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| DISCLAIMER:
Links or references to individuals or companies does not constitute an
endorsement of any information, product or service you may receive from such
sources. |
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History of the Civil Air Patrol |
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 Civil Air Patrol was founded Dec. 1, 1941. During World War II, its principal
purpose was to allow private pilots and aviation enthusiasts to use their
light aircraft and flying skills in civil defense efforts. In 1943, the
organization came under control and direction of the Army Air Forces. Civil
Air Patrol became a permanent peacetime institution July 1, 1946, when
President Truman signed Public Law 476 establishing it as a federally chartered,
benevolent, civilian corporation. |
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In May 1948, Public Law 557 made the organization the
official auxiliary of the Air Force. This law, known as the CAP Supply Bill, authorized the
Secretary of the Air Force to assign military and civilian personnel to liaison offices
at all levels of CAP.
During WWII, CAP members flew anti-sabotage patrol, target towing, border patrol, search and
rescue, and anti-submarine coastal patrol missions and also aided in recruiting AAF trainees.
The CAP consisted of more than 75,000 volunteers on April 29, 1943 when it was transferred to
the War Department as an auxiliary of the Army Air Force.
On antisubmarine patrol, CAP crews in light planes ranged as far as 150 miles out to sea. During
18 months of antisub patrol in 1942-3, CAP crews flew 244,600 hours, the equivalent of 24 million
miles. They reported 173 enemy subs and summoned aid for 91 ships in distress and for 363 survivors
of submarine attacks.
After some CAP planes began carrying bombs and depth charges, they attacked 57 subs, sinking or
damaging at least two. Other subs were destroyed by AAF or Navy planes and ships called out by CAP
pilots by radio. CAP efforts in WWII were not without sacrifice for during antisub patrol operations alone,
they lost 90 airplanes and 26 members. |
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