Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

First Lieutenant (Lieutenant)

Unit:

Marine Fighting Squadron 221 (VMF-221), Marine Aircraft Group 22 (MAG-22), U.S. Marine Corps Aviation, U.S. Marine Corps

Awarded on:

November 10th, 1942

Citation:
"for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession while serving as Section Leader and a Pilot in Marine Fighting Squadron TWO HUNDRED TWENTY-ONE (VMF-221), Marine Air Group TWENTY-TWO (MAG-22), Naval Air Station, Midway, during operations of the U.S. Naval and Marine Forces against the invading Japanese Fleet during the Battle of Midway on 4 June 1942. Leading his section in a dauntless and aggressive assault against a vastly superior number of Japanese bomber and fighter planes, First Lieutenant Kunz shot down two Navy Aichi Type dive bombers, thereby aiding in the disruption of the enemy plans and lessening the effectiveness of their attack. His courageous determination, maintained at great personal risk against tremendous odds, contributed to the success of our forces and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Second Lieutenant

Unit:

Marine Fighting Squadron 224 (VMF-224), Marine Aircraft Group 31 (MAG-31), U.S. Marine Corps Aviation, U.S. Marine Corps

Citation:
"For heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a pilot in Marine Fighting Squadron TWO HUNDRED TWENTY-FOUR (VMF-224) in action against enemy Japanese forces during the Solomon Islands Campaign, 30 August to 14 September 1942. While operating with his squadron from an airfield on Guadalcanal Island, Second Lieutenant Kunz, with cool courage and utter disregard for his own personal safety, shot down three enemy planes. His superb airmanship and gallant devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Second Lieutenant

Unit:

Marine Fighting Squadron 224 (VMF-224), Marine Aircraft Group 31 (MAG-31), U.S. Marine Corps Aviation, U.S. Marine Corps

Citation:
"For heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a pilot in Marine Fighting Squadron TWO HUNDRED TWENTY-FOUR (VMF-224) during operations against enemy Japanese forces in the vicinity of the Solomon Islands, from 15 to 29 September 1942. Completing his twentieth mission during this period, Second Lieutenant Kunz carried out combat air patrols in the face of heavy enemy air opposition and effective anti-aircraft fire and inflicted damage on hostile installations, thereby contributing materially to the success of his squadron. His skilled airmanship and courageous devotion to duty throughout these hazardous missions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."

Second DFC awarded in the form of a gold star to be worn on the ribbon of the first DFC.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Major

Unit:

Marine Fighting Squadron 311 (VMF-311), Marine Aircraft Group 13 (MAG-13), U.S. Marine Corps Aviation, U.S. Marine Corps

Citation:
"For heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Pilot of a Fighter Plane in Marine Fighter Squadron THREE HUNDRED ELEVEN (VMF-311) during operations against enemy Japanese forces in the vicinity of Maloelap, Wotje and Mille, from 11 to 29 September 1944. Completing his fortieth mission during this period, Major Kunz carried out strikes against hostile installations in the face of effective hostile anti-aircraft fire and inflicted damage on the enemy, thereby contributing materially to the success of his squadron. His skilled airmanship and courageous devotion to duty throughout these hazardous missions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."

Third DFC awarded in the form of a second golden star to be worn on the ribbon of the first DFC.

Period:

Korean War (1950-1953)

Rank:

Major

Unit:

Marine Fighting Squadron 323 (VMF-323), U.S.S. Cicily (CVE-118), U.S. Navy

Citation:
"For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a Pilot and Commanding Officer of Marine Fighter Squadron THREE HUNDRED TWENTY-THREE, attached to the U.S.S. SICILY (CVE-118), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea, on 21 June 1951. Participating in a determined strike against a strategic enemy railroad and ammunition supply depot at Kyomipo, Major Kunz skillfully led his flight to a position near the objective and directed the unit to orbit while he personally reconnoitered the target area. When his plane was subjected to heavy automatic weapons fire from three hostile gun emplacements, he quickly located the enemy positions and carried out a series of daring low-level rocket and strafing attacks. Although his aircraft was hit by hostile fire, he fearlessly pressed home his attacks at extremely low altitude and completely neutralized the enemy batteries before calling his flight to the assigned target. By his courageous leadership, outstanding ability as an airman and resolute devotion to duty, Major Kunz contributed directly to the success of his flight in destroying the hostile supply depot and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."