Alan Matthew Robert Dean

West Point, 1951

Be Thou At Peace

Posted by Doug Robinson on June 7, 2025:

LTC Alan Matthew Robert Dean, a decorated Vietnam veteran and father of five, died March 14, 2023, at his home in Westminster, MD. He was 94. Known as Bob to family and friends, he was born September 10, 1928 in Philadelphia, PA. He graduated from the Bronx High School of Science and attended the United States Military Academy at West Point, class of 1951. At West Point, his interests varied from playing water polo, ski club, art club, railroad club, Russian club, the pistol club, the Jewish Choir and providing many drawings to the "Pointer". Upon receiving his commission, Dean spent twenty proud years in the Army. He obtained a third-degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do while on duty in Korea (1960-61). As an assistant professor at West Point, he taught mathematics, computer science and assisted in writing the first textbook on computer programming and started the Tae Kwon Do intramural club (1961-1965). Dean earned his Masters Degree in Operations Research at New York University (1964). Prior to his two tours in Vietnam, he served as Command Briefer to Gen. Westmoreland, acting as intermediary between on the ground Army forces and the General. While serving in Vietnam, Dean was the Commander for the 1st Battalion, 8th Field Artillery Regiment, 25th Infantry. Dean perfected the technique called "Killer Junior," an artillery airburst designed to defend infantry against enemy ground attack, which is still in use today. Dean completed his Army career automating the Army budget at the Pentagon, retiring in 1971. During military service, Dean was awarded the Silver Star, the Legion of Merit (with Oak Leaf Cluster), the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Bronze Star for Heroism with Valor, the Air Medal with Valor (13 Oak Leaf Clusters), the Army Commendation Medal for Heroism (with Oak Leaf Cluster), the Gallantry Cross (Vietnam), the Order of Merit (Korea) and a Purple Heart. After military retirement, Dean owned and operated a consulting firm specializing in operations research. He was the ski patrol leader for the volunteer ski patrols of Ski Liberty, Canaan Valley and Massanutten Ski Resorts and volunteered with the Wisp ski patrol. He is survived by his wife Mary Margaret "Peggy" Baumgardner Dean, of Westminster, MD; his children from his first marriage, Sharon D. Meyers and husband Andrew, of Beverly, MA, Mark R. Dean and wife Elissa, of Rockville, MD; Linda D. Stein and partner Pepper Cross, of Lomita, CA; his children from his second marriage, Robert M. Dean and wife Dr. Bailey Cannon, of Bethesda, MD.; and Samantha L Dean and husband Robert J. Mileff, of Washington, D.C.; his grandchildren, Andrew, Jeffrey, Jared, Caitlin, Scott and River; and great-grandchildren, Hadley, Mabel, Levi and Wren. Dean will be interred at the United States Military Academy, West Point, NY. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the United State Military Academy, West Point.

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