Colonel Aubrey K.Dodson
West Point class of 1930
Service#
Awards: Silver Star, Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross
This biography was gleaned from https://www.westpointaog.org
Aubrey Kenneth Dodson was born at Uniontown, Arkansas, 3 March 1905, one of two sons of Mr. and Mrs. J. H. Dodson. Most of his early life was spent in Sallisaw, Sequoyah County, Oklahoma. "Rock," as he was known, graduated as the Honor Student of his high school class. He attended Oklahoma Military Academy and then one year at the University of Arkansas. He joined the United States Coast Guard Academy and spent some time at sea, then entered West Point, on an appointment from Oklahoma, on 1 July 1926 He graduated forty-fifth in the class of 1930.
Rock had his mind and heart set on the Air Corps so, although assigned to the Field Artillery on graduation, he entered the Flying Schools (Brooks, then Kelly) from which he graduated, having won his wings, on 20 October 1931. His first assignment was with the 7th Bombardment Group at March Field, California.
He was then stationed at Nichols Field Philippines. During the second year of his overseas tour, he was assigned additional duties in the office of the Assistant Chief of Staff G2, Headquarters Philippine Department, Fort Santiago. Rock married Jean Tyler McDonald, daughter of Donald C. McDonald, Class of 1904 on 23 January 1933. Later in 1933 a daughter was born. Soon there after the family returned to the States settling at Hamilton Field, California (1935), twins, arrived to make their lives complete.
In February 1938 Rock was transferred to Hawaii; then in May 1941 to the Southeast Air Corps Training Center, Maxwell Field, Alabama, where he was assigned when we entered World War II. The following March he was transferred to Headquarters of the Flying Training Command where he held various assignments. From 6 April 1943 to 4 July 1943, Rock was Commanding Officer of the Dodson Provisional Group (B-17) before being assigned as Chief of Staff of Headquarters II Bomber Command, Fort George Wright, Washington. During this assignment he went on temporary duty to the Army-Navy Staff College in Washington, D. C.
On 6 February 1944, he swas sent overseas to India (China-Burma-India theatre). He was Commander of the 7th Bombardment Group (B-24) from 27 March 1944 to 6 November 1944 and during this time was credited with 21 combat missions. He then joined the 10th Air Force as Commanding Officer of the Air Cargo Headquarters, where he was credited with 12 additional combat missions. He returned to the States 6 February 1945.
During Rock's service in India he earned the Silver Star, Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal, Purple Heart, and the Army Commendation Ribbon with two Oak Leaf Clusters. The Purple Heart was received as the result of the "crash-landing" of his damaged plane in the Bay of Bengal on returning from a combat mission over Burma.
He was authorized to wear various Campaign and Service Ribbons.
From 21 March 1945 to 14 January 1946 Rock was assigned as Chief of the Military Personnel Division of Headquarters United States Army Air Forces (Personnel). He performed his duties in such an exemplary manner that he was awarded the Legion of Merit. He then was assigned to the Air University at Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama, on the Staff and Faculty of the Command and Staff course, until he was chosen to attend the Air War College at Maxwell in August 1947. In May 1948, from the Air War College Rock went to United States Air Forces, Europe, where he was Assistant Chief of Staff most of the time (but he had ample time to participate, with much credit, in the Berlin Airlift) until his return to the States and duty with the Air Inspector General at San Antonio, Texas.
In August 1952, he was back at school again at the National War College along with about eight of his classmates. He then had his longest tour in any one assignment—to the Pentagon in Research and Development (Planning).
For Rock’s final assignment he drew Allied Air Forces Northern Europe—Oslo, Norway. He was Deputy Chief of Staff Logistics and Administration most of the time, but we find him filling in for the Chief of Staff on numerous occasions.
