John Van Kuren "Scarsdale Jack" Newkirk (15 October 1913 – 24 March 1942) was a United States naval aviator and squadron leader with the 1st American Volunteer Group (AVG), also known as the Flying Tigers, who may have led the first American offensive mission of World War II. Most of his combat experience was during the defense of Rangoon, Burma, from Japanese air attacks. After the fall of Rangoon, his unit was operating from within China when he set off on his final mission, as part of an attack on Japanese airfields in Thailand.
From Find a Grave:
John Van Kuren "Scarsdale Jack" Newkirk. Born in New York City, New York on November 15,1913. His first job was as a copy boy for the New York Times. He joined the United States Army as an Infantry Lieutenant. He served for 3 years. He left the Army and joined the United States Navy. He went to flight school becoming a Navy pilot serving on the U.S.S. Yorktown. In 1941 he resigned his commission at age 27 and joined the American Volunteer Group in Burma. The American Volunteer Group was known as "The Flying Tigers". He was placed in command of the 2nd Pursuit Squadron "Panda Bears" as Squadron Leader. He lead the 2nd Pursuit Squadron on missions over the famous Burma Road and many missions over China. In 1942 when leading a mission on Lamphun Thailand he was shot down and killed in action. John "Scarsdale Jack" Newkirk and all the members of the "Flying Tigers" where the vanguard of America's fight for freedom in Asia.

Birth: 15 October 1913 Scarsdale, Westchester, New York Death: 24 March 1942 Chiang Mai, northwestern Thailand – KIA Veteran of: World War II Branch of Service: US Army National Guard, US Naval Reserves and American Volunteer Group – He first joined the United States Army National Guard (NY) as an Infantry Lieutenant and served for 3 years. He left the Army and joined the United States Navy Reserves. He went to flight school at Pensacola, FL becoming a Navy pilot serving on the USS Yorktown. In 1941 he resigned his commission at age 27 and joined the American Volunteer Group in Burma. John Van Kuren Newkirk “Scarsdale Jack” Rank: Squadron Leader Occupational Specialty: Infantry Lieutenant and Fighter Pilot Dates of Service: 4 June 1936 – 24 Mar 1942 Unit(s): Company C, 107th Infantry, New York National Guard (4 June 1936) USS Yorktown while in the US Navy American Volunteer Group “the Flying Tigers”, 2nd Pursuit Squadron “Panda Bears” Locations: Pensacola, FL, Thailand and China Training: He went to flight school at Pensacola, FL Awards & Medals: John Newkirk ribbon rack Aviator Wings Distinguished Flying Cross (United States) Purple Heart Medal Air Medal