Dixon was born in Seymore, Indiana. He never finished grade school and worked as a messenger in a railroad office until he enlisted in the U.S. Army on February 27, 1914, at the age of 17. He was one of 110 soldiers in the 24th Infantry Regiment who were convicted and sentenced to life in prison for their involvement in the 1917 Camp Logan Riot. Dixon maintained his innocence, but was convicted through guilt by association and sent to Leavenworth Penitentiary. His sentence was later commuted by J. Edgar Hoover, and he was released on parole effective September 17, 1924. Dixon passed away in October 1967 and was laid to rest at the Estates of Serenity in Marion, Indiana. On November 13, 2023, the Army set aside the courts-martial of all 110 convicted soldiers, including Dixon, making him eligible for burial in a national cemetery. On October 28, 2024, Dixon and his wife were reinterred at Marion National Cemetery. 

Seymour Daily Republican, Wednesday December 12, 1917, p.1

Newspaper article about Dixon's conviction

Dixon memorial service at Marion National Cemetery

Marion National Cemetery

I am humbled to have played a part in righting a historical wrong. The disinterment and reburial of Private Gerald Dixon and his wife was a long and arduous process, but it was a journey that I undertook with a heavy heart and a steadfast determination. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to honor their memory and to ensure that they rest in peace.

🙏🏽✝️Rest In Peace and Power, Sir. 😇.
 Jeanne and Abbee,, 10th Cavalry 
Spanish-American War Descendants

NCA salutes Pvt. Gerald Dixon who was laid rest October 28, at Marion National Cemetery in Indiana.
Pvt. Dixon was one of 110 soldiers in the 24th Infantry Buffalo Soldiers who were wrongfully convicted and sentenced to life in prison at Leavenworth for their alleged involvement in the 1917 Camp Logan Riot. 
On Aug. 23, 1917, rising racial tensions erupted into violence at a training camp the Buffalo Soldiers of the 24th Infantry Regiment had been sent to guard, according to a press release. This led to the deaths of 19 people and the subsequent court-martial found 110 Black soldiers guilty, with 19 hanged.
Although his sentence was later commuted by J. Edgar Hoover, Dixon did not receive justice during his lifetime and was buried in a private cemetery without a headstone in 1967. 
Dixon served in various location including the Philippines, Alaska and Mexico, where he upheld the proud traditions of the Buffalo Soldiers. Now, Dixon receives recognition with military honors.
Dixon was interred with his wife, Francis. He leaves behind a legacy of resilience, honor, and justice. He is remembered not only for his service to his country but also for the courage with which he faced adversity and the dignity he upheld throughout his life. 
He is survived by his extended family and friends, who celebrate the memory of a man whose life's journey has finally been fully recognized and legacy restored.


GERALD DIXON

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