Medal of Honor recipient William Dean graduated from the University of California at Berkeley in 1922. Commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the California National Guard in 1921, he was tendered a Regular Army commission on October 18, 1923. General Dean was the highest ranking UN soldier of the Korean War to be held as a prisoner of war.

Awards

The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the

Medal of Honor

to Major General William Frishe Dean, Sr. (ASN: 0-15433), United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the repeated risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving with the 24th Infantry Division, in action against enemy aggressor forces at Taejon, Korea, on 20 and 21 July 1950. 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, Major General Dean 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 Major General 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 Major General Dean's heroic leadership, courageous and loyal devotion to his men, and his complete disregard for personal safety.

General Orders: Department of the Army, General Orders No. 7 (February 16, 1951)

Action Date: July 20 & 21, 1950

Service: Army

Rank: Major General

Division: 24th Infantry Division

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the

Distinguished Service Cross

to Brigadier General William Frishe Dean, Sr. (ASN: 0-15453), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Assistant Division Commander, 44th Infantry Division, Seventh Army, in action against enemy forces on 8 December 1944, in the vicinity of *******. Shortly after the assault on *** had begun, General Dean, finding the infantry immobilized by a withering artillery barrage, and tanks and tank destroyers halted because of the demolition of an overpass leading into the town, took immediate and decisive measures. Leading the tank and tank destroyer commanders on a foot reconnaissance to determine the most favorable plan of approach, he discovered an alternate route into the town. General Dean then personally directed the movements of the armor, while on foot and exposed to the devastating fire. After deploying these weapons and directing their fire on the principal enemy positions, he personally led an infantry platoon through one concentration of artillery fire after another, and succeeded in destroying the opposing enemy batteries. By his skillful maneuvering, outstanding leadership and utter disregard for personal safety, General Dean contributed immeasurably to the success of the attack. Brigadier General Dean's intrepid actions, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

General Orders: Headquarters, Seventh U.S. Army, General Orders No. 41 (February 9, 1945)

Action Date: December 8, 1944

Service: Army

Rank: Brigadier General

Company: Assistant Division Commander

Division: 44th Infantry Division

Major General William Frishe Dean, Sr. (ASN: 0-15453), United States Army, was awarded the

Army Distinguished Service Medal

for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility.

General Orders: War Department, General Orders No. 14 (1946), Corrected by General Orders No. 19 (1946)

Service: Army

Rank: Major General

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting the

Legion of Merit

to Brigadier General William Frishe Dean, Sr. (ASN: 0-15453), United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States from 9 March 1942 to 29 February 1944.

General Orders: War Department, General Orders No. 88 (November 23, 1944)

Action Date: March 9, 1942 - February 29, 1944

Service: Army

Rank: Brigadier General

Major General William Frishe Dean, Sr. (ASN: 0-15453), United States Army, was interned as a

Prisoner of War

during the Korean War after he was captured on 20 July 1950 and was held until his release on 4 September 1953.

Action Date: July 20, 1950 - September 4, 1953

Service: Army

Rank: Major General

Division: Prisoner of War (Korean War)

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