January Is The Month to Enlist In the Navy
At least, that’s what the three younger sons of Mr. and Mrs. D. W. Dunton, 703 Third street northeast, think. Donald H. Dunton went in that month six years ago. Stan marked his second anniversary with the bluejackets last January, and Willard, his first. Donald Dunton is a radio electrician and an instructor at the subchaser training center in Miami Beach, Fla. Warrant Officer Dunton is married, and his wife is with him. Stan Dunton is a yeoman second class and is somewhere in the Pacific, whole the youngest of the family, Willard Dunton, has just been rated an aviation ordnanceman second class, and is stationed at some west coast training center.
Source: The Globe-Gazette, Mason City, Iowa, Saturday, April 17, 1943, Page 14 (three brother photos included)
Willard Dunton Missing in Action
Somewhere in Pacific
Vice Admiral Jacobs Notifies Parents;
2 Brothers in Service
Mr. and Mrs. Willard D. Dunton, 703 3rd N. E., were informed Friday by the navy department that their son, Willard E. Dunton, aviation ordnanceman 1/C, was missing in action. The telegram signed by Vice Admiral Randall Jacobs, chief of naval personnel, reads as follows:
“The navy department deeply regrets to inform you that your son, Willard Earl Dunton, aviation ordnancemen 1/C, USN, is missing following action in the performance of his duty and in the service of his country. The department appreciates your great anxiety but details not now available and delay in receipt thereof must necessarily be expected. To prevent possible aid to our enemies please do not divulge the name of his ship or station.”
Two letters had just been received by his parents, the last one written on Feb. 17. Dunton was in a bomber squadron somewhere in the Pacific and had been overseas since last August. The Duntons have 2 other sons in the service, also in the navy. Ensign Donald Dunton is stationed at Miami, Fla., where he instructs in radar. Stanley Dunton was formerly a yeoman and had served in the Pacific but is now attending the navy V-12 program at the University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisc.
Source: The Globe-Gazette, Mason City, Iowa, Friday, February 25, 1944, Page 14
Willard Dunton Lost Life
in Enemy Attack on Feb. 20
Officer Letter Describes Crash in Target Area
Willard E. Dunton, aviation ordnanceman 1/c, previously reported missing in action by the bureau of personnel in Washington, D. C., was officially announced to have lost his life an enemy attack on Feb. 20, 1944.
“It is with deep regret,” wrote A. C. Jacobs, commander U. S. N. R., to Dunton’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. Willard D. Dunton, 703 3rd N. E., “that you are advised after a review of the information received in this bureau that it has been officially determined that your son, Willard Earl Dunton, aviation ordnanceman 1/c, previously reported missing in action, now is known to have lost his life on Feb. 20, 1944.
“Your son was a turret gunner on a plane which participated in an attack on enemy installations in the south Pacific area February 20, 1944. Weather conditions over the target were cloudy and overcast.-+ As the aircraft approached the target, your son’s plane was flying number 3 position of the 2nd division.
“A bomb was seen to be released from an altitude of approximately 800 feet and a few seconds thereafter the plane rolled over into an inverted position. When the plane reached the crest of the roll, it was observed that the greater portion of the right wing had become detached. The plane then crashed on the southwest side of the target area.
“No occupants were seen to leave the plane either during its descent or after the crash in the enemy area.
“The bureau shares in your sorrow and extends sincere sympathy to you in the loss of your son.”
A letter written on Feb. 17 by Ordnanceman 1/c Dunton was the last word his parents had had from him. He was in a bomber squadron somewhere in the Pacific and had been overseas since August. He entered the service in January, 1942.
The Duntons have 2 other sons in the service, both in the navy. Ensign Donald Dunton is stationed in Miami, Fla., where he instructs in radar. Stanley Dunton is attending the navy V-12 program at the University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wis.
Source: The Globe-Gazette, Mason City, Iowa, Tuesday, May 09, 1944, Page 9
Memorial Rites for Willard E. Dunton
Rock Falls – Memorial services for Willard E. Dunton, aviation ordnanceman 1/c, who lost his life in the south Pacific area Feb. 20, will be held Sunday at the Rock Falls church, the Rev. L. E. Sarchett of Plymouth, officiating.
Source: The Globe-Gazette, Mason City, Iowa, Thursday, May 18, 1944, Page 11
GIVE MEMORIAL TO IOWA SOLDIER
Honor Willard Dunton Bougainville Victim
Rock Falls – Memorial services were held at the Methodist church Sunday afternoon for Willard Dunton, aviation ordnanceman 1/c, who was killed in action over Bougainville Feb. 20, 1944. The Rev. L. E. Sachett officiated and Mrs. Everette White and Mrs. John Garkowski sang “The Beautiful Garden of Pray” and “Beautiful Isle.” Mrs. Harold Daily presided at the organ and Mrs. Harry Drier at the piano.
Willard Dunton was the son of Mr. and Mrs. D. W. Dunton, born Oct. 3, 1921, at Kensett. He was educated in the Plymouth and Rock Falls schools. He entered the navy 2 years ago and received his boot training at the Great Lakes naval training school.
He is survived by his parents and the following brothers and sisters: Ensign Donald of Miami, Fla.; Stanley, also in the navy at present at the University of Wisconsin; Keith of St. Paul; Leslie of Mason city; Mrs. Truman Matland of Rock Falls; and Mary of Mason City.
Source: The Globe-Gazette, Mason City, Iowa, Tuesday, May 23, 1944, Page 5
Willard Earl Dunton is buried in Zachary Taylor National Cemetery, Louisville, KY and has a cenotaph in Memorial Park Cemetery, Mason City, IA.
Source: ancestry.com
