William F. Dean

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

William F. Dean
August 1, 1899 - July 21, 1950
Medal of Honor recipient
Place of birth	Carlyle, Illinois
Place of death	Taejon, Korea
Allegiance	United States Army
Years of service	- 1950
Rank	Major General
Unit	Commanding General, 24th Infantry Division

William F. Dean was a soldier in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions on July 20 and 21, 1950.

[edit] Medal of Honor Citation

Rank and organization: Major General, U.S. Army, commanding general, 24th Infantry Division

Place and date: Taejon, Korea, 20 and 21 July 1950

Entered service at: California. Born: 1 August 1899, Carlyle, Ill

G.O. No.: 7, 16 February 1951.

Citation: ^[1]

Maj. Gen. Dean distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the repeated risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. In command of a unit suddenly relieved from occupation duties in Japan and as yet untried in combat, faced with a ruthless and determined enemy, highly trained and overwhelmingly superior in numbers, he felt it his duty to take action which to a man of his military experience and knowledge was clearly apt to result in his death. He personally and alone attacked an enemy tank while armed only with a hand grenade. He also directed the fire of his tanks from an exposed position with neither cover nor concealment while under observed artillery and small-arm fire. When the town of Taejon was finally overrun he refused to insure his own safety by leaving with the leading elements but remained behind organizing his retreating forces, directing stragglers, and was last seen assisting the wounded to a place of safety. These actions indicate that Maj. Gen. Dean felt it necessary to sustain the courage and resolution of his troops by examples of excessive gallantry committed always at the threatened portions of his frontlines. The magnificent response of his unit to this willing and cheerful sacrifice, made with full knowledge of its certain cost, is history. The success of this phase of the campaign is in large measure due to Maj. Gen. Dean's heroic leadership, courageous and loyal devotion to his men, and his complete disregard for personal safety.