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Feb 1, 1925 - April 5, 2012
It is my sad duty to inform you of the final flight of Glendon Dunaway. Glendon Keith Dunaway, 87, passed away on April 5, 2012, at his home in Austin, Texas, with his family by his side. Glen was one of the original CIA U-2 pilots trained at Groom Lake and deployed as one the six pilots who successfully completed conversion onto the U-2 at The Ranch (aka Watertown Strip, later aka Area 51) between January and April 1956. They deployed to the UK as part of the CIA's Detachment A in early May 1956, but moved on to Germany for political reasons six weeks later.
Mission 2010 Eastern Europe flown by Glen Dunaway occurred on 2nd Jul 56 from Wiesbaden. He headed north over East Germany, southern Poland, eastern Czechoslovakia, Hungary then Romania before turning around at the Black Sea and returning to Wiesbaden on a 7-hour sortie.
Dunaway also flew the 5th Soviet Overflight - Mission 2024 on 10th Jul 56 from Wiesbaden, over East Germany, Poland, Ukraine to Kerch on the eastern tip of the Crimean Peninsula. Back via Sevastopol, Simferopol, Odessa, Romania, Czechoslovakia and Hungary to Wiesbaden. He was tracked by radar and fighter aircraft near Odessa.
Glen died from complications of Alzheimer's disease. Glen was born on February 1, 1925 in Blackwell, Oklahoma to John W. and Bessie Cobb Dunaway. He graduated from Blackwell High School in 1942. Glen had one brother, Kenneth, deceased, and two sisters, LaVeta, deceased, and Fern. Kenneth was on the USS Arizona, December 7, 1941, the day that will live in infamy. He is still with his ship. Glen married Peggy Moore in Ocean Park, California, August 22, 1946. They are survived by their six children, Michael, Linda, Karen, Glenda, Bonnie, and Kim; 15 grandchildren; and six great grandchildren. His loving wife of 64 years, Peggy, is deceased. Glen was a highly decorated war veteran and career pilot in the U. S. Air Force. He retired in 1975 as a full Colonel after 31 years of service to his country. He was a combat pilot, a test pilot, and one of the original U-2 pilots. He flew in the Korean and Vietnam Wars. In peacetime he flew the F-106 and it was in this plane he led his men to victory in the Aerospace Defense Command's worldwide interceptor weapons meet, the famous "William Tell" competition, in 1965. Glen was the individual high scorer for the entire meet and won it for his team on his last shot, a bulls-eye. Glen was stationed around the United States and the world, flying planes from airfields in Korea, Panama, Vietnam, the Philippines, Japan, Turkey, Germany, and Iceland. During his career he has been continuously associated with fighter aircraft operations. His medals include the Legion of Merit, the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Bronze Star, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Air Medal, and more. Glen has been an avid golfer since at least 1952. He was invited to play in a Pro-Am at Onion Creek and made a hole-in-one on September 25, 1998. He is a loving father and always enjoyed his grandkids. His passing will leave a big hole in our hearts. He leaves this earth having already made his mark in history as a great pilot, commander of men, and exceptional fighter pilot who proudly defended the United States with every fiber of his being. The family sincerely thanks the dedication, kindness, and professionalism shown by Glory, Carol, Zeda, Mudita, and Josie in caring for our father. They have been an important part of Dad's life, providing comfort and care in his time of need. God bless you, Glen, may you ever soar through that great big sky in the Heavenly Hereafter, whole in body and mind again. Friends are cordially invited to a visitation with the family beginning at 1 o'clock in the afternoon on Wednesday, the 11th of April at Cook-Walden Funeral Home located at 6100 North Lamar blvd., Austin, TX. The funeral service will follow at 2 o'clock in the afternoon. Internment will be at Ft. Sam Houston Cemetery in San Antonio at a later date. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Hospice Austin (Austin, TX), or the Air Force Memorial Foundation (Washington, DC).
God Speed, Glen. Thank you for your service to our country. You will not be forgotten.
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