Aviation Cadet Angelo James “Angie” Cunico
Angelo James Cunico was born in Colfax County on December 1, 1918 to Chris and Antonio Cunico, immigrants from Italy. He was a standout athlete and student at Kiowa High School, leading them to the state runner up in basketball his senior year. He enrolled at NMAMC in the fall of 1937 and was a star on the freshman basketball team, known for his accurate shooting. During his senior year at NMAMC he carried the Aggie basketball squad to upset after upset, scoring 31 points during one contest which tied nationally for the most points scored in a single contest for the year and he was selected as the Greatest Aggie for the 1941 Swastika. He served as President of numerous Agriculture clubs and graduated with a degree in Biology from the College of Agriculture in July 1941.
He immediately entered the navy as a aviation cadet. He was assigned to Pensacola NAS and began flight training. After completing basic flight school he began specializing in long range patrol bombers.
On May 12, 1942, just one week shy of his earning his ensign rating and his naval aviator wings, he was aboard Catalina PBY 2 #0501 on a training mission. Approximately 8 miles off shore the aircraft hit a sudden strong downburst. Cadet Angie Cunico and one other cadet were not wearing safety belts at the time and were thrown clear of the aircraft. Despite an extensive search their bodies were never recovered.
Cadet Angelo J Cunico was 23 years of age at the time of his death.