William D. Dunham World War II Collection

Collection — Multiple Containers

Identifier: 2004-05-10

Contents of the Collection

This small collection is comprised of four photographs and one map related to the World War II military service of William D. Dunham, circa 1939-1945. Each of the 4x5" photographs is black-and-white and depicts Dunham with an airplane. In three of the photographs, other military personnel are also in the image. Only one of these images includes a caption on the reverse; it depicts Dunham with three other men in front of a partially obscured Republic P-47D Thunderbolt "Bonnie". The caption reads "Wynoba [?], Dunham, Wood, Love of the 'Scouger' [Scourger] Squadron, 112 victories - 2 losses." The last photograph depicts Dunham alone leaning against his North American P-51 Mustang "Mrs. Bonnie." It appears to have had a caption which is now unreadable as at some point the photograph has been cut to approximate the shape of the aircraft.

The collection also holds a silk map, circa 1939-1945. It is Number C-42 and features Samar, an island of the Philippines. The map is 17x22" and is mounted on cardboard backing. The edges have been folded over and are taped to the back.

Dates

Creation: circa 1939-1945

Creator

Dunham, William D. (William Douglas), 1920-1990 (Person)

Language of Materials

All materials are in English.

Conditions Governing Access

This collection is open for research and is accessible in the Dahlberg Research Center by appointment. For more information contact us.

Conditions Governing Use

The Museum of Flight (TMOF) Archives is the owner of the physical materials in the archives and makes available reproductions for research, publication, and other uses. Written permission must be obtained from TMOF archives before any publication use. TMOF does not necessarily hold copyright to all of the materials in the collections. In some cases, permission for use may require seeking additional authorization from copyright owners. Consult repository for more details.

Biographical Notes: William D. Dunham

William Douglas Dunham was born in Tacoma, Washington in 1920. He graduated from Nezpearce High School in Nezpearce, Idaho and attended the University of Idaho at Moscow, Idaho from 1937-1940. Dunham completed Air Corps Primary and Basic Flying Schools at Santa Monica and Moffett Field, California. He graduted from Advanced Flying School at Luke Field, Arizona, receiving a commission as second lieutenant on December 12, 1941. Dunham had an extensive career with the United States Air Force until his retirement on February 1, 1970. His rank upon retirement was Brigadier General. Dunham died on March 3, 1990.

Sources and Further reading:

Biography derived from collection information and USAF biography found online at https://www.af.mil/About-Us/Biographies/Display/Article/107188/brigadier-general-william-d-dunham/