Michael Ryan Yunck (August 19, 1918 – September 1, 1984) was a United States Marine Corps aviator and a flying ace of World War II, credited with shooting down five enemy aircraft in aerial combat.[1]

Michael R. Yunck
Born(1918-08-19)August 19, 1918
Detroit, Michigan
DiedSeptember 1, 1984 (aged 66)
Buried
AllegianceUnited States
Service/branchUnited States Marine Corps
RankColonel
Battles/warsWorld War II
Vietnam War
Korean War
AwardsSilver Star (2)
Distinguished Flying Cross
Bronze Star Medal
Purple Heart
Air Medal (3)

Yunck was born in Detroit, Michigan, on August 19, 1918. His action was on October 26 – December 10, 1942 in action against enemy Japanese forces in the Solomon Islands area. He was a part of the Battalion, Marine Observation Squadron 251 (VMO-251).[2] He was awarded the Silver Star for his actions in the war. He later served as a helicopter pilot in the Vietnam War, where he was awarded a second Silver Star after his leg had to be amputated.[3][4][5] He was also presented with the Distinguished Flying Cross.[6]

References edit

  1. ^ "Fighter Pilot Aces List". www.au.af.mil. Archived from the original on 2010-03-01. Retrieved 2019-07-09.
  2. ^ Tillman, Barrett (2014). US Marine Corps Fighter Squadrons of World War II. Osprey publishing. p. 123. ISBN 9781782009535.
  3. ^ "Leatherneck Hero". Miami Herald. 12 December 1965.
  4. ^ "Mike Yunck Squadron's "Happy Hour" celebrates MCAS Camp Pendleton's 75". Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton. Retrieved 2019-07-09.
  5. ^ Mohr, Charles. "Marines Battle Huge Enemy Unit in Quant Tin area". www.vhpa.org. Retrieved 2019-07-09.
  6. ^ "Valor awards for Michael Ryan Yunck". valor.militarytimes.com. Retrieved 2016-04-26.