Tyler Composite Squadron
CAP History
Home
CAP History
TCS History
Members
Recent and Upcoming Events
Meeting Agendas
Bulletin Board
Photo Album
Related Links
Contact Us

The History of Civil Air Patrol

CAP was founded in December 1941, one week before the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor by over 150,000 citizens concerned about the defence of America's coastline.  In 1943, CAP was assigned to the War Department under the jurisdiction of the Army Air Forces.  Assisting the War Department, CAP pilots flew over one-half million hours, were credited with sinking two enemy submarines, and rescued hundreds of crash survivors during World War II.  On July 1, 1946, President Truman established CAP as a federally chartered benevolent civilian corporation.  On May 26, 1948, Congress passed Public law 557, which made CAP the official auxiliary of the new United States Air Force.  CAP was charged with three missions:  Aerospace Education, Cadet Programs, and Emergency Services.