes were lost at sea, and 26 men.  The other crews were rescued.

It is civilian records such as this which must command attention and respect, but more importantly must point the way to the problem of security and peace in a modern era.  The military forces would have done wisely had they presented the American Theater ribbon to the airplane spotters, air raid wardens, members of the American Woman's Voluntary Services, nurses' aids, Red Cross motor corps and other groups.  Thousands of individuals in these various volunteer services put on as great a show, without reward or recognition, as did their brothers and sisters in uniform.

If trouble should come again, it would be the enormously magnified function of such person to hold together the social structure, a task which would involve new heights of ingenuity and be done at grave peril.  Any recognition of this fact such as the granting of air medals to the Civil Air Patrol not only fulfills the claims of justice but lays the groundwork for an even more important factor - survival."

Also in this collection, I have found two CAP membership cards from the CAP wartime era.  A specific date of issue or expiration is not listed on the cards.  Unfortunately, the "War Department" envelope they were mailed in has been ripped in half so the post mark isn't in tact.

The front of the cards read:

[CAP EMBLEM] CIVIL AIR PATROL
An Auxiliary of the U.S. Army Air Forces

The member named on the back of this card is voluntarily enlisted in the CIVIL AIR PATROL and is authorized to wear the uniform prescribe for C.A.P. by the War Department.

Armed Forces, Police and Civil Authorities are requested to cooperate with this member in the performance of war duties.

This card is Government property and will be shown on demand

[signed] Earl L Johnson
National Commander

The back of the card reads:

CAP Form 14-0
Not valid unless stamped with CAP Seal
Unauthorized use is against federal law
"There is a 1.5X1.5 inch photograph of the members"

Signature
Name
Date of Birth
Color Eyes
Height
Color Hair
Weight
CAP Serial No

If ound, Return to:
Nat'l Hq. CAP, T & P Bldg.,
Fort Worth 2, Texas

----------------------------------
I have cards for "DUMAS, PAUL EMILE" CAP SN: 1-2-1163 and "MORRISON, CRANE A." CAP SN 1-2-1165.

That is so cool about the Air Medals!  Jimmy.....are you typing all of this up?  Way cool on your part, thanks for sharing this stuff!

Too bad we can't get the AF to recognize our members who perform awesome.  Like the pilots and crew who flew the day after after 9-11.  There would be the start.

I just can't believe 821 Air Medals for CAP members.  That must have been some awesome ceremony at each SQD.

Quote from: mikeylikey on March 15, 2008, 03:56:45 AM
That is so cool about the Air Medals!  Jimmy.....are you typing all of this up?  Way cool on your part, thanks for sharing this stuff!

Yeah, I'm typing it, by hand because I don't know if they want all these things attached to the thread.  I know it says I can attach stuff, but I don't think they want 100MB of files :)  So I'll try to reserve my scans for things like the membership cards and things that can really only be appreciated by seeing them.

I hope that some of this information can point us in other directions to obtain information - like the Air Medal document I just posted, it tells where they are getting the quote. 

As I'm looking at this stuff I find it neat to see the transitions in CAP.  However, I think that it is ironic that we have the same problems today that we did in the founding days - uniform issues, lack of aircraft use (later document to be posted), members not showing up to meetings, etc.

There is some stuff from the 60's and 70's that I briefly skimmed through that gives me indications that the "CAP of yesterday" wasn't nearly as "awesome" as I've been lead to believe.  People may not like the pictures of the cadets smiling in the new materials from NHQ, but wait until you see CAPP 10, August 1973 "From Chicks to Falcons."  I know I almost died when I saw it.

I found that I have every weekly bulleting from NHQ for 1952 and 1953...

I'm having a blast. 

You ops guys will appreciate this one :)

------------------------------


019
SUBJECT: Aircraft Insurance

TO: All CAP Unit Commanders Concerned

      This Headquarters has received notification from National Headquarters to the effect that as of 1 July 1949, insurance rates for L-4 aircraft on loan to CAP will be twenty-six (26) cents per hour.

                              BY ORDER OF LT. COLONEL WILSON:

For all the uniform guys...
---------------------------------



Subject: Uniforms

To:          All Unit Commanders and Staff Officers

1. For your information the uniform of the day at the Mobilization 21, 22, 23 July at Laconia, will be chino trousers or skirts and cotton or chino shirts and overseas caps for enlisted personnel.  Chino, cotton or suntan shirts and chino, cotton, suntan or tropical worsted slacks or skirts for officers.

2. Summer blouses or jackets will be worn only at formal luncheons and dinners and by Wing Staff Officers at Review.

3. No New Hampshire personnel either CAP or CAPC will participate unless properly uniformed.

4. It is therefore urged that all personnel procure uniforms as soon as possible.  In many places chino uniforms can be purchased at Army & Navy stores, thereby saving considerable time.

SUBJECT:  Establishment of Civil Air Patrol as a permanent auxiliary of the United States Air Force.

TO:           All Units, New Hampshire Wing, Civil Air Patrol

1.  On 26 May 1948, the President signed H.R. 5298, establishing Civil Air Patrol as the permanent civilian auxiliary of the United States Air Force.

2.  On 28 May 1948, the Wing Commanders of Civil Air Patrol assembled at Bolling Field, Washington, D.C., adopted a constitution and by-laws for Civil Air Patrol, Inc., in compliance with the request contained in the charter granted to Civil Air Patrol by the 79th Congress.

3.  As a result of these two acts of Congress the status of the Civil Air Patrol has been made permanent and clear.  Their immediate effect will be to establish the complete authority of the National Commander, (who shall be a general officer of the U.S. Air Force) acting under the secretary of the Air Force, to issue such rules and regulations for the guidance and direction of Civil Air Patrol as he may deem necessary and proper.

4.  By these Acts Civil Air Patrol has become an official member of the Air Force family.  This intimate relationship carries with it a heavy obligation and responsibility to all Civil Air Patrol members, both senior and cadet.  All members, while still maintaining their civilian status are now members of the official Air Force family, and as such have inherited great responsibilities.  They are now obligated to uphold in the eyes of the public at all times, the prestige and good name of the service to which they are attached.

5.  Lack of proper discipline or slovenly appearance brings discredit on the uniform we wear -- the uniform of the U.S. Air Force.  Any action by CAP members, in uniform or not, while representing CAP, however harmless they may seem in themselves, must not be tolerated if they reflect discredit on Civil Air Patrol or the Air Force.  I, therefore, charge all Unit Commanders to impress on all members, senior and cadet alike, the necessity for correct military bearing, courtesy and conduct, at all times when they are representing Civil Air Patrol.

I request taht this memorandum be read by all Unit Commanders to their respective units at their next meeting.

^ Wow......Thats one awesome letter.  Wish Item # 3 was still in usage today! Actually wish all items were true toady as they were back then.

Quote from: DrDave on March 14, 2008, 02:15:24 PM
I would also like to see the replies from the National Historian you pose in the beginning of this thread.

I've run across 6+ large footlockers of Missouri Wing material from the 1960's on.

It's very interesting stuff!  Mundane and jaw-dropping.

One thing I might mention, and would like an answer to from the National Historian, is what to do with the fact that member's CAP ID numbers in the past were their social security numbers.  Do we black those out now?  Does that destroy the value of these historical documents? 

Dr. Dave

Please do not black them out. The information is nott used but the documents are still great reference material that we can use. If you do not have the proper place to store them you can send them to one of the Historians. I have records stored in a climate controlled storage facility and that is after they have been scanned and sealed in acid free sleeves.

Quote from: RiverAux on March 15, 2008, 01:36:37 AM
Personally, I don't really trust any nonprofit organization to really maintain historic records.  I would donate them to your state historical society, state archives, or some other reputable institution in your home state that can properly maintain them.  I don't include county historical society's in this category-- never seen one that really new anything about document preservation.

The State Historical Society of Missouri and their Western Historcial Manuscript Collection are excellent for the MO Wing materials. 

Until such time as CAP has a proper archives or better yet can have its materials kept with the AF records I wouldn't send any original documents to NHQ. 

