Dan H. Pletta (1903-1996) was educated at University of Illinois (B.S., 1927; C.E., 1938) and University of Wisconsin (M.S., 1931) with additional graduate study at Columbia University. He was professor of Engineering Science and Mechanics at Virginia Tech (1932-1972) and department head from 1958-1970. As department head he guided the development of that department until it emerged as a leader in related graduate study and research. He was one of the original five University Distinguished Professors appointed in 1970 and Professor Emeritus upon his retirement in 1972. Besides teaching, his experience included design and construction in civil engineering, consulting as a stress analyst, and World War II service as an Ordinance Officer and as an instructor at the U. S. Military Academy.

Pletta's awards include an Engineering News Record Citation for Service to the construction industry, Engineer-of-the-Year Award of the Virginia Society of Professsional Engineers, and Alumni Honor Award for Distinguished Service from the College of Engineering at the University of Illinois. In1987 he received the Distinguished Service Award of the National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE). In 1988 Virginia Tech awarded him its Ruffner Medal for notable and distinguished service ot the university, and the American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE) Mechanics Division conferred its distinguished educator award on him.

He served on the National Boards of Direction of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) and of the NSPE; as president of their Virginia affiliates; and on many committees of these and other engineering societies. He was chairman of the ASCE Committee on Professional Conduct charged with enforcing its Code of Ethics. He was chairman of the Professional Engineers in Education Practice Division and vice president of NSPE in 1977-1978. He was chairman (1982-1985) of the NSPE Public Advisory Review Board which serves as the Society's ombudsman for its members when disputed issues involve health and safety. Hewas honorary member of the ASCE and founding member of the American Academy of Mechanics.

Pletta was author of Engineering Statics and Dynamics (Ronald Press, 1951), Engineering Mechanics, Part I Statics, Part II Dynamics (Ronald Press, 1964), The Engineering Profession: Its Heritage and Its Emerging Purpose (1984) and numerous articles in technical journals (1952-1982).