Gerald E. Dickson

West Point, 1951

Be Thou At Peace

Posted by J. A. "Andy" Chacon on November 2, 2010:

Gerald Edgar Dickson, Jr. Born July, 28 1925 -- Died October 19, 2010 Gerald Edgar "Jerry" Dickson, Jr. was born in Hampshire, Illinois on 28 July 1925 and was appointed to West Point from a Congressional District in Illinois. His West Point classmates recall: "Anyone who has the good fortune of being close to Jerry feels and enjoys his traits of sincere friendship and proven dependability. For four years we have seen him accept the hardships and the pleasures, uncomplainingly and good-naturedly. Jerry takes pride in his gun collection and his one turnout star. Our heartiest wishes are with him when re returns to his ex-branch, the Air Force." During his cadet days Jerry was with the Howitzer staff serving as Photographer, was a Chapel Chimer, and was with the Pistol Club all four years; was with the Russian Club yearling, cow and first class years; and was a Cadet Lieutenant his first class year. Upon graduation Jerry went in the Air Force and after flying training reported to the 11th Flight Squadron in 1952. In 1959 Jerry was assigned as Assistant Professor of Military Science at Lawrence College and served as such until 1963. Next Jerry went with the 20th Tactical Fighter Wing and served until 1967. Jerry's next assignment was to Headquarters, 35th Tactical Fighter Wing, Republic of Vietnam; served from 1967 to 1968 and was decorated with the Silver Star for distinguished gallantry in action; two Bronze Star Medals (one for valor) for distinguished heroism against an enemy; and 10 Air Medals for meritorious achievement beyond that normally expected, while participating in aerial flight. In 1968 Jerry received orders to OJ3 Commander in Chief Pacific where he served until 1972. On return to stateside Jerry was assigned to the 2849th Air Base Group, Hill AFB, Utah where he served until he retired from the United States Air Force in 1979 as a Lieutenant Colonel. Jerry and his wife Janice made their home in Layton, Utah. Jerry was a highly respected member of the firearms community, attending every gun show, selling rare and antique firearms. For over 30 years since his retirement from the USAF Jerry served on the board of the Utah Shooting Sports Council and was an ardent supporter of 2d Amendment rights. Classmate Milburn adds, "In my last phonecon with Jerry, he said he was delighted to have reached the ripe age of 85 and asked that I forward his best wishes to the class. Next Saturday, I'll head up to Jerry's local pistol range and fire a few rounds in his memory, and chat with his many friends." The Layton News reported: "Gerald Edgar Dickson Jr. (Jerry) LAYTON -- Gerald Edgar Dickson Jr. (Jerry) passed away peacefully at his home in Layton on Tuesday, October 19, 2010. He was 85. He was born in Elgin, Illinois, on July 28, 1925 the eldest son of Gerald E. and Esther Ball Dickson. He was a hard working farm boy with a passion for flight. At the age of 17, he enlisted in the Army Air Corps and was later commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant. He received an appointment to the United State Military Academy at West Point and graduated in 1951. He was accepted for pilot training, and flew the F-86 and the P-51. He married Jean Kriedler in 1954 and they had four children. Jerry had a long and distinguished military career with assignments which included England, Germany, Wisconsin, Hawaii and Vietnam. As an F-100 pilot, he earned many awards and decorations including the Silver Star, Bronze Star and Air Medal. After 37 years in uniform, he came to Hill AFB where he retired in 1979 as Lt. Colonel. After an earlier divorce, he married Janice Loken on July 4, 1982. After retirement, he became a Real Estate instructor, property manager, and owner of rental properties. He had an interest in history and liked to share his knowledge of antique arms and armor with others. He was active in the Utah Gun Collectors for many years and also the Utah Shooting Sports Council, and other civic organizations. He was a lifelong member of the Methodist Church. He is survived by his wife Janice, his children, Cathleen (Wayne) King, MS; Diane Dickson, Ogden; Gerald E. III (Linsey), Eden; and Janice's children, Emily (Kent) Sayles, MT; Raymond (Pamela) Loken, West Valley City; Elaine (John) Wyllie, Providence; Valerie (Nicholas) Dimas, Salt Lake City; and Robert J. (Cindy) Loken, Syracuse. Together they have 22 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Also surviving are his brothers, James (Peggy), WI; John (Pat) WI; sister, Patricia (Robert) Thurow, and many nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by his parents and daughter Patricia. Interment, Lindquist's Memorial Park at Layton, 1867 No. Fairfield Road.

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