Rep. Tim Dunn honors legacy of Arizona-born fighter pilot

State Rep. Tim Dunn was part of the commemoration ceremony Wednesday that celebrated the 100th anniversary of the final flight of Lt. Frank Luke Jr.

Dunn introduced the Luke family while also acknowledging the legacy of the heroic pilot.

Lieutenant Frank Luke Jr. was an Arizona-born fighter pilot who served in the United State Army Service and was the first airman to receive the Medal of Honor for his many aerial victories during World War I.

Luke Jr. was nicknamed the “Arizona Balloon Buster,” after shooting down 14 German balloons and four airplanes between September 12 and 19 of 1918.

“Lt. Luke’s bravery and sacrifice for our nation will never be forgotten, and his legacy will forever be a part of Arizona,” said Representative Dunn. “I’m humbled to join the Luke family, Luke Air Force Base, and Governor Ducey’s office in remembering and honoring Lt. Frank Luke.

The Brigadier General Todd Canterbury, Commander of the 56th Fighter Wing of Luke Air Force Base, as well as a representative from Governor Ducey’s office also joined Dunn during the ceremony.