Name/Title
Army Air Forces Certificate Richard G Bull May 9,1944Entry/Object ID
001445Tags
Richard G BullScope and Content
Key Details
Recipient: Richard Bull
Organization: I Fighter Command, Aircraft Warning Service (AWS)
Date Issued: May 29, 1944
Location: Mitchel Field, New York
Signatory: Stewart W. Towle, Jr. (Colonel, Air Corps Commanding)
Historical Context
The Aircraft Warning Service was a civilian volunteer arm of the Army Air Forces. Because radar technology was still in its infancy and couldn't cover every mile of the coast, thousands of "Ground Observers" (like Richard Bull) were stationed at observation posts to watch and listen for enemy aircraft.
What this certificate represents:
Transition to Reserve: By May 1944, the threat of a direct air attack on the U.S. mainland had significantly decreased. This certificate officially moves the volunteer into the Aircraft Warning Service Reserve, essentially "standing down" their active duty as the program began to wind search operations down.
The Motto: You can see the motto "Semper Vigilans" (Always Vigilant) printed on the blue ribbon graphic at the top.
I Fighter Command: This specific command was responsible for the air defense of the Eastern Seaboard of the United States.