During this time numerous evidences have been noted that Jean, and to some extent Rock, himself, was not in the very best of health. They returned to Washington, D. C., in March of 1960 with Jean as a patient. Rock was assigned at Bolling Field as Special Assistant to the Commanding General, Headquarters Command, to await retirement, effective 31 July 1960. The following September Jean died at Walter Reed Hospital and was buried at Arlington National Cemetery beside the spot reserved for Rock. Rock died 26 August 1966 in Washington, D. C., and was buried with military honors at Arlington. His daughter and eleven of his classmates attended the ceremony. Rock was a devoted husband and father, which may well explain why he became something of a recluse following Jean's death. He is survived by three fine daughters.
Silver Star
Awarded for actions during the World War II
(Citation Needed) - SYNOPSIS: Colonel (Air Corps) Aubrey Kenneth Dodson, United States Army Air Forces, was awarded the Silver Star for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in connection with military operations against the enemy while serving as Commanding Officer, 7th Bombardment Group, TENTH Air Force, in India, during World War II.
General Orders: Headquarters, 10th Air Force, General Orders No. 144 (1944)
Action Date: World War II
Service: Army Air Forces Rank: Colonel
Company: Commanding Officer Regiment: 7th Bombardment Group
Division: 10th Air Force
Legion of Merit
Awarded for actions during the World War II
(Citation Needed) - SYNOPSIS: Colonel (Air Corps) Aubrey Kenneth Dodson, United States Army Air Forces, was awarded the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States with Headquarters, Army Air Forces, from 1945 to 1946.
General Orders: United States Military Academy Register of Graduates
Action Date: 1945 - 1946
Service: Army Air Forces Rank: Colonel
Company: Headquarters Division: Army Air Forces
Distinguished Flying Cross
Awarded for actions during the World War II
(Citation Needed) - SYNOPSIS: Colonel (Air Corps) Aubrey Kenneth Dodson, United States Army Air Forces, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as Commanding Officer, 7th Bombardment Group, TENTH Air Force, in India, during World War II.
General Orders: United States Military Academy Register of Graduates
Action Date: World War II
Service: Army Air Forces Rank: Colonel
Company: Commanding Officer Regiment: 7th Bombardment Group
Division: 10th Air Force
West Point class of 1930
Service#
Awards: Silver Star, Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross
This biography was gleaned from https://www.westpointaog.org
Aubrey Kenneth Dodson was born at Uniontown, Arkansas, 3 March 1905, one of two sons of Mr. and Mrs. J. H. Dodson. Most of his early life was spent in Sallisaw, Sequoyah County, Oklahoma. "Rock," as he was known, graduated as the Honor Student of his high school class. He attended Oklahoma Military Academy and then one year at the University of Arkansas. He joined the United States Coast Guard Academy and spent some time at sea, then entered West Point, on an appointment from Oklahoma, on 1 July 1926 He graduated forty-fifth in the class of 1930.
Rock had his mind and heart set on the Air Corps so, although assigned to the Field Artillery on graduation, he entered the Flying Schools (Brooks, then Kelly) from which he graduated, having won his wings, on 20 October 1931. His first assignment was with the 7th Bombardment Group at March Field, California.
He was then stationed at Nichols Field Philippines. During the second year of his overseas tour, he was assigned additional duties in the office of the Assistant Chief of Staff G2, Headquarters Philippine Department, Fort Santiago. Rock married Jean Tyler McDonald, daughter of Donald C. McDonald, Class of 1904 on 23 January 1933. Later in 1933 a daughter was born. Soon there after the family returned to the States settling at Hamilton Field, California (1935), twins, arrived to make their lives complete.
In February 1938 Rock was transferred to Hawaii; then in May 1941 to the Southeast Air Corps Training Center, Maxwell Field, Alabama, where he was assigned when we entered World War II. The following March he was transferred to Headquarters of the Flying Training Command where he held various assignments. From 6 April 1943 to 4 July 1943, Rock was Commanding Officer of the Dodson Provisional Group (B-17) before being assigned as Chief of Staff of Headquarters II Bomber Command, Fort George Wright, Washington. During this assignment he went on temporary duty to the Army-Navy Staff College in Washington, D. C.
