Pacific Stars & Stipes,
Jan. 21, 1962
S&S Korea Bureau, SEOUL-Col.
Dean E. Hess, U.S. Forces Japan and Fifth Air Force director of information,
Saturday became the first foreigner to receive Korea's annual Sopa
Memorial Award.
The award, established in 1956 by the Saessak
Society of Korea to promote the welfare of children, is given each
year to the person contributing the most to the children of Korea.
It is name in honor of Korean author and educator Ban Sopa.
Hess was cited during ceremonies at Korea House
for actions during the Korean War that are credited with saving the
lives of some 900 homeless children. He also founded the Orphans'
Home of Korea and still contributes to its support.
A plaque bearing the inscription, "Col. Dean E.
Hess, savior of Korean Children" was given to the visiting colonel
by Saessak Society President, Suk Jung Yoon.
The director of the National Reconstruction Movement,
Dal Yung Yoo, followed the presentation ceremonies with a brief speech
in which he thanked Hess, "on behalf of the grateful people of Korea"
for his work with the country's children.
A musical program by the Saessak Society's children's
choir followed the ceremonies.
Hess, whose headquarters are at Fuchu AS, Japan,
flew to Korea Friday for the ceremony.
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