[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 5 (Thursday, January 8, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E15]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             HONORING THE LIFE AND SERVICE OF JAMES KUNKLE

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. SALUD O. CARBAJAL

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, January 8, 2026

  Mr. CARBAJAL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the remarkable life 
and legacy of James Kunkle, a decorated World War II fighter pilot, 
aviation leader, and American hero whose service and courage spanned 
more than a century.
  James Kunkle was born in October 1922 in New Kensington, 
Pennsylvania, and later moved to California, where he graduated from 
Beverly Hills High School in 1940. His commitment to service began 
early, joining the California Air National Guard as a teenager. During 
World War II, he earned his pilot's wings in 1942 and served as a 
fighter pilot with the 401st Fighter Squadron of the 370th Fighter 
Group under the United States Army Air Forces, flying the iconic P-38 
Lightning in combat missions over Europe.
  On September 16, 1944, during a mission over Aachen, Germany, Mr. 
Kunkle displayed extraordinary heroism in aerial combat. Despite being 
wounded, sustaining severe aircraft damage, and enduring an onboard 
fire, he shot down two enemy aircraft. He successfully bailed out over 
what he believed to be enemy-held territory, evaded capture, returned 
to Allied lines, rejoined his squadron, and continued flying missions 
beyond his required tour. For his valor that day, he was awarded the 
Distinguished Service Cross, the Army's second-highest award for 
heroism in combat.
  Following his military service, Mr. Kunkle devoted his life to 
aviation. He operated aviation businesses, developed airports and 
airport facilities across California, throughout the United States, and 
in Guam, and remained an active pilot for decades. He made his longtime 
home in the Santa Ynez Valley, where his contributions left a lasting 
mark on the Central Coast aviation community.
  In his later years, Mr. Kunkle was honored repeatedly for his 
service, including recognition at the 75th anniversary of the D-Day 
invasion in Normandy, designation as an honorary member of the United 
States Space Force, and the naming of Santa Ynez Airport as Kunkle 
Field, honoring three generations of aviators in his family. Even after 
turning 100, he continued to inspire, receiving honors from the 
Nebraska Air National Guard and being recognized as one of the last 
surviving pilots of the 401st Fighter Squadron.
  James Kunkle passed away peacefully at home on November 29, 2025, at 
the age of 103. His life stands as a powerful testament to courage, 
perseverance, and lifelong service to our Nation.

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