Oregon City in Clackamas County, Oregon — The American West (Northwest)

Larry G. Dahl

Specialist 4, U. S. Army

Photographed By Kevin W., June 14, 2008

1. Larry G. Dahl Marker

Inscription. Born in Oregon City
June 10, 1949
Killed in Action
February 23, 1971
Vice President Ford of the United States of America awarded posthumously in the name of Congress
The Medal of Honor
for conspicuous gallantry & intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above & beyond the call of duty in the Republic of Vietnam

Dedicated Nov. 5, 1988

Erected 1988.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Heroes • War, Vietnam. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #38 Gerald R. Ford, Jr., and the Medal of Honor Recipients series lists. A significant historical month for this entry is February 1783.

Location. 45° 21.103′ N, 122° 36.829′ W. Marker is in Oregon City, Oregon, in Clackamas County. Marker can be reached from the intersection of Tumwater Drive and S. 2nd Street, on the right when traveling south. In the parking lot of the Museum of the Oregon Territory. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Oregon City OR 97045, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Oregon City (within shouting distance of this marker); Oregon City Falls (within shouting distance of this marker); Dr. John McLoughlin (within shouting distance of this

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marker); Peter Skene Ogden House (within shouting distance of this marker); Veterans Memorial Building (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Explosion of Steamer Gazelle (about 800 feet away); Joseph L. Meek (approx. half a mile away); Canemah (approx. half a mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Oregon City.

Regarding Larry G. Dahl. Specialist 4 Dahl was assigned to 359th Trans Co, 27th Trans Battalion, 8th Trans Group. He was killed in action while assigned as a machine gunner on a gun truck near An Khe, Binh Dinh Province, 23 February 1971.

Specialist Dahl's gun truck and two others were sent to assist in the defense of a convoy under ambush by the enemy. They engaged the enemy with a heavy volume of machinegun fire, causing a large number of casualties.

As the gun trucks were preparing to return to normal escort duties, an enemy hand grenade was thrown into Dahl's truck. Realizing the danger, Dahl shouted to his companions and threw himself directly onto the grenade. He saved the lives of the other members of the truck crew while sacrificing his own.

For his

Photographed By Kevin W., June 14, 2008

2. Larry G. Dahl Marker

courage, concern and extraordinary heroism, Specialist Larry Dahl was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor posthumously.

Additional commentary.
1. Medal of Honor Citation
The President of the United States in the name of The Congress takes pleasure in presenting
the MEDAL OF HONOR to

SPECIALIST FOUR LARRY G. DAHL
UNITED STATES ARMY

for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty in An Khe, Binh Dinh Province, Republic of Vietnam,23 February, 1971:

Rank and organization: Specialist Four, U.S. Army, 359th Transportation Company, 27th Transportation Battalion, U.S. Army Support Command.

Place and date: An Khe, Binh Dinh Province, Republic of Vietnam, 23 February 1971.

Entered service at: Portland, Oreg.

Born: 6 October 1949, Oregon City, Oreg.

Citation: Spc4. 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 Spc4. 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

Specialist Four Larry G. Dahl image. Click for full size.

U.S. Army Official Photo

3. Specialist Four Larry G. Dahl

machinegun 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 Spc4. Dahl was riding. Instantly realizing the great danger, Spc4. 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, Spc4. Dahl saved the lives of the other members of the truck crew while sacrificing his own. Spc4. 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.

— Submitted July 1, 2008, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia.

2. Special Thanks and all my love to Larry and his family
I would like to send both my love and my respect to Larry Dahl and his family for the sacrifices they have made.

My name is Anthony M. Diaz. My father was Hector Jesus Diaz. He was in the gun truck with Larry Dahl when he made the decision to give his life to save the friends he loved. I can

Larry G. Dahl Grave Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Kevin W., September 26, 2008

4. Larry G. Dahl Grave Marker

Willamette National Cemetery (Section H, Grave 3622-M)

still remember hearing my father tell another veteran the story of how Larry saved his life, and how he told the gunner on the Medical Helicopter he was evacuated on that Larry had just saved his life. As he would tell the story I could see the tears that he would shed because I could tell he missed Larry and loved him for the sacrifice he gave for him and the other friend in the back of the vehicle, I believe his name was Bond.

Had Larry not made the sacrifice he made I would never had met my father, I was born only four days after Larry saved my father’s life. I would like to personally say to Larry and his family especially his son, “I will never forget your sacrifice, I will make sure that I live my life to the best of my ability, and I will remind everyone what true valor, true love for your friends, and what true heroism is every time I tell the story of how Larry saved my father."

I am currently in the United States Navy and have volunteered five times for “boots on ground” missions. Three tours in Iraq, one in Afghanistan, and the current mission in Kuwait in support of Army units under the Individual Augmentees to the Army. I will be finishing up my request to transfer to the Army in the Army Warrant Officer program, where I hope to further serve my country and honor Larry through honorable service.

I live my life every chance

Larry G. Dahl Medal of Honor Grave Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Kevin W., September 26, 2008

5. Larry G. Dahl Medal of Honor Grave Marker

I can making sure that Larry’s sacrifice, so that I might have my father there for me as I grew up, was not a sacrifice made in vane. I will forever have love in my heart for both him and his family. I promise that I will pass the knowledge of Larry’s sacrifice to my children as well in the future.

May all God’s blessing and all the good fortune fall on Larry’s family, his sacrifice and strength I am sure will live on through his son.

With all the love in my heart
Anthony M. Diaz
Survived Son of Hector Jesus Diaz (Who passed away in June 2004) Note To Editor only visible by Contributor and editor

— Submitted August 4, 2008, by Anthony Michael Diaz of Key West, Florida.

3. My Father was there also
My father, Thomas Oder, was also there that day. He was injured in the blast. He showed us pictures on the Vietnam Google cam of where the incident took place. He told the story to his children and his grandchildren. We share the story with our friends, who share the story with their friends. We will never let your sacrifice be forgotten. My family will continue sharing the story of your sacrifice so that you will never be forgotten.

As I look for the proper words to say, I'm struck with a loss of words

Museum of the Oregon Territory image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Kevin W., June 14, 2008

6. Museum of the Oregon Territory

View of the museum from the marker.

other than these.. Thank you. I honor you. I appreciate you.

The selfless sacrifice of Larry G. Dahl is one that shows character and heroism beyond comprehension and deserves to be shared for centuries more.

Thank you,
Cheri Oder Rose

— Submitted May 28, 2012, by Cheri Rose of Fort Worth, Texas.

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on July 1, 2008, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia. This page has been viewed 2,794 times since then and 30 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on July 1, 2008, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia. 4, 5. submitted on October 1, 2008, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia. 6. submitted on July 1, 2008, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia.