HISTORICAL NOTES - Number 5a

August 1993 -2006

The Civil Air Patrol Hall of Honor

By Colonel Leonard A. Blascovich, CAP-Historian HISTORY: The Civil Air Patrol Hall of Honor concept was developed in 1971, and approved by the National Executive Committee on the 3rd of June 1972. Induction into Civil Air Patrol's Hall of Honor is to pay tribute to individuals, past and present, who were instrumental in establishing the organization or contributed to its positive development over the years. LOCATION: The Civil Air Patrol Hall of Honor exhibit, is located at the United States Air Force Museum at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Dayton, Ohio, and was dedicated on May 31, 1974. Congratulations and accolades were sent by the 37th President Richard Nixon, and commanders of the Major Air Force Commands The USAF said " The inclusion of the Civil Air Patrol's Hall of Honor in the Air Force Museum is a significant milestone in its 33 years of volunteer service to the nation. For the past 26 years --since May 1948 - CAP has been the U.S. Air Force auxiliary. This affinity, which has grown stronger with each passing year, has seen this humanitarian organization grow to a national force of trained, dedicated people available to all Americans . anyone, anywhere, anytime". The display contains Civil Air Patrol memorabilia and a bronze plaque in the likeness of each inductee, listing offices held and inclusive dates. INDUCTEES: To date (August 1993) 32 members have been inducted and so honored and made a part of CAP's illustrious history. Please look closely at the following list, it reflect a microcosm of individuals that were foremost in their time and accomplishments which stand out above others. In retrospect all have made major impacts and contributions in the formation, command and continuation of the Civil Air Patrol its concepts and programs. 1-Gill Robb Wilson* ...1972 2-Carl A. Spaatz* ...1972 3-D. Harold Byrd* ...1972 4-William C. Whelen ...1972 5-Paul W. Turner* ...1972 6-Lyle W. Castle ...1972 7-F. Ward Reilly* ...1972 8-Clara E. Livingston* ...1972 9-Joseph S. Bergin* ...1972 10-Alan C. Perkinson ...1972 11-Lucas V. Beau* ...1973 12-Edwin Lyons* ...1973 13-Earle L. Johnson* ...1974 14-S. Hallock duPont,.Jr ...1974 15-James C. Carter ...1974 16-William M. Patterson ...1976 *Deceased 17-Zack T. Mosley* ...1976 18-Robert H. Herweh* ...1979 19-Mervin K.Strickler ...1979 20-Thomas C. Casaday ...1980 21-Louisa S. Morse ...1982 22-Gordon T. Weir* ...1982 23-Johnnie Boyd ...1983 24-William D. Madsen* ...1985 25-Lester L. Wolff ...1985 26-Larry D. Miller* ...1986 27-Obed A. Donaldson* ...1987 28-John V. Sorenson* ...1987 29-Paul E. Garber* ...1988 30-Guy P. Gannett* ...1992 31-Troy G. Sullivan* ...1992 32- Warren J. Barry ...1993

CONSENSUS: There has always been some controversy amongst past and present CAP members whether or not some of the individuals inducted to the Civil Air Patrol's Hall of Honor, might not fit the profile as the original concept outlined. But most, if not all inductee's, in their way have made a "positive" contribution to Civil Air Patrol.
"Those who have long enjoyed such privileges as we enjoy, forget in time that men have died to win them". Speech by 32d President Franklin D Roosevelt, 12/14/41 to Congress on the Bill of Rights, 150th Anniversary.

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The Civil Air Patrol Hall of Honor

By Colonel Leonard A. Blascovich, CAP-Historian RECOMMENDATIONS: In addition to the above members, might I suggest that If one reads the Robert E. Neprud book "Flying Minute Men" the Official History of the Civil Air Patrol's World War II exploits, one key individual stands out, Colonel Harry H. Blee, USAAC. COL Harry H. Blee, USAAC, has never been recognized by the Civil Air Patrol for his outstanding, and magnificent efforts at the start-up of CAP. First as a member of the US Army Air Corps (USAAC) investigation committee, in September 1941. Then secondly, assigned to National Headquarters by the USAAC to direct and develop the concepts, formulate the training programs and uniforms for the CAP. COL Blee, remained at National Headquarters as a staff member from December 1941 until his retirement in August. 1947. And served in various staff functions as Civil Air Patrol's Deputy Commander, Executive, Administration, Training, Operations and Security Officer and filled in many times as CAP's National Commander when COL Johnson was tasked by President Roosevelt & Truman, and the USAAF for additional duty. Colonel Harry H. Blee, USAAC contribution to CAP is immeasurable, without his efforts Civil Air Patrol whould have never started and/or survived. CONSIDERATIONS: With great pleasure, I take this opportunity to recommend and nominate to the National Board and the National Executive Committee, that they consider inducting Colonel Harry H. Blee, USAAC as a member of Civil Air Patrol Hall of Honor. PRESENT: At the November 1992, National Executive Committee meeting, the members in attendance voted on a surprise recommendation put forth by BGEN Johnnie Boyd CAP (Hall of Honor 1983). To endorse and approved the induction of BGEN Warren J. Barry, CAP to the CAP's Hall of Honor. General Barry's induction took place at the 1993 National Board Meeting in San Diego, California. PAST: This action is not unprecedented, in 1976 the NEC in conjunction with many members of the CAP Hall of Honor, nominated and inducted a standing National Commander, BGEN William M. Patterson, CAP for initiation to Civil Air Patrol's Hall of Honor upon his retirement. General "Pat" Patterson a key CAP leader served as Commander of Maryland Wing (12 April 1960 to 30 December 1968), and Middle East Region (30 December 1968 to 10 October 1970), elected as the Vice-Chairman of the National Board (October 1970 to October 1973). Became the Chairman of the National Board (October 1973 to August 1975). General Patterson, by his untiring efforts was instrumental in establishing changes both in title and concept that allowed a CAP member to serve as National Commander verses an USAF appointed Commander, by recommending and then helped reshaping CAP's Constitution & By-laws. The changes became offical on 1 September 1975 when the USAF appointed "National Commander" was changed to "Executive Director". Brigadier General William M. Patterson was unanimously elected and became Civil Air Patrol's first CAP-National Commander under the revised Constitution & By-laws on 1 September 1975, and remained in that position until his retirement in September 1976. BGEN Patterson, was credited for many other outstanding and positive accomplishments and achievements for CAP.

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