Honoring the Life of Willard Parker Dunbar

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Mrs. SPARTZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Willard Parker Dunbar, born on December 27, 1929, in South Bend, Indiana, to Irma and Willard Parker Dunbar, Sr., whose remarkable 96 years reflect devotion to family, distinguished military service, and an enduring commitment to aviation. From an early age, Mr. Dunbar was shaped by the values of hard work and perseverance. He first started as a student at Indiana's historic Culver Military Academy where multiple generations of the Dunbar family would study and later on the family farm near Crawfordsville. It was here he helped tend corn, soybean fields, and a Holstein dairy herd while nurturing his lifelong dream of becoming a pilot. Following his graduation from high school, he pursued higher education at Wabash College and Purdue University, all while serving in the Indiana National Guard. He then earned a commission in the United States Air Force Aviation Cadet Program in 1950 and began intensive flight training that would later define his career. Mr. Dunbar trained on the T-6 Texan, the F-5 ID Mustang, and later transitioned to America's emerging jet aircraft. He mastered the T-33 and F-80 before completing advanced combat crew training at Nellis Air Force Base and qualifying in the F-86A Sabre, the premier fighter aircraft of its era. His courage and skill were demonstrated during his service with the 4th Fighter Wing, 336th Fighter Interceptor Squadron. Mr. Dunbar flew 100 combat missions over Korea between May and October of 1952, engaging hostile MiG-15 aircraft and earning a confirmed damage victory along with the United States Air Force Bronze Star at only 21 years of age. Upon returning home, Mr. Dunbar continued to serve his Nation as an instructor at Tyndall Air Force Base, teaching aerial gunnery and all- weather interception. He went on to serve in the Indiana Air National Guard while completing his Bachelor of Science in Aviation Transportation at Purdue University. Between 1956 and 1964, he served as an Air Guard officer and worked as a farmer after the passing of his father. As an Air Guard Officer, he flew the F-84F aircraft for the Indiana Air National Guard before retiring with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. On March 15, 1961, he married Joan Peabody, a flight attendant with Lake Central Airlines, and together they raised three children, Willard, III, Valerie, and Bryant. He continued his aviation career as a commercial airline pilot for American Airlines from 1965 until his retirement in 1989. After many years in Northbrook, Illinois, Mr. and Mrs. Dunbar eventually returned to Indiana, where they continue to reside in Zionsville. His lifetime has been defined by service, discipline, and devotion to those he loved, while Mrs. Dunbar is remembered with great affection following her passing in 2014. Mr. Speaker, the life of Willard Parker Dunbar stands as an example of integrity, patriotism, and excellence. His contributions to aviation, military service, and family endure as a meaningful legacy for future generations.

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