Colonel Frank Borman Falcon Award

The Frank Borman Falcon Award I received is #124 and was given at National Headquarters CAP on 7 January 1974.

I received the Falcon Award in the fall of 1977, dated July, and unnumbered.

Replacement Falcon Award ribbons had occasionally appeared through military-collectibles sellers. The original comment pointed readers to a third-party marketplace search.

Asked why CAPM 39-1 treated the Falcon as an alternative to the wearer’s highest cadet award if the Falcon was considered a Senior Member award.

Observed a possible conflict between the December 1978 guidance discontinuing the award and the 1972 decision administering it through the Senior Program, and suggested seeking clarification from National Headquarters.

Volunteered to contact National Headquarters about the ribbon question.

Recalled receiving Falcon #179 as a Senior Member after acceptance into an Air Force ROTC commissioning program and explained why wearing both the Spaatz and Falcon ribbons was meaningful.

Noted that the uniform regulation then allowed a member to wear the highest cadet ribbon, the Certificate of Proficiency ribbon, or the Falcon ribbon, and questioned treating the Falcon as a cadet ribbon.

I received my Falcon Award on 14 May 1979. No number appeared on it; my maiden name was Esther C. Rolando.

Hi all — Spaatz #1 through Spaatz #513 were eligible to receive the Falcon Award. This information about the Falcon Award recipients was authenciated from old “CAP News” and “Annual Reports to Congress” publications. The earliest Falcon awards were numbered. When it officially becasme a Senior Program Award the numbering of the award was dropped. Let us hear from you!

Steve,

Thanks for the note. I’ve updated the master chart above to show the period of both numbered and unnumbered awards…and then a list of “others” for those we don’t have firm info for.

v/r

MJH

I received the 85th Falcon Award in 1971. Do not recall the exact date and the certificate is buried in storage.

Regards to all,

Doug Maymon #122

Steve,

I received Spaatz #445 in 1977 and then my Frank E. Borman Falcon Award in 1978 (I think), which was unnumbered, when I turned senior. I have the certificate laying around here somewhere but couldn’t lay my hands on it in a hurry.

I received an unnumbered Frank Borman Falcon Award Certificate on 23 January 1975.

Harry L. Harting, Jr.

Spaatz #273

Harry,

Thanks for the update. I’ve included you in the master table. Also, thanks to some help from CAPMEMBERS.com, we’ve updated all the 1967 numbered Falcon Awards.

v/r

MJH

I received an unnumbered Falcon Award on Aug 10 1977. Spaatz Award #308. CA Wing.

Your info is correct. I did receive my Falcon in the Fall of 1969.

The commander of CAP presented this to me in front of the AF ROTC

unit at Tulane.

Brig Gen Richard N. Ellis, USAF, 1 Nov 1969 – 31 Oct 1972

So, I received my award right after he was appointed.

The award was numbered. You show someone in 1969 as award number 50.

I think my number may have been 49 but am not sure.

Don’t have the certificate. I do remember an intense desire to beat

number 50 in both my Spaatz and Falcon. Spaatz is #44.

Interestingly, the reason the good General came to me was that he had

a daughter at Newcombe, which was an all female school that is part of Tulane.

He wanted to visit his daughter. We even laughed about that. Very nice guy.

I received my Falcon Award on 25 Aug 75 as a CAP Chief Warrant Officer. The certificate was unnumbered, so I have no idea where I am in the line-up. The certificate was signed by CAP Brig Gen William M. Patterson (CAP/CC) and USAF Brig Gen Leslie J. Westberg (HQ CAP-USAF/CC).

Hi, I have the Falcon Award, and I imagine it was in 1972 when I was sworn into the Professional Officer Corps in Air Force R.O.T.C. It may be numbered, but I don’t know for sure. I’ll write back when I run into the certificat.

