The Congressional Medal of Honor Society announces that Staff Sergeant David C. Dolby, Medal of Honor recipient, passed away on the morning of August 6, 2010, in Spirit Lake, Idaho, at age 64..
Dolby was born in May 14, 1946, in Norristown, Pennsylvania. He joined the Army from Philadelphia and by May 21, 1966, was serving in the Republic of Vietnam as a specialist four with Company B, 1st Battalion (Airborne), 8th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile). On that day, his platoon came under heavy fire which killed six soldiers and wounded a number of others, including the platoon leader. Throughout the ensuing four-hour battle, Dolby led his platoon in its defense, organized the extraction of the wounded, and directed artillery fire despite close-range attacks from enemy snipers and automatic weapons. He single-handedly attacked the hostile positions and silenced three machine guns, allowing a friendly force to execute a flank attack.
Dolby was subsequently promoted to sergeant and awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions during the battle. The medal was formally presented to him by President Lyndon B. Johnson on September 28, 1967.
Dolby served several tours in Southeast Asia including assignments the 44thVietnamese Ranger Battalion and with N/75.
Dolby was a Life Member of USARA and a member of the Ranger Hall of Fame.
He will be buried in Arlington National Cemetery on Tuesday, 16 November 2010 at 0845. Services will take place at the Old Post Chapel, Fort Myers, VA. Family and friends are asked to be at the chapel 30 minutes prior to the services.
