World War II Ace. He enlisted in the Aviation Cadet Program of the U.S. Navy in September 1942. After receiving his commission in the United States Marines he received his Gold Aviators Wings on December 16, 1943. After being deployed to the USS Bunker Hill he scored his first victory after shooting down 3 Japanese Zero's while attacking an airfield in Miyazaki Prefecture. During the Battle of Okinawa he scored his 4th victory. He scored his largest victory on April 28 when he was credited with shooting down 3 enemy aircraft and a probability of a 4th one while on a route patrol north of Okinawa. After World War II he left active duty until the Korean War where he flew night fighter escort missions for USAF B-29 Superfortresses. He also served in Vietnam. After the Vietnam War he returned to the United States and for 15 years served in numerous command and staff positions, with his last being as commanding officer of Headquarters and Service Battalion at MCRD Parris Island. During his service he received several medals, including a Silver Star, two Distinguished Flying Crosses with three gold stars, an Air Medal with four gold stars and a Congressional Gold Medal. For his heroism in the aerial battle, he was awarded the Silver Star. His citation for the Silver Star read as follows:"The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant Dean Caswell, United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a Member of a six-plane flight of Fighter Planes in Marine Fighting Squadron TWO HUNDRED TWENTY-ONE (VMF-221), attached to the U.S.S. BUNKER HILL (CV-17), in action against enemy Japanese forces while on combat air patrol in the vicinity of Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands, on 28 April 1945. When his flight intercepted a formation of approximately thirty Japanese fighters approaching Okinawa to launch an attack on shipping and land installations, Second Lieutenant Caswell skillfully pressed home his attack against the greatly superior force and succeeded in shooting down three enemy planes and probably destroying one other. By his aggressive fighting spirit and skilled airmanship, he contributed materially to the outstanding record of his flight in destroying one other and routing the remainder, thereby protecting our ships and land installations. His conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service". He was the last living Marine Corps flying ace of World War II. He passed away at his home at the age of 100.