If they are truly CAP records they cannot be donated to any other groups. They are CAP records and this has been a big issue. Any and all records (unless privately owned) are CAP property. I beg to differ on the proper storage. We have multiple people who are in charge of CAP archives. They are stored in climate controlled facilities with archiving and protection in mind.

You can PM me and I can give you addresses of the folks who take care of this stuff. I am one of them.

Where are these archives?  When are they available for use by CAP members?  Is storage being controlled and paid for by CAP or by individual members? 

Mr. J. E. Pamer,
Rye
New Hampshire


Dear Sir:

     On 15 August I landed at the Portsmouth airport and made two calls to Boston, the charge for which totaled about $1.00.

     I had no change and the lady on duty told me that I could send the money to you.  So - I am enclosing $1.00, with thanks for the courtesies of the field.


------------------------------------
NOTE: J. E. Palmer is a former Squadron Commander of the Portsmouth Squadron of CAP.  The squadron was located at the Portsmouth airport.

Goes to show the formality of the time as well as the sincerity and integrity in which people operated.

I agree.

The National Archives Curator, Col Bill Schell Jr, is quite capable of preserving and protecting the NHWG documents.

And if/when Maj Shaw becomes the National Historian upon Col Blascovish's retirement, he can and will guarantee their safe keeping!

Civil Air Patrol cares a LOT more about it's historical roots than you might think. Unfortunately, the collecting and preserving didn't really get started until Col Louisa Morse developed the National Historical Committee back in the 80s.

There's has already been a lot of work done and money spent to recover missing and lost information from our last 60 years. I imagine that these recently found documents might not only fill some holes, but perhaps open entirely new doors into our past.

-Ace
Basement CAP Historian

HEADQUARTERS 32D AAF BASE UNIT (CAP) 500 Fifth Ave., New York 16, New York
Now more than ever, it is necessary to awaken American women to the continuing need for their service in the Women's Amy Corps.  The defeat of Germany means that we are only one step nearer to victory.  Let us keep the pace we have set until the real Victory Day arrives.

MESSAGE FROM Lt. Col. John F. Johns, Chief, Planning Branch for WAC Recruiting, AGO

172,042 Wounded Soldiers Need the Help of WACS - - - - Through 31 August, the Army has suffered the loss of 172,042 men through battle wounds alone.  This does not, of course, include killed, sick, and prisoners.  Nor does it include casualties in the Navy or Marine Corps.

Some of those men have been returned to duty, but the great majority lie today in Army hospitals.  They need help - - the help that only women's skills can give them.

Regardless of what happens in Europe, the hardest battles of the war against Japan remain to be joined, the the Commandant of the Marine Corps declared this past week.  EVery day, in every part of the world, more American boys are being torn by battle wounds - - and will for many more days to come.  When you enlist women in the WAC for assignment to the Medical Department as technicians, you are doing your vitally important part in helping bring these men back to health and happiness -- you are making a magnificent contribution to the cause of humanity.

Your enlistment record is your answer to the moods of those 172,042 wounded American soldiers.  I am sure you will not let them down.

NOTE: WAV Recruiting will definitely gon on on [sic] an intensified scale.  We must continue to meet the need.  To that end let us all lend our every effort -- we must not let down.

ATTENTION WINGS: ****Watch the blue stars on the map of the 48 states which will be enclosed with the next Bulletin to be distributed after 15 October 1944.  The blue stars will indicate those Wings  which have completely filled their recruiting quotas for the Civil Air Patrol WAC company.  Come on CAP WAC Recruiters, lets' see a blue star for every state ****

COMMENDATION: It isn't difficult to estimate the jobs which CAP Recruiters are doing, not even from afar.  The narrative reports which flow through this Headquarters reveal the imagination and the effort which CAP members charged with recruiting are putting into their assignment.  It is obvious that the job is easy if approached with vision and dilligence.

BOW TO THESE RECRUITERS":

FLORIDA -- For enlisting their full quota for the CAP WAC Company.  Nice work Captain Sprott, yours is the first Wing to accomplish this mission!
IOWA -- For the very excellent selling job they have done on themselves.  IN the past two months quite a number of Iowa CAP members have enlisted in the WAC.  At this time the Iowa Wing is well on its way to completing its quota for the CAP WAC company.
OHIO: -- Wing Commander Stone reports five enlistments in one afternoon last week for the CAP WAC Company -- and double that number forthcoming.
MASSACHUSETTS: --For prompt reports, for a splendidly organized recruiting organization and for submitting the greatest number of eligible names.  Lt. Cutler is one of our most active recruiting directors.
MICHIGAN, NEW YORK, RHODE ISLAND, ILLINOIS, WISCONSIN -- You are well on the way to reaching your goal.  Just a few more enlistments and your quotas for the CAP WAC Company will be filled.

NEWARK, NEW JERSEY 30 SEPTEMBER 1944: New Jersey District U.S. Recruiting Headquarters held a meeting attended by WAC Recruiting Officers, CAP WAC Recruiting personnel of the New Jersey Wing and National Headquarters Recruiting Officer.  It is felt that this meeting created a greater understanding and good will between NAC Recruiting Officers and CAP personnel.  Captain Robb of the District Recruiting Office explained how CAP could further aid the the WAC recruiting program.  Guest speaker, Lt. Leos, recently returned from the Recruiting School for WAC Officers at Ft. Sam Houston, Texas, described the interesting courses she received in Technique of Interviewing, Public Speaking, Salesmanship, Selection of WAC applicants, Public Relations, AAdministration [sic], and many other interesting subjects.  She also described a visit to Brook General Hospital where she observed classes in the Physical Therapy School.  This is a rehabilitation course from which the women students are graduated in the rank of 2nd Lt.  Lt. Thelma Thomas, NewJersey[sic] Wing WAC Recruiting Director, explained the activities of her CAP WAC Recruiting organization.  Lt. Thomas' speech was followed by an open forum devoted to an exchange of ideas and to recruiting problems.

Is is suggested that if Wing CAP WAC Recruiting Directors could persuade their U. S. WAC Recruiting Offices to hold such meetings a closer bond could be established between CAP and the various E. S. WAC Recruiting Headquarters.  Then too, individual CAP Recruiters would have an opportunity to meet their own WAC Recruiting Officer stationed in their particular section of their Wing.

CAP WAC RECRUITING KITS.  9.500 Civil Air Patrol WAC Recruiting kits have left this Headquarters and have been mailed to all Units of the 48 Wings.  We are very proud of these kits which are so distinctively Civil Air Patrol.  Each kit consists of a large manila envelope, one booklet and several prospect cards.  Both the envelope and booklet cover are inscribed with Civil Air Patrol insignia.  The prospect cards, when filled, are to be stamped CAP on the front and turned in to the local Recruiting Offices.  (More of those cards ma be secured from your Wing WAC Recruiting Directors upon request).  Use those kits to carry all recruiting memos and other WAC information.  Keep those prospect cards flowing in to your local U.S. Recruiting Offices.

                         By direction of Colonel JOHNSON, National Commander:


OFFICIAL
WILLIAM R. WILKINSON,
1st. Lt., Air Corps,
Adjutant.

DISTRIBUTION
            X

---------------------------------
NOTE: Notice the wings are held accountable for recruiting and are expected to meet quotas.

As has been already stated these documents are a real find. I have asked Both the National Historian and National Curator to contact you so they can be captured for the National Archives. All to often, stuff like this has been lost or tossed.

Quote from: alamrcn on March 15, 2008, 03:57:37 PM
I agree.

The National Archives Curator, Col Bill Schell Jr, is quite capable of preserving and protecting the NHWG documents.

And if/when Maj Shaw becomes the National Historian upon Col Blascovish's retirement, he can and will guarantee their safe keeping!

Civil Air Patrol cares a LOT more about it's historical roots than you might think. Unfortunately, the collecting and preserving didn't really get started until Col Louisa Morse developed the National Historical Committee back in the 80s.

There's has already been a lot of work done and money spent to recover missing and lost information from our last 60 years. I imagine that these recently found documents might not only fill some holes, but perhaps open entirely new doors into our past.

