Navy Federal Credit Union

Dean Caswell became a World War II Marine Corps ACE, credited with shooting down SEVEN enemy aircraft in aerial combat.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant

    Batallion:

    Marine Fighting Squadron 221 (VMF-221)

    Division:

    U.S.S. Bunker Hill (CV-17)

    Action Date:

    April 28, 1945

    Commander 1st Carrier Task Force, Pacific: Serial 0677

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant Dean Caswell (MCSN: 0-33873), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a Member of a six-plane flight of Fighter Planes in Marine Fighting Squadron TWO HUNDRED TWENTY-ONE (VMF-221), attached to the U.S.S. BUNKER HILL (CV-17), in action against enemy Japanese forces while on combat air patrol in the vicinity of Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands, on 28 April 1945. When his flight intercepted a formation of approximately thirty Japanese fighters approaching Okinawa to launch an attack on shipping and land installations, Second Lieutenant Caswell skillfully pressed home his attack against the greatly superior force and succeeded in shooting down three enemy planes and probably destroying one other. By his aggressive fighting spirit and skilled airmanship, he contributed materially to the outstanding record of his flight in destroying one other and routing the remainder, thereby protecting our ships and land installations. His conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant

    Batallion:

    Marine Fighting Squadron 221 (VMF-221)

    Action Date:

    World War II

    Heroes U.S. Marine Corps 1861 – 1955 (Jane Blakeney)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Dean Caswell (MCSN: 0-33873), United States Marine Corps, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as Pilot of a Fighter Airplane of Marine Fighting Squadron TWO HUNDRED TWENTY-ONE (VMF-221), in actions against enemy Japanese forces in the Pacific Theater of Operations during World War II.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant

    Batallion:

    Marine Fighting Squadron 221 (VMF-221)

    Action Date:

    World War II

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: First Lieutenant Dean Caswell (MCSN: 0-33873), United States Marine Corps, was awarded a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as Pilot of a Fighter Airplane of Marine Fighting Squadron TWO HUNDRED TWENTY-ONE (VMF-221), in actions against enemy Japanese forces in the Pacific Theater of Operations during World War II.