Thanks,

Mary Kay Higgins, Spaatz 131, Illinois Wing

Mary Kay,

Thanks for the update. I’ve added you to the “found” list. If you got your award before 7 Sep 72, then you definitely have a number. After this, they were unnumbered by NHQ. You should see an update when we refresh the pages around the middle of June!

Thanks.

Hi:

I received the Falcon Award on 5/1/79, Spaatz number 433. Thanks

sorry hit the wrong keys Spaatz number was 422

Randy,

Thanks! I’ve added you to the master list. It will be posted with the November update.

v/r

MJH

I know the following also received their Falcon.

Eddy Billman also has the Gil Robb Wilson.

223 Victor L. Zirilli 06 Jul 1973 NE AF Academy

312 Michael R. Foster 03 Mar 1975 CO

419 Eddy Billman 27 Jan 1977 TX AF Academy

Bob,

Thanks for the update. I’ll post an updated list to the site this morning!

v/r

MJH

Dear Mike,

I was awarded the Spaatz award #128 on 15 Oct 1970. I was also awarded the Falcon Award (the “old” metal Eagle ribbon). I never received my certificate as one of the Senior Members received my award on my behalf as I was unavailable; I have never known my Falcon number. I did receive the medal and ribbon; however it was lost somewhere in my transfers and moves. I was in the Bronx, NY at the time of my Spaatz and officially still on the rolls as a Senior (although I was on active duty at the time).

Richard Goidel was in Brooklyn, NY and was Spaatz #96 or 98. Sandra Shore (later Dorfman) was #100 (also Bronx, NY). I believe that Andrew Medler was either #98 or 96 (whichever Rich Goidel was not).

If you wish, I am happy to send an update of my activities. Please feel free to contact me at the email I provided.

V/R

Murray

(Spaatz #128)

Murray,

Thanks for the update. It looks like your Falcon number would be between 51 and 84. I’ll keep you posted as we get more data.

It would be great if you would update your contact info here: the Association information-update form

I’m working on a “Where are they now?” page for each Spaatzen to provide updates on who is doing what. I hope it will be running by the end of the first quarter.

More soon.

v/r

MJH

Murray, you old duffer! Your post brings back back many warm memories of New York Wing! Best Wishes!

My former cadet commander! You led the Albany squadron for the first 8 months I was in CAP, and I’ve followed you in earning the Spaatz and Falcon Awards and attending a service academy. Now after a 35 year hiatus, I’m back with CAP watching my son following in his old duffer’s steps! Good to be in touch!

Murray,

You almost got a surprise patient in your former office in Arlington (I see Dr Michael P. periodically).

I hope you are doing well, and I wonder where you are.

Cheers,

Mary Kay

Dear Mary Kay,

Great to hear from you. I have been living in GA in the Atlanta suburbs. Am currently tenured Assoc Prof teaching medical students at GA campus of PCOM. My email is [email address withheld]. Email me there and we can catch up.

Regards,

Murray

I earned the Falcon Award 30 July 1976. 219 Charles G. Bishop Jr (Chuck). Signed by William Patterson, National Commander and Carl MS. Miller, CAP-USAF Commander.

Thanks, Chuck.

I’ve added your info to the master Falcon database — it will post when we do the next update on 1 Feb. I’ve also added your email to your master Spaatz membership listing. You can update the rest of your information with us by clicking here: the Association information-update form

v/r

MJH

Dana W. Moss, Falcon Award in summer or fall 1977, I believe it was not numbered. I’m active again in CAP – any idea where I can get the Falcon Award ribbon?

Mr. Moss: I work at Bell Helicopter in Fort Worth, and I have found a book in our library entitled Military Aircraft 1939-1945 with your name in it, handwritten and with an embossed seal of your name/iniitials. Apparently you received it as a Christmas present from your parents in 1971. it is in marvelous shape, but the plates in the back are off the spine. If this is the right Dana W. Moss, it would be my privilege to return it to you.