-Ace
Basement CAP Historian

Yes CAP does pay for the archiving storage through Col. Bill Schell. Col. Schell and Col. Blascovich have both been to the Smithsonians School for archiving historical documents. I pay for my own storage costs which costs about $800 per year (I have alot of stored documents and other items). I would also agree that we did not do a very good job of saving this stuff until Col. Morse, Blascovich, Hopper, and Schell stepped in.

We are currently scanning and archiving the stuff to share with people via online. I have about 3GB of scanned stuff at this time.

Lieutenant General George E. Stratemeyer
Commanding General
Air Defense Command
Mitchel Air Force Base
Hempstead, N.Y.

Dear Strat:

    The achievements of Civil Air Patrol since its establishment in December 1941, have been outstanding; not only through service with the armed forces as a semi-military organization during the war, but also through service to the general advancement of aviation since the war.  This voluntary organization of civilians has been operating since May 1943 as a designated auxiliary of our Air Force, and during that time many projects have been accomplished for the mutual benefit of both organizations.

    Legislation (H.R. 5298) to establish Civil Air Patrol as a legal civilian auxiliary of the USAF, was approved by the House Armed Services Committee 15 April 1948 and is scheduled for early action by the House.  This bill would authorize the Department of the Air Force to extend direct aid to the Civil Air Patrol and allow even closer cooperation than is now authorized.

    It is my desire that all installation Commanders familiarize themselves with Civil Air Patrol and its program in order that we may better understand our civilian auxiliary.  To aid you in this familiarization, I have asked Major General Vic Beau, National Commander, Civil Air Patrol, to place in your hands a copy of "Flying Minute Men", a history of Civil Air Patrol prepared for the Director of Public Relations, Department of the Air Force.  This, he has assured me, will be done at an early date.

     Further, I suggest that, during your troop information programs, you utilize the services of the AF-CAP Officers assigned to each State, for indoctrination of your personnel on the vital peace time mission of Civil Air Patrol.

(This letter also addressed to:
CG, SAC CG, TAC
CG, AMCCG, ATCCG, Tr.Com.
CG, Hq.Com., USAF)

------------------------
NOTE: Typed in the upper left corner, this document says "COPY", typed diagonally down and to the right of the page.  Unfortunately it was 3-hole punched during some point in its history.

SUBJECT: CAP Flying Clubs

TO: All CAP Unit Commanders

1.  Reference is made to (a) letter, this headquarters, to all CAP Unit Commanders, 24 June 1946, same subject, and (b) paragraph 6, CAP Training Bulletin No. 7, 15 August 1946, subject:"Civil Air Patrol Post-War Program".

2.  This headquarters has just received from the California Wing a copy of the Constitution and By-Laws of the Flying Club organized under the auspicies [sic] of the Oakland Squadron which has been in successful operation for some time.  In view of the wide-spread interest which CAP units are manifesting in the organization of flying clubs as a practical means of placing actual flying, including both proficiency flying and flight instruction, within the reach of the maximum number of CAP members, copies of these two documents are forwarded herewith to all unit commanders for the information of all concerned.

3. This headquarters will welcome the receipt of similar information from other successful CAP Flying Clubs in order that this material may be made available throughout the organization.  As stated in reference (b), a special effort is being made to have at least 1,000 Flying Clubs in operation by the end of 1947.

                BY ORDER OF COLONEL JOHNSON:


2 Incls
  1. Constitution
  2. By-Laws

DISTRIBUTION
     C


NAME
This organization, incorporated in the State of California this _______ day of _________, Nineteen-hundred and Forty-Six, shall henceforth be known as the Oakland Squadron Flying Club, Inc.

PURPOSE

The object of this organization shall be to enable its members to obtain licensed flying instruction in the Club equipment at nominal rates.  It shall be conducted solely for the advancement of amateur aviation and the encouragement of amateur flying under the rules and regulations of the United States Civil Aeronautics Authority.

FINANCE

The Oakland Squadron Flying Club, Inc., shall be a non-profit making organization financed solely through the initiation fees and the Club dues paid by its members.  It shall have no financial connection of any kind with any aviation concern professionally interested in aviation manufacture.

GOVERNMENT

    Section A - Officers

The governing body of Oakland Squadron Flying Club, Inc. shall be vested in a Flight Leader, Assistant Flight Leader, and a Secretary-Treasurer.  These officers shall be elected by a majority vote of the active members on the date set by the club.  All officers shall serve for a term of one year commencing on the date of election.

    Section B - Duties of Officers

The Flight Leaders shall control all business of the Club and conduct the regular meetings according to the accepted parliamentary rules.  he shall be a member of the Rules and By-Laws committee; he shall also be responsible for and sign all official papers and documents of the Club, according to he laws of incorporation.

The Assistant Flight Leaders shall assist the Flight Leader in all matters and take his place in all official business whenever it is impossible for the Flight Leader to attend.  He shall be a member of the Air Regulations Committee.

The Secretary-Treasurer shall have direct charge of all finances and membership business as well as carry out all regular correspondences of the Club.  He shall be a member of the Finance Committee.  It shall further be his duty to see that there is at all times sufficient Club funds to meet all obligations, and in those cases where there is insufficient funds, it is his duty to call the situation to the attention of the Finance Committee.  It shall also be his duty to collect dues and assessments and

Constitution O.S.F.C., Inc.


MEMBERSHIP

Membership in Oakland Squadron Flying Club, Inc., shall be available to candidates of both sexes who are at least eighteen years of age, members in good standing in the Civil Air Patrol.

Each member shall assume an equal part of the organization's expense and shall hold like equity in the Club's assets, and upon liquidation each member in good standing shall be entitled to his proportionate share of the Club's liquidity value, minus any sums due or owing the club.

Any new member replacing another shall assume the retiring member's portion of the Club expense including the initiation fee, his share of the Club equipment, and other assessments which may be made.

Any member shall be eligible for any post in the organization and shall be expected to enthusiastically accept any office and discharge the duties of that office to the best of his ability.

CONDUCT OF BUSINESS

No official Club business shall be conducted unless there is a quorum present.  A quorum shall consist of three-fourths of the total active membership.

All measures proposed in the regular course of business, except alterations of this constitution, shall require a majority vote of the active members present for acceptance.

The right shall be reserved to alter, amend, and repeal this Constitution by a three-fourths vote of the total active membership.

------------------------------------------------

NOTE: There appears to be some information missing between pages 2 and 3.  However, both pages are marked as to which pages they are...

A document in the 1950s era shows a local members dissatisfaction of being enrolled in the local Flying club because he was automatically enrolled and charged for membership simply by joining CAP.

To: Mr. Russell Hilliard, Wing Commander
From: John B. Nichole, Squadron Commander
Subject: Personnel Lists and Aircraft Inventory
Reference: Your letters of March 18th and 23rd.
Personnel is as tabulated below:

Squadron Leader ---------------------------------------- John B. Nochols - Commercial Pilot
Executive Officer ----------------------------------------- Egbert Jessup   - Private Pilot
Squadron Adjutant -------------------------------------- Philip B. Davis    - Private Pilot
Personnel Officer ---------------------------------------- Lawrence Hazzard - Private Pilot
Intelligence and Public Relations Officer ------------ Paul E. Marston - Student Pilot
Training and Operations Officer ---------------------- Andrew W. Purington - Commercial Pilot
Assistant Training and Operations Officer ---------- George E. Harmon - Commercial Pilot
Assistant Training and Operations Officer ---------- Frank I. Hart - Student Pilot
Equipment and supplies Officer ----------------------- William H. Summerfield - Private Pilot
Communications Officer --------------------------------- Everett C. Gould

HEADQUARTERS FLIGHT
Flight Leader ---------------------------------------------- Joseph M. Verna

Members of Flight ---------------------------------------- John B. Nichols
                                                                                William H. Summerfield
                                                                                Lawrence Hazzard
                                                                                Egbert Jessup
                                                                                Philip B. Davis
                                                                                William H. Champlin Jr. (Group Commander)
                                                                                E. Howard Stolworthy  (Group Executive Officer sometimes available)

Flight A. (Flight leader, G. E. Harmon)
              Warren Schols
              Arthur Dimock
              Caleb Marston
              Lewis Montrone
              Burton R. Haley

Flight B.  (Flight Leader, Andrew W. Purington)
               Irvin Dauphinee
               Bruce DeMeritt Jr.
               Vera Purington
               Donald A. Wilson
               Allen McCue

Aircraft in Headquarters Flight:

Stinson - 106 --- NC 27764 - 2 Way Radio
Taylorcraft ------- NC 36237 - Ronly
Taylorcraft ------- NC 27440 - Ronly

Flight A.

