Foil: 6 Panel: Distinguished Flying Cross Society Column: 2 Line: 27

Wall of Honor Level:
Air and Space Friend

Honored by:

Col Dempsey served in the Air Force 1954 to 1984. He achieved Command Pilot status and accumulated flying hours in: C-45, C-46, C-47, C-130D, C-140A, F-100, F-101, F-102, H-19, HH-3, KB-50, L-20, PA-17, T-6A, T-28, T-29, T-33A, and T-39 aircraft. Total flying hours were 5,600 of which over 1,000 were combat coded. Attended flight training, specialized transition and qualified aircrew status in all the above aircraft except the F & H-series. Decorations include: Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal (2OLC), Air Medal (7OLC), Commendation Medal (1OLC), Combat Readiness Medal, Expeditionary Medal, National Defense Medal & Cross of Gallantry w/Palm. Col Dempsey saw military service in the Cuban Conflict 1962, Vietnam Conflict 1967-1969, and the Cold War 1954-1984. Served in the European and Pacific Theaters for Military Operations. Highest rank held was Colonel and distinguished himself with service as the Deputy Chief of Staff for Air Traffic Services, Air Force Communications Command 1979-1984. During that assignment, he deployed more than 612 combat ready Air Force Air Traffic Controllers in support of National Objectives to more than 75 FAA facilities during the 1981-1983 FAA Air Traffic Controller Strike. Due to his legendary service, the United States Air Force Air Traffic Control Manager of the Year Award, was named after him.