Dear Golden Eagles:

It is my sad duty to inform you that Captain Dean E. Cramer, USN, (Ret.) made his last takeoff on Friday, October 15, 2010 in Pensacola, FL. His wife Sue; his son David of Denton, TX; daughter CDR Denise Carraway of Jacksonville, FL; daughter Julie Conoscenti of Wilson, NC; grandchildren, and great-grandchildren survive him. Private family services and inurnment will be held in Pennsylvania at a later date. Memorial donations may be made to the Scholarship Program, Order of Daedalions, PO Box 33310, NAS Pensacola, FL 32508.

Dean joined the Navy in January 1951, and served five years as an Aviation Electrician. He was a petty officer first class when he attended Officer Candidate School and was commissioned an Ensign. Dean entered flight training and was designated a Naval Aviator in July 1958. He joined VA-94 and made two cruises aboard USS Ranger flying A-4B’s.

After a shore tour, and while serving on Commander SECOND Fleet staff, CAPT Cramer requested early rotation for combat assignment, and was assigned to VA-163. He flew 186 combat missions while deployed aboard USS Oriskany and USS Hancock from ’66-’69. Following a year at the Naval Postgraduate School and a year with Commander Light Attack Wing Pacific staff, “Dynamite” was back in combat as XO/CO of VA-155 from ’71-’73, and flew another 211 combat missions from the deck of USS Oriskany. One of our more experienced light attack warriors of the Vietnam era, CAPT Cramer flew a total of 397 missions and was awarded five Distinguished Flying Crosses, the Bronze Star, 43 Air Medals and two Navy Commendation Medals for his heroic actions.

Dean was Commander Carrier Air Wing 17 from ’76-’77, Commanding Officer USS Kalamazoo (AOR-6) in ’78-’79, and Commander Service Squadron FOUR from ’80-’82. CAPT Cramer retired from his duties as Head Aircraft Requirements Branch (OP-506) in October 1983.

Dynamite was an energetic and aggressive aviator who led from the cockpit. He carried those same qualities to his other commands, and led by example wherever he was assigned. He possessed a sharp wit and was always fun to be around. He will be missed.

Sadly,

Bill Gureck, Pilot