Piper Cruiser  --- NC 40794 - Rondy [sic]
Piper Cub       --- NC 20834 - 2 Way Radio
Piper Cub       --- NC 19256 - Nordo

Flight B.

Taylorcraft -------- NC 19032 - Ronly Nordo
Taylorcraft -------- NC 20366 - Ronly Ronly
Piper Coupe ------ NC 23255 - Ronly Nordo
Taylorcraft -------- NC 26523 - Ronly Ronly

-----------------------------------------------
NOTE: Notice there is not any use of rank in this document, even the Wing Commander is addressed as "Mr."
NOTE: Our current squadron patch features the Stinson 106 that is listed here (assumption).

OPERATIONS DIRECTIVE)             NO. 13               )

               1. Effective May 1, 1942 the following Per Diem Schedule will apply to all personnel on duty at Civil Air Patrol Coastal Patrol Bases until further notice:

a. Base Commander......................................$10.00
b. Operations Officer......................................    8.00
c. Engineering Officer.....................................    8.00
d. Intelligence Officer.....................................    8.00
e. Pilots..........................................................    8.00
f. Observers (On non-Pilot status).................    7.00
g. Assistant Operations Officer......................    7.00
h. Assistant Engineering Officer.....................    7.00
i. Assistant Intelligence Officer.......................    7.00
j. Air Drome Officer.........................................    7.00
k. Radio Operators.........................................    7.00
l. A & E Mechanics...........................................   7.00
m. Radio Mechanics........................................    7.00
n. Administrative Section Head.......................    6.00
o. Plotting Board Operators............................   4.00
p. Clerk Typists...............................................   3.50
q. Apprentice Mechanics.................................    5.00
r. Servicement................................................    3.35

             2. Effective May 1, 1942 the following Hourly Rates will be paid for the use of aircraft on duty at Civil Air Patrol Bases until further notice:

H.P.        80-120   125-165   175-200   225-245   250-295   300-345   350-395   400-445
RATE:      $9.69       $14.65    $16.07     $18.90     $22.35    $28.00    $33.55       $41.00

             3. Except for the routine services rendered by mechanics and other service personnel assigned to duty at Coastal Patrol Bases, all expenses, both tangible and intangible, incident to the operation, maintenance, overhaul, repair, depreciation, replacement and insurance of aircraft on duty at said Coast Patrol Bases will be paid by the owners and/or operators of said aircraft out of the payments made to them by the United States Government on the basis of the Hourly Rates herein set forth in paragraph 2, as no other payments will be made by the Government for the use of said aircraft.

M979
-------------------------------------------Page 2

Operations Directive No. 13
                 4. The following insurance is required on all Coastal Patrol Missions and no aircraft will be put in operation on said missions until such insurance is first secured in the manner set for in insurance instructions issued to Coastal Patrol Bases.


                       a. Pulic and Passenger Liability and Property Damage Insurance: The premium for this insurance will be paid to the Base Commander by each Civil Air Patrol Pilot before he takes off on his first flight and will be as follows:

For Pilots going on duty in May 1942 ................................$9.50
For Pilots going on duty in June 1942................................ 8.00
For Pilots going on duty in July 1942................................. 7.00
For Pilots going on duty in August 1942............................ 5.00

The insurance policy by which this insurance is now provided expires September 2, 1942 and will be supplanted at that time by a new policy or an extension of the present one and a new premium will then be required.

                      b. Crash Insurance:  The premium for Crash Insurance on each aircraft used in the operations (with a 10 percent deductible provision) will be paid from the aircraft allowances herein set forth in paragraph 2.  The hourly premium charge for this insurance for aircraft of the specified horsepower will be as follows:

H.P.        80-120   125-165   175-200   225-245   250-295   300-345   350-395   400-445
RATE:      $2.25       $2.75     $3.25      $4.00      $5.00     $7.50     $9.00        $10.50

                      c. Accident Insurance: The premium for Accident Insurance on each Pilot and Observer participating in the operations ($3,000 limit) will be paid from the aircraft allowances herein set forth in paragraph 2.  The hourly premium charge for this insurance (regardless of whether one, two, or three persons are flying in the ship at a particular time) will be $.50 per hour.

            5. Any questions arising regarding schedules or other requirements set forth herein will be referred to National Headquarters for a decision before any commitments are made by Base Commanders.

            6. Base Commanders will close out all vouchers as of midnight April 30, 1942 for per diem for personnel and payment for use of aircraft and forward same to National Headquarters as soon as possible for payment.

                                By direction of National Commander JOHNSON:

Subject:   Civil Air Patrol Insignia

To:           Wing Commanders

After this date, all Civil Air Patrol Insignia will be obtained as follws:

The Wing Supply Officer, Group Supply Officer, Squadron Supply Officer have the authority to order insignia direct from:  Allen R. Doty, c/o The Robbins Company, Washington Loan & Trust Building, 900 "F" Street, N.Q., Washington, D. C. Remittance is to accompany order - made payable to Mr. Doty personally.  The following insignia are available at prices quoted.

Pilot Wings .................. $1.00
Observer Wings ..........     .75
Cap Insignia ...............     .75
Shoulder Insignia ........    .25
Armbands ....................    .50
Buttons - Large ...........    .08) 4-Large and 6-Small needed
             - Small ............    .05) for Army Air Corps Blouse
                                              ) when used.

Squadron Commanders will be held responsible for individuals wearing or using Civil Air Patrol insignia unofficially.

FLAGS:  A Civil Air Patrol organizational standard has been designed, which may be procured for Wing, Group, or Squadron Headquarters.  When ordering organizational standard, if for Wing headquarters, submit the name of your Wing, such as Illinois, when ordering same for Group headquarters give the name of State together with number of Group, such as Illinois Wing, 4th Group, when ordering for Squadron, give name of Wing and number of Group as above, together with the number of Squadron, such as 2nd Squadron.  The National standard may also be procured to be displayed with the Civil Air Patrol standard.  The size of each is 3 X 4.  The cost of the set is $26.00, however, the Civil Air Patrol standard may be purchased for $20.00 and the National standard of the same size for $6.00. Orders are to be placed through Copeland Brothers, 648 A Street, N.E., Washington, D. C., with remittance made payable to Copeland Brothers.

Please make prompt distribution of this information to your Group and Squadron Commanders.  Rank insignia information will be forthcoming shortly.

Lt. John E. Palmer, CAP
Commanding Officer
Portsmouth Squadron
Box #926
Portsmouth, New Hampshire

Dear Sir,

    Aviation Cadet mental screening tests will be conducted in Portsmouth Saturday, February 26.  Some time last October examinations of this same type were held in Portsmouth in the City Councillors' [sic] Office, and this proved to be a very satisfactory arrangement.  Would it be possible for you to engage this same space for this occassion?

    At Captain Sibley's direction the publicity is written in the name of the Civil Air Patrol.  For your information the news release copy is enclosed.  The article has been sent to the Portsmouth Herald for Thursday's edition.

     Captain Sibley will be at City Hall Saturday morning with the Examining Board and will be very glad to see you if it is convenient for you to be there.  If there is a member of your squadron whom you could designate to help in administering the tests, his assistance would be appreciated.


Encl.
  news release

-----------------------------------
NOTE: News release has been separated from this document, however, I do believe it is in the pile of "undated" documents from the 1940s that I have.

Subject:  Wing Maneuvers at Portsmouth

To:          1st Lt. John E. Palmer, CAP
               Commanding Portsmouth Squadron
               Box 926
               Portsmouth, New Hampshire


              1. I am taking this opportunity of commending you and your entire command for their excellent showing during the maneuvers and their excellent show of spirit under the rather trying circumstances.

              2. I particularly wish to commend Lt. Wilson for the efficient and courtesy [sic] manner he carried out his difficult assignemnet.

