Indiana Governor Edgar D. Whitcomb presented each 71st SOS Reservist with a Service Recognition Certificate from the State of Indiana - the first such award ever given by the State.

Governor Whitcomb was a B-17 navigator assigned to the 19th Bombardment Group (Heavy) and stationed at Clark Field, Philippine Islands on 8 Dec 1941. He witnessed and survived the Japanese bombing attack on Clark Field on that day. The unit was ordered from Clark Field on 23 Dec 41 to nearby Corregidor. After being captured by the Japanese, he was faced with a split-second decision that set off a sequence of narrow escapes, captures, and final extrication from enemy territory. Governor Whitcomb rejoined the Army Air Corps in the Pacific until the end of WW II, and retired from the Air Force Reserve with the rank of Colonel.

"Escape From Corregidor" is an autobiography by Edgar D. Whitcomb that documents his captures and escapes. Henry Regnery Company, 1958.