“Col. Dawson had 30 years of service as an Air Force officer and was a distinguished combat veteran flying fighter jets in both the Korean and Vietnam wars. Col. Dawson was one of the few fighter pilots to introduce the Jet Age by being one of the first F-86 pilots, completed more than 1,000 hours in the F-100, along with flight time in several other fighter jets.
Col. Dawson was the commander in the F-4 Phantom Fighter Jet during his combat tour in Vietnam. His awards included 2 Bronze Stars, 3 Distinguished Flying Crosses, 12 Air Force Service medals, the Airman’s medal, the Meritorious Service medal and numerous other decorations totaling over 45 medals.”
John W. Dawson, Sr., LtCol USAF, Ret., “Headed West” on February 21, 2013.
Lt. Col John W. Dawson, Sr., 85, and a highly decorated US Air Force fighter pilot passed away on Thursday, February 21, 2013 at 11:55 PM. He was a native of Vincennes, Indiana and a resident of Prairieville.
John held a BS in Mechanical Engineering from Purdue University and graduated from many AF training courses. He belonged to 388th Fighter Bomber Squadron, 386th Fighter Pilots Assn., chapter President of Dutch Nelson Chapter, Knights of Columbus, church usher and volunteer.
His hobby was Numismatics. Col. Dawson had 30 years of service as an Air Force officer and was a distinguished combat veteran flying fighter jets in both the Korean and Vietnam wars. Col. Dawson was one of the few fighter pilots to introduce the Jet Age by being one of the first F-86 pilots, completed more than 1,000 hours in the F-100, along with flight time in several other fighter jets. Col. Dawson was the commander in the F-4 Phantom Fighter Jet during his combat tour in Vietnam. His awards included 2 Bronze Stars, 3 Distinguished Flying Crosses, 12 Air Force Service medals, the Airman’s medal, the Meritorious Service medal and numerous other decorations totaling over 45 medals.
Visitation [was[ held at Most Blessed Sacrament Church until Mass of Christian Burial, conducted by Father Phil Spano. Interment [followed] at Oak Lane Memorial Park with military rites. Arrangements with Church Funeral Services & Crematory.
He is survived by his wife, Nellie O’Brien Dawson; daughters, Dr. Deborah & Phil Troy and Diane (Scotti) & Mike Vermaelen; sons, John & Cindy Dawson, James & Roz Dawson, Joseph Dawson, Esq.; grandchildren, Daniel & fiancé, Allie Pierce, Michael, Jason, Travis & Nicole Vermaelen, William & Christine Troy, Olivia, Connor & Nathan Dawson.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles & Anna Dawson; brothers, Thomas, Joseph & Charles Dawson; sisters, Helen Dawson Kaiser & Mary Lou Dawson Thomas.
Obituary published in The Advocate, Baton Rouge, La., from February 23 to February 26, 2013. (Edited)
