265. Dwight Bennett Dickson Colonel
Attended the University of Arkansas 1934-1941. He and his twin brother, Lon, worked alternative semesters in the oil fields of Texas and Oklahoma in order to fund the others schooling. Commissioned a Second Lieutenant of Infantry in 1941 and assigned to the 3d U.S. Infantry. Transferred to the 63d Infantry, 6th Infantry Division and served with this Regiment throughout World War II as a platoon leader, company commander, S2, S3, and battalion commander. Made amphibious assaults at Maffin Bay, New Guinea and Linguyen Gulf, Luzon. Wounded in action on Luzon, 1945. Received Silver Star for gallantry in action on Luzon. Remained in the Army after World War II, transferring to the Regular Army. Served in the 11th Airborne Division during the Korean War, but did not deploy to Korea. Commanded 3d Battalion, 16th Infantry, 1st Infantry Division 1953-1954. Commanded the 2d Brigade, 2d Infantry Division and served as Division Chief of Staff at Fort Benning, GA 1962-1964. He was an early member of Special Forces, and held several positions at the Special Warfare School including Assistant Commandant. During the Vietnam War, he commanded the Special Operations Center, Pacific on Okinawa and was responsible for all special operations in the Pacific theater excepting Vietnam. In 1968, he was the Senior Advisor to the Vietnamese Airborne Division. He ended his career at Fort Bragg, North Carolina assigned to the XVIII Airborne Corps. After retirement, he settled in Sanford, North Carolina and established the Junior High School ROTC program at Central High School.