              3. The fact that the Portsmouth Squadron has volunteered to keep a guard on the Portsmouth Municipal Airport at all times, is I believe, of great value to the war effort and demonstrates the fine determination and spirit of the squadron.


--------------------------------------
NOTE: Evidence in other documents suggests that these 24 hour/day guards were armed with shotguns and/or a .45 caliber pistol.

I hope the Cadet who the earlier document said had been killed will be included on the new CAP memorial. 

I was thinking about that as well, I think that it would be a great thing if he were.  I'm going to try to find the obituary or some other sort of newspaper article about the death.

Our wing also has a plaque of members of the wing who have passed away, I'll need to see if he is on there.

Subject: Personnel and Equipment Report Regarding Emergency Missions

To:         Commanding Officers -- Concord, Keene, Laconia, Nashua, and Portsmouth


              1. At the meeting at the State Capitol Building 10 April, 1944 all Unit Commanders were instructed to make an immediate report to Wing Headquarters stating the number of planes, except L-2M's and the number and names of pilots, available for emergency duty.  Also what ever radio equipment each unit has, both in planes and on the ground.

              2. To date no report has been recieved.

              3. This information is needed now, together with the regular and emergency telephone numbers of all personnel concerned.  You are directed to give this matter your IMMEDIATE ATTENTION.  Even though you have little available you will so report.


-------------------------------
NOTE: It seems as though getting reports in late has been a problem since the early days :)

Hmm, Wing orders an immediate report and hasn't received anything within 7 days.  Some things never change, huh? 

Quote from: jimmydeanno on March 14, 2008, 12:30:28 PM

CIVIL AIR PATROL
An Auxiliary of the Army Air Forces

7 May 1944

Subject: Fatal Shooting

To: Lt. Col John F. Brown
      N.H. Wing Headquarters
      Concord, N.H.

1. On 7 May 1944 shortly after noon, Corp. Richard Towle CAP serial No. 1-1-929 attached to the Portsmouth Squadron, accidentally shot Leslie E. O'Brien CAPC., at the Portsmouth Municipal Airport.

2. Pvt. Adrien Frenette, CAPC had just relieved Corp. Towle at Squadron Headquarters and together with CAPC. O'Brien were standing by to receive telephone messages and to serve any incoming flying personnel.

3. The weapon involved - a 45 cal. colt automatic was hanging on a hook in a holster in the Officers day room with nothing in the barrel and the clip only partially inserted - left there for any of the night guards in case of emergency.
Orders had been given that no one was to touch the gun without authority.  Corp. Towle removed gun from holster and in working action accidently discharged it.  The bullet struck Cadet O'Brien in the stomach.

4. Cadet O'Brien was rushed to the hospital in a Police ambulance, given plasma and adrenalin but died shortly after arrival.

5. Portsmouth authorities - Police and County Solictor [sic] made an ivestigation and determined the shooting to be purely accidental, Corp. Towle was immediately released after the finding.

1st Lt. John E. Palmer, CAP
Commanding Portsmouth Squadron

Distribution
1cc Lt. Col Brown
1cc File

-------------------

Upper left hand corner of the document appears to have a form number for the letterhead "WF-9-7-43-100M.  The document is on preprinted letterhead and has the CAP Emblem (Dark blue circle with white triangle.  Inside the triangle, the CAP Tri-prop.  In the lower part of the circle the letters "US")

Another document written to NHQ regarding this event.
----------------------------------------------------------------------



Subject:  Fatal Shooting.

To        :  Lt. Col. Earle L. Johnson
              National Commander
              National Headquarters
              New York, N.Y.

           1. On 7 May 1944, shortly after noon, Richard Towle of Wyman Ave, Kittery, Maine., accidently shot and killed Leslie E. O'Brien of Kittery Point Maine., at the Portsmouth Municipal Airport.

           2. O'Brien and Towle at the time, were in charge of the C.A.P. Headquarters, standing by for telephone messages and ready to serve any incoming flying personnel.

           3. The weapon is left at the post for any individual doing night duty.  Orders have been given that no person should take gun without authority.

           4. Towle was checking gun to see that no ammuniition was in the chamber.  The gun accidentally went off - hitting O'Brien in abdomen.

           5. O'Brien was rushed to the hospital given plasma and adrenalin but died shortly after arrival.

           6. Local authorities have investigated and determined the shooting as purely accidental.

           7. Towle was taken in custody by local authorities and was released shortly after investigation.

Subject: Promotion

To:         Whom it may concern


1. This is to certify that Sylvia Whitcher, 1-2-590, has been promoted to the rank of Technical Sargent, of the Medical Unit.

2. This order to take effect immediately.


fml/jep

------------------------------
NOTE: I wonder what the medical units actually did...

Portsmouth Sq., CAP
Lt. J. E. Palmer
Box 936
Portsmouth, N. H.

Dear Lt. Palmer:

Thank you for the 25 manuals you sent us as a temporary loan.

We certainly appreciate your cooperation.



LGL: bl
S 3F

For those of you who think that CAP has somehow been slighted ....notice that even back then they used the wording "AN" Auxiliary of the AAF, not "THE" Auxiliary. 

^ There were 3 Auxiliaries of the U S Army back then, CAP being only one of them. 

Also reading it for what its worth, "An" is a descriptive of what is coming later on in the sentence.  Don't forget, back then people knew how to speak and write properly, not what we have today.  We are lucky if a High School graduate can put together a complete sentence, let alone make a comprehensive statement. 

So they followed grammatical rules then, that most of us don't even know about today.

NOTE: Not directed at you River.  Just making a statement, your posts are readable, much better than three-fourths of the other posters here!   :angel:

^Thanks mikey!!!!! 

This thread is great, it is very interesting to read how things have/have not changed throughout the years.  I love looking at the various documents that are our history, and wish I could meet some of the people and ask them about their experiences.  Does anyone know 1st Lt. Palmer?

14 October 1944

To:                       1st Lieutenant John E. Palmer, Civil Air Patrol.
                           Portsmouth Squadron, Portsmouth, New Hampshire.

Subj:                   Revolver for Armed Guard.

Ref:                    Ltr. From 1st Lt. John E. Palmer, to Major
                         C. B. Grace, dated 9 October 1944.

1.  Your request for a revolver for the Armed Gard is approved.

2.  Lieutenant H. G. Pollard will be in Portsmouth, New Hampshire sometime during the week of October 15, 1944, and at that time will deliver a revolver to you, which is to be used by the Armed Guard.

Subject:  Hangering of Plane

To:         Commander Ellis



1. The U.S. Army Air Force has alloted six Taylorcraft L-1-M-'s to the New Hampshire Wing of the Civil Air Patrol.

2. These planes are issued to the C.A.P. to be used for searching missions and to create a greater interest in aviation among the C.A.P. Cadets.  Of course no cadets are ridden in the plane without their parents consent, plus signing a Government release.

3.  In as much as there are no planes of this type in this vicinity, I feel that if one were stationed in Portsmouth it might prove to be of great value to either the Army or Navy at anytime in case of a lost plane.

4.  Request is hereby made to hangar 1 Taylorcraft L-2-M at the U.S.N.O.L.F. at Portsmouth, N.H. for the purpose of emergency search missions and periodic cadet hopping around the field.




fml/jep

Quote from: Tubacap on March 17, 2008, 12:38:58 AM
1st Lt. Palmer?

From what I understand he was in his 40's when he was in command of our squadron.  IIRC, he passed in the 70s...

23 january 1945.


To:       Commanding Officer Portsmouth Squadron Civil Air Patrol

Subj:   Hangaring of Plane at NOLF Portsmouth, N. H.

Ref:     Your ltr of 18 Jan. 1945

1. Permission is hereby granted to hangar on Taylorcraft L-2-M in subject hangar under the following conditions.

a. Hangar will not be heated.
b. No gasoline or oil to be stored with 100' of hangar.
c. Flights will be strictly controlled by NAS Brunswick Operations Officer.
d. Plane will be moved out to make room for military aircraft when necessary.

2. In order to make this Taylorcraft available for Search and Rescue it is requested that available pilots names and telephone numbers be forwarded to this command at the earliest practicable date.

