Many around southern Oklahoma know about Rear Adm. Wesley Hull, NOAA, Ret. for his work with veterans and his job running the Greater Southwest Historical Museum. But his service to not only Oklahoma, but the entire country spans decades.

On Saturday morning, Hull was recognized for all of his service at a ceremony at the museum. He received the Gold Good Citizenship Medal from the Sons of the American Revolution.

This award can be received by no more than two people per state per year. No Oklahoman has ever received the honor. It is awarded for outstanding and unusual patriotic achievement and service of national importance to persons of prominence on a national level in the areas of government including military service, religion, education, business and other professions, and other fields.

During the ceremony, a few highlights from Hull’s military career were shared.

• In 1972, he was assigned as chief of coastal mapping in what is now known as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. His duties included mapping the nautical shoreline of the United States.
• In 1975, he conducted hydrographic surveys of the Atlantic coast and Puerto Rico. He found a trench along the Atlantic coast that was previously undiscovered. It’s now known as Hull’s trench.
• He worked for the U.S. Army at Ft. Sill for a time working to develop a ground to air missile defense system. Hull was one of many individuals working on this project which later became the Patriot Surface-to-Air Missile System.

Hull, said he was honored and humbled to receive the award.