Arnold Air Society and Silver Wings - James Van Veen Sq.

ral he entered pilot training. When he received his wings, he tested his theories of maneuvers. Professor Carver made a mutual agreement to rename the squadron after the first member died in combat. This member was James Van Veen on the 27th of May, 1953 in Oktong-ni, Korea. He died flying an F-84 fighter as a First Lieutenant. He became the first member of the Harry C. Carver Squadron to be killed in combat. In 1953, the re-designation was approved and the James Van Veen Squadron was born. That spring James Van Veen won the Air Medal and Distinguished Flying Cross awards for skilled leadership and knowledge of the Korean terrain. Since those early days, the Squadron had developed into an outstanding squadron and in 1961 and 1967 it was named Area E-2 Headquarters. This honor was again bestowed upon the Squadron in 1982, 1984/1991 to host the Area E and Area IX Headquarters, respectively. In 1992, the Squadron hosted the Area VI Conclave. At the National Conclave in 1961 and 1967, the Squadron received the plaque award for being the outstanding squadron in the area and in 1981, the Squadron received the Hagen Trophy for being the most outstanding medium sized squadron in the area. The Squadron also received the most improved squadron award at the area level in 1985, and was named the Outstanding Medium Sized Squadron in 1987 and again in 1991. In 1991, the Squadron was also awarded the Best Accomplishment of the Joint National Project in Area IX. The squadron also received numerous awards from the University of Michigan, including the Student Recognition Award (1992) and the Student Achievement Award (1990,91).