Article updated: 9/18/2012 12:28 PM

Quest to honor World War II civilian aircrews needs help

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These civilian volunteers played a key role during World War II, running rescue missions and even sinking enemy submarines. Now the Civil Air Patrol is trying to get Congress to honor that effort.

Courtesy of Civil Air Patrol

This painting depicts a World War II sub-chasing mission of the volunteer civilian group now known as the Civil Air Patrol.

Courtesy of Civil Air Patrol

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Civilian volunteers in the Civil Air Patrol, now an auxiliary of the Air Force, still man these small, single-engine planes for missions that range from training exercises to search-and-rescue efforts.

Courtesy of Civil Air Patrol

Started during World War II, the Civil Air Patrol, now an auxiliary of the Air Force, still uses civilian volunteers to fly missions that range from training exercises to search-and-rescue efforts.

Courtesy of Civil Air Patrol

About this Article

Our nation still makes the effort to recognize those World War II heroes who were slighted by racism, sexism or time. But one group still fights for respect: The Civil Air Patrol. Formed by civilian airplane enthusiasts six days before the attack on Pearl Harbor, the volunteer group played a key role in patrolling U.S. shores. “We want to get the same recognition for our veterans,” says 61-year-old Joe King of Schaumburg.