The Honorable Joseph T. Dawson was commissioned an Infantry Officer upon graduation from Officer Candidate School Class 6 in March of 1942. His first duty assignment was as Platoon Leader, Company A, 16th Infantry, 1st U.S. Infantry Division. | His subsequent duty assignments include: Assistant G-3, 1st Infantry Division, Camp Blanding, Florida; Assistant S-3, 16th Infantry Regiment, Gela, Sicily; Company Commander, Company G, 2nd Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division; Liason Officer, OSS, Paris, France. | Mr. Dawson's awards and decorations include: Distinguished Service Cross, Silver Star, Bronze Star, Purple Heart w/ olc, Company Unit Presidential Citation.