The Vietnam war Story of lance corporal dale otto

The Otto family came to us hoping to understand what their beloved son, brother and uncle experienced during the Vietnam War. He was killed in action in 1967, and for decades they knew very little about what he faced and accomplished before his death.

What we uncovered

Through National Archives records, we traced Lance Corporal Dale Otto’s service with Company C, 3rd Tank Battalion of the 3rd Marine Division. Our research revealed how, at only 21, he fought through the brutal conditions of Quang Tri Province, one of the deadliest regions of the war. On May 14, 1967, Dale was killed instantly when enemy fire struck his position.

We also identified the precise coordinates of where Dale was killed and located what that same area looks like today. Seeing the exact place where their loved one made the ultimate sacrifice brought the Otto family a sense of closure they had never experienced. (Images show the location in 1967 on a map and as it appears today.)

Your Veteran’s History turned his story into a full-length book.

“The Otto family is so ever grateful for what Your Veteran’s History did to uncover what Dale went through in Vietnam. We will cherish this book for the rest of our lives!!

- Paul Otto, Vietnam veteran and brother of Dale Otto

For families who want to preserve their loved one’s story in full, we create custom books that combine detailed research with powerful storytelling.

Click here to read an excerpt from Dale Otto’s book.

Want to uncover your veteran’s story like Dale Otto’s?

Click here to Uncover YOUR veteran's story

It starts with a simple discovery. Your veteran’s story is waiting to be told.