Reunited: Airman comes home after 59 years

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Joshua Green
  • 23rd Wing Public Affairs
OZARK, Ala. --  More than half a century later, the family of one Air Force pilot will finally receive closure.

1st Lt. Robert Dees, an F-84E Thunderjets pilot, was laid to rest at Longstreet Historical Cemetery, Jan. 22, after being identified as missing in action since 1953.

According to reports, Lieutenant Dees, who was assigned to the 430th Fighter-Bomber Squadron, 474th Fighter Bomber Group, was delivering bombs during a combat mission with three other pilots in Sinyang, North Korea, when his aircraft took a direct hit by anti-aircraft fire.

"Charles Dees, father of Lieutenant Dees, was first notified of the incident by a telegram left in his screen door sent by a fellow fighter pilot," said Ronald Dees, cousin of the lieutenant. "The information hit hard and many emotions ran through our families' heads with the hope that he was okay."

Although the family wished for the best, it was later realized that Lieutenant Dees wouldn't return home alive.

"When we learned he was not coming home, it was certainly a blow," said Camille Payne, Mayor of Thomasville, Ga., and cousin of Lieutenant Dees.

The family experienced more bad luck when numerous autopsies conducted by the U.S. Army's Central Identification Unit in Kokura, Japan, deemed Lieutenant Dees remains as unknown labeling them X-17120 and had him buried in Hawaii after the North Korean government repatriated remains of U.S. and allied soldiers during Operation Glory.

The Dees family would soon find hope once again in the late 1990s, when reviews of the file for X-17120 were examined and the remains were thought to be those of a pilot due to the presence of pneumatic life preserver. Nine years later, DNA material was requested from a family member.

On July 7, 2010, three bone samples were sent for analysis and it seemed like the prayers of the Dees family have been answered. The results from the analysis had reunited the niece, nephews and cousin with their lost relative.

"This is so wonderful to have him brought back -- we can finally have him buried on U.S. soil," said Mayor Payne. "He's finally home, and I know he's resting in peace."

Lieutenant Dees was born October 16, 1928 in Moultrie, Ga., and graduated from Colquitt County High School. He enrolled into Georgia Military Academy, enlisting into the Air Force soon after.

Not only did he leave a lasting impression on those around him and the ones who knew him, he's also left an impression on his family members as well.

"Robert gave us a since of pride through his sacrifice for freedom in this country, our family feels honored" said Ronald Dees, cousin of the lieutenant