Colonel Dean Hess, US Air Force, in London for film premiere
Jan. 19, 1957 - Colonel Dean Hess Arrives For Opening Of Film Battle Hymn': Colonel Dean Hess, whose true a story is told in Battle Hymn and whom Rock Hudson portrays in the film, arrived at London Airport today to attend the premiere of the film at the Leicester Square Theatre on January 24th. Hess, who once flew his own plane over Northern Ohio to preach the gospel to scattered farming communities, was 23 and an ordained minister of the Church of the Disciples of Christ when the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbour brought America into World War II. He made a momentous decision - enlisting in the US Air Force and swapping his plane of peace for a plane of war. By the time his chaplain's commission came through, Hess was a fighter-bomber pilot. He flew 63 missions over Europe. Photo shows Colonel Dean Hess on his arrival at London Airport today
