- SURNAME
Dean
- FORENAME
Michael Frank
- UNIT
38 attached 40 Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron (3 A.R.R. Group)
- RANK
Staff Sergeant
- NUMBER
552643073
- DATE OF DEATH
30th June 1970
- AGE
23
- GRAVESITE
Arlington National Cemetery,Virginia Section 34 Site 4988
- ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
from La Puente,California
born 13.9.1946 La Puente,California
married
entered service 1966
awards Silver Star (posthumous),Air Medal
aeromedical specialist (air rescue)
HH-53C Sikorsky Jolly Green helicopter (66-8283)
KIA Savannakhet Province,Laos
body not found
Honolulu Memorial,Hawaii
remains repatriated 24.3.1993
remains identified 7.3.1995 (disputed)
Vietnam Veterans Memorial,Washington,D.C. Panel 09W Line 103
Camp Butler National Cemetery,Springfield,Sangamon County,Illinois Section MA Site 5 (memorial stone)
DATE OF DEATH:
30-Jun-1970CITATION:
Silver Star : The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 8, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Staff Sergeant Michael Frank Dean, United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force in Southeast Asia while serving with the 38th Aerospace Rescue & Recovery Squadron, 3d Aerospace Rescue & Recovery Group, 7th Air Force, on 30 June 1970. On that date, Sergeant Dean, an HH-53C Pararescue/Recovery Specialist, twice penetrated an area of known hostile concentration in a valiant effort to rescue an injured American pilot. Undaunted after being repelled during the first attempt, and with complete disregard for his personal safety, he elected to make a second attempt. As the helicopter neared the downed airman, it sustained severe battle damage, resulting in an uncontrollable fire. Bravely returning the hostile fire until the end, Sergeant Dean lost his life while trying to save another's when the helicopter impacted the ground and exploded. By his gallantry and devotion to duty in the dedication of his service to his country, Sergeant Dean has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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