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Navy Federal Credit Union
David
Ernest
Kunkel
, Jr.
December 24, 1918

–

March 14, 2005

Born:

Bay City

, 

Michigan

Home:

Muskegon

, 

Michigan

David Kunkel graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, Class of 1941. He retired in 1961 as a U.S. Air Force Colonel.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Major (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    534th Bombardment Squadron

    Regiment:

    381st Bombardment Group

    Division:

    8th Air Force

    Action Date:

    World War II
    United States Military Academy Register of Graduates

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Major (Air Corps) David Ernest Kunkel, Jr., United States Army Air Forces, 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 while as Commanding Officer, 534th Bombardment Squadron, and later as Operations Officer, 381st Bombardment Group, EIGHTH Air Force, during World War II. 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:

    Major (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    534th Bombardment Squadron

    Regiment:

    381st Bombardment Group

    Division:

    8th Air Force

    Action Date:

    World War II
    United States Military Academy Register of Graduates

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Major (Air Corps) David Ernest Kunkel, Jr., United States Army Air Forces, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while as Commanding Officer, 534th Bombardment Squadron, and later as Operations Officer, 381st Bombardment Group, EIGHTH Air Force, during World War II. 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.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Major (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    534th Bombardment Squadron

    Regiment:

    381st Bombardment Group (H)

    Division:

    8th Air Force

    Action Date:

    World War II
    Headquarters, 8th Air Force, General Orders No. 155 (September 13, 1943)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major (Air Corps) David Ernest Kunkel, Jr. (ASN: 0-23805), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a B-17 Flying Fortress Bomber and as Commanding Officer of the 534th Bombardment Squadron, 381st Bombardment Group (Heavy), EIGHTH Air Force, in aerial operations in the European Theater of Operations, in 1943. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Major Kunkel, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army Air Forces.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Major (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    534th Bombardment Squadron

    Regiment:

    381st Bombardment Group

    Division:

    8th Air Force

    Action Date:

    World War II
    United States Military Academy Register of Graduates

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Major (Air Corps) David Ernest Kunkel, Jr., 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 while as Commanding Officer, 534th Bombardment Squadron, and later as Operations Officer, 381st Bombardment Group, EIGHTH Air Force, during World War II. 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.