Jose Antonio Muniz was born in Ponce, Puerto Rico, on Oct. 16, 1919. Like many young aviation enthusiasts, he entered the Civilian Pilot Training Program prior to the U.S. entering WWII. Pilots would be required to enlist in military service after obtaining their pilot license in the event that war would break out.
Muniz received a commission and, in 1942, he began his training as a fighter pilot in the United States Army Air Force. During his time in the Pacific, he flew a total of 20 combat missions in China, Burma and India. He served on active duty until 1947 and was recalled during the Korean War, serving until 1958.
Muniz then returned to Puerto Rico, where he joined the Puerto Rico Air National Guard in command of the 198th Fighter Squadron. On July 4, 1960 Muniz volunteered to fly in the Independence Day flyover formations in an F-86D. During takeoff his plane lost power and, due to the low altitude and the design of the ejection seats, he was unable to eject safely.
In 1963, the Puerto Rico Air National Guard Base in San Juan was renamed Muniz Air National Guard Base in his honor. LTC Jose Muniz was survived by his wife and five children. He is buried in Puerto Rico National Cemetery in Section E, Site 312. Honor his service at his virtual Veterans Legacy Memorial Page.
This #VeteranOfTheDay is from the Veterans Legacy Program. To learn more about the VLP, our partnerships and how we share the stories of Veterans in our national cemeteries, please visit the VLP webpage.
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We honor the service of Jose Antonio Muniz