Daniel E. Onishuk, Sr. joined the Navy in 1946 at age 18. He was stationed in Memphis, Tenn., where he went to school to become an aviation mechanic. It was there that he began his lifelong love of airplanes and flying. He was discharged in 1948. In 1950 he was recalled into service and was stationed in Jacksonville, Florida, again working on airplanes. In 1952, he was discharged and returned home to start a family with his wife, Frances. As their children grew, they took them to air shows and on annual trips to Washington, D.C. to the Air and Space Museum. When their children were older, Dan decided to take flying lessons. With the never ending support of his wife, he earned his pilot's license and joined a flying club. Dan was very active in the flying club and enjoyed flying around Massachusetts and New England, especially with his family. Although, Dan is no longer flying, he will never lose his love of aviation. He and his family still attend air shows and he never misses a chance to stop at the Air and Space Museum when traveling with his wife.
It is with great honor and gratitude, that the family of Daniel and Frances Onishuk make them a sponsor at the National Aviation and Space Exploration Wall of Honor. Thank you for opening the world to your family.