John M. Paxton Jr.
John M. Paxton Jr. | |
|---|---|
Official portrait, 2013 | |
| Born | 25 June 1951 Chester, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Branch | United States Marine Corps |
| Years of service | 1974–2016 |
| Rank | General |
| Commands | Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps II Marine Expeditionary Force 1st Marine Division |
| Battles / wars | Iraq War |
| Awards | Defense 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 mater | Cornell University |
John M. Paxton Jr. (born 25 June 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 4 August 2016, after 42 years of service.
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 13 March 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 22 May 2007, Paxton relinquished command of the 1st Marine Division to take the role of Chief of Staff for Multi-National Force-Iraq.