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.
Paxton in January 2013
Born (1951-06-25) June 25, 1951
Chester, Pennsylvania, U.S.
AllegianceUnited States
Service/branchUnited States Marine Corps
Years of service1974–2016
RankGeneral
Commands heldAssistant Commandant of the Marine Corps
II Marine Expeditionary Force
1st Marine Division
Battles/warsIraq War
AwardsDefense 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 materCornell 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.

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