Floor SpeechCeremonial2026-01-08

HONORING THE LIFE AND SERVICE OF JAMES KUNKLE

DefenseCrime & JusticeVeteransInfrastructure

Context

On 2026-01-08, Representative Salud O. Carbajal (D-CA-24) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING THE LIFE AND SERVICE OF JAMES KUNKLE" in the House. The speech addressed defense and also covered crime and justice, veterans affairs.

Full Text

HONORING THE LIFE AND SERVICE OF JAMES KUNKLE

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 5 (Thursday, January 8, 2026) [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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HONORING THE LIFE AND SERVICE OF JAMES KUNKLE Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 5 (Thursday, January 8, 2026) [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. ____________________