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Wall of Honor Level:
Air and Space Sponsor

Honored by:
Ms. Amy Lemon

Donald L. Pape was born August 23, 1929 in Boise, Idaho. He was educated in Idaho, enlisting in the Air Force in 1950 as the Korean War broke out. He earned his wings in a T-6 Texan at Connally Air Force Base in Waco, Texas. His advanced pilot training was completed in the F-51 Mustang at Craig Air Force Base in Selma, Alabama. He was soon sent to Korea to fly the F-86 Sabrejet. Don had already been credited with 137 combat missions and 2 1/2 kills when he led a mission into North Korea. Unable to jettison his external fuel tank, he turned control of the mission to the deputy flight leader and returned to base. During the flight back Don spotted a supply train and while attacking it was shot down by ground fire. He was captured immediately and spent most of the next year as a prisoner of war (POW) in a Chinese prison camp. Unable to radio a message after being shot down, he remained listed as MIA and presumed dead.
In September of 1953 Don was repatriated and returned home in poor but survivable physical condition. He was subsequently awarded both the Air Medal and Distinguished Flying Cross. He remained in the Air Force as a flight instructor at Nellis Air Force Base in Las Vegas, Nevada and the Idaho Air National Guard flying the F-86, F-89, F-94, F-100 and F-102.
Don continued his education at Boise State University, entered dental school at Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska and graduated in 1959. He completed a residency at Denver General Hospital in Denver, Colorado while flying with the Colorado National Guard. In 1960 Don established his dental practice in Boise, Idaho and flew with the Idaho National Guard for several years.
He and his wife, Darlyne, raised six children: Joseph, Mike, Kathleen, Jim, Ben and Amy. Don was active in church and civic activities throughout his more than thirty years of serving the community through his profession. An avid reader and great storyteller, Don retired in 1995. His hobbies included: fly fishing, skiing and volunteering with medical/dental teams throughout third world countries.