John M. Paxton Jr. | |
|---|---|
 Paxton in January 2013 | |
| Born | June 25, 1951 Chester, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Service/ | United States Marine Corps |
| Years of service | 1974–2016 |
| Rank | General |
| Commands | Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps II Marine Expeditionary Force[1] 1st Marine Division |
| Battles/wars | Iraq War |
| Awards | Defense Distinguished Service Medal Navy Distinguished Service Medal Legion of Merit (2) Bronze Star Medal Defense Meritorious Service Medal Meritorious Service Medal (2) Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (2) |
| Alma mater | Cornell University |
John M. Paxton Jr. (born June 25, 1951) is a retired United States Marine Corps four-star general who served as the 33rd Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps.[2] He previously served as the Commanding General of United States Marine Corps Forces Command; Commanding General, Fleet Marine Force Atlantic; Commander, United States Marine Corps Forces, Europe, as well as II Marine Expeditionary Force.[1] Paxton retired on August 4, 2016, after 42 years of service.[3]
Previously, Paxton was Director, J3 - Operations, The Joint Staff and Chief of Staff, Multinational Forces-Iraq. U.S. Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates announced on March 13, 2008, Paxton's nomination for appointment to the rank of lieutenant general, and for assignment as Director, Strategic Plans & Policy, J-5, The Joint Staff. On May 22, 2007, Paxton relinquished command of the 1st Marine Division to take the role of Chief of Staff for Multi-National Force-Iraq.[4]
- ^ a b "Taking the reins: Paxton assumes command of II Marine Expeditionary Force - The Globe: Top Stories". Camplejeuneglobe.com. 2011-01-20. Archived from the original on 2012-04-18. Retrieved 2013-08-22.
- ^ Marine Gen. John Paxton, assistant commandant, retires after 42 years in uniform By Jeff Schogol, Marine Corps Times August 4, 2016
- ^ Beesley, Dana (August 4, 2016). "Oldest Active Duty Marine Retires". DVIDS. Retrieved 6 August 2016.
- ^ Fuentes, Gidget (2007). "1st Marine Division to get interim boss". Marine Corps Times. Archived from the original on 2007-05-25. Retrieved 2007-05-23.