Distinguished Engineer
Hometown: Spencer, West Virginia
Civil Engineering,
Hans G. Jepson was assigned to the Office of Soil Conservation in Washington, D.C. following his graduation from South Dakota State College. As the chief engineer, he authored numerous engineering publications on prevention and control of soil erosion. He served as an ordnance officer in the U.S. Army from 1939 to 1963, rising to the rank of Colonel. In World War II, he received the Commendation Medal and the Bronze Star Medal with one Battle Star. In Korea, he received the commendation medal with an Oak Leaf Cluster. Later he received the Legion of Merit. Jepson was a registered professional engineer. With the Commonwealth of Virginia Health Department, he pioneered a method of stabilization of arsenic contaminated soil, which became U.S. Environmental Protection Agency approved. He is also credited with helping to develop a model air pollution ordinance for Virginia. In 1983, Jepson received an honorary doctorate in engineering from Pacific Western University.