Alan Ewing

[email address withheld]

USAF Academy Class of 1984

Oddly enough, EBay. I found one of the old enameled ribbons there. Took patience, tho. Steve Austen, Falcon number 103

Vanguard does not offer the Falcon Award ribbon as one of the CAP ribbons they sell. I wish I had bought more than the one cloth ribbon I currently wear. it’s beginning to look a bit worn but I can’t replace it.

I wonder what it takes to get Vanguard or someone else to make a Falcon Award ribbon again?

I was in Air Force ROTC when I was awarded my Spaatz so it only took another 38 days before I received my Falcon Award.

Tom Sadauskas

I received my Falcon Award in the fall of 1973, from General Hoyt S. Vandenburg, Jr., Commandant of Cadets, USAFA, after the completion of my 3rd class year at the Academy. I will dig out my certificate and check it for a number.

Dear Bob,

Great to hear from you. Please email me at [email address withheld] so we can catch up.

Regards,

Murray

I checked my Falcon Certificate. The date of the certificate is 12 July 1973. There is no number.

Steve and Mike, Great to see that you guys added this. In the summer of 1979, I recalled being told I earned the Falcon, but it was never formally presented (nor was my Spaatz–I had to ‘borrow it’ off my squadron commander’s desk, after discovering it had a coffee ring on it (on the back, thankfully)). After all these years, it would be cool to find out if this was true.

Also note that you guys are missing the Falcon Award of Carlos A. Puentes, also of Florida Wing. His squadron commander arraigned to actally have Frank Broman present the award. Carlos still has both the certificate and the newspaper clipping.

v/r

George Navarini, MEP, ALEM, MEMS, PCP

Admissions Officer

U.S. Coast Guard Academy

TSA 407

George,

Let me see what I can track down in the records about your award. Thanks for the tip on Carlos — I’ve reached out to him for an update.

v/r

MJH

My Falcon Award was #6.

Hello Everyone,

I regret not following up with getting my Falcon Award, even though I became a senior member for a period of time and was a NROTC Midshipman. Spent 20 years in the Navy retiring as a Commander and would tell everyone who would listen that I credit much if not all of my success due to being a Civil Air Patrol cadet.

L.A. Lewis

Spaatzen #277

Savannah Composite Squadron, Georgia Wing

I don’t know his date or number, but I am absolutely certain that Paul W. Morich of New Jersey Wing was a Falcon Award winner. I’ve seen his certificate and I saw him wearing the ribbon. I don’t currently have contact with him.

My name (Robert Hey) is listed above as Falcon award recipient, but the number which is 46 is missing. I received the award on June 30, 1969. Thanks for updating your records.

Please add Antony Michael Upton to the list of Falcon award recipients. He received his Spaatz #99, and I know that in the next year or two he went on to get his Falcon. He and I were both in the same squadron and close friends.

I am still trying to figure out what my Falcon number is, which WAS issued 9/15/1970. Which means it should be between 51 and 84 I have the certificate, but of course the number is on the back. My wife had my certificate professionally mounted in a frame – along with a photo of Ronald Reagan (Governor) presenting my Spaatz to me – right about the time that RR and I celebrated our birthday! In that same frame is the ‘medal’ portion of the Falcon award medal.

I have not figured out how to request a Spaatz.Org email. ???

Here is an interesting note – according to: http://www.capvolunteernow.com/todays_features.cfm/trick_maintains_zeal_for_civil_air_patrol_aerospace_service?show=news&newsID=7307

Col. Larry Trick received the LAST Falcon award – a mark of distinction certainly.