On 6 February 1944, he swas sent overseas to India (China-Burma-India theatre). He was Commander of the 7th Bombardment Group (B-24) from 27 March 1944 to 6 November 1944 and during this time was credited with 21 combat missions. He then joined the 10th Air Force as Commanding Officer of the Air Cargo Headquarters, where he was credited with 12 additional combat missions. He returned to the States 6 February 1945.
During Rock's service in India he earned the Silver Star, Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal, Purple Heart, and the Army Commendation Ribbon with two Oak Leaf Clusters. The Purple Heart was received as the result of the "crash-landing" of his damaged plane in the Bay of Bengal on returning from a combat mission over Burma.
He was authorized to wear various Campaign and Service Ribbons.
From 21 March 1945 to 14 January 1946 Rock was assigned as Chief of the Military Personnel Division of Headquarters United States Army Air Forces (Personnel). He performed his duties in such an exemplary manner that he was awarded the Legion of Merit. He then was assigned to the Air University at Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama, on the Staff and Faculty of the Command and Staff course, until he was chosen to attend the Air War College at Maxwell in August 1947. In May 1948, from the Air War College Rock went to United States Air Forces, Europe, where he was Assistant Chief of Staff most of the time (but he had ample time to participate, with much credit, in the Berlin Airlift) until his return to the States and duty with the Air Inspector General at San Antonio, Texas.
In August 1952, he was back at school again at the National War College along with about eight of his classmates. He then had his longest tour in any one assignment—to the Pentagon in Research and Development (Planning).
For Rock’s final assignment he drew Allied Air Forces Northern Europe—Oslo, Norway. He was Deputy Chief of Staff Logistics and Administration most of the time, but we find him filling in for the Chief of Staff on numerous occasions.
During this time numerous evidences have been noted that Jean, and to some extent Rock, himself, was not in the very best of health. They returned to Washington, D. C., in March of 1960 with Jean as a patient. Rock was assigned at Bolling Field as Special Assistant to the Commanding General, Headquarters Command, to await retirement, effective 31 July 1960. The following September Jean died at Walter Reed Hospital and was buried at Arlington National Cemetery beside the spot reserved for Rock. Rock died 26 August 1966 in Washington, D. C., and was buried with military honors at Arlington. His daughter and eleven of his classmates attended the ceremony. Rock was a devoted husband and father, which may well explain why he became something of a recluse following Jean's death. He is survived by three fine daughters.
Silver Star
Awarded for actions during the World War II
(Citation Needed) - SYNOPSIS: Colonel (Air Corps) Aubrey Kenneth Dodson, United States Army Air Forces, was awarded the Silver Star for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in connection with military operations against the enemy while serving as Commanding Officer, 7th Bombardment Group, TENTH Air Force, in India, during World War II.
General Orders: Headquarters, 10th Air Force, General Orders No. 144 (1944)
Action Date: World War II
Service: Army Air Forces Rank: Colonel
Company: Commanding Officer Regiment: 7th Bombardment Group
Division: 10th Air Force
Legion of Merit
Awarded for actions during the World War II
(Citation Needed) - SYNOPSIS: Colonel (Air Corps) Aubrey Kenneth Dodson, United States Army Air Forces, was awarded the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States with Headquarters, Army Air Forces, from 1945 to 1946.
General Orders: United States Military Academy Register of Graduates
Action Date: 1945 - 1946
Service: Army Air Forces Rank: Colonel
Company: Headquarters Division: Army Air Forces
Distinguished Flying Cross
Awarded for actions during the World War II
(Citation Needed) - SYNOPSIS: Colonel (Air Corps) Aubrey Kenneth Dodson, United States Army Air Forces, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as Commanding Officer, 7th Bombardment Group, TENTH Air Force, in India, during World War II.
