Nebraska Air National Guard honors WWII P-38 pilot with Special Heritage KC-135 Stratotanker

The traditional KC-135 jet will remain in service with its World War II-inspired paint scheme until 2025.

The Nebraska Air National Guard’s 155th Air Refueling Wing (ARW) unveiled a historic KC-135R Stratotanker painted in a stunning World War II-inspired heritage scheme during the Central Coast AirFest in California, September 21-22, 2024 The paint scheme pays homage to Captain Jim Kunkle, a 102-year veteran and former P-38 pilot with the 401st Fighter Squadron. This project highlights the unique link between the modern Air National Guard unit and the squadron’s World War II legacy, celebrating both Kunkle’s service and the history of the unit in which he served.

Tribute to a hero of the Second World War

The connection between Captain Kunkle and the 155th ARW began in 2018 when members of the Nebraska-based unit discovered a “Toast of the Host” patch that belonged to the 401st Fighter Squadron, the unit Kunkle flew with during World War II. Worldwide, a public release explains. It was a serendipitous discovery, but one that led the airmen to search for Kunkle, who was still alive and one of the last surviving members of the 401st. The relationship developed from there, and in 2023 the squadron decided to honor Kunkle with a commemorative paint scheme on one of its KC-135 tankers.

“This project is really special to us,” said Col. Andrew Malousek, 155th ARW vice wing commander. “It connects our past with the present and honors 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.” For Malousek and the rest of the unit, the KC-135’s new look is more than just a tribute; it is a living connection to history.

The newly painted KC-135 features black and white invasion stripes, a trademark of World War II aircraft involved in the D-Day invasion of Normandy, as well as nose art inspired by Kunkle’s own P-38 Lightning. These visual elements are intended to bring the legacy of the 401st Fighter Squadron, part of the 9th Air Force’s 370th Fighter Group, into the present. After the war, the 401st became the 173rd Air Refueling Squadron, which is now part of the 155th ARW.

A connection to the past

The process of connecting with Kunkle and designing the paint scheme was deeply personal for the Airmen of the 155th. Kunkle himself was actively involved in the project, sharing his memories and even hitching a ride aboard a KC-135 on April 25, 2023, during which he witnessed a refueling mission with F-15 fighter jets. “They came and gave me a ride over the Pacific Range, and we had to refuel some F-15s. I got to see firsthand what I just heard about, what modern fighters can do and what we can do for them. It’s been an incredible experience being with all the Nebraska folks,” Kunkle said, reflecting on the experience.

The commemorative painting is not just a symbolic gesture; serves as a way for the modern generation of aviators to connect with the past. “We are the living link to his legacy,” said Colonel Malousek. “It’s been incredible to see our Airmen engage with Kunkle’s history and take pride in carrying that heritage forward. Whether they met him personally or not, knowing the story behind the jet gives our team a sense of connection and motivation.”

Kunkle’s emotional response to the honor was clear when he saw the finished aircraft. “I would have to tell you, it was emotional for me,” Kunkle said. “The stripes were a big surprise. I couldn’t believe it.”

The invasion stripes: a tribute to D-Day

One of the most striking features of the KC-135’s new look is the black and white invasion stripes, which hold significant historical significance. The stripes, hastily painted on Allied aircraft in the days leading up to the D-Day invasion, were designed to deter friendly fire as huge fleets of aircraft flew over the English Channel and into enemy-occupied France. The scale of the operation, known as “Operation Overlord”, required the rapid identification of friendly aircraft to avoid accidents amid the chaos of the invasion.

In total, more than 11,500 Allied aircraft flew nearly 15,000 missions on June 6, 1944 – D-Day itself – with the majority of them sporting the distinctive stripes. These markings, although effective in identifying friend and foe, were also removed just a month after D-Day as they interfered with the aircraft’s camouflage. However, the invasion stripes have survived on several commemorative paint schemes on military aircraft, serving as a visual reminder of one of the most significant operations in military history (as well as combat….as shown in Ukraine).

Keeping the legacy alive

The KC-135 Stratotanker’s traditional paint scheme will remain in place until 2025, serving as a flying tribute to Kunkle and the men of the 401st Fighter Squadron. But the legacy will last far beyond the painting. During the unveiling, Kunkle toured the aircraft and even signed a bulkhead inside the jet with a message honoring the 401st Fighter Squadron. He also wrote a note on a piece of painted sheet metal for testing, thanking the maintainers who worked tirelessly to bring the project to life.

To commemorate the occasion, the 155th ARW presented Kunkle with a U.S. flag that he flew aboard the KC-135 during a refueling mission, as well as a California Air National Guard F-15 from the same mission he participated in last year. . It was an emotional moment for Kunkle, who reflected how much this honor meant to him. “Your plane truly represents the 401st to me and all my friends. For some reason I’m still here and I think I’m the last man standing.”