Nixon orders flags to half-staff in honor of fallen soldier from Jasper County

Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon has ordered that the U.S. and Missouri flags at state buildings in all 114 counties and the city of St. Louis be flown at half-staff on June 30 to honor the bravery and sacrifice of Staff Sergeant Edward F. Dixon III. Staff Sergeant Dixon, age 37, of Joplin, was a soldier in the United States Army serving in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan.

Dixon was killed on June 18 while serving his country in Uruzgan Province.

In addition, Nixon has ordered that the U.S. and Missouri flags at all state buildings in Jasper County be flown at half-staff from July 5 to July 10.

"Staff Sergeant Dixon served our country with bravery and dedication as a soldier in the United States Army, and I ask all Missourians to remember his sacrifice when they see the lowered flags," Nixon said. "Our thoughts and prayers are with his family as they mourn for him."

Staff Sergeant Dixon was assigned to the C Company, 4th Battalion, 70th Armor Regiment, 170th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, V Corps, Baumholder, Germany. His awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, Army Achievement Medal (three awards), Air Force Achievement Medal (four awards), Army Good Conduct Medal, Air Force Good Conduct Medal (four awards), National Defense Service Medal with Bronze Service Star, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with Bronze Service Star, Iraq Campaign Medal with Bronze Service Star, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Noncommissioned Officers Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Air Force Training Ribbon, Air Force Overseas Service Ribbon (Short Tour), Air Force NCO Professional Military Education Graduate Ribbon, NATO Medal, Right Side Awards (Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, three awards), Combat and Special Skill Badge Basic Marksmanship Qualification Badge (Bar, Weapon: Rifle (Inscription: Rifle), Expert), and the Overseas Service Bar (two awards).