- Date Of Birth: January 5, 1927
- Date Of Death: May 27, 2017
- State: Florida
Major Robert C. Dahn died on May 27, 2017 in Rockledge, Florida. He served in World War II, Korea, and Vietnam and was the recipient of two Silver Stars, the Soldiers Medal, the Air Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, two purple hearts, and 5 rows of company ribbons.
Robert C. Dahn was drafted into the U. S. Army in 1945 and was assigned to take part in the invasion of Japan. When Japan surrendered, his unit became part of the initial occupation force of Japan. He served with distinction in the Korean conflict where his unit participated in the rescue of the trapped Marine and Army units at the Chosin Reservoir. For his role in Korea, he was awarded two Silver Stars for heroism under fire as well as two Purple Hearts.
He received a battle field commission as a second Lieutenant and returned to the United States to attend the Army Aviation Cadet School where he qualified for both fixed and rotary wing aircraft. During the Vietnam conflict, he piloted the short takeoff and landing (STOL) Caribou aircraft on numerous missions.
After Vietnam, he served as Executive Officer of the 516th Caribou Company stationed at Fort Rucker, AL. He was awarded the Soldier’s Medal, the Army Highest award for non-combat related bravery for his heroism in rescuing crew and passengers from a crashed, burning Caribou plane in imminent danger of exploding.
Major Dahn was an avid tennis player and took part in numerous tennis tournaments and earned medals in many. Among his many tennis achievements was a Florida State Senior Games gold medal.
Major Dahn was born on June 5, 1927 to Theodore and Irene Denson Dahn. He was preceded in death by his younger brother, Theodore Dahn, Jr. and by his eldest son, Mike Dahn. He is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Bettye, his sons Rick and Larry Dahn and daughters in law Connie and Debbie Dahn. Surviving grandchildren include Tim, Tom, Ginger, Katy, Lawrence, Parker and Hollis Dahn. Other surviving family members include nieces Paula Lewis, Rhonda Styka, Donna Barnes, Melissa Balto, and nephews John Williams and Mathew Kessel.
