During the Korean War, U.S. Air Force lieutenant colonel Dean Hess helped arrange the safe evacuation of about 1,000 orphans from the mainland to Jeju. A statue in his honor has now been erected at the Jeju Aerospace Museum. Joseph Kim has more about this “father” of orphans.




Report

During the Korean war, countless children lost their parents.

A westerner is making eye contact and talking with a shy child.

The man’s name was Dean Hess, an ordained minister and a U.S. Air Force lieutenant colonel.

[slug]
Hess airlifted 1,000 orphans to Jeju

On December 20th 1950, when North Korean and Chinese Armies began to capture Seoul and U.N. troops decided to retreat from the capital city beginning January 4th 1951,

Hess organized 15 planes to bring nearly 1,000 war orphans to Jeju.

He became involved in charity organizations for orphaned children in the war zone, and his airfield was reportedly full of such children.

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Built an orphanage in Jeju and continued support for 20 years

He also built an orphanage on the island.

After the war, Hess had departed Korea, but continued supporting the orphanage for 20 years.

INTERVIEW
Gwak Hae-oh / Orphaned during Korean War
As I was wandering the streets during the war, Dean Hess brought me and others to safety, where we were given food and clothes provided by American missionary groups. I owe him my life.
<인터뷰 : 곽해오/당시 전쟁 고아>
"전쟁통에 길바닥을 헤매고 있는데 딘 헤스 대령님이 (우리를) 전부 모아서 (데려가고) 먹을 것, 입을 것 미리 미국선교단체에 요구해서 피난 계획하고…생명의 은인이죠."

Hess flew 250 combat missions in Korea.

Dean Hess also had a leading role in training Korean pilots during the war.

He contributed to organizing and developing Korea’s air force.

His statue was erected at the Jeju Aerospace Museum to commemorate his humanitarian work on the second anniversary of his passing.

INTERVIEW
Larry Hess / Son
(Interview done in English)
<인터뷰 : 레리 헤스/딘 헤스 대령 장남>
"저희 아버지가 정말 자랑스럽고 존경스럽습니다. 아버지가 살아계셨다면 정말 좋을 것 같습니다. 이 자리에 함께 했으면 좋았을 것입니다."

Air Force Colonel Dean Hess was a significant figure in Korean air force history, and his efforts to help children are a shining example of the air force’s humanitarian airlift capabilities.

[Reporter] Joseph Kim
[Camera] Hyeon Gwang-hoon

His act of mercy will long be remembered.

Joseph Kim, KCTV