Michael David Dawson
Lance Corporal
M CO, 3RD BN, 3RD MARINES, 3RD MARDIV, III MAF
United States Marine Corps
Knoxville, Tennessee
July 09, 1948 to June 17, 1969
MICHAEL D DAWSON is on the Wall at Panel W22, Line 64

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Combat Action Ribbon
 

 
21 Aug 2004

Mike was my soulmate. He had the most beautiful and contagious smile and laugh. Mike had a strong faith in God. He had strength of character, high moral values, a loving heart, and a gentle nature.

He was truly one of the "best of the best" that the Marine Corps talks about.

He remains forever in my heart and memories. I know that he is with our LORD in Heaven and I await the day when I will see him again.


 

A Note from The Virtual Wall

From the first days of US involvement in Vietnam the Marines provided the bulwark against North Vietnamese invasion across the Demilitarized Zone. Although almost every Marine maneuver battalion operated at some time in the northern-most Province, Quang Tri was the 3rd Marine Division's area of operations and 3rd MarDiv's assigned units bore the brunt of the fighting, losing 7,259 men during the war - more than any other US Division in Vietnam.

On 17 June 1969, during Operation VIRGINIA RIDGE, the 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marines, lost 19 men in a heavy engagement with North Vietnamese Army units; 10 of the dead were from Mike 3/3:

  • 2ndLt Bruce Kolter, Wapakoneta, OH (Silver Star)
  • LCpl Michael D. Dawson, Knoxville, TN
  • LCpl William M. Stone, Glen Burnie, MD
  • Pfc Derrick Core, Dayton, OH
  • Pfc Joseph D. Fournier, Van Buren, ME
  • Pfc Johnie F. Granberry, Round Lake, FL
  • Pfc William J. Revell, Florence, SC
  • Pfc Roger D. Rosenberger, Swartz Creek, MI (Navy Cross)
  • Pfc David M. Steele, Comanche, OK
  • Pfc Robert W. Witty, South Amherst, OH

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