CAP Talk

General Discussion => Hysterical History => Topic started by: THRAWN on February 12, 2016, 05:47:26 PM

Title: Chester PA
Post by: THRAWN on February 12, 2016, 05:47:26 PM
The Willa Brown thread gave me a half memory of something. Wasn't the first (only?) all black CAP unit located in Chester PA? I have a vague memory of something being discussed along those lines, but can't seem to find the thread.

Anybody? PA Wing? Historians? Anybody know something historically significant about a CAP unit in Chester PA or did I dream it?
Title: Re: Chester PA
Post by: NIN on February 12, 2016, 05:55:29 PM
Quote from: THRAWN on February 12, 2016, 05:47:26 PM
The Willa Brown thread gave me a half memory of something. Wasn't the first (only?) all black CAP unit located in Chester PA? I have a vague memory of something being discussed along those lines, but can't seem to find the thread.

Anybody? PA Wing? Historians? Anybody know something historically significant about a CAP unit in Chester PA or did I dream it?

I don't know about the first, but I doubt the only.

During WWII, Michigan Wing's Group 9, the infamous parachute group, consisted of "two parachute jumping squadrons, a rigger squadron and a Negro glider flight" (per a historical monograph I read).  The armed forces were still segregated at that time, I can't imagine that CAP was too tremendously different.
Title: Re: Chester PA
Post by: THRAWN on February 12, 2016, 06:05:51 PM
Dunno. First black commander? I know it was a biggie, and it was early, WW2 time frame and it was in Chester PA. Was hoping to find out, seeing how I drive through Chester at least twice per day. Would be nice to find out if the location is still standing...

See, this is what happens when you try to remember too much stuff. Now the problem is, when this fact takes its place back in my head, what will I forget? I shudder to think...
Title: Re: Chester PA
Post by: LSThiker on February 12, 2016, 06:06:53 PM
The first interracial CAP squadron was in ILWG during the 1940s.  Cannot remember the exact date.  Perhaps Col Blazich would like to inform us as he found the news article.