Kunz, Charles M. -- oral history interview, 1965 June 28
Scope and Contents
Fighter ace Charlie M. Kunz is interviewed about his military service with the United States Marine Corps during World War II. He describes his wartime experiences as a fighter pilot, including his time with Marine Fighting Squadron 221 (VMF-221) and Marine Fighting Squadron 224 (VMF-224) in the Pacific Theater. Topics discussed include his training and service history, his participation in the Battle of Midway in June 1942, and his time stationed at Henderson Field in Guadalcanal.
The interview is conducted by fellow fighter ace Eugene A. Valencia at Marine Corps Air Station El Toro, California. Audio may be difficult to hear in some spots due to background noise from passing airplanes.
Dates
- Creation: 1965 June 28
Creator
- From the Collection: American Fighter Aces Association (Organization)
Language of Materials
All materials are in English.
Conditions Governing Access
This collection is open for research. Due to preservation concerns, digital copies should be utilized instead of original materials. There is limited access to undigitized content.
Biographical Note: Charles M. Kunz
Charles M. Kunz was born on November 7, 1919 in Dixon, Missouri. He joined the United States Marine Corps in 1941 and graduated from Naval flight training in September of that year. Initially assigned to Marine Fighting Squadron 221 (VMF-221), Kunz participated in the Battle of Midway in June 1942, then joined the newly formed Marine Fighting Squadron 224 (VMF-224) for the Guadalcanal Campaign. In 1944, he took command of Marine Fighting Squadron 311 (VMF-311), flying missions in the Marshall Islands and Okinawa. Kunz remained in the military after World War II and served in a number of command positions, including commanding Marine Fighter Squadron 323 (VMF-323) during the Korean War. He retired as a colonel in 1967 and passed away in 1999.
Extent
1 Sound tape reels (Reel 1 of 1, labeled: "Col. Kunz, USMC. Midway/Guadalcanal. June 28, 65 - El Toro.") ; 1/4 in.
Repository Details
Part of the The Museum of Flight Archives Repository
9404 East Marginal Way South
Seattle Washington 98108-4097
206-764-7874
curator@museumofflight.org