SUBJECT:     Summer Encampment for CAP Cadets and CAP Personnel.
TO:            All Unit Commanders and all Wing Staff Officers.

1.   Place:  Army Air Base, Westover Field, Massachusetts.
                Time:  1st to 14th August 1945 inclusive.
                Cost to CAP Personnel attending:  Transportation to and from Westover Field and $.75 per day for Mess.

2.   Civil Air Patrol as an auxiliary to the Army Air Forces has been accorded privilege of sending selected CAP Cadets and a few CAP Adult Members to certain AAF Installations for a two  weeks' training period.

3.   The New Hampshire Wing has been allocated a total of 150 who may be selected to attend.

4.   A complete Memorandum covering this program together with detailed instructions, application blanks and two (2) separate release forms are included herewith.

5.   (a) Inasmuch as all personnel who have not been vaccinated (smallpox) and inoculated for typhoid within one year must complete those inoculations before arrival at camp, stops must be taken at one to have these inoculations given.  Three separate typhoid shots are required, given at intervals of several days.
                (b) Unit Commanders are requested to take immediate stops with local health officers or doctors to see if these inoculations can not be given free, or at reduced rates, to their personnel and arrangements be made to give those shots as soon as possible.

6.             The Wing Commander urges that all possible male Cadets and adult male personnel avail themselves of the opportunity of taking part in this training program under AAF officers at one of the largest AAF installations in the country.

7.             It is the duty of all Unit Commanders to explain to their personnel that this opportunity of training at an AAF installation during war time may never occur again, and that only extremely serious considerations should prevent their taking part.

8.              Each Unit Commander is requested to report to Wing Headquarters on each Wednesday from now until 25 July 1945 inclusive, the number from his Unit, both CAP Cadets and CAP Adult Members, who will attend the 1945 CAP Encampment at Westover Field.

9.              Additional copies of the Summer Encampment Memorandum as well as application blanks and release formas are available at Wing Headquarters and will be forwarded upon request.

                  JOHN F. BROWN
                  Lt. Col., CAP
                  Commanding N. H. Wing

Wow, very cool stuff!  If you ever get it onto CD I'd like to get a copy!

^ Me too!  I wish NHQ would do the same, it would be an awesome fund raiser.

This is exactly why I preach to folks to look through the old file cabinets--you never know what will turn up.

So much of this stuff has been lost over the years, it's saddening.  I'm glad that the National Historical Staff is pulling things together into safekeeping.  I just wish it would end up on the national history website or in some useable form a bit sooner....

Terrific find and congrats!  And thanks so much for taking the time to post documents here--they're great reading!

QuoteSo much of this stuff has been lost over the years, it's saddening. 

Not lost, but intentionally thrown away.  Our records retention guidelines are way too strict. 

For example, a lot of the material jimmy has posted would be thrown away under current guidelines.   The only reason it is still around is that those regulations were not followed. 

Quote from: jimmydeanno on March 17, 2008, 12:40:44 AM

U. S. NAVAL AIR STATION
BRUNSWICK, MAINE

14 October 1944

To:                       1st Lieutenant John E. Palmer, Civil Air Patrol.
                           Portsmouth Squadron, Portsmouth, New Hampshire.

Subj:                   Revolver for Armed Guard.

Ref:                    Ltr. From 1st Lt. John E. Palmer, to Major
                         C. B. Grace, dated 9 October 1944.

1.  Your request for a revolver for the Armed Gard is approved.

2.  Lieutenant H. G. Pollard will be in Portsmouth, New Hampshire sometime during the week of October 15, 1944, and at that time will deliver a revolver to you, which is to be used by the Armed Guard.

C. B. Grace, JR.,
Major, USMCR.,
Security Officer.

They must have taken the .45 away!

This is some of the coolest historical stuff I've ever seen.  Please keep posting.  It is IMO important to connect with the past.  It gives us a window into why things are done the way they are - tradition.  It also connects us with the heros of the past - espirit de corps.

We REALLY need both.

Quote from: jimmydeanno on March 16, 2008, 10:55:25 PM

ARMY SERVICE FORCES
FIRST SERVICE COMMAND
MANCHESTER ARMED FORCES INDUCTION DISTRICT
GRENIER FIELD. U. S. ARMY AIR BASE
MANCHESTER, NEW HAMPSHIRE

21 February 1944

Lt. John E. Palmer, CAP
Commanding Officer
Portsmouth Squadron
Box #926
Portsmouth, New Hampshire

Dear Sir,

    Aviation Cadet mental screening tests will be conducted in Portsmouth Saturday, February 26.  Some time last October examinations of this same type were held in Portsmouth in the City Councillors' [sic] Office, and this proved to be a very satisfactory arrangement.  Would it be possible for you to engage this same space for this occassion?

    At Captain Sibley's direction the publicity is written in the name of the Civil Air Patrol.  For your information the news release copy is enclosed.  The article has been sent to the Portsmouth Herald for Thursday's edition.

     Captain Sibley will be at City Hall Saturday morning with the Examining Board and will be very glad to see you if it is convenient for you to be there.  If there is a member of your squadron whom you could designate to help in administering the tests, his assistance would be appreciated.

Very truly yours,

Constance Fletcher
Secretary

Encl.
  news release

-----------------------------------
NOTE: News release has been separated from this document, however, I do believe it is in the pile of "undated" documents from the 1940s that I have.

I'm curious as to whether anyone knows if these tests were psychological in nature or more aptitude based. 

Please count me in for a copy of the cd if you do one.   This is wonderful stuff.  Thanks for sharing with us.

Quote from: jimmydeanno on March 18, 2008, 06:35:48 PM

Quote from: jimmydeanno on March 16, 2008, 10:55:25 PM

ARMY SERVICE FORCES
FIRST SERVICE COMMAND
MANCHESTER ARMED FORCES INDUCTION DISTRICT
GRENIER FIELD. U. S. ARMY AIR BASE
MANCHESTER, NEW HAMPSHIRE

21 February 1944

Lt. John E. Palmer, CAP
Commanding Officer
Portsmouth Squadron
Box #926
Portsmouth, New Hampshire

Dear Sir,

    Aviation Cadet mental screening tests will be conducted in Portsmouth Saturday, February 26.  Some time last October examinations of this same type were held in Portsmouth in the City Councillors' [sic] Office, and this proved to be a very satisfactory arrangement.  Would it be possible for you to engage this same space for this occassion?

    At Captain Sibley's direction the publicity is written in the name of the Civil Air Patrol.  For your information the news release copy is enclosed.  The article has been sent to the Portsmouth Herald for Thursday's edition.

     Captain Sibley will be at City Hall Saturday morning with the Examining Board and will be very glad to see you if it is convenient for you to be there.  If there is a member of your squadron whom you could designate to help in administering the tests, his assistance would be appreciated.

Very truly yours,

Constance Fletcher
Secretary

Encl.
  news release

-----------------------------------
NOTE: News release has been separated from this document, however, I do believe it is in the pile of "undated" documents from the 1940s that I have.

I'm curious as to whether anyone knows if these tests were psychological in nature or more aptitude based. 

Probably aptitude based.  Most of the current psycho. tests were developed after the war.  And if you wanted be a pilot back then, the fact that you were crazy would have been taken for granted.

Quote from: JohnKachenmeister on March 18, 2008, 10:53:20 PM

Quote from: jimmydeanno on March 18, 2008, 06:35:48 PM

Quote from: jimmydeanno on March 16, 2008, 10:55:25 PM

ARMY SERVICE FORCES
FIRST SERVICE COMMAND
MANCHESTER ARMED FORCES INDUCTION DISTRICT
GRENIER FIELD. U. S. ARMY AIR BASE
MANCHESTER, NEW HAMPSHIRE

21 February 1944

Lt. John E. Palmer, CAP
Commanding Officer
Portsmouth Squadron
Box #926
Portsmouth, New Hampshire

Dear Sir,

    Aviation Cadet mental screening tests will be conducted in Portsmouth Saturday, February 26.  Some time last October examinations of this same type were held in Portsmouth in the City Councillors' [sic] Office, and this proved to be a very satisfactory arrangement.  Would it be possible for you to engage this same space for this occassion?

