Michael A. Dickinson II
Staff Sergeant, United States Army
April 20, 1980 – July 17, 2006
Age – 26
Battle Creek, MI
Operation Iraqi Freedom
9th Psychological Operations Battalion, 4th Psychological Operations Group (Airborne), US Army Special Operations Command
Died of injuries when his dismounted patrol encountered enemy forces small arms fire
SSG Dickinson is the son of Vicki and Michael Dickinson, of Battle Creek, Michigan, where he was raised and graduated from Harper Creek High School. Michael was a high school athlete, played in the band and is remembered as full of mischief.
He knew at a young age he wanted to become a soldier, following in the footsteps of his father and two grandfathers who all served in the Army. He enlisted through the delayed entry program while he was in high school and left for basic training one week after graduating in 1998. Michael loved his country and served selflessly, with a singular determination to bring all his men home.
Dickinson entered the Army in June of 1998 and completed initial entry training at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo. After completing advanced individual training as a psychological operations specialist, he was assigned to the 9th Bn., 4th PSYOP Group. During his Army career, he served in various positions with the 6th and 9th PSYOP Battalions. In August 2005, his last assignment took him back to 9th Bn., as a team leader. He was a French linguist. Dickinson’s military training includes the Advanced Noncommissioned Officer Course, Basic Noncommissioned Officer Course, Warrior Leader Course, Jumpmaster Course, Basic Airborne Course, Combat Lifesavers Course, and the French Language Course. Dickinson’s awards and decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, three Army Commendation Medals, five Army Achievement Medals, two Army Good Conduct Medals, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon and the Parachutist badge. His posthumous awards include the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, Army Good Conduct Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal and the Combat Action Badge.
He was remembered as follows by a Battle buddy’s wife –
Michael,
There was never a time my husband, Michael did not mention how proud he was of you and how you always made him laugh when you were around. I did not meet you for a long time and then it was in the mini-mall when you approached me and Michael about what path you should take with your career. I felt honored that you would seek our advice on something so important. I got to know you in ANCOC, and I was so impressed with your enthusiasm for your family, the Army, and life in general. I remember telling you that you needed to write a book on your experiences from Fallujah so that others could see the war through your eyes. Michael and I think of you often and pray for your family’s healing. May you meet us a heaven’s gate…”
Elsa Vick of Ft. Bragg, NC