John Francis Dillon

John Francis Dillon (March 6, 1866 – October 9, 1927) was one of the first members of the United States Federal Radio Commission, the forerunner of the Federal Communications Commission.

Early life John Francis Dillon was born on March 6, 1866, in Bellevue, Ohio. He attended high school.

Career Dillon tried various occupations. On April 15, 1894, he enlisted in the Signal Corps of the U.S. Army and worked as a telegraph operator and general electrician. He served during the Spanish–American War. His term ended in 1899 and he attained the rank of sergeant. He reenlisted and was superintendent of telegraphs in Cavite and Rizal in the Philippines. He worked as the chief operator for General William Rufus Shafter. After the war, he was later placed in the Signal Corps's electrical laboratory. He conducted telegraphic and telephonic experiments and researched radiography. He helped develop field radio equipment used by the army. In 1904, he attained the rank of master electrician. In 1908, he collaborated with General George Owen Squier in developing a wired wireless system. He served continuously until 1912.

In 1912, Dillon became radio inspector for the U.S. Department of Commerce in Chicago,

Dillon was a fellow of the Institute of Radio Engineers. He was known as the "Father of Pacific Coast Radio". On October 12, from 11:00 to 11:02 AM local time, all Pacific Coast radio stations were silenced in recognition of Dillon and marking his time of burial.