Dean, William F. (William Frishe), 1899-1981

William Frishe Dean (1899-1981) was born in Carlyle, Illinois. He earned a bachelors degree from the University of California in 1922 and commissioned in the infantry the following year. He continued his education, graduating from the Command and General Staff School in 1936, the Army Industrial College in 1939, and the Army War College in 1940. During his tenure with the War Department General Staff, from 1941 to 1944, he rose through the ranks to brigadier general in December 1942. Between 1944 and 1945, he served in World War II as assistant division commander, then commanding general of the 44th Infantry Division. He made major general in March 1945. His post-war assignments included military governor of Korea, from 1947 to 1948, and commanding general of the 7th Infantry Division, from 1948 to October 1949. He then commanded the 24th Infantry Division during the Korean War. At Taejon, Korea, in July 1950, he became separated from his division, and the North Korean troops eventually captured him. In September 1953 U.S. troops liberated him. When he retired in October 1955, he was deputy commanding general of the Sixth Army. He authored a memoir, General Dean's Story, published in 1954. His decorations and awards included the Medal of Honor, Distinguished Service Cross, Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit, and Bronze Star.