Dean, Dodge H., 1916-1984
Person
Dates
- Existence: 1916 April 12 - 1984 December 1
Biographical Note: Dodge H. Dean
Dodge H. Dean served with both the Royal Canadian Air Force and the U.S. Army Air Forces during World War II.
Dodge Harry Dean was born April 12, 1916 to Harry H. and Nellie B. (Shinkle) Dean in Spokane, Washington. Dean attended Rogers High School in Spokane. He then graduated from the State College of Washington where he was affiliated with Sigma Nu fraternity. He completed flight training in Pensacola, Florida. From 1937 to 1939 he was in U.S. National Guard Enlisted Reserves but during that time also served as an Aviation Cadet, Sgt. Pilot with the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF). Dean first enlisted with RCAF as an instructor and then joined a fighting squadron. Dean transferred to the U.S. Army Air Forces in 1942 as a first lieutenant. He served as air inspector in Camp Kearns, Utah. Dean also was a B-17 squadron commander in the 15th Air Force in Italy. His squadron completed 50 missions, including ones over Ploesti. Dean returned to the U.S. in February 1945. Stateside, he was assistant training inspector of B-29 gunners in the 79th Training Wing at Harlingen Field in Texas. Dean also piloted many of the stunts in Captains of the Clouds starring James Cagney.
Dean died December 1, 1984 in California and is buried at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery in San Diego, California alongside his wife Mary Helen Dean.
Dodge Harry Dean was born April 12, 1916 to Harry H. and Nellie B. (Shinkle) Dean in Spokane, Washington. Dean attended Rogers High School in Spokane. He then graduated from the State College of Washington where he was affiliated with Sigma Nu fraternity. He completed flight training in Pensacola, Florida. From 1937 to 1939 he was in U.S. National Guard Enlisted Reserves but during that time also served as an Aviation Cadet, Sgt. Pilot with the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF). Dean first enlisted with RCAF as an instructor and then joined a fighting squadron. Dean transferred to the U.S. Army Air Forces in 1942 as a first lieutenant. He served as air inspector in Camp Kearns, Utah. Dean also was a B-17 squadron commander in the 15th Air Force in Italy. His squadron completed 50 missions, including ones over Ploesti. Dean returned to the U.S. in February 1945. Stateside, he was assistant training inspector of B-29 gunners in the 79th Training Wing at Harlingen Field in Texas. Dean also piloted many of the stunts in Captains of the Clouds starring James Cagney.
Dean died December 1, 1984 in California and is buried at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery in San Diego, California alongside his wife Mary Helen Dean.
Found in 1 Collection or Record:
Dodge H. Dean World War II Collection
Collection — Box: One
Identifier: 2018-00-00-138
Content Description
The Dodge H. Dean World War II Collection consists primarily of training materials from Dean's service with both the Royal Canadian Air Force and the U.S. Army Air Forces during World War II. Training materials from Dean's time with the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) from about 1937-1942 make up the bulk of the collection. Included are printed lecture outlines and printed notes on a variety of topics such as airframes; airmanship; airways regulations; armament; engines; instrument...