World War II Honoree

Joseph E. Cunningham

Branch of Service

U.S. Navy

Hometown

Glen Cove, New York

Honored By

Joseph E. Cunningham

Relationship

Self

Enlisted in the U.S. Navy on August 22, 1942. October 12, 1942 was assigned to U.S. Naval Air Station in Argentia, Newfoundland. Assigned to Fleet Air Wing 7 radio shop. September 27, 1943 arrived at Naval Air Station in Dunkeswell, England aboard the USS Albemarle. Assigned to the radio department from November 1943 through July 1944. First combat mission was on a B-24 Liberator Bomber February 5th and 6th in 1944. It was a 13.6 hour mission from Dunkeswell to the Bay of Biscay along the French coast. Attacked two German destroyers under extreme heavy fire and sank one of the destroyers. Continued to fly combat air missions with different crews of VPB-110 on B-24 Liberator bombers. Completed 32 combat air missions. Second to last mission was June 6, 1944 flying with the invasion forces across the English Channel in support of the forces landing troops on the shores of Normandy. When returning to England to refuel we were attacked by four German fighter planes. Attempted to fight the German planes. Two Royal Air Force Fighter planes arrived and gave assistance. Two of the four German fighters were shot down. Transferred back to the States on the Queen Elizabeth. Assigned to Naval Air Station in Hutchinson, Kansas. Requested to be transferred to the Pacific. Reassigned to the Naval Air Station in Alameda, California to Fleet Air Wing 8 awaiting orders for the Pacific. Honorably discharged December 17, 1945. Awarded the Air Medal on August 5, 1997 by Congressman Peter T. King.