| Larry Gilbert Dahl | |
|---|---|
Specialist Four Larry Dahl |
|
| Born | 1949[1] Oregon City, Oregon |
| Died | February 23, 1971 near An Khe, Binh Dinh Province, Republic of Vietnam |
| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Service/branch | United States Army |
| Years of service | 1969 - 1971 |
| Rank | Specialist Four |
| Unit | 359th Transportation Company, 27th Transportation Battalion |
| Battles/wars | Vietnam War |
| Awards | Medal of Honor |
Larry Gilbert Dahl (1949[1] – February 23, 1971) was a United States Army soldier and a recipient of the United States military's highest decoration—the Medal of Honor—for his actions in the Vietnam War.
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Dahl joined the Army from Portland, Oregon, and by February 23, 1971 was serving as a Specialist Four in the 359th Transportation Company, 27th Transportation Battalion, U.S. Army Support Command. On that day, near An Khe in Binh Dinh Province, Republic of Vietnam, Dahl smothered the blast of an enemy-thrown hand grenade with his body, sacrificing himself to protect those around him.[2]
Dahl, aged 21 at his death, was buried in Willamette National Cemetery, Portland, Oregon.[3]
Specialist Dahl's official Medal of Honor citation reads:
Sp4c. Dahl distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a machine gunner on a gun truck near An Khe, Binh Dinh Province. The gun truck in which Sp4c. Dahl was riding was sent with 2 other gun trucks to assist in the defense of a convoy that had been ambushed by an enemy force. The gun trucks entered the battle zone and engaged the attacking enemy troops with a heavy volume of machine gun fire, causing a large number of casualties. After a brief period of intense fighting the attack subsided. As the gun trucks were preparing to return to their normal escort duties, an enemy hand grenade was thrown into the truck in which Sp4c. Dahl was riding. Instantly realizing the great danger, Sp4c. Dahl called a warning to his companions and threw himself directly onto the grenade. Through his indomitable courage, complete disregard for his safety, and profound concern for his fellow soldiers, Sp4c. Dahl saved the lives of the other members of the truck crew while sacrificing his own. Sp4c. Dahl's conspicuous gallantry, extraordinary heroism, and intrepidity at the cost of his life, above and beyond the call of duty, are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit on himself, his unit and the U.S. Army.[2]