A World War II torpedo bomber roared over Dickinson Field on Friday, Sept. 11, before Hinsdale Central's Salute to Service game. The flyover honored Art Leach, a 106-year-old decorated pilot who died Monday, Sept. 7.

The TBM-3U Avenger came together because of Red Devils senior Owen Sunderson. He asked his grandmother's friend, Tom Buck, owner of the vintage aircraft, to bring it over the stadium before the rivalry game against Lyons Township, The Hinsdalean reported.

Buck dedicated the flight to his close friend Leach, a WWII Hellcat fighter pilot who died at age 106 in Pontiac, Illinois. Leach was the last living fighter pilot and officer stationed on USS Yorktown (CV-10) during the war, according to Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum.

He earned two Air Medals and the Distinguished Flying Cross for missions in the Pacific Theater, according to his obituary. The Avenger that flew over Hinsdale is a torpedo bomber, not the F6F Hellcat Leach piloted in combat.

The Sept. 11 ceremony fell on the 25th anniversary of the 2001 attacks. The Hinsdale Central Football Club added elements beyond its usual pregame tribute.

Chicago Blackhawks anthem singer Jim Cornelison performed "The Star-Spangled Banner." Both Central head coach Brian Griffin and LT head coach Jon Beutjer greeted veterans and first responders on the field.

Hinsdale American Legion member and former U.S. Air Force Capt. Robert Blackwell was escorted onto the field by club members Kelly Knapp and Chris Kurinsky. The club also invited members of the Lyons Township community to join the commemoration.

Ahead of the game, Hinsdale Central Athletic Director Mike Jezioro spoke about the ceremony's purpose. "Our Salute to Service recognition is important because it gives us an opportunity to honor the men and women who have served our country …" Jezioro told The Hinsdalean in a Sept. 10 preview.

On the field, Lyons Township won 38-28 in the West Suburban Conference Silver opener. LT quarterback Brendan McCabe threw two touchdown passes and ran for two more, Shaw Local reported.

Central (2-2, 0-2 Silver) hosts Downers Grove South for Homecoming on Friday, Sept. 18, at 7:30 p.m.