Dalton Campbell was born on March 16, 1942, in Waynesboro, Virginia. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy on August 23, 1959, and completed basic training and Storekeeper training at NTC Great Lakes, Illinois, from August to December 1959. His first assignment was aboard the destroyer tender USS Tidewater (AD-31) from December 1959 to January 1962, followed by service aboard the destroyer USS Leary (DD-879) from January 1962 to May 1963. During this time, the ship participated in the blockade of Cuba during the Cuban Missile Crisis. His next assignment was aboard the stores ship USS Hyades (AF-28) from May 1963 to June 1965, and then with the Naval School of Compressed Gases from June 1965 to July 1967. PO Campbell served aboard the ocean minesweeper USS Dash (MSO-428) from July 1967 to May 1969, followed by service aboard the guided missile destroyer USS John S. McCain (DDG-36) from May 1969 to October 1971. His next assignment was with the Supply Operation Assistance Team at the Naval Supply Center, Charleston, South Carolina, from October 1971 to January 1975, and then aboard the ammunition ship USS Mount Baker (AE-34) from January 1975 to April 1978. SCPO Campbell's final assignment was with the 20th Naval Construction Regiment at NCBC Gulfport, Mississippi, from April 1978 until his retirement from the Navy on December 31, 1981. After retiring from the Navy, Dalton served as a Logistics Analyst with Ingalls Shipbuilding (later Litton Ship Systems and then Northrop Grumman Ship Systems) in Pascagoula, Mississippi.

His Letter of Commendation Citation reads:

For meritorious achievement from 1 July 1975 to 30 September 1976 while serving as Stores Division Officer aboard the USS MOUNT BAKER (AE 34). Senior Chief Petty Officer CAMPBELL's exceptional technical knowledge, enthusiasm and resourcefulness contributed significantly to the award of Supply Excellence earned by the Supply Department for the competitive year 76/77. His willingness to assume responsibility integrated with his ability to interpret complex logistic programs and then implement the appropriate supply management changes has made him an invaluable asset to the command. Senior Chief Petty Officer CAMPBELL's professional expertise, initiative and loyalty reflect great credit upon himself and are in keeping with the finest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service.