Donald E. Runyon

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Donald Eugene Runyon (June 26, 1913 – December 1984) was an American Navy fighter pilot and World War II flying ace. He is credited with shooting down 11 Japanese aircraft while flying with VF-6 and VF-18.

Early life
Runyon was born in Fairmount, Illinois, and grew up on his parents’ 80-acre farm near Alamo, Indiana. He attended Alamo High School for three years and Crawfordsville High School for one year. He joined the Navy at age 21, trained in Norfolk, Virginia, and worked as a machinist. He served two tours in the Navy, the first as an enlisted Naval Aviation Pilot.

World War II service
Runyon became the Navy’s top Wildcat ace of World War II. He scored eight victories in three combats as a warrant officer with VF-6 aboard the USS Enterprise in August 1942, including:
- August 7: downed two Val dive bombers
- August 8: downed a Zero and a Betty
- August 24: downed three Vals and a Zero

He was awarded the Navy Cross in June 1943 for his actions on August 7–8, 1942. He also received the Distinguished Flying Cross for his performance during his first tour.

During his second combat tour in 1943, now a commissioned officer, Runyon added three more victories while flying F6F Hellcats with VF-18 aboard the USS Bunker Hill.

Death and legacy
Runyon died in December 1984. His home of record was La Jolla, California.