Honoring Sergeant Jack Kushner

Village for Vets is proud to honor the memory of Tech Sergeant Jack Kushner, an extraordinary American hero whose courage and resilience continue to inspire.

As a young man, Jack served as a tail gunner on B-17 bombers during World War II. On his 15th mission, his plane was hit hard over Germany. Under relentless attack, Jack shot down an enemy fighter, then turned his focus to saving his crew. One wounded airman could not jump, so Jack pushed him from the aircraft and used his own arm to pull the man’s ripcord before bailing out himself. Captured on the ground, Jack survived 15 harrowing months as a prisoner of war until liberation by Allied forces.

After the war, Jack built a successful life in Los Angeles while never forgetting his duty to others. During the Rodney King riots, he stood guard to protect local businesses. At home, he raised a family, flew the American flag daily, and dedicated himself to honoring Veterans. His legacy continues through the Tech Sergeant Jack Kushner Ret’d Foundation, created to carry forward his values of service, courage, and devotion to country.

We are profoundly grateful to the Foundation for their generosity and commitment, which ensures that Jack’s heroism lives on through tangible support for Veterans in Los Angeles. His bravery, resilience, and compassion remain a beacon of hope and strength.