Robert J. Dixon
| Robert J. Dixon | |
|---|---|
General Robert J. Dixon
|
|
| Born |
April 9, 1920 New York City, New York |
| Died | March 21, 2003 (aged 82) Fair Oaks Ranch, Texas |
| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Service/branch | United States Air Force |
| Years of service | 1941-1943 (RCAF) 1943-1978 (USAF) |
| Rank | General |
| Commands held | Tactical Air Command |
| Battles/wars |
World War II Korea War Vietnam War |
| Awards |
Distinguished Service Cross Legion of Merit (2) Distinguished Flying Cross Bronze Star Air Medal (12) Purple Heart Distinguished Flying Cross (United Kingdom) |
General Robert James Dixon, USAF (April 9, 1920 – March 21, 2003) was a United States Air Force four-star general and Command Pilot who served as Commander, Tactical Air Command (COMTAC) from 1973 to 1978. He also served simultaneously as commander in chief of U.S. Air Forces for both the U.S. Atlantic Command and U.S. Readiness Command.
Dixon was born in New York City in 1920. He graduated from Dartmouth College in June 1941 with a bachelor of arts degree in literature. In 1941 he entered pilot training in the Royal Canadian Air Force and in November 1942 was commissioned a pilot officer (second lieutenant equivallent) in the RCAF. He then graduated with an additional navigator rating from the RCAF Astro Navigation School. After completing Spitfire training at Dyce, Scotland, he was assigned to the 541 Squadron Royal Air Force a Photo Reconnaissance Squadron at RAF Benson, England.
In September 1943, Dixon was transferred from the RCAF to the U.S. Army Air Forces and assigned to the 7th Photographic Group, Eighth Air Force, European Theater of Operations. In 1944 Dixon assumed command of the 14th Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron, 7th Photographic Group, which had Mark XI Spitfires, P-38 Lightnings and P-51 Mustangs.
He flew missions in four different aircraft for a total of 235 combat flying hours in 65 missions. He was shot down by flak while doing reconnaissance of the oil refinery at Merseburg, Germany in 1944. He was captured and remained a prisoner of war until released by U.S. Forces in May 1945.
After hospitalization, Dixon served at Will Rogers Field, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and Rapid City Army Air Field, South Dakota. He was an instructor at the West Point Preparatory School in 1947 and then was assigned as group and wing personnel officer for the 82d Fighter Wing, Grenier Field, New Hampshire.
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