Frank Albert Kappeler, 0-419579, Lieutenant Colonel
Navigator Crew 11
Graduated high school in 1932 and Polytechnic College of Engineering, Oakland, California. Transferred to Aviation Cadet training in December, 1939 and was commissioned a second lieutenant, June, 1941 at McChord Field, Washington with rating as navigator. Later received training as bombardier. Remained in China-Burma-India Theater after Tokyo Raid until August, 1942. Served in European Theater of Operations from November, 1943 until June, 1945. Stateside assignments after the war included bases in Texas, Ohio, California before returning overseas to Japan where he served from May, 1951, until February, 1952. Deputy Commander, Minuteman Site Activation Task Force, Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota. Decorations include Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal with 2 Silver Oak Leaf Clusters, Bronze Star Medal, and Chinese Army, Navy, and Air Corps Medal, Class A, 1st Grade.
Born January 2, 1914, San Francisco, California
At the ceremony held in 1992 in the United States to mark the 50th anniversary of the Doolittle Raid,
Lt. Frank A. Kappeler, a crew member of No.11 bomber, presented Zeng Jianpei with 50 bottles of beer.
