The 155th Air Refueling Wing of the Nebraska Air National Guard in the United States brought history back to life last month during the Central Coast AirFest, showcasing a KC-135R Stratotanker with a special paint scheme paying tribute to the past.
The tribute was dedicated to Captain Jim Kunkle, a P-38 pilot during World War II, now 102 years old, who served in the 401st Fighter Squadron, highlighting the legacy of this historic unit.
“This project is very special to us,” stated Colonel Andrew Malousek, Deputy Commander of the 155th ARW. “It connects our past with the present and celebrates an extraordinary legacy. Many World War II veterans are no longer with us, and having the opportunity to honor Captain Kunkle and his service is truly incredible” he added.
The idea originated in 2018, when members of the unit discovered the historical emblem of the World War II squadron, titled «Toast of the Host” and learned that Kunkle, one of the last surviving pilots, was still alive. The 155th ARW reached out to him, initiating a relationship that culminated in the commemorative paint scheme presented this year, according to information shared by our partner media outlet, AEROIN, based on a USAF report.
“When things started to return to normal after COVID, Andrew reconnected with me, and it’s been an incredible experience ever since,” Kunkle shared“. They took me on a flight along the Pacific coast, where we refueled some F-15s. I was able to see up close what I’d only known through stories before: what modern fighters can do and how we support them. It was a fantastic experience to be with the Nebraska team” he continued.
The KC-135 now features white and black stripes and a nose illustration inspired by Kunkle’s P-38, merging past and present to commemorate the history of the 401st Fighter Squadron, which was part of the 370th Group of the 9th Air Force. In 1947, the 401st was transformed into the 173rd Air Refueling Squadron, now integrated into the 155th ARW.
During the event, Kunkle visited the aircraft and signed an internal panel with a message honoring the 401st Fighter Squadron. He also wrote a note of gratitude on a painted metal piece used as a test, recognizing the hard work of the aircraft’s maintenance team.
“I must admit it was a very emotional experience for me,” Kunkle said. “This connection is something I’m very grateful for, and the people were wonderful. The stripes were a big surprise. I couldn’t believe it,” he added.
The 155th ARW also presented Kunkle with a U.S. flag that had flown aboard the KC-135 and a California Air National Guard F-15 during the aerial refueling mission he participated in the previous year.
Kunkle reflected on the project’s significance: “On my second trip to Normandy, I visited a small village where our airfield had been. There’s a monument to the 366th and 370th groups, and the French hold an annual ceremony with fresh flowers. It’s rewarding to see this memory preserved” Kunkle said. “This aircraft represents, for me, the 401st and all my friends. For some reason, I’m still here, and I think I’m the last man standing«.
Kunkle expressed deep admiration for the Nebraska Air National Guard and its team. “I can say thank you, but those words aren’t enough to convey what I truly feel,” Kunkle declared. “Everyone I met from Nebraska was exemplary. Keep up the excellent work”
The KC-135 with the historical paint scheme will remain in service until 2025. While the paint may wear over time, the impact of this project will endure.
“Seeing the expression on Jim’s face as he looked at the aircraft made all the effort worthwhile. This wasn’t just about painting a plane. It was about building connections: with history, with Captain Kunkle, and among ourselves. And that’s something we’ll carry with us for a long time,” Malousek concluded.
