Navy Pilot’s Pacific Memories
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99-year-old Jack Kappeler of Bakersfield, CA appears on episode #742 of Hometown Heroes, airing July 15-18, 2022. A native of Alameda, CA, Kappeler became a Navy fighter pilot during World War II, flying F6F Hellcats and F4U Corsairs.
Jack Kappeler during World War II. For more photos, visit the Hometown Heroes facebook page.
Mr, Kappeler, I listened with great interest. My wife grew up in Alameda as did her parents, who were graduates of Alameda High School, January 1941, perhaps about the same the you finished high school (but I don’t now whether the same school). Possibly you knew them. I would give you their names in a private email if you were to reply to me with your email. Your candid description of carrier operations is fascinating, particularly the issue of night ditching vs. night landing. I did not understand what caused the loss of use of you tail hook, but that is alright, the photos show the result. Best Regards.