General Orders: United States Military Academy Register of Graduates
Action Date: World War II
Service: Army Air Forces Rank: Colonel
Company: Commanding Officer Regiment: 7th Bombardment Group
Division: 10th Air Force
Colonel Aubrey K.Dodson
West Point class of 1930
Service#
Awards: Silver Star, Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross
This biography was gleaned from https://www.westpointaog.org
Aubrey Kenneth Dodson was born at Uniontown, Arkansas, 3 March 1905, one of two sons of Mr. and Mrs. J. H. Dodson. Most of his early life was spent in Sallisaw, Sequoyah County, Oklahoma. "Rock," as he was known, graduated as the Honor Student of his high school class. He attended Oklahoma Military Academy and then one year at the University of Arkansas. He joined the United States Coast Guard Academy and spent some time at sea, then entered West Point, on an appointment from Oklahoma, on 1 July 1926 He graduated forty-fifth in the class of 1930.
Rock had his mind and heart set on the Air Corps so, although assigned to the Field Artillery on graduation, he entered the Flying Schools (Brooks, then Kelly) from which he graduated, having won his wings, on 20 October 1931. His first assignment was with the 7th Bombardment Group at March Field, California.
He was then stationed at Nichols Field Philippines. During the second year of his overseas tour, he was assigned additional duties in the office of the Assistant Chief of Staff G2, Headquarters Philippine Department, Fort Santiago. Rock married Jean Tyler McDonald, daughter of Donald C. McDonald, Class of 1904 on 23 January 1933. Later in 1933 a daughter was born. Soon there after the family returned to the States settling at Hamilton Field, California (1935), twins, arrived to make their lives complete.
In February 1938 Rock was transferred to Hawaii; then in May 1941 to the Southeast Air Corps Training Center, Maxwell Field, Alabama, where he was assigned when we entered World War II. The following March he was transferred to Headquarters of the Flying Training Command where he held various assignments. From 6 April 1943 to 4 July 1943, Rock was Commanding Officer of the Dodson Provisional Group (B-17) before being assigned as Chief of Staff of Headquarters II Bomber Command, Fort George Wright, Washington. During this assignment he went on temporary duty to the Army-Navy Staff College in Washington, D. C.
On 6 February 1944, he swas sent overseas to India (China-Burma-India theatre). He was Commander of the 7th Bombardment Group (B-24) from 27 March 1944 to 6 November 1944 and during this time was credited with 21 combat missions. He then joined the 10th Air Force as Commanding Officer of the Air Cargo Headquarters, where he was credited with 12 additional combat missions. He returned to the States 6 February 1945.
During Rock's service in India he earned the Silver Star, Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal, Purple Heart, and the Army Commendation Ribbon with two Oak Leaf Clusters. The Purple Heart was received as the result of the "crash-landing" of his damaged plane in the Bay of Bengal on returning from a combat mission over Burma.
He was authorized to wear various Campaign and Service Ribbons.
From 21 March 1945 to 14 January 1946 Rock was assigned as Chief of the Military Personnel Division of Headquarters United States Army Air Forces (Personnel). He performed his duties in such an exemplary manner that he was awarded the Legion of Merit. He then was assigned to the Air University at Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama, on the Staff and Faculty of the Command and Staff course, until he was chosen to attend the Air War College at Maxwell in August 1947. In May 1948, from the Air War College Rock went to United States Air Forces, Europe, where he was Assistant Chief of Staff most of the time (but he had ample time to participate, with much credit, in the Berlin Airlift) until his return to the States and duty with the Air Inspector General at San Antonio, Texas.
In August 1952, he was back at school again at the National War College along with about eight of his classmates. He then had his longest tour in any one assignment—to the Pentagon in Research and Development (Planning).
For Rock’s final assignment he drew Allied Air Forces Northern Europe—Oslo, Norway. He was Deputy Chief of Staff Logistics and Administration most of the time, but we find him filling in for the Chief of Staff on numerous occasions.
