Contributed by Maine Historical Society
Description
Guy P. Gannett, the Maine Wing Commander of the Civil Air Patrol (CAP), is pictured with four CAP volunteers. Gannett played a crucial national role in the creation of CAP through his knowledge and advocacy of aviation.
In June of 1941, Fiorello LaGuardia, the Director of the Office of Civilian Defense, appointed Gannett to a committee tasked with "formulating plans and submitting suggestions" on the optimal utilization of "private planes, owners, and pilots in connection with the Civil Defense program."
In late November 1941, just days before the attack on Pearl Harbor, the Commerce, Navy, and War departments approved the committee's proposal for the Civil Air Patrol. Despite the reservations of numerous military leaders who hesitated to allow civilians to fly during wartime, let alone in a military capacity, Gannett played a pivotal role in demonstrating that CAP could be a valuable asset to the war effort.
During World War II, CAP volunteers flew 24 million miles, spotted approximately 173 submarines, and located 363 survivors of downed ships.
About This Item
- Title: Guy P. Gannett posing with members of the Civil Air Patrol, ca. 1943
- Creation Date: circa 1943
- Subject Date: circa 1943
- Location: ME
- Media: Photographic print
- Dimensions: 20.3 cm x 25.4 cm
- Local Code: Coll. 2010, Box 13/5
- Collection: Guy Gannett Foundation collection
- Object Type: Image
Cross Reference Searches
Standardized Subject Headings
- Air pilots
- Airplanes--Maine
- Civil Defense--Maine
- United States. Air Force.
- United States. Civil Air Patrol--Maine
- United States. Civil Air Patrol. Costal Patrol
People
Other Keywords
For more information about this item, contact:
Maine Historical Society485 Congress Street, Portland, ME 04101
(207) 774-1822 x230
Website
This Item is protected by copyright and/or related rights. No Permission is required to use the low-resolution watermarked image for educational use, or as allowed by the applicable copyright. For all other uses, permission is required.
More to Consider
Item 148458
Civil Air Patrol commander Guy P. Gannett, ca. 1942
Item 148459
Guy P. Gannett posing with five female volunteers, ca. 1943
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