Lifelong Anti-Subchaser Advocate Was 93

Aero-News learned recently of the passing of Col. Henry Ed Phipps of Cockeysville, MD, a lifelong spokesman for Civil Air Patrol anti-subchaser patrols. Phipps passed away November 9, at the age of 93.

Phipps joined CAP on the first day the organization was formed on December 1, 1941. A member of the Maryland Wing, he flew subchaser missions out of Coastal Patrol Base 2 in Rehoboth Beach, DE.

"This is a tremendous loss," said Sr. Mbr. Roger Thiel of the Maryland Wing., an independent CAP historian. "Ed Phipps was our most important anti-sub veteran. He was a spokesman for CAP anti-sub patrol who made dozens of personal appearances."

Phipps was the featured anti-sub veteran in the History Channel’s segment on CAP anti-subchasers that aired in November 2001. Thiel said Phipps organized reunions for Coastal Patrol Base 2 for more than 20 years, in addition to his work as a spokesman.

"He remained an advocate of telling the story of CAP anti-subchasers, and was planning a trip to Baltimore to speak to the Osprey Squadron just two days before his death," Thiel said.

National CAP Historian Lt. Col. Bill Schell said he had known Phipps since the 1940s. Both were members of the Baltimore squadron. "It kind of hits me hard because he gave me my cadet orientation ride in 1944," he said. "At the time, I didn’t know he would become so famous."

In response to news of Phipps’ death, CAP Interim National Commander Brig. Gen. Amy S. Courter said, "Civil Air Patrol lost a bit of history today with the death of Ed Phipps. His enthusiasm for CAP’s missions never wavered during nearly 66 years of service. His loyalty and the legacy he leaves behind establish a record of volunteer service second to none." 

At the time of his death, Phipps was one of the few living members of Coastal Patrol Base 2, which was based in Rehoboth Beach, DE during World War II. "That leaves only three living members -- Eddie Edwards, Tom Cook and Maury Betchen," said Schell. 

Funeral arrangements are scheduled for Monday, in the North Baltimore area.

FMI: www.cap.gov