Dr. Eugene Derricotte is a Notable burial at https://www.cem.va.gov/cems/nchp/ftsamhouston.asp.  Biography courtesy of Porter Lorning Mortuary.

The University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio (UTHSCSA) employed Eugene Derricotte from August 1985 until August 2002. He was an Assistant Professor in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery of the University of Texas Dental School in San Antonio, Texas. This appointment was tendered September l, 1985 after his retirement front the United States Air Force after twenty-six years of service. Dr. Derricotte's military achievements have, been recognized with the Congressional Gold Medal, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (2), Air Force Commendation Medal (2), World War ll Victory Medal, and Good Conduct Medal. Air Force Longevity Service Award with two Oak Leaf Clusters, Vietnam Service Medal with two Bronze Service Stars, National Defense Service Medal, and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal. Dr. Derricotte was born June 14, 1926, in Fostoria, Ohio, to Clarence C. Derricotte and Bessie M. (Anderson) Derricotte, he was one of three sons, He was graduated from Defiance High School, Defiance, Ohio, in 1944. After attending the University of Michigan from June 1944 to December 1944, he began his military career by entering the Army as a cannoneer in the Field Artillery stationed at Ft. Bragg, North Carolina. Later he transferred to the Army Air Corps and began pilot training as an aviation cadet at Tuskegee, Alabama. In April 19f5 he began Primary Right Training in a PT-Stearman, a bi-winged aircraft. ln Basic Flight Training he flew a North American AT-6 aircraft. Dr. Derricotte opted for multi-engine training for his final Advance Phase, which was carried out at Billy Mitchell B-25 bomber.  After graduating at Tuskegee Army Airfield May 1946, with silver wings and a second lieutenant's gold bar, he served two months before being separated from the service and subsequently went on inactive duty as a member of the active reserve force. Dt. Derricotte returned to the University of Michigan September 1946, to enter the School of Pharmacy. Four years later he received his B.S. degree in Pharmacy and concluded four years as a varsity member of the University of Michigan football team. He received four football letters while playing on teams that won the 1948 Rose Bowl and the Big Ten Conference Football Championships for 1947 and 1948. A brief career with the Cleveland Browns NFL Football Team was ended by a knee injury. Dr. Derricotte returned to Detroit, Michigan and worked as a pharmacist until 1954. when he entered the School of Dentistry at the University of Michigan. He graduated in 1954 and was in private practice in Detroit, Michigan until 1962, when he entered the United States Air Force Dental Service as a Captain. His first assignment was the
821st Medical Group, Ellsworth AFB, South Dakota. ln the spring of 1965 he was assigned to Tan Son Nhut AB, south Vietnam, as senior dental officer for the 2nd Air Division. After a l3-month tour' he was promoted to Major and awarded the Air Force Commendation and Bronze Star medals. He returned to the United States in June 1966, where he served as officer ln charge (OIC) of the Dental services at the 551st First Medical Hospital in Massachusetts. within three years he was promoted to Lieutenant colonel. ln February 1971 he was assigned to Wilford Hall medical center, Lackland AFB, Texas. He served as chief, oral surgery service at the Base Dental clinic until his reassignment to Hickam AFB, Hawaii in July 1973. ln June 1974 he was promoted to Colonel. ln July 1975 he was named Base Dental Surgeon for the USAF clinic, Hickam AFB Hawaii serving in that position until July 1978 when he was reassigned to Langley AFB, VA, as the Base Dental Surgeon. He remained there until November 1979 when was named the command Dental surgeon for the United States Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs. Co. After five years at the Air Force Academy, Colonel Derricotte was awarded the Legion of Merit and subsequently assigned to Chanute AFB, Illinois, as Base Dental Surgeon. That was his final assignment. He retired from the Air Force July 1985.  Dr. Derricotte survived by his love wife of 67 years Jeanne E. (Hagans) Derricotte; son, Robert and his wife Jenelle and grandson Logan; sister-in-law, Judith Fitzgerald (John) and Janet Coleman; niece, Yvonne Brown and other loving nieces and nephews.  *The preceding content is not intended as a comprehensive biography, but it highlights their significance as a result of military or civilian distinction, lasting achievements, or association with impactful national events. 




Eugene Derricott (Center) and James Bynum (right) with a fellow Tuskegee Airman.

Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery

EUGENE ANDREW DERRICOTTE's Profile Picture

EUGENE ANDREW DERRICOTTE

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