On February 20, 2015, Wayne Field received the Congressional Gold Medal for his efforts in building the Civil Air Patrol. The ceremony took place at the Colorado State Capital Building in Denver CO.

The award was presented by Colorado’s Adjutant General, Maj. Gen. Michael Edwards, who oversees the Colorado Air National Guard and the Colorado Civil Air Patrol and US Representative, Ed Perlmutter and Colorado Wing Commander, Col. William Aceves. The recipients shared their stories during the event.

After Wayne became a CAP cadet during WW II and then joined the Army and was wounded in the Battle of the Bulge. The Civil Air Patrol scanned the waves for ships, survivors and submarines (all on a volunteer basis). One of their main roles was to spot, harass and attack submarines, giving the nation time to mobilize. They played a major role in restoring security to our coasts and pushing the U-boat menace back out to sea. They trained cadets, patrolled the border, watched for forest fires, lead search and rescue missions, delivered essential parts and medicines, tested civil air defenses and towed targets in dangerous live-fire and anti-aircraft exercises. By the end of the War, the civilian men and women of the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) had flown over 750,000 hours of missions, and 65 volunteers had given their lives on active duty. Their motto was (and still is) “Sepmer Vigilans” – they are ‘always vigilant’ and always ready to rush to the rescue of our country.

The first recipient of this medal was George Washington and this, says Wayne, makes him feel ‘quite honored.’

Addendum: Since the War, Wayne has flown many Search and Rescue (SAR) Missions in MA, CT, NY, IL, MO and CO as a mission pilot. He’s been a Squadron Commander in several states and he says that he really loves working with the cadets.

submitted by Doris Davis, Associate