1st Lt. Robert Franklin Dees

1928 - 1953

1st Lt. Robert Franklin Dees obituary, 1928-1953

BORN

1928

DIED

1953

FUNERAL HOME

Fuqua-Bankston Funeral Home

508 Faust Ave

Ozark, Alabama

Robert Dees Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Dec. 27, 2010.

Graveside services with full military honors will be held for First Lieutenant Robert Franklin Dees at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, January 22, 2011, at Longstreet Historical Cemetery also known as (Ebenezer Baptist Church Cemetery), at the intersection of County Road 233 and County Road 36 West (Marley Mill Rd. becomes County Rd. 36 West), Ozark, Alabama with a U.S. Air Force Chaplain and Reverend Joe Underwood officiating. A POW/MIA table ceremony will be at 5 p.m., Friday, January 21, 2011, at Fuqua-Bankston Funeral Home. The DAV Chapter #94, Ozark, Alabama will preside over the ceremony. The family will receive friends following the ceremony until 7 p.m. Fuqua-Bankston Funeral Home, Ozark, Alabama, will direct the burial rites assisted by the United States Air Force and the Disabled American Veteran Chapters.

First Lieutenant Dees, the son of the late Charles Clayton and Ola Land Dees, was born October 16, 1928 in Moultrie, Georgia. He was of the Baptist faith and attended Mount Olive Baptist Church in Moultrie, Georgia.
First Lieutenant Dees graduated from Colquitt County High School in 1945. While at Colquitt County High School, he was active in academics, athletics and Future Farmers of America.
Upon graduation, First Lieutenant Dees was awarded the Margaret Pidcock Citizenship Award and a scholarship to Georgia Military Academy in College Park, Georgia. After graduating from Georgia Military Academy, First Lieutenant Dees enlisted into the United States Air Force. First Lieutenant Dees was assigned officer candidate school and flight training at Lackland Air Force Base, Randolph Field, and Williams Air Force Base.
First Lieutenant Dees was sent to North Korea where he became a member of the 430th Fighter Bomber Squadron (196th FBS) 474th Fighter Bomber Group. He was a pilot of an F-84E Thunderjet fighter. On October 9, 1952, while in North Korea on a combat mission, his aircraft received a direct hit by anti-aircraft fire. On December 31, 1953, First Lieutenant Dees was listed as missing in action and presumed dead.
From September to November in 1954, following the armistice, the North Korean government repatriated remains of U.S. and allied soldiers during Operation Glory. On November 9, 1954, remains designated as N-17120 were turned over to United Nation officials.
On April 22, 1955, the remains were analyzed at the U.S. Army's Central Identification Unit in Kokura, Japan. The Central Identification Unit concluded that the remains likely were those of a pilot (or aircrew) due to the presence of portions of a flight suit and a pneumatic life preserver; however, they were unable to associate them to a specific individual. On September 29, 1955, the remains were reanalyzed and again found to be unidentifiable.
In 1956, the remains were re-designated as X-17120 and were buried as Unknown Remains in Section U, Grave No. 901, at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, in Hawaii.
Beginning in the late 1990's, a review of the Central Identification Units files pertaining to the unknown graves at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific was undertaken. The file for X-17120 was examined, and a tentative association to Robert Franklin Dees was established.
In 1999, DNA material was requested from a family member.
On June 3, 2010, Grave No. 901 was exhumed. On June 29, 2010, a tooth sample was submitted to the Armed Forces DNA Identification Laboratory for mitochondrial DNA analysis. On July 7, 2010, three bone samples were sent for analysis. Although the remains did not yield usable mitochondrial DNA sequence data, a reevaluation of the skeletal and dental remains and the circumstantial evidence led to association to First Lieutenant Robert Dees to the exclusion of other reasonable candidates.
The identifying evidence was presented to a surviving niece and his three nephews December 21, 2010 by the Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operation Center. The evidence was accepted by his family and the remains of this war hero will be returned to his family and comrades January 21, 2011.
First Lieutenant Robert Dees remains will be escorted by a fellow U.S. Air Force Comrade from Pearl Harbor-Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii to Pensacola, Florida and thereafter until services are concluded at Longstreet Historical Cemetery (Ebenezer Baptist Church Cemetery). In addition to his parents other deceased immediate family members include two brothers, John Sumner Dees, Derby, KS, and Charles Harry Dees, Sr., Ozark, AL; sister-in-law, Margie Lewis Dees, Ozark, AL; and niece Donna Elizabeth Dees, Derby, KS.
Survivors include a niece, Linda K. Dees, Ozark, AL; and nephews, Charles Harry Dees, Jr., Ozark, AL, Robert Charles Dees, Huntsville, AL, and Douglas Hardy Dees, Wichita, KS., a sister-in-law, Barbara Hill Dees, Derby, KS.