    At Captain Sibley's direction the publicity is written in the name of the Civil Air Patrol.  For your information the news release copy is enclosed.  The article has been sent to the Portsmouth Herald for Thursday's edition.

     Captain Sibley will be at City Hall Saturday morning with the Examining Board and will be very glad to see you if it is convenient for you to be there.  If there is a member of your squadron whom you could designate to help in administering the tests, his assistance would be appreciated.

Very truly yours,

Constance Fletcher
Secretary

Encl.
  news release

-----------------------------------
NOTE: News release has been separated from this document, however, I do believe it is in the pile of "undated" documents from the 1940s that I have.

I'm curious as to whether anyone knows if these tests were psychological in nature or more aptitude based. 

Probably aptitude based.  Most of the current psycho. tests were developed after the war.  And if you wanted be a pilot back then, the fact that you were crazy would have been taken for granted.

;D

Subject: Requisition AAF Equipment

TO:        Liason Officer New Hampshire Wing CAP.

1.  As the Portsmouth Squadron has Four returned AAF Officers and two returned AAF Noncommissioned Officers The Squadron could use the following supplies.

Two AAF training planes
One Link Trainner
Two Fifty Cal. machine guns
Two Browning Auto Rifles
Two Twentytwo Target Rifles
Eight Service Belts
Two Parachutes
One Typewriter
Four Waketalke sets
Two Field telephone sets
One aircraft Radio Set

2.  The Squadron hs [sic] the place to store this equipment and in the near future will have a place in the Sky Haven new hanger at Portsmouth Airport will have a room of their own.

Quote from: jimmydeanno on March 19, 2008, 03:05:52 AM

9 Jan. 1946

Subject: Requisition AAF Equipment

TO:        Liason Officer New Hampshire Wing CAP.

1.  As the Portsmouth Squadron has Four returned AAF Officers and two returned AAF Noncommissioned Officers The Squadron could use the following supplies.

Two AAF training planes
One Link Trainner
Two Fifty Cal. machine guns
Two Browning Auto Rifles
Two Twentytwo Target Rifles
Eight Service Belts
Two Parachutes
One Typewriter
Four Waketalke sets
Two Field telephone sets
One aircraft Radio Set

2.  The Squadron hs [sic] the place to store this equipment and in the near future will have a place in the Sky Haven new hanger at Portsmouth Airport will have a room of their own.

Raymond C Whitcher
2ndLt.  Commanding
Portsmouth Squadron

My squadron could use a couple of Fifty Cal. Machine Guns too.   ;D

SUBJECT:  NEWS

TO:           THE PORTSMOUTH SQUADRON

1. THE PORTSMOUTH SQUADRON CIVIL AIR PATROL HAS JUST RECEIVED A L-4 AIR FORCE SHIP.  THIS SHIP WILL BE FLOWN BY CIVIL AIR PATROL PILOTS ONLY, AT A VERY LOW COST.  CADETS WILL BE FLOWN IN THE SHIP FREE AS MUCH AS POSABLE [SIC].  THE SQUADRON HAS RECEIVED MUCH EQUIPMENT FROM THE AIR FORCES IN THE LAST FEW MOUNTHS [SIC].  BESIDES THE SHIP THEY ALSO HAVE A LINK TRAINOR, SIX 522 SHORT WAVE RADIO SETS, EQUIPMENT FOR INSTRUCTION IN MORSE CODE, BESIDES MANY SMALLER TRAINING ADES [SIC].  IN THE SENIOR THE SQUADRON HAS FOUR HAM RADIO MEN NOW WORKING ON THE SHORT WAVE SETS.  THE SQUADRON CAN NOW OFFER ANY CADET AGE BOY OR GIRLE [SIC], OR SENIOR MAN OR WOMAN MUCH IN THE FLYING OR RADIO FIELD.  THE SQUADRON IS MOVEING [SIC] ITS HEADQUARTERS TO THE AIR PORT AT THE PORTSMOUTH FLYING SERVICE HANGER.  THEY MEET EACH WEDNESDAY EVENING AT SEVEN THIRTY.



----------------------------------------------------
Note:  Yes, the entire message was written in CAPs (<---he he, CAPs...)
Note:  In my list of undated materials I have a catalog that lists the replacement parts that can be ordered for the morse code kits that are mentioned here.

Quote from: jimmydeanno on March 19, 2008, 03:18:35 AM

CIVIL AIR PATROL
Auxiliary Army Air Forces
Portsmouth Squadron
Portsmouth, N. H.

14 April 1948

SUBJECT:  NEWS

TO:           THE PORTSMOUTH SQUADRON

1. THE PORTSMOUTH SQUADRON CIVIL AIR PATROL HAS JUST RECEIVED A L-4 AIR FORCE SHIP.  THIS SHIP WILL BE FLOWN BY CIVIL AIR PATROL PILOTS ONLY, AT A VERY LOW COST.  CADETS WILL BE FLOWN IN THE SHIP FREE AS MUCH AS POSABLE [SIC].  THE SQUADRON HAS RECEIVED MUCH EQUIPMENT FROM THE AIR FORCES IN THE LAST FEW MOUNTHS [SIC].  BESIDES THE SHIP THEY ALSO HAVE A LINK TRAINOR, SIX 522 SHORT WAVE RADIO SETS, EQUIPMENT FOR INSTRUCTION IN MORSE CODE, BESIDES MANY SMALLER TRAINING ADES [SIC].  IN THE SENIOR THE SQUADRON HAS FOUR HAM RADIO MEN NOW WORKING ON THE SHORT WAVE SETS.  THE SQUADRON CAN NOW OFFER ANY CADET AGE BOY OR GIRLE [SIC], OR SENIOR MAN OR WOMAN MUCH IN THE FLYING OR RADIO FIELD.  THE SQUADRON IS MOVEING [SIC] ITS HEADQUARTERS TO THE AIR PORT AT THE PORTSMOUTH FLYING SERVICE HANGER.  THEY MEET EACH WEDNESDAY EVENING AT SEVEN THIRTY.

RAYMOND C. WHITCHER
CAPTAIN COMMANDING
PORTSMOUTH SQUADRON

----------------------------------------------------
Note:  Yes, the entire message was written in CAPs (<---he he, CAPs...)
Note:  In my list of undated materials I have a catalog that lists the replacement parts that can be ordered for the morse code kits that are mentioned here.

So... they didn't get the .50 calibers?

This is the first page of a 12 page document that I don't want to type :)

-------------------------------------------------------


452.

SUBJECT:  L-4 Aircraft - Surplus

TO         :   All Wing Commanders and AF-CAP Liaison Officers

1. One hundred and thirty-five (135) surplus L-4 type aircraft have been made available to National Headquarters, Civil Air Patrol, "as is, where is".  These aircraft are located as follows:  105 at Pyote Air Force Base, Texas and 30 at Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.  These aircraft are available to the various Civil Air Patrol wings at no cost except as outlined below.  They are Civil Air Patrol property and will be carried on respective Wing Supply Accounts to which allocated.  National Headquarters will receipt for the entire allotment from the respective Air Force Base concerned an will issue certificates of transfer of ownership (AF Forms 104C) to each wing allocated aircraft for purposes of registering for flying or for ground instruction.

2.  CONDITION OF AIRCRAFT:

a. At Pyote Air Force Base.  Fifty-two (52) L-4's at Pyote Air Force Base have been flown only one hour (acft & engine), the necessary manufacturers test hop.  They were then disassembled and crated in light wood crates 21'6" X 4 1/2 X 7'1" with no inner seal; total weight each 4.050 pounds.  They have been in these crates for over four years.  The fabric is reported in excellent condition, the engines are pickled, the metal parts cosmolined, with no evidence of rust.  Of the other fifty-three (53) at Pyote Air Force Base, forty-three (43) have been flown an average of 200 hours, are reported in good condition, are disassembled, engines pickled, but are not crated.   The balance of ten (10) are in poor condition and will be good only for spare parts.  Twenty-seven (27) of these forty-three (43) L-4s are without propellers.  You will be advise if a propeller is necessary on an aircraft allocated to your wing.


