Louisa Spruance Morse, (1912- 2009) Wilmington, was a Civil Air Patrol ground instructor in World War II and rose to serve as commander of the Delaware Wing for 23 years. Colonel Morse was named Wing Commander of the Year for 1969 among the 52 state commanders. She was the first woman to serve on the CAP National Executive committee when she was appointed commander of the seven-state Middle East region in 1976. She was appointed CAP national controller in 1979. She founded CAP's National Historical committee and continues to perform research into the organization's history.
At the beginning of the war, Miss Spruance was a Red Cross first aid instructor in Wilmington. She studied to become an aviation ground instructor and became certified by the Civil Aeronautics Authority.
She enlisted in the CAP as a private in 1942. Progressing through enlisted and officer ranks, her staff assignments included instructor, squadron assistant training officer, wing assistant training officer, wing supply officer and wing fiscal officer. Her decorations are legion.
In 1947, Louisa Spruance married Lt. Col. Albert W Morse, Jr., an Army reserve officer. He too joined the Delaware Wing where he advanced in a succession of posts, including director of operations. He died in 1979. The Morses' children are Alice H. Morse II of Chester Springs, Pa., and William Spruance Morse, Daytona Beach, Fla.
