At 102 years old, retired Captain Jim Kunkle received a tribute that few could imagine: a KC-135R Stratotanker adorned with the colours of his wartime P-38. Kunkle, a P-38 pilot from the 401st Fighter Squadron during World War II, was honoured by the Nebraska Air National Guard’s 155th Air Refueling Wing at the Central Coast AirFest last month. The newly painted KC-135 features black-and-white invasion stripes and nose art inspired by Kunkle’s P-38.
The idea for this unique project originated in 2018 when airmen from the 155th ARW discovered the squadron’s World War II heritage patch, labelled “Toast of the Host”. They learned that Kunkle was one of the last surviving pilots from that era and reached out to him. This connection blossomed into a relationship that culminated in the commemorative paint scheme.
This special design bridges the history of the 401st Fighter Squadron with the present. The 401st was transformed into the 173rd Air Refueling Squadron in 1947, which is now part of the 155th ARW. Colonel Andrew Malousek, vice wing commander of the 155th ARW, noted the importance of the project: “This project is really special for us,” said Malousek. “It connects our past with the present and honours a remarkable legacy. Many WWII veterans are no longer with us, and the fact that we have the opportunity to celebrate Captain Kunkle and his service is incredible.”
Kunkle was given a tour of the aircraft and signed a bulkhead inside, leaving a message honouring the 401st Fighter Squadron. He also penned a note thanking the maintainers for their efforts in preparing the aircraft. The 155th ARW presented Kunkle with a U.S. flag that had been flown aboard the KC-135.
Kunkle was deeply moved by the tribute. “I would have to tell you, it’s been emotional for me,” he said. “It’s a contact that I’m glad we made and the people have been wonderful. The stripes were a big surprise. I couldn’t believe it.” He shared a story about visiting a monument to his former groups in Normandy: “On my second trip to Normandy, we visited a small village where our airfield once stood. There’s a monument to the 366th and 370th groups, and the French hold a ceremony there every year with fresh flowers. It’s gratifying to see that memory carried forward,” He sees the KC-135 as a symbol of his squadron, saying, “Your airplane really represents the 401st to me and all my friends. For whatever reason, I’m still here, and I guess I’m the last man standing.” Kunkle expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the Nebraska Air National Guard: “I can probably say thank you, but that’s sparse words for how I really feel,” Kunkle said. “Everyone I’ve met from Nebraska has been top form. Keep up the good work.”
The KC-135 will continue to fly with the commemorative paint scheme until 2025. Although the paint will eventually fade, Colonel Malousek believes the impact of the project will have a lasting effect: “Seeing the look on Jim’s face when he saw the jet made all the hard work worth it,” Malousek said. “This wasn’t just about painting an aeroplane. It was about building connections with history, with Captain Kunkle and with each other. And that’s something we’ll carry with us for a long time.”
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