John M. Paxton Jr.
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. 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. Paxton retired on August 4, 2016, after 42 years of service.
John M. Paxton Jr. | |
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Paxton in January 2013 | |
Born | Chester, Pennsylvania, U.S. | June 25, 1951
Allegiance | United States |
Service/ | United States Marine Corps |
Years of service | 1974–2016 |
Rank | General |
Commands held | Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps II Marine Expeditionary Force 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 |
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.