The Aircraft Warning Service (AWS) was a civilian service of the United States Army Ground Observer Corps instated during World War II to keep watch for enemy planes entering American airspace. For more information see: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aircraft_Warning_Service.
From the November 17, 1943 Asbury Park Press: Almost 100 members of the Freehold Aircraft Warning Service were awarded their wings at a dinner held at the American Hotel. Tribute was paid to the many men and women of Post 54 who manned the lookout stations since the day after Pearl Harbor until October 4, 1943. Post 54 commander, William Carney, expressed his appreciation to the men and women for their work and pointed out that the Legion had been given first responsibility of establishing the service.
