Hoyt E. Dixon entered the military service in Tennessee. He served in the 561st Bomber Squadron, 388th Bomber Group, Heavy as a Sergeant and Togglier on #43-39107 "Snafu II" aircraft during World War II. During a navigational training flight, B-17G Flying Fortress #44-8683 encountered deteriorating weather conditions and the pilot turned around to return to Station 136 at Kettlewell, England. But two miles from destination, the bomber struck the fog-shrouded escarpment of Great Whernside, instantly killing the five-man crew. Sgt Dixon is now buried in the Cambridge American Cemetery, Cambridge, United Kingdom. He was one of the many brave Americans of the 388th Bomber Group who lost their lives in aerial operations against the German forces from June 1943 - August 1945.

Source of information: www.findagrave.com, www.abmc.gov