Historic Hood River
Ken Jernstedt
8-27-2020
Notes
Continuing with the Hood River News archives, here’s Hood River resident Ken Jernstedt from a 1999 issue of Panorama. I’m shocked to see I haven’t discussed Jernstedt on this site before– member of the Flying Tigers, Hood River mayor, state representative, state senator… you can read the linked bio for the details. It’s interesting his service wasn’t in the US military, as the US had not yet entered the war.
I had a nice discussion with his son several years ago. I wish I’d had a chance to speak with him directly, but this photo will have to do.
L.E.
I am sure he has been discussed here at HHR. But I don't know where.
nels
Any information about the plane in which he is sitting?
Ken Jernstedt
I recall a Fly-in of historic airplanes at the HR Airport which may have occurred in 1999, when this photo of my dad may have been taken. One of the pilots had this replica P-38 or P-40 —the Flying Tigers flew both models decorated as if it had been my dad’s assigned plane. The owner had coordinated with dad in advance for the photo op, and dad had a great day. Alternatively, it may have been taken at the Evergreen Airport in Vancouver, WA during a similar air show in that same period.
Ken Jernstedt
***â€One of the pilots had this replica P-38 or P-40 —the Flying Tigers flew both models—decorated as if it had been my dad’s assigned plane.***â€. [typo corrected]
Will
A series of oral interviews conducted with Mr. Jernstedt by Clark Hansen from Feb 23 – April 13, 1995, can be accessed in the Oregon Historical Society's digital collections.
Ken Jernstedt
Further correction to 8/27 comment above: ***â€Alternatively, it may have been taken at Pearson Field, an airport in Vancouver, WA during a similar air show in that same period.â€
L.E.
I was just listening to an interview of author Sam Kleiner who wrote the book,
“The Flying Tigers: The Untold Story of the American Pilots Who Waged a Secret War Against Japan”.
He talked about Ken Jernstedt.
Tami S
My husband and I met Mr. Jernstedt at the counter in Bette's some years ago. He was having trouble with his vision and had his support dog with him. We didn't know who he was until we mentioned that we'd really enjoyed seeing an airshow at the airport, and he said it'd been renamed after him. Heckuva nice guy!
Larry Bennett
Web site
https://flyingtigersavg.com/jernstedt-kenneth-a/
Larry Bennett
I think the plane is a Curtis P40.