JD Dixson turned 100 years old Saturday and he was given a well deserved celebration by friends and family, hosted by Robert’s Steakhouse in Orange. Dixson served in World War II in the 6th Marine Division from 1943 to 1945.
Before going into the Armed Forces JD work as a Taxi Cab driver in DeRidder, La. He had to get at minor’s release to drive because, he was 17 years old. He then moved to Arkansas at that young age and drove a cab there.
Returning to Merryville, La. he was then drafted at the young age of 18. He went to Houston on a bus to sign up and get medical release. While taking care of paper work they asked what part of the military did he want to join. He looked around and spotted a uniform with a red stripe down blue pants leg and said, “I like that uniform, that’s what I want to be.”
He was sent to New Orleans on a bus to be assigned. From New Orleans he was then stationed at San Diego, CA. for basic training and was in the 1st Marine Unit. Before they were shipped out
He got sick and was put in the hospital. Before he was released his unit shipped out. When he was finally released from hospital he was assigned to the 6th Marine Unit.
The 6th Marine Unit was then dispatched to Pearl Harbor. From Pearl Harbor he was shipped to Guam. He was assigned to be a jeep driver for the upper class, taking them from morning meetings to their unit in the field after they were given orders for the day.
After serving there he was then assigned to Okinawa, Japan where he performed the same duties as a Jeep driver.
His time finally came up to decide to reenlist or get out, he chose leaving. So, he hitched a ride on a ship going to Florida. From there he returned to San Diego, CA on a plane.
He was discharged in San Diego, CA. He returned to Beaumont, TX. where he lived in MultiMax Village, housing units provided by the government.
His career started in Beaumont where he did multi type jobs. Drove Cement Trucks, delivered material for Eastex Motor Freight, drove a 18 wheeler to East Texas. Also drove a dump truck.
He then became a Pipefitter working at Bethlehem Steel Ship Yard. He retired as a pipefitter after a career of over 40 years in the work force.
Dixson now lives in Vidor with his son. He has been known to party a night or two down at the VFW Post 2775 in Orange.
Party on JD! And Happy 100th Birthday!
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