---------------------------

NOTE:  More to follow - I'm going to sleep. :)

Here is CAPP 10 - From Chicks to Falcons.  I'll let you pass your own judgment  >:D

Due to file size restrictions, I've had to break up the document by page and zipped then 2 pages per file.  For those of you who have acrobat you can merge the pages together for a full document.

Remaining Pages in next post...

Remaining Pages attached below.

LOOK! PINFEATHERS ALREADY!

This thread has been a treasure to behold, indeed! Thanks for posting! The nuts and bolts stuff is great Historical grist. I have enjoyed this series immensely.
With regards;
1st Lt Ed O'Brien
Denver, CO.
Black Sheep Squadron

Here's a question for the mods, any chance this thread can be a sticky? I think that this is a great resource that should stay on the front page for everyone interested in CAP's history to see.

Here is something from my personal collection that you might find interesting. This is part of the National collection that I had the honor of holding and scanning for archiving.

  >:D   Hoover might have had his own ideas about CAP uniforms...  >:D

Hoover was a bad guy to say the least. 

Actually checking prospective members against a list of know subversives, that would wind up being a court case so fast these days.  I guess back in the 40's and 1950's times were very different.  Those Communists hiding around every corner, men wearing female clothes, homosexuals living in the suburbs.  Wow....how times have changed.

Not much -- see the "no fly" list.

Even in 1945 we were trying to preserve our history.

The information provided in this thread is important for the following reasons:
1. Historical Records provide the root stock of important stories. Stories of inspiration and lessons learned.
2. History provides examples and options for leaders. It is the catalogue of possibility.
3. History is just plain fun. When brought down to this human-sized scale that we have witnessed in these documents... it's better tabloid news than Britney, Paris, and Lindsey... because it's real people dealing with real stuff. It's a scale that we all recognize because it is personal too.
With regards;
1Lt. Ed O'Brien
CO/WG Heritage Project Officer

It's been a while since I've posted in this thread.  I have been continuing this project since I first started.  There is just a lot of stuff and little time.  However,  I thought I'd post these three pictures for you all.  I'm not sure of the era of these pictures, but they are from NHWG's "Portsmouth Squadron."  The squadron is now Seacoast Composite Squadron (www.seacoastsquadron.net) and apparently can claim to be the "oldest continuously operating squadron in CAP."

Perhaps someone can put a time frame on the pictures based on uniform accessories like the Pepsi Patch in # 2 and the "CAP" device on the flight cap in picture 1.

First picture is the only one I have information on who is in it.

On the left is a man by the name of Jim Morrison.
On the right is Capt Joseph (Mickey) Verna of Portsmouth Squadron.  Capt Verna is one of the founding members who has been promoted to Col and awarded the DSM.  Unfortunately we haven't been able to officially present it yet for various reasons.  He's a good man.  Enjoy!

Nice squadron van!  :)

Quote from: MIKE on September 26, 2008, 03:31:42 PM
Nice squadron van!  :)

Thought you'd like that.  It must be where they kept the .50 cal machine gun on the previous inventory request lists :)

I just noticed the station wagon parked in the hangar, judging by the "Ghostbusters mobile" styling of it, might be mid '50s?  Can anyone verify?

Quote from: mikeylikey on March 17, 2008, 12:28:52 AM
^ There were 3 Auxiliaries of the U S Army back then, CAP being only one of them. 
Also reading it for what its worth, "An" is a descriptive of what is coming later on in the sentence.  Don't forget, back then people knew how to speak and write properly, not what we have today.  We are lucky if a High School graduate can put together a complete sentence, let alone make a comprehensive statement. 

You'd use "A" if the next word began with a consonant. Either way, the use of the articles "a" and "an" do not denote the exclusivity that "the" carries.

Examples:
'A force multiplier,' not 'an force multiplier'
'An aviator...', not 'a aviator...'

Don't get me started on 'who' vs. 'whom.'

The photo doesn't show much of the car, but it looks like it could be a 1956 Ford Parklane wagon. If so, that's a fairly rare car.

Even if you know the year of the car it's not going to tell you the year the picture was taken.

Quote from: NCO forever on September 26, 2008, 11:21:51 PM
Even if you know the year of the car it's not going to tell you the year the picture was taken.

Well, if it is a mid 50's car I know it wasn't taken pre mid-1950's.  It eliminates quite a bit of time...

OK, the station wagon appears to be a 1957 Ford. Is what you posted a full size scan? If not, can you email a full size scan so I can look at the partially hidden car on the right? Address is in my profile.

[edit] Never mind on the email. There just isn't enough there to ID the other car.

So, it was taken from 9/56 on. Likely later.

Looks like a 1955 to me

Dr. Dave,

Am new to CAP Talk but have been Missouri Wing Historian for a decent nine months.  What came of those Missouri trunks you spoke of?  I sure would be interested in seeing them? I am making contacts as can and was pleased to read your email,

Rick

Quote from: notaNCO forever on September 26, 2008, 11:21:51 PM
Even if you know the year of the car it's not going to tell you the year the picture was taken.

You might be able to zoom in on the license plate of the truck...

I tried that. I gets too pixelated. Not high enough res on the scan.

It's gotta be a '55 or '56. The fin design is way different before and after, but I don't know the subtle differences between the two years. It's a Ranch Wagon model.

Quote from: jimmydeanno on March 14, 2008, 12:30:28 PM

CIVIL AIR PATROL
An Auxiliary of the Army Air Forces

7 May 1944

Subject: Fatal Shooting

To: Lt. Col John F. Brown
      N.H. Wing Headquarters
      Concord, N.H.

1. On 7 May 1944 shortly after noon, Corp. Richard Towle CAP serial No. 1-1-929 attached to the Portsmouth Squadron, accidentally shot Leslie E. O'Brien CAPC., at the Portsmouth Municipal Airport.

2. Pvt. Adrien Frenette, CAPC had just relieved Corp. Towle at Squadron Headquarters and together with CAPC. O'Brien were standing by to receive telephone messages and to serve any incoming flying personnel.

3. The weapon involved - a 45 cal. colt automatic was hanging on a hook in a holster in the Officers day room with nothing in the barrel and the clip only partially inserted - left there for any of the night guards in case of emergency.
Orders had been given that no one was to touch the gun without authority.  Corp. Towle removed gun from holster and in working action accidently discharged it.  The bullet struck Cadet O'Brien in the stomach.

4. Cadet O'Brien was rushed to the hospital in a Police ambulance, given plasma and adrenalin but died shortly after arrival.

5. Portsmouth authorities - Police and County Solictor [sic] made an ivestigation and determined the shooting to be purely accidental, Corp. Towle was immediately released after the finding.

1st Lt. John E. Palmer, CAP
Commanding Portsmouth Squadron

Distribution
1cc Lt. Col Brown
1cc File

-------------------

Upper left hand corner of the document appears to have a form number for the letterhead "WF-9-7-43-100M.  The document is on preprinted letterhead and has the CAP Emblem (Dark blue circle with white triangle.  Inside the triangle, the CAP Tri-prop.  In the lower part of the circle the letters "US")

Additional confirmation of this incident: http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=UqMgAAAAIBAJ&sjid=nmgFAAAAIBAJ&pg=6367,2621628&dq=civil-air-patrol+and+shot&hl=en

Great work.  This and the letters should be enough to put together a letter to get this cadet put on the memorial.

This entire time, I thought that the Corporal was  senior member, but the article says he was 15.  My assumption was based on the use of ", CAP" and ", CAPC" used in the letters.  Of course, my understanding of CAP history then is pretty low so I don't know if senior members had enlisted ranks like Corporal (I understand the Army association, but not the old senior member rank program).

In this case I would probably rely on the official report a bit more than the newspaper account.  The official report that there was another cadet present (Frenette) and I suspect the newspaper got mixed up. 

Senior members had enlsited ranks from 1941 until the 1980's. The enlisted ranks were authorized by the Squadron Commander and members could be promoted in enlisted grades. As a senior member at one point I was a MSgt. (at age 19, which was one of the failures of the enlisted grades) Enlisted grades were normally associated with duty assignments such as Supply Sgt etc.