Dolphin Overton
Class of 1947
Hometown: Andrews, SC
- Dolphin Overton enrolled at The Citadel in 1943, at the age of 16, but one year later dropped out during World War II to enlist in the United States Navy. He graduated from the U.S. Military Academy in 1949. During the Korean War he became an ACE when he destroyed 7 enemy aircraft in aerial combat plus 1 damaged, in a span of only 4 days, from January 21 to January 24, 1953.
- Overton was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for "extraordinary heroism in action against an armed enemy of the United States as Group Leader of twenty-two F-84 type Aircraft, 49th Bomber Wing, FIFTH Air Force, on 28 June 1952. Lieutenant Overton planned and executed a very difficult attack, sequencing his aircraft in such a manner as to provide maximum coverage of the target with minimum risk from heavy ground fire. With disregard for his own safety, Lieutenant Overton remained in enemy fire under the overcast so that he could visually direct the attacks and withdrawals. So successful was Lieutenant Overton's direction of the attack, that one hundred fifty trucks were destroyed and confirmed by photograph, making it one of the largest such strikes of the war. Lieutenant Overton's command of this strike in such adverse conditions and with such devastating results highlights his superb flying skill and extraordinary heroism in the face of fierce enemy opposition.