Wilhelm "Bill" Dahner

Wilhelm (Bill) Dahner, 97, passed peacefully on January 15, 2024. He was born on May 18, 1926, to Samuel and Maria Dahner. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Helene, and his two sisters, Elsie and Hermina. He is survived by his wife Phyllis, his son, George (Kristine), and great-grandchildren, Stella Rose and Macy Alexandra. He attended Tilden High School in Chicago, Illinois where he was on the swim team. He enlisted in the Army on July 14, 1944, and took Basic Training at Fort Riley, KS, and joined the Infantry. He saw action in the Pacific when WWII ended. He was shipped to Korea from 1945-1947 and in 1948, he went to Austria, stationed in Vienna where his mother was born in 1898. In 1952, he married Helene Braunshier and they were married for 65 years. In 1953, he was sent to Korea where he was awarded the Purple Heart after being shot in action. He was sent for two tours in Vietnam in 1968 and 1971. Sergeant Major Dahner’s medals include the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star with 3 bronze oak leaf clusters, the Purple Heart, the Air Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, the Army of Occupation Medal (Germany), the National Defense Service Medal, the Korean Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Philippine Liberation Ribbon, the United Nations Service Medal, and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Ribbon. He was awarded the Combat Infantry Badge a rare three times for action in three different wars. He retired from the Army on February 28, 1975, after 29 years, 11 months, and 24 days, and moved to Louisville, KY. After nine years together, he married Phyllis Shultz-Dahner on August 9, 2022. He loved to travel, go out with friends, and play pinnacle, blackjack, poker, and crazy eights. He always left the casino a winner. He and his fellow veterans flew to D.C. with Honor Flight Bluegrass. He was a proud member of Masonic Lodge 919, the Kentucky Colonels, the DAV, VFW 1181, and the Military Order of the Purple Heart. He loved the German Club, McDonalds, and anywhere he could get baby back ribs or donuts. Special thanks to Jerry, Nezzi, Doug, and Rosie for their attention. Visitation will be from 9:00 - 11:00 a.m. Saturday, May 18, 2024, at Owen Funeral Home, 5317 Dixie Highway, followed by an 11:00 a.m. funeral service. Inurnment will be at 12:30 p.m. Monday, May 20, 2024, at Kentucky Veterans Cemetery Central, Radcliff.

Wilhelm "Bill" Dahner

May 18, 1926 - January 15, 2024