History of the Patch

cut edge, partially embroidered	New York Wing shoulder patch Version 1 - Authorized: c.1950-51

The Patch design was selected by Colonel Cord Meyer, CAP, the Wing Commander from September 1949 to January 1952. The design was one of many submitted by the membership during a Wing-wide contest. The winning design was submitted by Warrant Officer Anthony Peters of the Brooklyn Detached Squadron (which later became the Brooklyn Group).

Peters’ design combines elements of New York State, New York Wing and Air Force history. The colors are blue and gold - the official colors of New York State as well as the Air Force colors of ultramarine blue and golden yellow. The state outline and the letters 'NY' represent the state, with the red and silver colors of the wings and propeller representing the wartime colors of Civil Air Patrol, a nod to our Wing’s significant contribution to World War II.

The silver droopy wings, emblematic of CAP pilots, had been previously designed by New York Wing member, Lt Col C.B. Colby, who at that time was Chairman of the National Printing and Engraving Committee. Colonel Colby later returned to the New York Wing staff in the 1950s as the Civil Defense Director. (Note: Colby was the author of a large number of children’s pictorial hardcover on a broad range of topics, including one entitled This is Your Civil Air Patrol.)

All of these elements were combined on a 2 ½" circle, the same size as the previously worn Civil Air Patrol organizational insignia (the red 3-bladed propeller on a white triangle on a blue disc).

Information provided by:
Lt Col Allan Pogorzelski,
former New York Wing Historian