Congressman Latham Votes to Honor the World War II Members of the Monuments Men and Civil Air Patrol

Press Release

Congressman Tom Latham recently voted to pass two pieces of legislation that would honor Iowans in unique ways. S. 309, Legislation originating in the Senate by The Honorable Tom Harkin (D-IA), awards The Congressional Gold Medal to the World War II members of the Civil Air Patrol. The Congressional Gold Medal is considered the most distinguished award given by Congress and is an expression of public gratitude on behalf of the nation for distinguished contributions.

The Monuments Men Recognition Act of 2013 honors the actions of a special unit during World War II whose purpose was to recover art stolen by the Nazis and protect monuments on the ground in Europe during the war. This legislation officially recognizes the contributions of the Monuments Men.

"These two storied organizations both have proud ties to the state of Iowa. The Civil Air Patrol has consistently accomplished the critical mission of providing the United States Air Force an auxiliary to accomplish aerospace education, cadet programs, and emergency services. I have had the distinct pleasure to meet many of both National and Iowa Civil Air Patrol members and am a proud Legislative member of the Civil Air Patrol" said Latham.

"I am also a proud cosponsor of the legislation to honor the Monuments Men. George Stout, a native of Winterset Iowa, and a University of Iowa graduate, was one of the original monuments men. Stout's work in preserving precious works of art during horrible circumstances is a true testament to his dedication to art." Added Latham.

The Civil Air Patrol was established in the days prior to the attack on Pearl Harbor. The Civil Air Patrol, then serving under the Army Air Corps, logged more than 500,000 flying hours, sunk two enemy submarines, and saved hundreds of crash victims during World War II. After the War, President Harry S. Truman made the Civil Air Patrol a nonprofit organization and incorporated them under the control of the United States Air Force as an auxiliary.

George Leslie Stout, a Winterset native, fought in both World War I and World War II. He is a graduate of the University of Iowa and Harvard University and was a pioneer in the field of chemistry based approaches to preserving art. Stout was placed on active duty in 1943 and assigned to the Monuments, Fine Arts, and Archives Program that was created by the Roberts Commission.

The actions of the monuments men gained little attention until the book about their exploits was published by Robert Edsel in 2009. A movie was released in 2014 staring George Clooney, whose character was based on Stout.

"Without men like Stout, we would have lost countless pieces of inspiration. Generations of Americans would not be able to see influential artwork. Going into a war-zone to protect art is a noble deed and I am proud to say that Stout exhibited courage that truly is a feature of many Iowans. The Civil Air Patrol's actions during World War II are also a testimony to the important role they have played and will continue to play. Iowa, and the nation is a safer and more enlightened place due to the actions of the Civil Air Patrol and the monuments men actions and I will continue to be a supporter of their missions and members in Iowa."

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