Major Dean Hammond, Jr. Retired, is a remarkable individual whose life embodies intellect, skill, bravery, determination, fortitude, patriotism, altruism, and honor. Born in San Diego, California, and raised in Everett, Washington, his passion for aviation was ignited by the sight of early jet fighter planes flying over his home.
Dean's journey took a significant turn in 1968 when he enlisted in the ARMY Infantry and later earned a commission as a 2nd Lieutenant. He excelled in Flight School, becoming an honor graduate, and was assigned to pilot the "O-1 Bird Dog" in Vietnam.
On a fateful mission near the Laotian border, Dean's intuition led him to investigate an abandoned airfield, suspecting enemy activity. His hunch proved correct as he came under heavy fire from North Vietnamese soldiers. Despite sustaining a life-threatening leg injury, Dean displayed incredible courage and skill to control the aircraft and safely return to base.
Throughout his military career, Dean held various leadership roles, including commanding the Composite Aviation Company, Company C of the 1st Battalion, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, and serving as Chief of Aviation for the United States Military Training Mission to Saudi Arabia. He received prestigious awards such as the Purple Heart, Distinguished Flying Cross, and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with palm.
Beyond his military service, Dean ventured into the business world, creating jobs and integrating aviation into his operations. With over 9,100 flight hours in a diverse range of aircraft, he also trained pilots as a flight instructor and received recognition from the Kentucky Veterans Hall of Fame and the FAA Master Pilot Award.
Dean's life is a testament to his unwavering commitment to excellence and service. His induction into the Kentucky Aviation Hall of Fame is a well-deserved honor for an individual who embodies the qualities of intellect, skill, bravery, determination, fortitude, patriotism, altruism, and honor throughout his life.