Specialist Larry Dahl remembered in Portland

According to his Medal of Honor citation, 21-year-old Larry Dahl was assigned to a gun truck which went to rescue a unit pinned down in An Khe, Binh Dinh Province, Republic of Vietnam on February 23, 1971. He was assigned to the 359th Transportation Company. As they were preparing to return from that mission, an enemy threw a grenade into Larry’s truck. After shouting a warning to his comrades, Larry threw himself on the grenade, absorbing the explosion and the fragments – his last act. He left three-year-old Michael fatherless.

Clackamas County has dedicated a memorial to Larry in Oregon City, where Larry grew up. Michael was there for the ceremony;

The younger Dahl will retire in January as a sergeant first class after a 26-year Army career of his own, mostly as a Russian interpreter working on nuclear arms. He had his share of overseas service, including Iraq.

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Among the guests were Larry Dahl’s mother, Theo Keene of Portland; his wife, Michelle Dahl Steanson, and other family members.

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He said he has told his father’s story to his soldiers, “not out of hubris, but as a lesson in heritage, heroism and sacrifice.”

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“I have told his story to spread a simple message,” Michael Dahl said. “Every person in this world has a value and a purpose. We may never know when we may be called upon to rise above ourselves and do something truly significant.

“True valor is not contained in badges or ribbons or medals, but in the strength of our character, the depth of our commitment, and the power of our compassion.”

Thanks to Bruce for the link.

Category: We Remember