Donald Kienholz served in the Washington National Guard from 1939, and applied for flight training after World War II began. During the war he became a U.S. Army Air Forces ACE, credited with destroying 6 enemy aircraft in aerial combat. After the war he transferred to the new U.S. Air Force, and retired in 1965 as a Major. He died in the crash of a small Piper Navajo airplane at Walla Walla, Washington, in 1973.
Sponsored by:
Donald
David
Kienholz
June 7, 1923
–
December 27, 1973
Born:
Edwall
,
Washington
Home:
Edwall
,
Washington
Buried:
Spokane
,
Washington
Cemetery:
Pines Cemetery
Awards Received
-
Distinguished Flying Cross
-
Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Army Air ForcesRank:
First Lieutenant (Air Corps)Batallion:
94th Fighter SquadronRegiment:
1st Fighter GroupDivision:
15th Air ForceAction Date:
World War II
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: First Lieutenant (Air Corps) Donald David Kienholz (ASN: 0-740456), United States Army Air Forces, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a P-38 Fighter Pilot of the 94th Fighter Squadron, 1st Fighter Group, FIFTEENTH Air Force, in action against the enemy in aerial combat in the Mediterranean Theater of Action during World War II. The skillful and zealous manner in which he has sought out the enemy and destroyed him, his devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions on all these occasions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.