Army Sgt. Ezra Dawson

Died January 17, 2009 Serving During Operation Enduring Freedom

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31, of Las Vegas, Nev.; was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Fort Hood, Texas; died Jan. 17 in COP Vegas, Afghanistan, when the Chinook helicopter he was in made a hard landing under combat conditions.

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Soldier remembered for bravery in combat

The Associated Press

Ezra Dawson joined the Army to improve his life, said his ex-wife, Felicia Tucker. He had been working as a waiter.

“He wanted to better himself, so he figured that would be the way,” Tucker said.

Dawson, 31, of Las Vegas, died Jan. 17 in Konar Province when the Chinook helicopter he was in made a hard landing under combat conditions. He was assigned to Fort Hood.

Dawson joined the Army Reserve in late 1999 as a supply specialist. Five years later, he kept the job but switched to active duty.

Dawson left the military and rejoined in mid-2007. He served as a junior scout and sniper team member, and a leader for a reconnaissance team in the Korengal Valley.

“He would give you the shirt off of his back if you were in need,” said Sgt. 1st Class Lenneth Kim. “Even under attack and enemy fire, he laid next to his fallen soldier and administered aid to him, which ultimately saved his life.”

Dawson grew up and attended school in Oklahoma before moving to Las Vegas as a young man. He was a sometime rapper and stand-up comedian.

Dawson is survived by his wife, Starlia Dorsey-Dawson, and a daughter, Diamond.