Air Force legend passes away at 86

  • Published
U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. (AFPN) --  Retired Brig. Gen. Robert F. McDermott, U.S. Air Force Academy dean of the faculty from 1956 to 1968, died Aug. 28 in San Antonio.

He suffered a stroke Aug. 17 and died at Brooke Army Medical Center. He was 86.

The namesake of the academy's McDermott Library, he began his military career as a combat pilot, operations officer and professional educator in the European theater during World War II.

He was appointed the academy's first dean of the faculty in 1956 by President Dwight D. Eisenhower. He held that post for the school's first 10 graduating classes. For his innovations at the academy, many of which were adopted by its sister-service academies, he was called the "father of modern military education."

Among General McDermott's groundbreaking ideas was the "whole man" concept (known today as the "whole person" concept) introduced in 1956, which factors moral and leadership attributes, and physical and academic qualifications as selection criteria for potential students. He also designed a curriculum enrichment program to help cadets advance in their fields of aptitudes and interests.

His efforts led to the accreditation of the academy before its first class graduated in 1959, the establishment of an astronautical research laboratory, and programs for exceptional cadets to continue with graduate-level education.

General McDermott's decorations include the Bronze Star, Air Medal with five oak-leaf clusters, European Theater of Operations Ribbon with six battle stars, Distinguished Service Medal and Legion of Merit.

After retirement, General McDermott went on to serve as chairman and chief executive officer of USAA, an insurance and diversified financial services company, for 25 years. He was appointed chairman emeritus by USAA upon his retirement in 1993 and selected to the National Business Hall of Fame.

One of San Antonio's premier civic leaders, a section of Interstate 10 is named for him, as well as a local elementary school. He served as president of the San Antonio Chamber of Commerce, and as distinguished executive in residence at San Antonio's University of the Incarnate Word.

Memorial service arrangements have not been made. Condolences can be sent to Mrs. Robert McDermott, University of the Incarnate Word, 4301 Broadway, CPO 352; San Antonio, TX 78209.