Autobiographical History by Robert Franklin Dees
I was born October 16, 1928 and reared in a small town five miles from Moultrie, Georgia. I attended Moultrie High School where I was a member of Hi-Y, FFA and X-Club. I played on the school basketball and baseball teams, as well as intramural football and track.
As a junior, I was president of my class and treasurer of my senior class. I was secretary of the Moultrie Chapter FFA while a junior and president of the chapter as a senior, and also president of the Georgia Association of FFA. While in high school, I worked odd jobs and on the farm. In my senior year I entered a public speaking contest and won second place. My senior class elected me "the one most likely to succeed" of 174 seniors. Upon graduation, I received a citizenship award, as well as a two year scholarship to Georgia Military Academy Junior College.
At GMA I studied general subjects, with intentions of attending the University later. While at GMA I played varsity football, basketball and baseball, and was sports editor of the school paper, a member of the glee club and participated in the intramural boxing. I was a member of the Eagle Roll, the Honor Roll Society of GMA.
After graduation from GMA I worked as a lifeguard and assistant camp director of a summer camp during the summer of 1947. After that very enjoyable episode, due to lack of funds for more college, I went home and started work for Swift and Company as a suggestion analysis man for the suggestion department.
In September 1948 I entered in the U.S.A.F. and had basic training at Sheppard AFB, Texas. From there I went to weather observer school at Chanute AIF. After completion of the school, I worked as a weather observer at Goodman AFB, Kentucky, for two months. In July 1949, I was transferred to Lackland AFB to attend AFOCS. I was graduated and commissioned a Second Lieutenant December 16, 1949. As a distinguished graduate of OCS I went on a competitive tour of duty for a regular commission at Lackland AFB. I received the regular commission after meeting the board in June 1950.
In August, I entered the pilot training program at Randolph AFB with Class 51-F. I was transferred to Williams AFB for advanced training in April 1951. I was eliminated from flying on June 28. Until being reinstated in Class 52-B, I remained at Williams and played baseball with the Williams Jets and assisted in instructing the cadet functional swimming classes. I was promoted to First Lieutenant September 7, 1951.
My father is a grade foreman for Colquitt County. I have two brothers, one who is twenty and now in the US Army, and one who is 18, now in college. My mother died in January 1950.
As for hobbies, I like fishing and hunting. I also like swimming as well as most sports. I'm quite normal, so I like girls, and enjoy good parties like all true AF men. My greatest ambition at present is to become a good fighter pilot. Someday I expect to marry and have a large family.

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Not sure what to say?

February 5, 2011

WELCOME HOME BROTHER! R.I.P. CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILY & FRIENDS.

January 25, 2011

Darlene Pierce

May this help you find closure! I thank your family for their sacrifice for our freedoms! May God bless you al!

January 23, 2011

Cheryl Gott

Robert gave the ultimate sacrifice for all of us. I hope that you all find peace,comfort and closure. I am certain he sits with god and is reunited in heaven with loved ones that for so long had awaited his return. God Bless you all.

January 23, 2011

Ken Davis, MSgt, USAF (Ret)

Welcome home, Lt! (Salute) Rest in Peace.

January 23, 2011

Tim Barter Sr.

Dear Dees family,
-
I'm looking at Robert's service picture. I think, what do people see? His best gal probably saw a Knight in shining armor leaving his homeland to heroically defend her. His grandmother: those cheeks she used to pinch and dimples she would kiss. His mother would maybe recall the fall off a bike as a youngster that resulted in leaving some little nick on the knee which she saw as a huge gash hurting her baby boy.
-
What do I see? I see a little boy who suffered through the hunger of a great depression, a teen aged lad who may have watched in awe as he witnessed his father marching off to war as he, himself, would do one day. I see someone who, though he loved his country more than life itself, never wavered in his willingness to prove it. Why does war always seem to want to take the best of us? Because that is the cost of peace and freedom. It's not fair, but it is true. Please know that there are people out here who feel as I do, and that we know you have endured much to reach this day.
-
Thank you Lieutenant for your service and sacrifice. Rest in the eternal peace you've earned. You have my deepest respect.

January 23, 2011

Jewel Higa

Welcome home. Thank you seems so trite. You were never forgotten and you never will be. Rest In Peace.

January 22, 2011

Deborah Bast

1LT Dees: A true American Hero who made the ultimate sacrifice, for us all. Welcome home my friend. I am truly honored to have your niece Linda as a friend. You would be so proud of her, such a wonderful lady. She is very proud of you and elated of your homecoming. My love and prayers for you and all the family. All the riches in heaven are yours now. You rest now and forever be in the loving arms of God. God Bless America! AMEN!

