BLAINE – Edward C. Dahlgren, 90, died May 31, 2006, at the Maine Veterans’ Home, Caribou. He was born March 14, 1916, in Perham, the son of Edward C. and Minnie (Anderson) Dahlgren. Ed grew up in Aroostook County and entered the service in World War II serving in the U.S. Army Company E 142d Infantry 36th Division. Mr. Dahlgren received many medals and citations for his heroism during his service in the European Theater. He received the Medal of Honor for his bold leadership and magnificent courage that were displayed in his heroic attacks by which he repulsed an enemy counterattack and saved an American platoon from great danger. During these attacks he captured more than 20 German soldiers, while killing and wounding several others. He did this while being under heavy fire from snipers and machine guns. Mr. Dahlgren was awarded many other medals and citations including the Silver Star, Bronze Star Medal & Oak Leak Cluster Bronze Large, Purple Heart, Good Conduct Medal, Presidential Unit Citation, American Campaign Medal, European-African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal & Silver Star Attachment, World War II Victory Medal, French Legion of Honor and French Croix de Guerre. After his discharge from the Army with the rank of second lieutenant, he married Pauline Mahan June 12, 1948. He also worked as a seed potato inspector for the state of Maine. Edward was also very active in veteran and community organizations, Congressional Medal of Honor Society, Disabled American Veterans, VFW Post No. 482, American Legion William Cousins Post No. 118, Military Order of World Wars, Military Order of Purple Heart, National Order of Commissioned Officers, Knights of Columbus, original board of directors for S.A.D. No. 42, original board of directors for Mars Hill and Blaine Recreational Department, Blaine Town Council, St. Joseph Parish Council, a founding director of the Maine Veterans Home and Clinic. Edward was also a communicant at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church and enjoyed hunting, fishing, playing cards, golfing, especially watching Tiger Woods play. He loved the Boston sports teams especially the Red Sox. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Pauline Dahlgren of Blaine; children, Dr. Brian E. Dahlgren of Strafford, N.H., Michael J. Dahlgren and his wife, Micheline, of Madawaska, Dr. Susan R. Daigneault and her husband, Gregory, of North Berwick, Judith A. Johnston and her husband, Dale, of Mars Hill; a stepson, Garold “Chick” Mahan of Van Buren; seven grandchildren, Matthew Edward Dahlgren Daigneault, Sarah Elizabeth Dahlgren, Erik Edward Dahlgren, Valerie J. Dahlgren, Thomas Malcolm Dahlgren, Heather Marie Johnston, Amanda Sue Johnston; two great-grandchildren, Andrew C. Dahlgren, Emma E. Hodsdon; a sister, Ruth Riley of South Portland; two brothers-in-law, Clarence Mahan and his wife, Ann, and Louis Mahan and his wife, Anne, also of Mars Hill; and several nieces and nephews. He will also be missed by a very special cousin, Viola Harmon of Brewer. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by an infant son, Edward C. Dahlgren. Friends may call 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Sunday, June 4, at the Duncan Funeral Home, 8 Main St., Mars Hill. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place 11 a.m. Monday at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Presque Isle with the Rev. Raymond Morency celebrant. A military committal will take place at Pierce Cemetery with a reception to follow at the Mars Hill Snowmobile Club. In lieu of flowers, those who wish may make donations in Edward’s memory to the Northern Maine Veterans Cemetery, Attention Heather Curry, 37 Lombard Rd., Caribou, ME 04736. Arrangements in care of Duncan Funeral Home.
EDWARD CARL DAHLGREN
