Lt Col Dean Hess ✝

Dean HessLieutenant Colonel Dean Hess, who died on March 2, 2015 aged 97, was a Disciples of Christ Church minister who enlisted after the Pearl Harbor attack and flew 63 combat missions on the P-47 Thunderbolt during World War II.

He was recalled to active duty in 1948 and saw further action during the Korean War. He was the commander of the Bout One Project, the program under which a cadre of USAF instructor pilots trained South Korean pilots in flying the F-51 Mustang.

During his service in Korea, he was involved in charity organizations for orphaned children in the war zone and helped rescue hundreds of Korean orphans.

Dean Hess' P-51D Mustang while he commanded Project Bout One in Korea in 1950. (© Gaëtan Marie / Bravo Bravo Aviation)

 

Permanent link to this article: https://www.worldwarbirdnews.com/2015/03/09/lt-col-dean-hess-%e2%9c%9d/

1 comment

    • John T. on March 10, 2015 at 6:08 AM
    • Reply

    What a man who not only did a great service to his country, but aided and assisted those most vulnerable in their time of need. A hero great human being. Thanks for your service and may God Bless Your Soul. RIP

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