Winton Blair

Personal Information

Birthplace: Dillon, KS

Service Information

Branch of Service: Navy

Unit: Hospital Ship

Theater of Operation: Pacific

Enlisted / Commissioned: Jan 13, 1944

Highest Rank: Seaman

Honored By: The Eisenhower Foundation

Biography

Winton Blair “Bunky” was born at Dillon, KS, May of 1924. He attended grade school in Dillon and 1 year of High School in Hope, KS. Bunky left school to help on the farm. When he was older, Bunky left the farm to enlist into the Navy December of 1943 at Fort Leavenworth. He was sworn in at Kansas City and shipped to Farragut, ID for basic training. Bunky returned home during a 15 day Furlough, returning for advanced training in San Diego, CA. He was placed on a hospital ship and cruised the Pacific where they were needed including Saipan, Pearl Harbor and the invasion of the Philippines. Bunky returned home and married Mildred Friedli and they had a daughter. Courtesy of the Dickinson County Heritage Center and Museum.