Dickey was commissioned as a 1st lieutenant in November 1862, and assigned to the 168th New York Volunteer Infantry.

[1] He mustered out with the regiment in October 1863, and joined the 15th New York Heavy Artillery as a captain in February 1864.

He was promoted to major in May 1865, and mustered out with the 15th New York Heavy Artillery in August 1865.

[2] Dickey received the Medal of Honor on June 10, 1896, for his actions at the Second Battle of Petersburg.

After the war, Dickey became a companion of the District of Columbia Commandery of the Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States.