During this time numerous evidences have been noted that Jean, and to some extent Rock, himself, was not in the very best of health. They returned to Washington, D. C., in March of 1960 with Jean as a patient. Rock was assigned at Bolling Field as Special Assistant to the Commanding General, Headquarters Command, to await retirement, effective 31 July 1960. The following September Jean died at Walter Reed Hospital and was buried at Arlington National Cemetery beside the spot reserved for Rock. Rock died 26 August 1966 in Washington, D. C., and was buried with military honors at Arlington. His daughter and eleven of his classmates attended the ceremony. Rock was a devoted husband and father, which may well explain why he became something of a recluse following Jean's death. He is survived by three fine daughters.
Silver Star
Awarded for actions during the World War II
(Citation Needed) - SYNOPSIS: Colonel (Air Corps) Aubrey Kenneth Dodson, United States Army Air Forces, was awarded the Silver Star for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in connection with military operations against the enemy while serving as Commanding Officer, 7th Bombardment Group, TENTH Air Force, in India, during World War II.
General Orders: Headquarters, 10th Air Force, General Orders No. 144 (1944)
Action Date: World War II
Service: Army Air Forces Rank: Colonel
Company: Commanding Officer Regiment: 7th Bombardment Group
Division: 10th Air Force
Legion of Merit
Awarded for actions during the World War II
(Citation Needed) - SYNOPSIS: Colonel (Air Corps) Aubrey Kenneth Dodson, United States Army Air Forces, was awarded the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States with Headquarters, Army Air Forces, from 1945 to 1946.
General Orders: United States Military Academy Register of Graduates
Action Date: 1945 - 1946
Service: Army Air Forces Rank: Colonel
Company: Headquarters Division: Army Air Forces
Distinguished Flying Cross
Awarded for actions during the World War II
(Citation Needed) - SYNOPSIS: Colonel (Air Corps) Aubrey Kenneth Dodson, United States Army Air Forces, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as Commanding Officer, 7th Bombardment Group, TENTH Air Force, in India, during World War II.
General Orders: United States Military Academy Register of Graduates
Action Date: World War II
Service: Army Air Forces Rank: Colonel
Company: Commanding Officer Regiment: 7th Bombardment Group
Division: 10th Air Force
West Point class of 1930
Service#
Awards: Silver Star, Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross
This biography was gleaned from https://www.westpointaog.org
Aubrey Kenneth Dodson was born at Uniontown, Arkansas, 3 March 1905, one of two sons of Mr. and Mrs. J. H. Dodson. Most of his early life was spent in Sallisaw, Sequoyah County, Oklahoma. "Rock," as he was known, graduated as the Honor Student of his high school class. He attended Oklahoma Military Academy and then one year at the University of Arkansas. He joined the United States Coast Guard Academy and spent some time at sea, then entered West Point, on an appointment from Oklahoma, on 1 July 1926 He graduated forty-fifth in the class of 1930.
Rock had his mind and heart set on the Air Corps so, although assigned to the Field Artillery on graduation, he entered the Flying Schools (Brooks, then Kelly) from which he graduated, having won his wings, on 20 October 1931. His first assignment was with the 7th Bombardment Group at March Field, California.
He was then stationed at Nichols Field Philippines. During the second year of his overseas tour, he was assigned additional duties in the office of the Assistant Chief of Staff G2, Headquarters Philippine Department, Fort Santiago. Rock married Jean Tyler McDonald, daughter of Donald C. McDonald, Class of 1904 on 23 January 1933. Later in 1933 a daughter was born. Soon there after the family returned to the States settling at Hamilton Field, California (1935), twins, arrived to make their lives complete.
In February 1938 Rock was transferred to Hawaii; then in May 1941 to the Southeast Air Corps Training Center, Maxwell Field, Alabama, where he was assigned when we entered World War II. The following March he was transferred to Headquarters of the Flying Training Command where he held various assignments. From 6 April 1943 to 4 July 1943, Rock was Commanding Officer of the Dodson Provisional Group (B-17) before being assigned as Chief of Staff of Headquarters II Bomber Command, Fort George Wright, Washington. During this assignment he went on temporary duty to the Army-Navy Staff College in Washington, D. C.