January 21, 2011

Michael Norman

To the Dees family, you are all in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. We in the Norman family will never forget his total sacrifice and his honorable life lived. God bless you.

January 21, 2011

Dees Family, I am writing this because I knew Robert when he was dating my aunt Maggie back in Moultrie. I was only 12 at the time but I remember how much we all thought of Robert, he was a fine man and a great airman. We were hurt by his loss back in 1952 and I am glad he is finally going to be at rest next to his family in Alabama.He is not forgotten in South Georgia.
May you be comforted by his return.
Mike Johnson
Albany, Ga.

January 21, 2011

RONALD SCHMITT

AS A KOREAN VETERAN, WHO NEVER SAW COMBAT, I AM FOREVER GRATEFUL TO YOU FOR YOUR GREAT SACRIFICE. MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. IT HAS BEEN A LONG TIME MY BROTHER, BUT THANK GOD THEY FOUND YOU.

SP2. RON SCHMITT USARMY
PENSACOLA, FL.

January 21, 2011

w.ross thomas

dear robert:i cannot express my feelings at this time. as one of my dearest friends you ment every thing to me at one time of my life. i am honored to be able to say a few words about such a wonderful person and national hero. i wish GODS blessings your family.you will always be a part of my heart i wish i could be there for the well deserved funeral service.

January 20, 2011

Amy Johnson

Welcome Home 1st Lt. Robert Franklin Dees. You paid the ultimate sacrifice and for this my family and I are forever in your debt. May God Bless! Thank you for your service.

January 19, 2011

At last, 1stLt.Dees, USAF is finally coming home. God, I ask that you give this family peace and closure that is so long over due. The Patriot guard, Pensacola Fl. stand at the ready and await your arrival. It is an honor to stand for such a Hero. WELCOME HOME SOLDIER

doc
Florida ASC
Patriot Guard Riders

January 14, 2011

A Hero has returned to his homeland. The family can now have closure. 1st Lt. Dee's paid the ultimate sacrifice and it will never be forgotten. May God Bless all his wonderful family.

Billy and Josephine Pike, Piedmont, Al

January 12, 2011

It has been a Long time Comrade, Welcome home.

E. Ben Owen, A Pilot from WWII DAV Oklahoma Chapter 88

January 12, 2011

Ben Owen

It has been a Long time Comrade, Welcome home.

E. Ben Owen, A Pilot from WWII DAV Oklahoma Chapter 88

January 10, 2011

Welcome home to an American hero and brother in arms. We now can honor your heroism properly.
Chad Richmond, Major, USA Ret.
Adjutant, DAV, Department of Alabama

January 7, 2011

We are thankful that Lt. Dees has returned home to his family. May God bless and keep the family and friends of this American hero.

Chaplain (GEN) P. Dale Burnette
United States Corps of Chaplains

January 7, 2011

The Tuckers

To 1st LT Dees and family,
My heartfelt gratitude to a fallen soldier who is finally coming home. May God bless and keep you all in the hollow of His hand.
In Christ,
The Tucker family

January 7, 2011

Mr Wizzard

Welcome home my brother, the journey long, the battle fierce, the sacrifice great; now stand proud at heaven’s gate.
Wiregrass PGR

January 6, 2011

William C. Childree

I know this has brought some long awaited relief for the family. As a 34 year vetran I thank him for his sacrafice and his service. May GOD bless his family and friends.

Wm. C. Childree LTC (Ret) U. S. Army Aviation

January 4, 2011

Chaplain (LTC) Charles R. Augustine, USCOC

Prayers have been answered and the minds of family and friends settled in secured peace that their love one is now coming home and laid to rest. May our Almighty Father continue to comfort you in His loving arms as our brother in arms, 1LT Robert Franklin Dees is returned to his beloved home and family. May God continue to bless you all through His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. Amen.

December 28, 2010

Larry Hart

Lt. Dees and Family: We know you are with us and know that you have not been forgotten. Thank you for your service to our country and the ultimate sacrifice. You can rest assured that I will be one of those that are privlidged to stand by your side when we pay our country's well deserved and overdue respect. God Bless good sir.

Very Respectfully,

Larry Hart
CWO, USN

December 28, 2010

Arthur Miller

A great American Hero is coming home. I am a Retired Master Sergeant who was in diapers when this hero served. I am also the Past State Department of Alabama Commander of the Disabled American Veterans. It will be an honor to welcome this True American Hero Home. Arthur P. Miller Dothan

December 28, 2010

Fuqua-Bankston Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of
1st Lt. Robert Franklin Dees.

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