Navy Federal Credit Union

Iven Kincheloe was commissioned through the Air Force ROTC program at Purdue University. He flew a total of 131 combat missions during the Korean War and became an ACE credited with 5 aerial victories. Subsequently serving as a U.S. Air Force test pilot, he was killed in the crash of an F-104 Starfighter on July 26, 1958.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Captain

    Action Date:

    September 7, 1956

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Iven Carl Kincheloe (AFSN: 0-22797A), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight at Edwards Air Force Base, California, on 7 September 1956. Through superlative flying skill, Captain Kincheloe achieved the very exacting climb technique necessary for taking full advantage of the extremely short fuel duration of the X-2 rocket powered research aircraft and with outstanding courage pressed well beyond the highest altitude ever before achieved in a piloted airplane and thereby extended the known boundaries of altitude flight. The exemplary proficiency and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Kincheloe reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Captain

    Action Date:

    1857

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Captain Iven Carl Kincheloe (AFSN: 0-22797A), United States Air Force, was awarded a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight. 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 Force of the United States.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Captain

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Captain Iven Carl Kincheloe (AFSN: 0-22797A), United States Air Force, was awarded the Legion of Merit (Posthumously) for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Captain Kincheloe and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Captain

    Batallion:

    25th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron

    Regiment:

    51st Fighter-Interceptor Group

    Division:

    5th Air Force

    Action Date:

    April 1, 1952

    Headquarters, Far East Air Forces, General Orders No. 272 (June 4, 1952)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain Iven Carl Kincheloe, Jr. (AFSN: 0-22797A), United States Air Force, for gallantry in action against an enemy of the United Nations as Pilot of an F-86 Sabrejet Fighter-Bomber in the 25th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron, 51st Fighter-Interceptor Group, FIFTH Air Force, in Korea, on 1 April 1952. While leading a flight of four F-86 type aircraft, Captain Kincheloe encountered sixteen enemy aircraft attempting to intercept friendly fighter-bombers, Captain Kincheloe quickly broke his flight into elements to engage the enemy, and boldly attacked although greatly outnumbered. He pressed attacks against two of the enemy, completely disregarding efforts of other aircraft to deter him. Displaying unusual aggressiveness, Captain Kincheloe severely damaged the aircraft of the enemy flight leader, forcing him to eject himself, and despite heavy damage to his own aircraft, attacked another and destroyed it completely. Captain Kincheloe’s destruction of the two aircraft effectively broke up the enemy force and prevented their attack on the friendly fighter-bombers. Through his personal courage, outstanding airmanship, and devotion to duty, Captain Kincheloe reflected great credit upon himself, the FAR EAST Air Forces, and the United States Air Force.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Captain

    Batallion:

    25th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron

    Regiment:

    51st Fighter-Interceptor Group

    Division:

    5th Air Force

    Action Date:

    January 19, 1952

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Iven Carl Kincheloe (AFSN: 0-22797A), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as a pilot of an F-86 Fighter Plane in the 25th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron, 51st Fighter-Interceptor Group, FIFTH Air Force, on 19 January 1952, in Korea. As flight leader of a formation of four F-86 type aircraft, Lieutenant Kincheloe attacked and destroyed one Communist MiG. Although outnumbered five-to-one, Lieutenant Kincheloe maneuvered his element to the most advantageous position and pressed the attack. After Lieutenant Kincheloe fired several bursts the MiG began to burn and crashed to the ground. By this display of superb flying ability and aggressiveness, Lieutenant Kincheloe has brought great credit to himself and the United States Air Force.