WILLBURT E. KINSLEY PAPERS

Finding Aid

Size: 0.75 linear feet

Literary rights:
Literary rights were not granted to Wichita State University. When permission is granted to examine the manuscripts, it is not an authorization to publish them. Manuscripts cannot be used for publication without regard for common law literary rights, copyright laws and the laws of libel. It is the responsibility of the researcher and his/her publisher to obtain permission to publish. Scholars and students who eventually plan to have their work published are urged to make inquiry regarding overall restrictions on publication before initial research.

Restrictions: None

Content note:
The World War I Aviation manuscript includes offical military documents about Lt. Willburt E. Kinsley's distinguished-service cross, and his military discharge papers. Kinsley's Mss Pilot Log Book, two photographs and 202 negatives are included as well.

Biographical note:
Willburt E. Kinsley was born 12 September 1891, and lived in Winchester, Massachusetts. Kinsley served both in World War I and in World War II, retiring in 1953. He began his military career as a private first class in the 90th Aero Squad A.E.F. on 18 December 1917. Prior to his overseas duty, Kinsley trained in the Aviation Section at Gastner Field, Lake Charter, Louisiana for two months. Then he spent time at Cornell Ground School at Cornell University, Ithaca, New York. Kinsley spent four months overseas in World War I, where he encountered eleven combats, was shot down once, and was given official credit for two German fighter craft kills. He was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for valor in the line of duty.

Kinsley served in the 36th Station Complement Squadron in World War II as a Lt. Colonel. He was stationed in Normandy, North France, the Rhineland, and Central Europe. And he was decorated with the European African Middle Eastern Medal, the American Service Medal, the World War II Victory Medal, and the American Defense Medal.

Acquisition: Purchased from Charles Apfelbaum

Processed by: KJC, circa 1992; JEF, 11-2-1998