Gilbert Dunne

Class of 1955
​Inducted in 2009 & 2011

Gilbert was inducted into the SHSAA Hall of Fame in 2011 and the SHSAA Packer Sports Greats in 2009.

USAF Colonel (Retired) Gilbert Dunne received a bachelor’s degree in education from UNL before attending Squadron Officers’ School and Air Command, and Staff College.  A decorated war hero, he logged 324 fighter combat missions in Vietnam, served as Squadron Commander, Operations Officer/Vice Commander/Commander of 326 AIR Division, and was Vice Commander of USAF Inspector General.  His honors included:  the Top Gun Award, 19 medals including Air Medal with 13 clusters, Air Combat Medal, Distinguished Flying Cross, Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry, and USAF Legion of Merit.

While attending South High School he was named All-City for baseball twice, was Boys State Representative, and was elected Homecoming King.  At UNL he received a baseball scholarship, captained the 1959 team, and coached the 1960 freshman baseball team.

He has been involved in fundraisers for handicapped Japanese of Okinawa, has organized aid for Vietnamese refugees from the Vietnam War, and has helped raise funds for high school scholarships in Hawaii.