Kurt Casey McDonald
Kurt was born August 19, 1934 in Salt lake City, Utah, the first of four children born to Hazel Irene and Craig Wyman McDonald.  He attended schools in Utah, California and Washington.  He graduated from Santa Maria High School in Santa Maria, California and the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma, Washington.  Kurt received his commission in the US Air Force after graduation in 1958.  Prior to his last tour of duty in Vietnam, he was stationed at bases in Texas, North Carolina, Spain and Japan.

Kurt naturally loved flying but also raced cars & motorcycles.  He enjoyed music, especially jazz and 50's Rock & Roll.  He was unmarried (though never lacking in female companionship) and was a very good dancer.  Kurt was smart, serious and contemplative but he also had a quick, dry sense of humor.  He was compassionate and loving - the best "big brother" a kid could have.
Below is the letter our father received from Captain Glenn Nix, a friend of Kurt's (dated 1 Feb 1965) A year later Captain Nix was shot down and captured. He spent several years as a POW and was returned safely to his family after the war
Dear Sir,
I count it as a high privilege that your son is my friend.  He is a tribute to you and your wife and to our country.

There are few finer things that I can say for a man than that he is a great fighter pilot.  If I could choose a wingman, it would be Kurt McDonald.

If there was one thing I could say to Kurt today, it would be from General Lee's final order  ...take with you the satisfaction that proceeds from the consciousness of duty faithfully performed, and I earnestly pray that a merciful God will extend to you his blessing and protection...

It is always the man that does that extra measure, the man that pursues the mission to the end, the man to whom courage and devotion to duty are not words but a way of life that gives us hope for a permanent victory.

I wish to God that there were more Kurt McDonalds in the service of our country.
Below is an email I recieved from Glenn Nix dated 10-2005!
It was only today that I came across KCs site ... searching my name

It is an honor that you included my letter.  You may tell all who remember KC that if I could change anything it would be to make it more passionate.

Kurt and I were new in the 336th in late May '63 when he asked me to join him for dinner.  Not knowing him, I almost declined.  That I accepted was one of those small turnings that effect ones life forever.

By the time the squadron arrived in Spain we were close.  For six months shared an apartment in Seville ... the greatest days ... both the flying and all the rest.  ?Two single men in Spain?  When you think of Kurt, know what I know, he had a rich and interesting tour.

There is more that I would share with you.  MUCH MORE.  After 31 Dec 64, I never made a close friendship ... the results could be too painfull.

Regards,  Glenn Nix