Lt. Don (Corky) Korkowski – Final Flight
The 344th Bomb Group is saddened to announce the final flight of Lt. Don (Corky) Korkowski September 12, 1923 – June 19, 2021. According to his obituary;
“Don was born September 12, 1923, to August and Frances Korkowski of Millerville, MN and grew up as one of three children in an impoverished farming community. This foundation drove Don to live and love every minute of his long and productive life.
Don was unable to take advantage of an appointment to the US Naval Academy due to family health matters, but at 19 years old he joined the Army Air Corp (later to become the Air Force). He learned to fly B-26 bombers and flew 43 missions in Europe during WW2. Don survived 2 crashes in WW2 and went on to serve as a lawyer during the Korean War. Don enjoyed sharing stories of some missions, but he never bragged about himself.”
https://www.brownscremationservice.com/…/Donald-Korkowski
1st Lieutenant Don (Corky) Korkowski became a Pilot when just 20 years old and a combat instructor at 21. He trained thirteen co-pilots who eventually piloted their own crews acting as pilot while the candidate pilots acted as co-pilot. Corky flew 43 missions total. He flew in the European Theater of Operations starting 9/28/44 based in Cormeilles, France, with the 344th BG 494th BS. He completed his tour after V.E. day, in late July or early August, 1945.
There are several articles about Corky on this 344th BG website. The following is a good place to start.
http://shopwornangel.imaginarynumber.net/lt-don-corky…/
