Allen Ray Dawson

U.S. Army Cpl. Allen R. Dawson, a decorated war veteran, was born Nov. 20, 1949, in Baton Rouge. He died Friday, June 20, 2008, from chronic military-related injuries/illness. Jesus carried his warrior, Cpl. Allen Ray Dawson, home to live in serene peace and tranquility, forever embraced in God's love and tender care. In June 1967 at age 17, Allen Ray Dawson graduated from high school, joined the U.S. Army and parachuted into the Vietnam war zones before his 18th birthday. Allen served in Vietnam from Nov. 3, 1967, to Nov. 2, 1968. Allen Ray Dawson fought and died for his country, his first love, the United States of America. In Vietnam, he fought bravely and fiercely during each of six U.S. Army campaigns, including Vietnam Counteroffensive Phase III, Phase IV, Phase V, Phase VI and TET Counteroffensive. Allen Ray Dawson earned and received several promotions, from private (E-1) through private first class (E-3) to specialist 4. He also earned and received many commendations and medals from the U.S. Army and Republic of Vietnam: For Vietnam Counteroffensive Phase III. Allen received the National Defense Service Medal, Sharp Shooter's Badge and Combat Infantryman's Badge; for Vietnam Counteroffensive, he received the Vietnam Service Medal with five bronze stars; during the Vietnam Counteroffensive Phase IV, he earned and received the Army Commendation Medal; for Vietnam Counteroffensive Phase V, he earned and received two O/S bars Republic Vietnam; and for Vietnam Counteroffensive VI, he earned and received the Republic Vietnam National Combat Medal with 60 device. In June 1970, he was transferred to the U.S. Army Reserve Control Group (Reinforcement) USA AC St. Louis, Mo., 63132 and was honorably discharged in June 1973. He is survived by his mother, Katie Smith Dawson; his children, Tia Brown-Gaines and Kenya Brown-Williams and their mother, Carrie Brown; two grandchildren; two brothers, Robert Bernard Dawson and Larry David Dawson; and his sisters, Joy S. Dawson-Buehler, Jean Dawson-Wearbon, Gloria Dawson, Pamela Patrice Dawson-Dendy, Gwendolyn Dawson-Victory and Beverly Dawson-Obidah. Preceded in death by his father, Eddie Dawson; sister, Debra Kay Dawson; and his son, Andre Dawson-Hughes. Visitation in the chapel at Rabenhorst Funeral Home, 825 Government St., on Thursday, June 26, was from 6 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. Prayer service was conducted from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. by the Rev. Sterling Wright in the funeral home chapel. On Friday, June 27, from 11 a.m. to noon, the Rev. Wright will conduct a prayer service and dismissal in the funeral home chapel. Preparations for transport to Port Hudson National Cemetery from noon to 12:15 p.m. and funeral procession en route to the cemetery at 12:30 p.m. Interment at 1 p.m. with family prayer and taps and flag ceremony by Fort Polk's Honor Guard burial detail. Pallbearers will be U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Walter Wearbon, Germany, U.S. Army Sgt. George Dendy, South Carolina, Jerome Edwards, Arnold Wayne Smith, Paul Smith, Jimmy Larry Smith, Larry Dawson, Julius Dewitt Jackson and Robert Dawson.