THE WALL OF FACES

Almost 50 years since your heroic and selfless act and here I am. I was 5 years old at the time and now, half a century later, I learn your story. The word Hero is in common use, yet only rarely does it truly apply. In your case Sir, it most definitely does. I salute your courage - I salute your sacrifice - but most of all, I salute you.

Without people like you our great nation would not exist. We can never truly repay the great debt we owe our fallen heroes. Rest in peace SP4. Dahl, I salute your brave soul. My heart goes out to you and your family.

On 23 February 1971, you gave all so that someone very close to me could live. My father, SSGT Hector Diaz. What made that date so memorable for me were two? When I was around 13 I recall seeing my father speaking with another Veteran in a bar he was part owner of. I recall that day because it was the first time, I ever saw my father cry. A boy never forgets the day he sees his hero cry. I recall seeing that and sneaking close to see if I could see why my father was so upset. That was the first time I heard the story of What Larry G Dahl did. The sacrifice he made for the men in in that truck, my father being one of them. The second reason I recall the date you sacrificed everything for the men you loved. Was because 23 February 1971, was only 4 days before I was born. Had you not jumped on that grenade for my Dad and the others in that truck that day. Well I imagine like myself, a great many people’s lives would have turned out quite a bit different. I know that I would have never known my father. For that I am eternally grateful and that is why I will always love you lie my own father. Someday, when I feel worthy, I would love to meet you son, and relay the love I have for you and all you have done, which has truly affected everything I have done to this date. I want you to know that I honorably served the Best Country in the World, and I did it honorably and proudly every day, often thinking of you and how you would have done things. My Dad was an amazing father, so thank you with all my heart for sending him home to me. My only true regret in life is that you son had to grow up without you so I could have my Dad. I will always Love you.
I want to add this note, just to let you know that my father never stopped remembering and loving you and all you did for him. Many times, the military offered to remove the shrapnel in his legs, the shrapnel he received from the grenade that traveled through you into him. He would not let them take it all. During the winters it caused him a bit of pain, but honestly, I could tell he did not mind the discomfort much. Until I heard him tell that story that day in the bar. I never understood why he would not let them take the shrapnel out of his legs, Not that he needing reminding of what occurred that day, but I think he just wanted to feel closer to you as well, I know he missed you a lot after that day, that I do know. I saw exactly how much the first time I heard him tell that story as he had tears in his eyes.

Sir,
I was a three when you made the ultimate sacrifice. I first heard of your service in 1994 when I met your son who at the time was SPC Michael Dahl as he reported to Germany and A Company 501st Military Intelligence Battalion. Shortly after he reported he went to the christening of a ship named in your honor. Shortly after his arrival the 1st Armored Division deployed to Task Force Eagle in Bosnia 1995 -1996. I have had contact with Michael once or twice since then and am a better person for knowing him and your story. Thank You for being a True Hero.

Former Sargent,
13th Chemical Company, 3rd COSCOM
101st Chemical Company, 1st COSCOM
83rd Chemical Battalion, 18th Airborne Corp
504th PRI 82nd Airborne
501st MI Bn, 1st Armored
And 20-year Civil Servant

Gary Park

Rest well my brother. Although we knew each other only a short time you will be missed. Gods Blessings.