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Arnold Air Society Summer Camp 1947 - The possibility of an honorary society is discussed by a group of AFROTC cadets from Cincinnati, Ohio. Their ideas are presented to Captain Nelkamper, Major Victor Sampson and Lieutenant Colonel James Pierce. October 1947 - A committee of cadets is chosen to make a tentative constitution. The Society of Air Cadets becomes the tentative name for the society. December 1947 - General H. H. Arnold grants permission for the society to use his name provided the society begin on a local basis at the University of Cincinnati and expand with a spontaneous nature. April 1948 - Official recognition is given to the society by General C. B. Stone. Air Defense Command sends copies of the constitution to colleges and universities throughout the nation in the hope of expanding the organization. As a result, twenty new squadrons are formed within the next year. Spring of 1950 - At the first National Convention, the University of Cincinnati is chosen as the first National Headquarters until 1954. General Arnold is named the first Honorary Commander and Mrs. Arnold is named the first Honorary Sponsor. The first National Commander was Cadet Paul T. Johns. 1951 - The society is officially named the Arnold Air Society after the death of General Arnold. General James Doolittle is chosen the next Honorary Commander Demas T. Craw Squadron 
Colonel Demas T. Craw, a 1943 Congressional Medal of Honor recipient and namesake of the Demas T. Craw squadron at AFROTC Detachment 890, was born on April 9, 1900 in Traverse City, Michigan. It was also here, in Michigan, that he entered the Army Air Corps and began a successful career as an American military man. Colonel Craw's successful rise was cut short by the outbreak of World War II. After participating in many dangerous missions, Colonel Craw sought to assist the landing of assault boats on the shore near Port Lyautey, French Morrocco on November 8, 1942. Though the mission was extremely risky, Colonel Craw felt the attempt was neccessary and Colonel Craw's successful landing at Mehdia Plage encountered heavy fire. As they neared Port Lyautey a burst of gunfire from a concealed location instantly killed him. Mrs. Craw, his widow, accepted his Medal of Honor posthumously for his actions "Above and beyond the call of duty." Colonel Craw's valor and bravery on behalf of our nation distinguish him and others who have made the ultimate sacrifice. We are proud to honor his memory at the Arnold Air Squadron of Detachment 890. The Demas T. Craw Squadron was formed in 1957 at the University of Virginia. It was disbanded in 1960, but reformed later that same year. The squadron received the Hagan Trophy in 1972, 1973, 1975 and 1976, the Maryland Cup in 2003, and the LBJ Cup in 2005. |
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