Navy Federal Credit Union

Kendall Carlson earned his wings with the Royal Canadian Air Force prior to America’s entry into World War II, and transferred to the U.S. Army Air Forces in 1943. During World War II, he became a U.S. Army Air Forces ACE, credited with shooting down 6 enemy aircraft in aerial combat. After the war he flew combat with the U.S. Air Force in Korea, and retired in 1951 as a Lieutenant Colonel.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Captain (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    336th Fighter Squadron

    Regiment:

    4th Fighter Group

    Division:

    8th Air Force

    Action Date:

    World War II

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Captain (Air Corps) Kendall E. Carlson (ASN: 0-2044438), United States Army Air Forces, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a P-47 Fighter Pilot of the 336th Fighter Squadron, 4th Fighter Group, EIGHTH Air Force, in action against the enemy in aerial combat in the European Theater of Operations 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.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Captain (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    336th Fighter Squadron

    Regiment:

    4th Fighter Group

    Division:

    8th Air Force

    Action Date:

    World War II

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Captain (Air Corps) Kendall E. Carlson (ASN: 0-2044438), United States Army Air Forces, was awarded a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a P-47 Fighter Pilot of the 336th Fighter Squadron, 4th Fighter Group, EIGHTH Air Force, in action against the enemy in aerial combat in the European Theater of Operations 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.

  • Prisoner of War Medal

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Captain (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    336th Fighter Squadron

    Regiment:

    4th Fighter Group

    Division:

    Prisoner of War (Germany)

    Action Date:

    February 25, 1945 – May 1945

    NARA Database: Records of World War II Prisoners of War, created, 1942 – 38505

    Captain (Air Corps) Kendall E. Carlson (ASN: 0-2044438), United States Army Air Forces, was captured by German forces after he was forced to crash-land while strafing the Kothen airdrome on 25 February 1945, and was held as a Prisoner of War until his return to U.S. Military Control at the end of hostilities in May 1945.