Hello, I respectfully request that you add my name to your Falcon award recipient list, Richard E Graves. My award letter is dated 13 April 1979 and Brig Gen Jonnie Boyd, CAP, and Brig Gen Paul Gardner, USAF, presented the certificate, medal and ribbon to me at the NE Region Conference in fall 1979. I was in the PAWG.

v/r

Rich Graves

Spaatz #484

USA (ret)

Rich,

Thanks for the update. You are now on the list!

v/r

MJH

Thanks to Mike McEleney who initially reported my Falcon Award – I received the award on 5 Apr 78 (Steve Foster, Spaatz #440). There was no award certificate number

I recieved the Falcon Award I believe in 1974 after completing two years of AFROTC at Howard University. I am Spaatzen 245 from the National Capital Wing. Both may Spaatz and Falcon ribbons are displayed in my office at work. Jeffery A. Hunt 245

Jeff,

Thanks for the update. I’ll add you to the list, and you will appear in the next web update.

v/r

MJH

My Falcon Award is #4 dated 30 Nov 1966. I have the certificate, but don’t show it to many people because the serial number on the award is my SSN.

David,

Thanks! I’ve added you to the master list. Your award will appear when we do the next update to the website.

vr

MJH

I purchased a Falcon Award Medal a few years ago at a military collectors show. They had no idea what it was. On the reverse of the medal is the name U.L. Estes. I couldn’t find this person on your listings for Spaatz Awards or Falcon Awards. If anyone knows if this person actually was awarded this award, or knows if this person is still around, I would love to reunite the medal with it’s owner.

Respectfully,

Lt.Col. Darrel D. Williamson, CAP

Commander

Indiana Wing Group XII Headquarters

Lt Col Williamson,

Unfortunately, the name may be a manufacturer mark. To earn a Falcon Award, you need to have earned the Spaatz Award. Our Spaatz list is complete, and there is no one by the name of Estes on the list. Perhaps one of our other members can provide some additional insight.

v/r

MJH

Perhaps if you could take a close up photo where the name is shown and either post the image if possible or email to myself or to Mike Hower. There MIGHT also be a number inscribed as well.

I received my Falcon Award 29 June 1979. Megann Streeter

Megann,

I’ve added you to the master Falcon list. Your name will appear when we do the next update — probably in mid- to late-September.

What squadron were you from in UT? I was in Enterprise at the U from 1985-1991.

Would you be willing to update your contact information via our Member Services page? (Click Membership…Member Services…and fill out our online Information Update Form).

v/r

MJH

I was with Wasatch and Westminster in the 70’s .. Will do the update. Not many Beehive folks running around glad to meet you.

Mike – I received the Falcon Award in 1971 but don’t have the exact date or if it was numbered. I was Spaatz Award #137 and received the Falcon Award shortly after that. Paul Doto Jr.

Paul,

Thanks for the info. I’ve added you to the master list, and your name will appear on the website with the next update.

v/r

MJH

Mike – I have recently moved and found new info on my Falcon Award. I was #83 issued in 1971, NJ Wing.

Mike, I received the Falcon Award on May 21, 1979. I am number 508 for the Spaatz Award. I can send you a photo of the Falcon Award. Thomas G. Shedd

Mike

My Falcon award would have been dated sometime in 1976. It is in a box in storage – sometime I will dig it out.

Roman Lubynsky

Hello, I am Maureen Donlan (Butler) and Spaatz #119. I got a numbered Falcon but cannot remember the number. If I find it I will tell you. Is there still a Cadet of the Year? I received the second one, first female in 1970. Got the Air Force Association Outstanding Civil Air Patrol Cadet trophy in 1970.

Gen, Claire Chennault’s widow, Anna attended the ceremonies in Washington, D.C. for these awards. We had named our squadron Chennault and we had several Spaatz: O’Quin, Johnston, and my brother, Craig Donlan.

Thanks for sending me the postcard to remind me to visit.

Hi Mike.

I received the Falcon Award in 1979. I’m Spaatz Recipient #462, Col, US Army (Ret). Received the award when I was at the Clara E Livingston Cadet Squadron, PR Wing, from Nancy Melendez Spaatz Recipient # 297. I’ll look for the award certificate for the the number.Thank you for keeping tract of CAP history. Awilda I Rivera