AWARDED DFC: 1
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  -
MODEL:  -

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Thomas Harold Kunst, Aviation Radioman First Class, United States Naval Reserve, for heroism and extraordinary achievement in aerial flight as Radioman of a Torpedo Plane in Torpedo Squadron Forty Six, attached to the U.S.S. Independence, during action against enemy Japanese forces in the vicinity of the Volcano Islands and Nansei Shoto from February 19 to June 6, 1945. Participating in twenty strikes against the Japanese in the face of hostile antiaircraft fire, KUNST rendered valuable service to his pilot and contributed materially to the infliction of extensive damage on the enemy. His technical skill, courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.