HAL DUNNING Obituary

COL. HAL DUNNING U.S. Air Force, Retired Beloved husband of Georgianne, Colonel Hal Dunning, USAF, retired, age 89, passed away Aug. 8, 2010, at St. Rose Hospital in Las Vegas, with his wife, daughter and son by his side. He was cared for by the extraordinary staff at St. Rose Hospital, Siena Campus. A service will be held at Arlington National Cemetery. Col. Dunning was born Oct. 30, 1920, in Broken Bow, Neb., to Clarence and Ione Dunning. He graduated from the University of Denver with a degree in chemistry and the Industrial War College in Washington, D.C. He served in the Army Air Corps and the Air Force from 1942 to 1972, living in more than 30 different locations. He retired to Tucson, Ariz., and married Georgianne Pillar in 1981. They moved to Henderson in 2000. He was one of the men of the Greatest Generation. His flying ability was legendary: his total military flying time was 5,671 hours in 30 different aircraft. He flew 219 combat missions in World War II and Vietnam. His favorite plane was the P-38. He also flew the U-2, RB-57F and many other extraordinary aircraft. He was chosen as the pilot for a T-39 tour in Vietnam for General Westmoreland, Secretary MacNamara and General Wheeler in July 1965. When he retired, he had received so many honors that there was not enough space on the DD214 form to list them all. Chief among his awards were: the Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal with five Oak Leaf Clusters, Air Force Commendation Medal with one Oak Leaf Cluster and numerous service medals. He was also a member of the Order of Daedalians, America's premier fraternal organization of U.S. military pilots. He was an avid fisherman, flying often to New Zealand and other remote parts of the world to fish with his buddies. His golfing was a lifetime passion, with six holes-in-one and a seven handicap. He golfed well into his 80s, always with an accurate and precise touch that was the envy of many who could drive the ball farther. He and Georgianne traveled the world together and golfed at hundreds of courses, from St. Andrews on down. He will be buried with one of his putters. He is survived by his wife; a sister; two sons; a daughter; a grandson; and numerous nieces and nephews. Donations can be made to the medical research organizations of your choosing.

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Published by Las Vegas Review-Journal from Aug. 10 to Aug. 11, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for HAL DUNNING

9 Entries

Dianne Dellwo

December 18, 2021

My family is based on the strong men that were in it. I miss my Uncle Hal very much. I can only hope that his wife, my Aunt Georgianna is doing well. If by chance anyone can get a hold of her, I'd love to reconnect. 651-515-3925.

Bill Wells

February 14, 2021

Hal...what an awesome man and friend. I know it's years later, but I just discovered his Obit
Hal lived with my wife, Lisa and I in Albuquerque and his son, Ted lived with us in Las Cruces during our college days.
Hal was a good friend of my wife's dad, Jim Palmer.
He blessed our lives and we have and always will miss him.

Ed McGee

September 22, 2010

Georgianne,

I am a good friend and subordinate of Hal's...we flew RB57-Fs in the same unit in Albuquerque. The last time I visited with Hal was at Don Wolfe's funeral at Halfway, Oregon. Hal was a fantastic pilot and he was an excellent leader. He kept things well under control as squadron operations officer.

My family will be in D.C. for a week in November. Do you have a date for Hal's interment? Please email.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

August 21, 2010

I was sorry to hear of your husband's passing.

Please accept my deepest sympathy.

Greta Muirhead

Nancy Tierney

August 19, 2010

Dearest Aunt Georgie,
We have all heard the words ' an officer and a gentleman' and "all we need is a few good men". When reflecting on the memories of Hal, these phrases take on their true meaning.
At family gatherings, we often sat in awe as Hal shared with us stories of his adventures. Never braggadocios, always modest, Hal amazed us with his knowledge and intelligence. Georgie, you always had to coax him to share his tales, as he never wanted to dominate the center of attention.
A few of our leaders today seem to be pushing our country in a direction that is far from the principles that many of envisioned for the future of America. When Hal bravely fought for our freedom, he knew that he was fighting for the philosophy that our country was a Republic and a Democracy. Freedom, honesty, self determination, common sense, bravery. self sacrifice were inherent in his beliefs. He fought to help the people of the world have a better life.
To say Hal will be missed is a major understatement. He was the embodiment of an ' Officer and a Gentleman' His core beliefs are what we need to lead us in this dangerous time. He was one of the " few good men" spoken of in that phrase. Military men are often the ones that understand what we can lose if we don't guard against the enemy in all of its forms.
Hal was a good judge of the good things in life. One of his best choices was you, Georgie. You were good for him and he was good for you.
Among my best memories of Hal were the times we lingered over a meal and he listened as we shared our ' 'Chicago, Slovak, Youth' memories about my Grandma, your Mom. His smile reflected the respect he had for you. His beautiful blue eyes twinkled with love for you.
We pray that now he is in the care of a God who will find him beautiful challenging golf courses to play and the best of flying machines to try out. He deserves the best because he always gave us his best.
You loving niece, Nancy

John F. Tierney

August 12, 2010

Dear Georgianne,
My condolences for your and our loss. Our prayers are with you and your family. Hal has gone home to God.

I have many memories of sitting in the mornings with Hal in our home in Moraga and listening as he shared his life and amazing military stories. He had a full life and a loving wife, you Georgianne, whom he adored. He was a true soldier and served our country at the highest level.

May God rest his soul. Love to you.

Skip Kollada

August 12, 2010

Dearest Georgianne,

My warmest thoughts are with you for your loss. Hal was a great husband, a true patriot, and talented man. I will always remember his intellectual conversations on politics, investments, military, and golf. I was honored to have him as my best man at my wedding. May he fly with the angel's forever.

Matthew, Rebecca, Ashtyn, Aidan, and Tresten Tierney

August 12, 2010

Aunt Georgianne,
I am sorry sorry to hear news of Hal's passing. We will miss Hal, his calm presence, and his great stories, always with a smile. Hal and your relationship and marriage has always been an inspiration to Rebecca and I. Our thought and prayers are with you and Hal's Family. In God's Peace.

Kendal Norris

August 11, 2010

Georgie,

Your partnership with Hal, your "Prince" of a man, was so extraordinary - even to those who observed from afar. When two people of such quality find each other, it is truly a gift from God. May He comfort and keep you strong in these sad days. Love, Kendal

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