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The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Commander Duncan Patterson Dixon, Jr. (NSN: 0-73377), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commanding Officer of the Destroyer U.S.S. RICHARD P. LEARY (DD-664), during operations against enemy Japanese forces in the Western Pacific War Area from 12 March to 20 July 1945. Operating in dangerous waters for an extended period during the Okinawa Campaign, Commander Dixon ably directed his ship in carrying out hazardous missions of shore bombardment and fire support of troops, the screening of valuable units of our Fleet, and radar picket patrol under difficult conditions. By his professional ability and perseverance, he contributed materially to the infliction of extensive damage on the enemy, and his devotion to duty was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Commander Dixon is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Commander

    Division:

    U.S.S. Richard P. Leary (DD-664)

    Action Date:

    January 6, 1945
    Commander 7th Fleet: Serial 001128 (April 30, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Commander Duncan Patterson Dixon, Jr. (NSN: 0-73377), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of the Destroyer U.S.S. RICHARD P. LEARY (DD-664), in action against enemy Japanese forces in Lingayen Gulf, Luzon, Philippine Islands, on 6 January 1945. During a series of heavy enemy air attacks, Commander Dixon skillfully maneuvered his ship to avert an enemy plane and destroy it by his accurate gunfire. His courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Bronze Star Medal

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Commander

    Division:

    U.S.S. Richard P. Leary (DD-664)

    Action Date:

    April 6, 1945
    Commander Destroyers Pacific: Serial 04125 (November 20, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Commander Duncan Patterson Dixon, Jr. (NSN: 0-73377), United States Navy, for heroic achievement as Commanding Officer of the Destroyer U.S.S. RICHARD P. LEARY (DD-664), during operations against enemy Japanese forces in the vicinity of Okinawa, on 6 April 1945. When an accompanying destroyer was damaged by an enemy torpedo plane, Commander Dixon took his ship alongside the stricken vessel and, despite heavy smoke and high seas, remained alongside during periods of darkness and expected enemy attacks in order to fight fires and take aboard a large number of wounded for medical attention. By his prompt action, he contributed materially to preventing the loss of the damaged ship. Commander Dixon’s courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Commander Dixon is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)

  • Bronze Star Medal

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Captain

    Action Date:

    October 20 – November 22, 1962

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Bronze Star Medal to Captain Duncan Patterson Dixon, Jr. (NSN: 0-73377), United States Navy, for meritorious service in connection with operations during the Cuban crisis from 20 October through 22 November 1962, while serving as Commanding Officer, U.S. Naval Station, Key West, Florida. Captain Dixon was responsible during this period for the coordination and control of all logistic support of the greatly increased sea forces. His exemplary direction and coordination of the facilities of the Naval Station resulted in prompt and effective loading out, replenishment and repairs of these forces thereby ensuring the maximum number on patrol station during the crisis. Displaying a comprehensive grasp and unique understanding of the problems, Captain Dixon, by his outstanding leadership, professional competence, and devotion to duty, contributed essentially to the continuing prestige of the United States.