Jack Newkirk
United States Navy officer / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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John Van Kuren "Scarsdale Jack" Newkirk (15 October 1913 – 24 March 1942) was a United States naval aviator and squadron leader with the 1st American Volunteer Group (AVG), also known as the Flying Tigers, who may have led the first American offensive mission of World War II. Most of his combat experience was during the defense of Rangoon, Burma, from Japanese air attacks. After the fall of Rangoon, his unit was operating from within China when he set off on his final mission, as part of an attack on Japanese airfields in Thailand.
Quick Facts John V. Newkirk, Birth name ...
John V. Newkirk | |
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Birth name | John Van Kuren Newkirk |
Nickname(s) | Scarsdale Jack |
Born | 15 October 1913 New York City |
Died | 24 March 1942 (age 28) Chiang Mai, Thailand |
Buried | St. James the Less Church Scarsdale, NY |
Allegiance | United States |
Service/ | United States Navy |
Years of service | 1938–1942 |
Rank | Lieutenant |
Unit | USS Yorktown (CV-5) |
Battles/wars | World War II China Burma India Theater |
Awards | Distinguished Flying Cross (USA) (posthumous) Distinguished Flying Cross (UK) (posthumous) |
Spouse(s) | Virginia Jane Dunham |
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