Foil: 64 Panel: 1 Column: 1 Line: 99

Wall of Honor Level:
Air and Space Friend

Honored by:
His Family

Born on October 24, 1934 in Woburn, Massachusetts, Robert M. Dever began his aviation career at an early age, serving with the Civil Air Patrol in his teens. After graduating from Woburn High School in 1952, Bob attended Tufts University and was accepted into the Naval ROTC program. With a degree in Electrical Engineering and successful completion of the ROTC program, he was commissioned as an Ensign in the United States Navy in 1956. Having previously met all requirements, he reported immediately to flight training at Pensacola, Florida.
Bob earned his Navy wings in T-34’s and T-28's. His advanced training assignment was to the venerable AD Skyraider. During this time he was forced to bail out from a burning aircraft. After completing training, Dever was assigned to All Weather Attack Squadron 33 in Atlantic City, New Jersey.
Following several years of active duty, including a deployment aboard the USS Randolph in the Mediterranean, Lieutenant Dever joined a Reserve Unit in South Weymouth, Massachusetts, serving in an ASW Squadron of S2F's and later a Transport Squadron of R5D's (C-54's). He retired as a Lieutenant Commander with eleven years of combined service.
In 1966, Bob Joined American Airlines and enjoyed a long career, based primarily in Boston. He flew various aircraft types including: Lockheed Electra, BAC-111, B-727, DC-10, MD-80, B-757, and B-767. Among many career highlights, he served a term as National Safety Committee Chairman for the Allied Pilots Association, demonstrating Bob's dedication to safety as a cornerstone of the Airline Pilot Profession.
Captain Dever retired in October, 1994 after twenty eight years with American Airlines. Following retirement, Bob pursued a lifelong interest in local politics, serving as Mayor of the City of Woburn, Massachusetts for three terms, 1996-2002. He now enjoys retirement with his wife, Lainie and their family.
For your dedicated service to your country, your profession, your community, and to your family, we proudly place your name on the Smithsonian Aviation Wall of Honor.