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#1
7 June 2006, 22:35
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Edward Dahlgren 1916-2006
Edward Dahlgren; WWII hero earned Medal of Honor
By Associated Press | June 2, 2006 CARIBOU, Maine -- Edward Dahlgren, a World War II veteran who received the Medal of Honor for spearheading the rescue of a platoon of fellow soldiers that was surrounded during a German counterattack, died Wednesday at the Maine Veterans Home in Caribou. He was 90. Mr. Dahlgren, a sergeant in the 36th Infantry Division, captured about 40 German soldiers while killing and wounding several others during combat in France on Feb. 11, 1945. According to his citation, in a period that lasted only several minutes, Sergeant Dahlgren encountered and attacked, usually by himself, six entrenched German positions. His actions allowed the platoons to escape. ``I was afraid before it happened and after it happened," Mr. Dahlgren said in an interview 14 years ago. ``But in battle I just acted on the spur of the moment." Mr. Dahlgren, whose other medals included the Silver Star, three Bronze Stars, the Purple Heart, and the French Croix de Guerre, was discharged from the Army as a second lieutenant. A native of Woodland, he lived in Blaine and worked for 40 years as a seed potato inspector for the state. Mr. Dahlgren was the last surviving Medal of Honor recipient who was a full-year resident of Maine, Governor John Baldacci said. Baldacci said Mr. Dahlgren recounted to him a month ago his surprise at the great emotion displayed by President Harry Truman when he presented him with the Medal of Honor more than 60 years ago. ``Ed was a humble man," Baldacci said. ``Even after all these years he found it hard to believe someone like the president of the United States would give him such praise and honor." A street in Caribou and a hall at the former Loring Air Base were named after Mr. Dahlgren. The initial announcement of his death came from Senator Susan Collins, who said ``America has lost a true hero with the passing of Eddie Dahlgren." ``He was a great man who was well liked and respected not only by his fellow veterans but also by all those who had the privilege and good fortune of knowing him," Collins said. Mr. Dahlgren leaves his wife Pauline; sons Brian of Strafford, N.H., and Michael of Madawaska; daughters Susan Daigneault of North Berwick and Judith Johnston of Mars Hill; and stepson Garold ``Chick" Mahan of Van Buren. A funeral Mass will be said Monday at St. Mary Catholic Church in Presque Isle. Flags will be flown at half staff throughout the state that day, Baldacci said. © Copyright 2006 Globe Newspaper Company. http://www.boston.com/news/globe/obituaries/articles/2006/06/02/edward_dahlgren_wwii_hero_earned_medal_of_honor/?rss_id=Boston+Globe+--+Today's+paper+A+to+Z 
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#3
7 June 2006, 23:02
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Unbelievable. MOH, then 40 years working for the state as a potato inspector. These stories get me every time. Truly the "Greatest Generation"
Rest In Peace, Sir.
__________________
"I have often thought how much happier I should have been if instead of accepting the command, under such circumstances, I had taken my musket on my shoulder, and entered the ranks ; or, had retired to the backcountry and lived in a wigwam." George Washington Ssgt. Jacob Frazier - RIP 29MAR03 Geresk
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#4
8 June 2006, 12:03
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Quote:
__________________
"...for those who man the battle line, the bugle whispers low, and freedom has a taste and price the protected never know..." While true: Continue
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#5
8 June 2006, 12:12
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Quote:
It is an honor to live in the country you fought so bravely to keep free. LL
__________________
Too much of a good thing can be wonderful. Mae West
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#7
8 June 2006, 19:18
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RIP sir. Thank you.
__________________
"The most HSLD stuff ever taught was the basics. So-called 'advanced training' is often no more than the very fluid and expert application of those basic skills." - SOTB
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#8
8 June 2006, 19:33
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RIP Sir.
__________________
[SIZE="1"]I do not promise you ease. I do not promise you comfort. But I do promise you these hardships, weariness and suffering. And with them, I promise you victory... [SIZE="1"]Giuseppe Garbaldi[/SIZE][/SIZE]
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#9
30 June 2006, 17:00
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