Congressional Medal of Honor Society

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Vietnam War - U.S. Army

Larry Gilbert Dahl

Details
  • Rank: Specialist Fourth Class
  • Conflict/Era: Vietnam War
  • Unit/Command:
    359th Transportation Company, 27th Transportation Battalion,
    U.S. Army Support Command
  • Military Service Branch: U.S. Army
  • Medal of Honor Action Date: February 23, 1971
  • Medal of Honor Action Place: An Khe, Binh Dinh Province, Republic of Vietnam
Citation
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 two 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.
Medal of Honor Recipient Larry G. Dahl
Medal of Honor Recipient Larry G. Dahl
Additional Details
  • Accredited to: Portland, Multnomah County, Oregon
  • Awarded Posthumously: Yes
  • Presentation Date & Details: August 8, 1974
    Blair House, presented by Vice Pres. Gerald R. Ford to his family
  • Born: June 10, 1949, Oregon City, Clackamas County, OR, United States
  • Died: February 23, 1971, Republic of Vietnam
  • Buried: Willamette National Cemetery (MH) (S-3512), Portland, OR, United States
 

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