Ira V. Chunn
20th Air Force
20th Bomber Command
58th Bombardment Wing
Ira Chunn served in the Army Air Force during WWII serving in the China Burma India (CBI) Theater of Operations. The 58th Bombardment Wing flew the B-29 heavy long-range bombers. The headquarters of the XX Bomber Command had been established at Kharagpur India on 28 March 1944. The first B-29 reached its base in India on 2 April 1944. In India, existing airfields at Kharagpur, Chakulia, Piardoba and Dudkhundi had been converted for B-29 use. All of these bases were located in southern Bengal and were not far from port facilities at Calcutta. The XX Bomber Command participated in the Air Offensive- Japan, China, East Indies (Palembang), and India Burma campaigns.
Chunn’s family knew he received the Soldier’s Medal, but did not have any documents or citation. Records were searched and orders were found and a citation issued. The citation reads:
“For outstanding heroism displayed at Army Air Base, APO 215, on 24 December 1944. Immediately following the crash of a B-29 type aircraft loaded with bombs, Private Chunn rushed o the scene, and in spite of the fact that the aircraft was in flames and there was constant danger from explosion of ammunition, incendiary bombs, and oxygen tanks, unhesitatingly risked his own life to combat the flames and cool down the 500 pound bombs in and around the blazing wreckage. This act of heroism and his calmness and presence of mind under very dangerous conditions proved instrumental in saving the lives of several members of the crew, and strengthened the courage of other members of the rescue party. This deed, in complete disregard of his own safety, constituted an outstanding example of courage and reflects the highest credit upon Private Chunn, the XX Bomber Command, and the Army Air Forces.”
His awards and decorations include:
Soldier’s Medal
Good Conduct Medal
American Theater (Campaign) Medal
Asiatic-Pacific Theater Medal w/4 campaign stars
WWII Victory Medal
Distinguished Unit Award (now Presidential Unit Citation)
Meritorious Unit Award
Sharpshooter Badge – Carbine
Marksman Badge- Pistol
B-29
Mt. Olive, N Carolina (2011)
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