Winfield S. Cunningham
Rear Admiral, U.S. Navy

Winfield S. Cunningham was born on 16 February 1900 in Rockbridge, WI.

Cunningham began his 33-year Navy career by graduating from the U.S. Naval Academy on 6 June 1919. After various fleet duties, he became involved with early Naval Aviation and was designated a Naval Aviator on 11 September 1925.

An excellent aviator, he flew fighters, flying boats, and had been schooled in strategy and tactics. At the outbreak of World War II, he was Commanding Officer of Naval Activities and Aviation on Wake Island in the Pacific Ocean.

In the battle for Wake Island, he was gallant in defense of his position against the Japanese from 8 December to 22 December 1941. After the surrender of the island, he was a prisoner of war from 12 January 1942 until released in August 1945.

He retired as Rear Admiral, Commanding Officer, Naval Technical Training Center in Memphis, TN, on 30 June 1950. He was a veteran of World War II and the Korean War.

Medals and Awards

Navy Cross
Bronze Star Medal
Presidential Unit Citation
Expeditionary Medal
Prisoner of War Medal

Badges

Naval Aviator Badge

Death and Burial

Rear Admiral Winfield S. Cunningham died on 3 March 1986 in Memphis, TN. He is buried at Memphis National Cemetery in Memphis, TN.