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.

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.

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.

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.