AFIT alum, Major Christopher P. Dean (M.S. Nuclear Engineering, 2015) is the Recipient of the West Point Association of Graduates (WPAOG) 2015 Nininger Award

Major Christopher P. Dean is a 2002 graduate of the United States Military Academy (USMA) at West Point and initially commissioned as an armor officer. He has served over 40 months deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, and has served as a Company Commander for over 47 months in four companies.  To read MAJ Dean's full biography, click here.

This award is named in recognition of the heroic actions of Second Lieutenant Alexander R. Nininger, USMA Class of 1941.  After commissioning, Lieutenant Nininger was sent to the Philippines attached to the 57th Infantry Regiment of the Philippine Scouts. During the first month of the Japanese invasion, Nininger voluntarily joined another company because his unit was not yet engaged in combat. He was posthumously awarded the first Medal of Honor in World War II for actions near Abucay, Bataan on January 12, 1942.

The Nininger Award is given to an exemplar of heroic action in battle. In addition to recognizing the recipient for his or her bravery as an individual, the West Point Association of Graduates (WPAOG) regards the recipient as a given year´ s representative of all West Point-commissioned officers who have heroically led Soldiers in combat.  Each year, a joint USMA-WPAOG task force reviews information on graduates who have received awards for valor.    The awardee is approved by the Superintendent and the West Point Association of Graduates&rsquo Board of Directors.

For more information on the Nininger Award and a list of recipients, click here.