Arkansas Wing

The Squadron of Merit Award is authorized by CAPR 39-3 and is given to one unit in each Wing annually based on squadron strength, growth rate, cadet awards (Mitchell, Earhart, Phase IV, Spaatz) earned that year, cadet encampment attendance, and cadet orientation flight participation. The following are known Arkansas Squadron of Merit award winners:

1991 -- 42nd Composite Squadron (Little Rock)

1993 -- 99th Composite Squadron (West Memphis)

1994 -- 115th Composite Squadron (Rogers)

1998 -- 95th Composite Squadron (Texarkana)

1999 -- 95th Composite Squadron (Texarkana)

2000 -- 115th Composite Squadron (Rogers)

2001 -- 115th Composite Squadron (Rogers)

2002 -- 115th Composite Squadron (Rogers)

2003 -- 115th Composite Squadron (Rogers)

2004 -- 42nd Composite Squadron (Little Rock)

2005 -- 115th Composite Squadron (Rogers)

2006 -- 115th Composite Squadron (Rogers)

2007 -- 115th Composite Squadron (Rogers)

Arkansas Wing

Squadrons of Distinction

The Squadron of Distinction Award is authorized by CAPR 39-9 and is given to one squadron in each region annually based on the same criteria as for the Squadron of Merit. The following are known Arkansas Squadron of Distinction award winners from the Southwest Region.

1994 -- 115th Composite Squadron (Rogers)

2003 -- 115th Composite Squadron (Rogers)

Air Medals

Eleven members of the Arkansas Wing received the Air Medal for their anti-submarine work at Civil Air Patrol Coastal Patrol Bases during World War II. Members must have flown at least 200 hours of over-water patrol to earn the award (Army fliers only had to perform 100 flight hours to earn the same award).

1Lt. Garland Anthony Jr. (Base 9)

2Lt. Francis J. Carty (Base 9)

2Lt. Quinton Declerk (Base 9)

1Lt. R.R. Fischer (Base 1)

F/O Michael L. Heim (Base 9)

2Lt. William L. Heim (Base 9)

1Lt. Arthur N. McAninch (Base 9)

Capt. Carl J. Ripberger (Base 8)

F/O William R. Sprott (Base 9)

F/O J.L. Thomasson (Base 10)

F/O R.H. Winfield (Base 10)

HISTORY

National Museum of the Civil Air Patrol

Arkansas Wing Commanders

J. Gilbert Leigh (1 Dec 1941-11 Mar 1942)

Rex P. Hayes (11 Mar 1942 - 9 May 1949)

Marvin W. Melton (18 July 1949-22 May 1951)

Lomax S. Anderson (22 May 1951-3 Feb 1953)

Claud L. Holbert (3 Feb 1953-9 Dec 1957)

Arthur K. Watkins (9 Dec 1957-4 Dec 1960)

Leo F. Halter (4 Dec 1960-16 Feb 1962)

Phillip G. Back (Acting)(16 Feb 1962-8 Mar 1962)

James A. Wellons (8 Mar 1962-23 Jan 1965)

Ervin O. Dorsey (23 Jan 1965-7 Mar 1966)

Bob F. James (20 Mar 1966-31 Dec 1974)

Donald F. Huenfeld (1 Jan 1975-1 Jan 1978)

David L. Guthridge (1 Jan 1978-9 Jan 1982)

Maxine E. Biggers (9 Jan 1982-17 Jan 1987)

Allie "Gene" Melson Sr. (17 Jan 1987-12 Jan 1991)

Thommie D. Herndon (12 Jan 1991-1994)

Sid Wilson (1994-1997)

Bill Akins (1997-1998)

Coleman L. Roth (1998-2001)

Reggie Chitwood (15 Sep 2001-15 Oct 2005)

Joseph Jensen (15 Oct 2005-27 Oct 2006)

Robert "Bucky" Britton (28 Oct 2006 - present)

Arkansas Wing Awards

Civil Air Patrol Unit Citation

1 July 1982-14 Feb 1983

1 June 1993-31 May 1994

15 Sep 2001-15 Sep 2004

Southwest Region Best Wing Award

1982

1983

Southwest Region Search and Rescue Award

1992

1996

1999

2005

Southwest Region Search and Rescue Competition

1987 (1st Place Aircraft Appearance)

1998 (2nd Place)

1999 (1st Place)

CAP Medal of Valor Awards: Arkansas Wing

The Silver and Bronze Medal of Valor Awards are the highest decorations awarded by the Civil Air Patrol. The Silver Medal of Valor is awarded for distinguished and conspicuous heroic action at the risk of life, above and beyond the call of normal duty. The Bronze Medal of Valor is for distinguished and conspicuous heroic action where danger to self is probable and known.

On November 4, 1982 Captain Bill P. Walters, of the 83rd Composite Squadron, earned the Silver Medal of Valor, for his actions following a two-car collision. "Disregarding his own personal safety he directed the extrication of accident victims from a burning vehicle that threatened explosion at any moment," and was credited by local authorities with saving the lives of two severely injured persons.

In early 1983 Lt. Col. Richard Anderson, Arkansas Wing Chief of Staff, earned the Civil Air Patrol Silver Medal of Valor for his actions following an accident in which his motor vehicle was struck by an intoxicated driver. Despite having a broken hand, he managed to help pull a passenger from the other vehicle, which had a broken gas line and was threatening to explode, and then rendered first aid to the person, who had suffered a head wound with heavy bleeding.