Washington D.C.: U.S. Air Force Col. Dean Hess, a late veteran known for his humanitarian efforts during the Korean War, has been posthumously honored with an award celebrating the South Korea-U.S. alliance, as announced by South Korea’s defense ministry. Col. Hess played a significant role in training South Korean Air Force pilots and orchestrated a rescue operation that saved approximately 1,000 orphans by airlifting them from war-torn Seoul to the safer southern island of Jeju. His dedication extended beyond the war, with frequent visits to South Korea to support the orphans and lead fundraising initiatives on their behalf.
According to Yonhap News Agency, a ceremony was held in Washington D.C. on Tuesday, where Lawrence and Ronald, sons of the late Col. Hess, accepted the Paik Sun-yup ROK-U.S. Alliance Award on their father’s behalf. During the event, South Korean Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun expressed heartfelt gratitude, highlighting the personal impact of Hess’s actions by stating, “Col. Dean Hess,
a child who has survived thanks to your devotion and become the defense minister of a free Republic of Korea that you guarded, expresses gratitude.”
In a gesture aligned with Col. Hess’s lifelong commitment to aiding the orphans, his family has chosen to donate the award’s prize money of US$30,000 to an orphanage that he supported during his lifetime, as confirmed by the ministry. The Paik Sun-yup ROK-U.S. Alliance Award, named after renowned Korean War hero Gen. Paik, has now seen Col. Hess as its 12th recipient.