The John Crain Kunkel and Katherine Smoot Kunkel Memorial in Riverfront Park in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, also known as "Kunkel Plaza," is a scenic amphitheater at Front Street & State Street down from the Pennsylvania State Capitol along the Susquehanna River dedicated in 1992 for their many years of service and dedication to the community.

After the Fall of France and before the Nazi invasion of the Soviet Union, when Great Britain was effectively fighting alone, Kunkel advocated helping Britain in their war against the Nazis.

He voted in favor of both the 1941 Lend Lease Act to send more military aid to Great Britain, and the 1944 Lend Lease Act as well.

He was elected as a Republican to the 87th Congress, by special election, to fill the vacancy caused by the death of United States Representative Walter M. Mumma.

He was reelected to the two succeeding Congresses and served until his resignation on December 30, 1966.