Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal to Major General Robert James Dixon (ASN: 0-886100), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States. General Dixon distinguished himself as Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff, Personnel for Military Personnel, Headquarters United States Air Force, with duty location at Randolph Air Force Base, Texas, from 15 July 1967 to 18 July 1969. In this critical staff position, General Dixon provided dynamic leadership, integrity, imagination and objectivity in response to unusual and intense demands in support of United States Air Force personnel management and objectives. He directed an overall examination of personnel management concepts, procedures, and standards. These included improvement actions, advances, and new techniques in fields of personnel planning, data systems, and distribution. His willingness to experiment, his insistence on objectivity, creativity, and innovation produced in the personnel management area a new impetus for improvement which has enhanced the effectiveness of the United States Air Force. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Dixon reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Captain (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    14th Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron

    Regiment:

    7th Photographic Group

    Division:

    8th Air Force

    Action Date:

    February 14, 1945

    Headquarters, U.S. Army Air Forces in Europe, General Orders No. 134 (October 14, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Captain (Air Corps) Robert James Dixon (ASN: 0-886100), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as a Pilot of a Spitfire aircraft of the 14th Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron, 7th Photographic Group, EIGHTH Air Force, photographing heavily defended oil refineries as Merseburg, Germany, on 14 February 1945. Captain Dixon went down alone below the clouds to 15,000 feet where his single engine aircraft was hit by flak and set on fire. Completely disregarding his personal safety, Captain Dixon stayed with the smoking aircraft and despite the eminent danger of explosion, radioed important observations to his fighter cover. Captain Dixon remained with the critically damaged aircraft until he was able to give his fighter escort a corrected flight course to home base, then bailed out. By this heroic act, the military operation was successfully accomplished, changing the priority of a vitally important target, thereby saving the lives of allied airmen. Captain Dixon’s heroism and his determination to complete this mission in complete disregard of the odds against him exemplifies the highest traditions of the Armed Forces of the United States.

  • Prisoner of War Medal

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Captain (Air Corps)

    Division:

    Prisoner of War (Germany)

    Action Date:

    February 14, 1945 – May 1945

    NARA Database: Records of World War II Prisoners of War, created, 1942 – 38249

    Captain (Air Corps) Robert James Dixon (ASN: 0-886100), United States Army Air Forces, was captured by German forces after he was shot down on 14 February 1945, and was held as a Prisoner of War until his return to U.S. Military Control at the end of hostilities in May 1945.

  • Air Force Distinguished Service Medal

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    General

    Action Date:

    October 1, 1973 – April 30, 1978

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Third Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Fourth Award of the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal to General Robert James Dixon (ASN: 0-886100), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States. General Dixon distinguished himself as Commander, Tactical Air Command, from 1 October 1973 to 30 April 1978. Since General Dixon assumed command, the Tactical Air Command has undergone sweeping changes which increased readiness and emphasized work with the ground forces, training, equipment modernization, and management methods. The Red Flag operation at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, provides the most modern, demanding and realistic fighter training in the Free World. READY TEAM, a management initiative, recovers over two fighter wing equivalents per year in a readiness as units convert to new equipment, thereby increasing the availability of deployable firepower to NATO and the Pacific. General Dixon’s concern for the welfare of the men and women of Tactical Air Command and their families is particularly well known. His actions on their behalf have improved the Air Force as a way of life – – an essential ingredient of increased readiness. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Dixon culminate a long and distinguished career in the service of his country and his dedicated contributions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force, and the United States of America.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Colonel

    Action Date:

    April 4, 1954 – June 1, 1958

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Colonel Robert James Dixon (ASN: 0-886100), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States from 4 April 1954 to 1 June 1958. As Assistant for National Security Council and Operations Coordinating Board Affairs to the Director of Plans and later as Assistant for National Security Council Affairs to the Deputy Chief of Staff, Plans and Programs, Colonel Dixon was largely responsible for the effective participation of the United States Air Force in the preparation of national security policy. His exceptional knowledge of national and international affairs, foresight, keen judgment, perseverance, and unusually able preparation and presentation of Air Force views were instrumental in achieving vital Air Force objectives. Through his resourcefulness, devotion to duty, and sense of urgency without despair in adverse circumstances, he made a significant and lasting contribution to his country. The outstanding manner in which Colonel Dixon has performed his duties reflects great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Brigadier General

    Action Date:

    August 5, 1962 – September 8, 1965

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit to Brigadier General Robert James Dixon (ASN: 0-886100), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Assistant Deputy Director of Plans for War Plans, and as Assistant for Joint and National Security Council Matters, Deputy Chief of Staff, Plans and Operations, Headquarters, United States Air Force, from 5 August 1962 to 8 September 1965. During this period, General Dixon’s astute understanding of the inter-relationships between military power, particularly aerospace power, and national policy in international relations, enabled him to consistently advise the Chief of Staff, United States Air Force, on matters of critical importance to national strategic and overall military posture and requirements for the United States. His singularly distinctive achievements and outstanding staff ability were of marks significance in preparing sound Air Force positions covering the wide spectrum of politico-military involvement. The superior initiative, outstanding leadership, and personal endeavor displayed by General Dixon reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Air Force Distinguished Service Medal

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Major General

    Action Date:

    July 25, 1969 – June 15, 1970

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal to Major General Robert James Dixon (ASN: 0-886100), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States. General Dixon distinguished himself as Vice Commander, SEVENTH Air Force, Republic of Vietnam, from 25 July 1969 to 15 June 1970. During this period, General Dixon’s dynamic leadership and initiative provided highly effective air support for the ground forces. His direction of the relentless interdiction campaign against hostile supply lines contributed greatly to the favorable turn in the tide of conflict in Southeast Asia. He continually exhibited eminent abilities as a tactician and planner in the direction of the total air resources committed in the struggle against Communist aggression. General Dixon was dedicated to marshalling the most appropriate and responsive elements of air power to meet the extraordinary challenge encountered in a constantly changing environment. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Dixon reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Captain (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    14th Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron

    Regiment:

    7th Photographic Group

    Division:

    8th Air Force

    Action Date:

    October 27, 1944

    Headquarters, 8th Air Force, General Orders No. 534 (December 16, 1944)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain (Air Corps) Robert James Dixon (ASN: 0-886100), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as a Pilot and Commanding Officer of the 14th Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron, 7th Photographic Group, EIGHTH Air Force, on a photographic reconnaissance mission deep into enemy territory on 27 October 1944. Shortly after leaving England in his unarmed aircraft, Captain Dixon encountered adverse weather. Flying entirely by instruments, he descended only once to establish his position and make corrections in his dead reckoning. Arriving over the objective, he let down below the clouds and in the face of terrific ground fire courageously made three runs over the target. Climbing back above the over cast, he applied the corrections he had found necessary on the inbound trip, and flying all the way by instruments, reached England. Due to his navigational ability, determination, and flying skill, Captain Dixon was able to return to base with excellent photographs of the assigned target. His devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.

  • Air Force Distinguished Service Medal

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Lieutenant General

    Action Date:

    August 1, 1970 – September 30, 1973

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal to Lieutenant General Robert James Dixon (ASN: 0-886100), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States. General Dixon distinguished himself as Deputy Chief of Staff, Personnel, Headquarters United States Air Force, from 1 August 1970 to 30 September 1973. General Dixon’s forceful, innovative leadership resulted in major improvements in the Air Force personnel management system during a period of unprecedented change. Under his superior direction, the Air Force has successfully met the challenges of the all volunteer force concept. Through foresight and astute management, he has guided the development of a comprehensive personnel plan which provides the Air Force a framework for true total force management. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Dixon and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.