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MEMORIAL ARTICLE
Published Assembly Jul '51
John Neil Munkres NO. 16025 CLASS OF 1946 Killed
August 15, 1950, In An Air Crash Near Fyushu, Kyushu, Japan, Aged 25 Years |
From the relatively small town of Weeping Water, Nebraska, came a great
man of both stature and ideals, destined to have a brilliant, but short
life. This was the beginning of John Neil Munkres, born of Mr. and Mrs.
Neil Munkres on August 16,1924, a descendant of the earliest pioneers of
Nebraska, and a descendant of everything that is truly American.
It was seen early in his life that Jack. or "Monk", as be was known
to many of us, was destined to stand head and shoulders above the multitude,
for he was twice awarded the American Legion Award for outstanding achievements,
was graduated from high school with high academic honors and served as
salutatorian of his class. Following high school, he entered the University
of Nebraska studying engineering and becoming a member of the Sigma Chi
Fraternity.
Shortly after the entry of his beloved country into World War II, Jack
entered the Army to do his part in the turmoil. While in the Army, the
chance presented itself, and Jack recognized and accepted the opportunity
for further training—an appointment to the United States Military Academy.
At West Point, Jack excelled in his own way, creating friends beyond count
and developing the great attributes of a magnificent leader. There, too,
he availed himself of a long awaited ambition to fly and as he had learned
to live by flying, he ultimately died by it.
Lieutenant's bars saw Jack through Fighter Transition and Gunnery at
Williams Field, Arizona and subsequent assignment to the 47th Bombardment
Group at El Paso, Texas, and finally to his last station in Japan. Jack
was never one to complain openly about hardships, no matter how grave,
and whenever there was a task to be done or a volunteer desired, one could
count on "Monk". That is how it was that Jack found himself In Japan in
May 1948. Assigned to the 315th Composite Wing as Assistant Intelligence
Officer, he assumed his office and his flying duties with a devotion that
is known to few men. It can certainly be said that he was a firm believer
in the saying that "A job worth doing is worth doing well," for countless
hours have witnessed the meticulous care with which he carried out an assignment,
no detail left untended. Work always came first for Jack and in the few
short years of his service he more than repaid the investment of the American
people in his training and education. But this was the way with Jack, he
never received more than he gave.
As was expected, Jack was ready to do his share when the Korean conflict
began. He might have said that this was not his war nor his people that
we were fighting and dying for, but instead, he willingly took up the sword
against the oppressor and aggressor, fighting not merely for worldly things,
but for an ideal. He performed his duty with a will, that others might
enjoy the opportunities that had brought such a fruitful and hopeful life
to him. His name will not be forgotten, he who championed life, love and
freedom.
Jack flew sixty combat missions in the F-80's during the period June
25-August 15, 1950, and subsequently flew additional missions in F-51's
when his unit was equipped with the latter type of aircraft. On August
15, 1950, shortly after he and his wingman had taken off on a pre-dawn
mission, he experienced engine trouble, and had started to turn back to
the field when his aircraft caught fire. Not being too far from shore,
he risked his life attempting to save a costly piece of equipment, but
lost the battle trying. The seas parted and received him and then closed
around him. There he died, not far from the place where he had met his
beloved wife, the former Miss Alper Claudia Vestal.
For his meritorious service, Jack's wife received in his behalf, the
Purple Heart, the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Air Medal with two
Oak Leaf Clusters, at a ceremony conducted at Bolling Air Force Base. In
the minds of those who knew and loved him, he will always wear the badge
of courage and the cloak of unselfish devotion to Duty, Honor and Country.
The Long Gray Line is truly proud of its son.
—Robert K. Wright
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