Washington, DC – Michael Bennet, U.S. Senator for Colorado, today announced he will cosponsor a bill to award a Congressional Gold Medal to honor the World War II members of the Civil Air Patrol (CAP).
“Members of the Civil Air Patrol served honorably and protected Americans during World War II from potential enemy threats,” said Bennet. “They were ready and eager to serve when called upon, and they should be recognized for their brave service and dedication to country.”
The CAP members often used their own aircrafts to perform missions within the United States, including attacks on enemy submarines off the Atlantic and Gulf coasts. The Civil Air Patrol serves as an auxiliary to the U.S. Air Force.
The bill would award a single Congressional Gold Medal to honor collectively all the CAP members who served in World War II. The medal would be on display at the Smithsonian Institution and bronze duplicates would be available at a price sufficient to cover their cost.
Congressional Gold Medals are awarded in honor of individuals, organizations or events for great achievements or contributions to the United States.