Congressional Gold Medals given in the Springs

Two longtime residents of Colorado Springs received the nation’s highest civilian honor Wednesday.

The honorees at the event were Cmdr. Edward Siergiej, who was present to accept the award, and the late Col. William “Pappy” Madsen, who was represented by his wife Mary and his children.

Commander Siergiej credited his wife for her unwavering support.

“When you’re in the Navy you go away in the morning and have no idea whether you’ll come back that night. She never complained,” said Siergiej.

Officers from the Colorado Civil Air Patrol were on hand to present the awards. Brigadier General Jerome Limoje emphasized the patriotism demonstrated by the men.

“If you want to know what real patriotism and valor is, hang around these people for just a couple of minutes,” said Limoje.

The Civil Air Patrol was created on Dec. 1st, 1941, just one day before the bombing of Pearl Harbor.