Navy Federal Credit Union

An ordained minister prior to entering military service as an Army Air Forces pilot during World War II, Dean Hess left his ministry again during the Korean War. The first member of the new U.S. Air Force in history to receive an Army award of the Silver Star, in addition to training pilots, he flew 250 combat missions and rescued more than 1,000 orphans, later sharing his story in his autobiography, “Battle Hymn,” which became a motion picture with Rock Hudson playing Hess. All proceeds from the book and movie were donated to establish the Orphans Home in Korea.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Major

    Division:

    25th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    August 10 & 26, 1950

    Headquarters, 25th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 145 (September 14, 1950), Amended by G.O. 345 (November 16, 1950)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star (Army Award) to Major Dean Elmer Hess (AFSN: AO-792400), United States Air Force, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as Pilot of an F-51 Mustang Fighter Airplane, in support of the 25th Infantry Division, U.S. Army, in operations in Korea on 10 August and on 26 August 1950. Although assigned as advisor to the Korean Air Force, Major Hess flew repeated missions in close tactical support of the hard-pressed 25th Infantry Division, on the southern front in Korea. Usually flying alone, he contributed materially to holding back the fanatical and numerically superior enemy force. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Major Hess, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.