[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 116 (Thursday, July 16, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E702]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               HONORING THE LIFE OF WILLARD PARKER DUNBAR

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. VICTORIA SPARTZ

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 16, 2026

  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.