Dale Thomsen

Dale Thomsen enlisted into the U.S. Army in November 1966, serving for the next three years as a member of the 610th Transportation Company, including a tour in Vietnam.

In March 1968, while he and other members of his unit were sleeping, SP5 Thomsen was startled awake by the sound of sirens warning of an incoming mortar attack. While he and other men were scrambling for cover to the bunker, mortars began landing in the company area as well as the adjacent flight line, causing damage to several helicopters. One such mortar landed right outside of Thomsen’s tent, probably about 6 feet away, leaving a large hole about 2-3 feet deep 4-5 feet wide. The pressure from the blast knocked Thomsen over and he crawled under his bed for cover and stayed there until the attack stopped. At the time Thomsen didn't realize he had been injured. Once the attacks stopped everyone was running throughout the camp to help others. A few hours later, Thomsen was treated at the medical facility within the camp where they removed shrapnel from his right elbow and he, “thankfully, was released for duty that day.”

Along with the Purple Heart, SP5 Thomsen was awarded numerous medals and commendations during his service, including the Vietnam Service Medal with 4 Bronze Service Stars, the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal With Device, and more.

U.S. Army Specialist 5 (SP5) Dale Thomsen represented his fellow Purple Heart heroes as North Dakota’s representative during the 2023 Purple Heart Patriot Project Mission.