Joe Congleton, a former cadet commander of Sandy Springs Cadet Squadron, had created a patch design that incorporated Snoopy, the dog from the popular Peanuts comic strip. Snoopy was seated on the roof of his doghouse as a WWI Flying Ace, with 'The Flyin' 45th' on the top of the patch in reference to the squadron's charter number.
Harry Topliss, the cadet commander following Congleton, sent a letter to Peanuts creator Charles M Schulz requesting approval to use Snoopy's likeness. The artist responded in a personal letter dated July 25, 1967, stating that they "certainly may have permission to use Snoopy" in their patch, and that he was "flattered [they] should wish to do so."
Since 1967, SSCS members have proudly worn the 'Snoopy Patch' on their flight suits and pockets of their olive drab 'pickle suits', jungle fatigues, and Battle Dress Uniforms. Patch designer, Joe Congleton, left college to serve his country as a Huey Cobra pilot in Vietnam where he was severely injured and disabled. Harry Topliss who was cadet commander at the time the patch was made, retired as a Lieutenant Colonel from the USAF Reserve.
This article about the patch appeared in the January-February 2008 issue of Civil Air Patrol's Volunteer magazine.
The patch went to space in 2011 on STS-133, Space Shuttle Discovery's final mission!
Information provided by:
Brian Berry, Lt Col, CAP
Commander, Sandy Springs Cadet Squadron
February 2007
"The DeKalb County Cadet Squadron patch was modeled after the US Army Ranger shoulder arc by then squadron commander, Major Ron Bradford. Originally, one had to earn the privilage to wear the DEKALB patch by passing several tests, amoung which included rappelling off a mountain! Ron Bradfield was a Vietnam Veteran, and wore his military awards on his CAP uniform including the Silver Star and the Purple Heart. Lieutenant Colonel Bradford passed away in 1986."
A little known item:
"Ron Bradford had worked for Dekalb Cablevision, a local cable TV provider, and the very first patches worn by Dekalb Squadron personnel were ones worn by employees from that company!"
Information provided by:
1st Lt Charles E (Chuck) Corway, formerly of DeKalb County Cadet Sq
April 2006
- and -
Lt Col Brian Berry, Commander, Sandy Springs Cadet Sq
February 2007
"The patch was designed by our cadets. The eagle represents the Glider Program in Georgia Wing and we took upon ourselves the name of "Eagles". We were the first unit in Georgia to get a glider since we have the Mid-Georgia Soaring Association at our home field of Monroe Airport. Since then, Georgia has hosted many National Glider Encampments. Silent Eagle is the name our cadets selected for the glider and that is reflected on the patch with the golden eagle. (note: all that gold thread seems to be why they cost so much) Also, the 172 shown with a crashed aircraft represents search and rescue. You will notice that our unit designation is there as 09142 as well as the CAP motto. We have had the patch for about ten years and it has been very popular with collectors."
Information provided by:
Lt Col Darrell Golliher, Commander, Walton County Comp Sq
April 13, 2010
"The patch design was created in 2008 by Cadet Julian Gluck, assisted by Cadet Ryan Brown, and finalized by Mr. Joshua East. It was approved by LaGrange Composite Squadron Commander, Capt Brion Gluck, and authorized by Georgia Wing Commander, Col James Hughes."
"The emblem features the latin phrase 'Per Aspera Ad Astra' meaning 'To the stars through difficulty.' Inside the circular inset, there is a thorny branch with five thorns representing the five milestone awards in the cadet program (Wright, Mitchell, Earhart, Eaker, and Spaatz) and five in the unit designation. Behind the thorny branch is a runway with a hidden heading of 153 for the unit title. In the black sky above, there are three four-pointed stars; the number of stars represents the three missions of the Civil Air Patrol; the points all face the cardinal directions to highlight search and rescue."
Information provided by:
Brion Gluck, Captain, Commander, LaGrange Comp Sq
January 26, 2009
