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John Dean scrapbook page and Purdue diploma

 Collection — Box: Communal Collections 49, Placement: 03
Identifier: MSA 317

Scope and Contents

The collection consists of John I. Dean's 1940 Purdue University diploma, and one scrapbook page belonging to Major Dean. The front page is titled "All Purdue Men," Lubbock Army Flying School, Lubbock Texas, May 1943. The scrapbook second page (or back page) is titled: "My Advanced Flying School Instructor and Students, Lubbock Texas, June 1943." Men identified in the photo are: L-R (standing) Bill Brucker, Al Edes, Burt Walkup (The Instructor), Me [John Irwin Dean], Paul Cooper. L-R (Kneeling), Fred Mays, Mike Bylene.

Dates

  • Creation: 1940 - 1943

Creator

Language of Materials

Collecction material is in English.

Access Information

The collection is open for research.

Copyright and Use Information

Portions of material in this collection are in the public domain. Other material copyrights held by Purdue University or original creator. Consult with Purdue University Archives and Special Collections prior to reproduction of materials.

Biographical Information

John Irwin Dean was born in Chicago, Illinois, November 27, 1918. He graduated from Purdue University in 1940 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering. While at Purdue he was a member of Kappa Sigma, Cary Club, Debris, and the Student Senate. He entered Wharton in 1940, but when Pearl Harbor was bombed, he immediately joined the Army Air Force.

He underwent flight training at Laughlin Army Air Field, Lubbock, Texas, and trained in the Martin B-26 Marauder, a two engine medium bomber. The Marauder had a range of 1,000 miles and six hours flight time. It was known as the widow maker and flying coffin. Dean earned his wings as a B-26 bomber pilot in 1943.

Dean was a member of the 8th and 9th Air Force (originally they were the 8th and then were attached to the 9th), 394th Bomb Group – 587th Bombardment Squadron, 1943-1946. He flew his B-26 to England via South America and North Africa. He flew 35 missions over Germany and France. The 394th was deactivated in 1946. Dean was awarded the Bronze Star, the Silver Star and the Croix de Guerre.

After the war Dean lived in Chicago and went to work as a sales manager for Sterling Tool Products Company. He then accepted a position as Director of Marketing for, then fledgling operation, Dymo Products Company. He later moved to San Francisco. Dymo was acquired in 1978 by Esselte, a Swedish firm and the San Francisco office was closed.

John Irwin Dean passed in San Francisco, March 27, 2002.

Extent

0.125 Cubic Feet (Two folders)

Custodial History

The collection was originally donated by Helene Ettelson to President Daniels' office on October 16, 2016. The material was later transferred to Purdue University Archives and Special Collections by the President's Office, date unknown.

Acquisition Information

Transferred to the Purdue University Archives via President Daniel's office, date unknown.

Processing Information

Material has been placed in an acid free folders and an acid-free box.

Subject

Source

Title
John Dean scrapbook page and Purdue diploma
Status
Under Review
Author
Mary A. Sego
Date
2020-04-06
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin
Language of description note
English
Edition statement
Second edition. Collection description first completed in 2016.

Repository Details

Part of the Purdue University Archives and Special Collections Repository

Contact:
504 Mitch Daniels Boulevard
West Lafayette Indiana 47907 United States
765-494-2839