93-Year-Old Woman Honored with Congressional Gold Medal for WWII Service

A 93-year-old woman is finally getting her recognition for her service during World War II. 

As the Civil Air Patrol flew coastal patrols, offered military training and provided search and rescue efforts during WWII, there were two sisters making sure the CAP squadron in Fairbault, Minnesota stayed on track by meticulously taking notes. 

It started with now 96-year-old Liz Strohfus, who simply stepped up because the CAP needed help. 

"We were to be prepared to do anything we needed to do to help our army," Strohfus told our sister station KMSP. 

However, Strohfus had a love she couldn't resist, and left to join the women's Air Force service pilots because she loved to fly airplanes. She left her duties at the CAP in good hands. Her sister, Cecelia "Cece" Bell, was happy to record history in the making. 

"I kept track of things that were going on at the meetings and things that happened," Bell said. 

Strohfus is draped in medals, but now it's her sister's turn. On Thursday, received the Congressional Gold Medal for her important service in the Civil Air Patrol during the war. Strohfus is proud of her sister and proud of her own service to both the Civil Air Patrol and to the Air Force. Together, they have served our country and we all are forever grateful. 

The Congressional Gold Medal is one of the highest civilian medals you can receive in the United States.