Carolyn A. Guertin

Carolyn A. Guertin (1928–2020) was the first female member of the Civil Air Patrol and the eleventh member overall.

Carolyn A. Guertin
Born(1928-06-29)June 29, 1928
DiedAugust 8, 2020(2020-08-08) (aged 92)
Place of burial
Beth-El Cemetery, Richmond, Virginia
Allegiance United States of America
Service/branch Civil Air Patrol
Years of service78
Rank
Colonel, CAP
Commands heldSquadron Commander, CAP
Battles/warsWorld War II
AwardsCongressional Gold Medal
Spouse(s)Donald Guertin

Civil Air Patrol Career

Guertin joined the Civil Air Patrol on 1 December 1941, its founding date. She was the first in line to sign up, but was asked to wait until 10 men joined.[1][2][3] She served the organization in multiple ground roles during World War II, including tracking in-flight aircraft.[4]

In 1952, Guertin founded a Civil Air Patrol squadron in Richmond, Virginia and served as its commander for over ten years.[2] The squadron was later renamed from "Richmond Cadet Squadron 2" to "The Carolyn A. Guertin Cadet Squadron" in her honor.[5]

During her time in the Civil Air Patrol, Guertin had the opportunities to meet Chuck Yeager, Jimmy Doolittle, and Igor Sikorsky.[3][6]

To mark Guertin's 92nd birthday, a ceremony was hosted that included appearances by Civil Air Patrol National Commander Mark Smith and Virginia governor Ralph Northam. Smith announced that Guertin had been promoted to the rank of colonel within the Civil Air Patrol, and Northam declared that June 29 was "Carolyn A. Guertin Day" in Virginia.[3]

Awards

Guertin was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal in December 2014 for her contributions to the Civil Air Patrol's actions in World War II.[4]

References
  1. "Longest-Serving CAP Member Gets Special Birthday - P&P". Plane & Pilot Magazine. Retrieved September 4, 2020.
  2. "Guertin, Charter Member, Passes at 92". Civil Air Patrol. Retrieved September 4, 2020.
  3. "CAP Charter member celebrates 92nd birthday — and a promotion — General Aviation News". General Aviation News. Retrieved September 4, 2020.
  4. Lohmann, Bill. "Still flying high, and now she has a national award". Richmond Times-Dispatch. Retrieved September 4, 2020.
  5. "Civil Air Patrol's Virginia Wing celebrates charter member's 92nd birthday". WFXRtv. June 30, 2020. Retrieved September 4, 2020.
  6. Fletcher, Greg. "Natl. Leaders, Va. Wing Celebrate Charter Member's 92nd Birthday". Civil Air Patrol. Retrieved September 4, 2020.
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