On 6 February 1944, he swas sent overseas to India (China-Burma-India theatre). He was Commander of the 7th Bombardment Group (B-24) from 27 March 1944 to 6 November 1944 and during this time was credited with 21 combat missions. He then joined the 10th Air Force as Commanding Officer of the Air Cargo Headquarters, where he was credited with 12 additional combat missions. He returned to the States 6 February 1945.
During Rock's service in India he earned the Silver Star, Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal, Purple Heart, and the Army Commendation Ribbon with two Oak Leaf Clusters. The Purple Heart was received as the result of the "crash-landing" of his damaged plane in the Bay of Bengal on returning from a combat mission over Burma.
He was authorized to wear various Campaign and Service Ribbons.
From 21 March 1945 to 14 January 1946 Rock was assigned as Chief of the Military Personnel Division of Headquarters United States Army Air Forces (Personnel). He performed his duties in such an exemplary manner that he was awarded the Legion of Merit. He then was assigned to the Air University at Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama, on the Staff and Faculty of the Command and Staff course, until he was chosen to attend the Air War College at Maxwell in August 1947. In May 1948, from the Air War College Rock went to United States Air Forces, Europe, where he was Assistant Chief of Staff most of the time (but he had ample time to participate, with much credit, in the Berlin Airlift) until his return to the States and duty with the Air Inspector General at San Antonio, Texas.
In August 1952, he was back at school again at the National War College along with about eight of his classmates. He then had his longest tour in any one assignment—to the Pentagon in Research and Development (Planning).
For Rock’s final assignment he drew Allied Air Forces Northern Europe—Oslo, Norway. He was Deputy Chief of Staff Logistics and Administration most of the time, but we find him filling in for the Chief of Staff on numerous occasions.
During this time numerous evidences have been noted that Jean, and to some extent Rock, himself, was not in the very best of health. They returned to Washington, D. C., in March of 1960 with Jean as a patient. Rock was assigned at Bolling Field as Special Assistant to the Commanding General, Headquarters Command, to await retirement, effective 31 July 1960. The following September Jean died at Walter Reed Hospital and was buried at Arlington National Cemetery beside the spot reserved for Rock. Rock died 26 August 1966 in Washington, D. C., and was buried with military honors at Arlington. His daughter and eleven of his classmates attended the ceremony. Rock was a devoted husband and father, which may well explain why he became something of a recluse following Jean's death. He is survived by three fine daughters.
Silver Star
Awarded for actions during the World War II
(Citation Needed) - SYNOPSIS: Colonel (Air Corps) Aubrey Kenneth Dodson, United States Army Air Forces, was awarded the Silver Star for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in connection with military operations against the enemy while serving as Commanding Officer, 7th Bombardment Group, TENTH Air Force, in India, during World War II.
General Orders: Headquarters, 10th Air Force, General Orders No. 144 (1944)
Action Date: World War II
Service: Army Air Forces Rank: Colonel
Company: Commanding Officer Regiment: 7th Bombardment Group
Division: 10th Air Force
Legion of Merit
Awarded for actions during the World War II
(Citation Needed) - SYNOPSIS: Colonel (Air Corps) Aubrey Kenneth Dodson, United States Army Air Forces, was awarded the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States with Headquarters, Army Air Forces, from 1945 to 1946.
General Orders: United States Military Academy Register of Graduates
Action Date: 1945 - 1946
Service: Army Air Forces Rank: Colonel
Company: Headquarters Division: Army Air Forces
Distinguished Flying Cross
Awarded for actions during the World War II
(Citation Needed) - SYNOPSIS: Colonel (Air Corps) Aubrey Kenneth Dodson, United States Army Air Forces, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as Commanding Officer, 7th Bombardment Group, TENTH Air Force, in India, during World War II.
General Orders: United States Military Academy Register of Graduates
Action Date: World War II
Service: Army Air Forces Rank: Colonel
Company: Commanding Officer Regiment: 7th Bombardment Group
Division: 10th Air Force
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