CW2 Dean Petersen, 67, passed away 20 Sep 12 in a convalescent hospital in San Andreas CA, after a long battle with cancer. Dean was born 13 Jan 45 in Hayward CA and joined the Marine Corp Reserve after graduating High School and eventually enlisted in the US Army WOC Aviation program graduating with class 67-1/67-3. Dean was assigned to the 45th Medical Co (AA) which was forming at Ft Bragg NC and arrived in Vietnam in Jul 67. Dean flew with the 45th until the 571th Medical Det (RA) arrived in Vietnam in Dec 67. Dean was one of the more accomplished pilots who was transferred to the 571st allowing it to become fully operational on 2 Jan 68.
After Vietnam Dean became an instrument instructor at Ft Rucker until his Honorable Discharge and then joined the CA NG and was an Instrument Examiner until he left to pursue other aviation interests. Dean entered the Catholic Church a few days before he died and the Priest later told me that Dean had left a profound impact on his life. I believe Dean left a profound impact on everyone that knew him well. “Dean Petersen may you rest in peace”.
