History of the Patch

	Michigan Wing shoulder patch Version 1 - Authorized: December 5, 1949

Shortly after the start of WWII, Civil Air Patrol in Michigan became attached to the Sixth Army Air Corps (and later Army Air Forces) based at Scott Field in Illinois. The three states in the 6th AAC's area were assigned assigned a numarical designation based on thier state's population: Illinois became 6-1, Wisconsin 6-2, and Michigan 6-3. All three of these states also placed their original designation on their wing shoulder patch.

Other wings that have an AAC/AAF number on their patches are Rhode Island (1-6), New Jersey (2-2), Pennsylvania (3-1), Ohio (5-1), and Indiana (5-2). Alaska Wing's patch has "49" because it is the 49th state in the Union.

The Michigan Wing patch was authorized for wear December 5, 1949. This was of course after the Army Air Forces separated into its own branch in 1947. For some reason, Michigan Wing seems to have adopted the design of the 9th Air Force patch instead of the 6th AAF patch...Why?

Well, here are two plausable theories as good as any: Perhaps the Wing Commander at the time the patch was designed served in the 9th AAC/AAF, and wanted to honor that. Or, because 6 + 3 = 9! We may never know exactly what the reasons are, which is exactly why we need to document history as it happens - so it isn't forgotten!

Information provided by:
Major Andrew "Ace" Browning