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WW2 Recollections of Lloyd H Bunting Jr: For the Folks


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The letter below advises Lloyd Bunting's father that Lloyd has been awarded the Air Medal. It was probably typed from a template in a typing pool (similar to that shown at the commencement of the movie "Saving Private Ryan"). This could account for the anomaly between the date of the letter (May 9, 1945) and the service period referred to in the letter (to June 18, 1945).

Other combat activities and awards

Staff Sergeant Lloyd H. Bunting Jr did 47 combat missions in the Pacific. In this period he was awarded the Air Medal with 3 oak leaf clusters, Asiatic Pacific Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Philippines Liberation Ribbon with Bronze Star, and the World War II Victory Medal.


HEADQUARTERS
ALLIED AIR FORCES
SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA
OFFICE OF THE COMMANDER

May 9, 1945


Dear Mr. Bunting:

         Recently your son, Staff Sergeant Lloyd H. Bunting Jr., was decorated with the Air Medal. It was an award made in recognition of courageous service to his combat organization, his fellow American airmen, his country, his home and to you.

         He was cited for meritorious achievement while participating in aerial flights in the Southwest Pacific area from April 10, 1944 to June 18, 1945.

         Your son took part in sustained operational flight missions during which hostile contact was probable and expected. These flights included bombing missions against enemy installations, shipping and supply bases, and aided considerably in the recent successes in this theatre.

         Almost every hour of every day your son, and the sons of other American fathers, are doing just such things as that here in the Southwest Pacific Area.

         Theirs is a very real and very tangible contribution to victory and to peace.

         I would like to tell you how genuinely proud I am to have men such as your son in my command, and how gratified I am to know that young Americans with such courage and resourcefulness are fighting our country's battle against the aggressor nations.

         You, Mr. Bunting, have every reason to share that pride and gratification.

Sincerely,
(Signed)
GEORGE C. KENNEY,
General, United States Army,
Commander.


Mr. Lloyd H. Bunting, Sr.,
72 Midchester Avenue,
White Plains, New York.