History of Dakota Meyer in Timeline

Dakota Meyer is a United States Marine and a veteran of the War in Afghanistan. He received the Medal of Honor for his valor during the Battle of Ganjgal on September 8, 2009, in Kunar Province, Afghanistan. Notably, Meyer is among the youngest living recipients of the Medal of Honor and the first living Marine in nearly four decades to receive the award.

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education

June 26, 1988: Dakota Meyer Born

On June 26, 1988, Dakota Louis Meyer was born. He later became a United States Marine and a Medal of Honor recipient.

Others born on this day/year

2006: Graduation from Green County High School

In 2006, Dakota Meyer graduated from Green County High School. During his time there, he expressed his intention to go to college and play football to a Marine Corps recruiter, who doubted his ability to become a Marine.

2007: Deployment to Fallujah, Iraq

In 2007, Dakota Meyer was deployed to Fallujah, Iraq, serving as a scout sniper with the 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marines.

May 17, 2008: Marriage to Cassandra Marie Wain

On May 17, 2008, Dakota Meyer married Cassandra Marie Wain in Campbellsville, Kentucky.

September 8, 2009: Battle of Ganjgal

On September 8, 2009, Dakota Meyer participated in the Battle of Ganjgal in Kunar Province, Afghanistan. His actions during this battle led to him being awarded the Medal of Honor.

September 2009: Actions in Kunar Province, Afghanistan

In September 2009, during his service in Kunar Province, Afghanistan, Corporal Meyer's conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity during an ambush significantly disrupted the enemy's attack and inspired the members of the combined force to fight on.

November 6, 2010: Nomination for Medal of Honor Announced

On November 6, 2010, General James F. Amos, Commandant of the Marine Corps, announced that a living United States Marine had been nominated for the Medal of Honor. The nominee was later identified as Dakota Meyer.

2010: Divorce from Cassandra Marie Wain

In 2010, Dakota Meyer and Cassandra Marie Wain divorced.

June 9, 2011: Navy Cross Awards for Ganjgal Team Members

On June 9, 2011, it was announced that two other Marines from Dakota Meyer's team in Ganjgal, Capt. Ademola D. Fabayo and Staff Sgt. Juan J. Rodriguez-Chavez, would receive the Navy Cross for their actions during the battle.

September 15, 2011: Medal of Honor Ceremony

On September 15, 2011, Dakota Meyer was awarded the Medal of Honor in a ceremony. He requested a beer with President Obama and simultaneous commemorative services to honor his fallen colleagues.

September 2011: Honorary Title of Kentucky Colonel

In September 2011, Dakota Meyer was bestowed the honorary title of Kentucky Colonel by Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear during an event in his hometown of Greensburg, where Meyer served as grand marshal.

December 14, 2011: Article Questioning Meyer's Actions

On December 14, 2011, McClatchy news outlets published an article questioning the accuracy of accounts leading to Dakota Meyer's Medal of Honor, particularly the number of lives he saved, while acknowledging his deserving nomination.

December 15, 2011: Settlement with BAE Systems

On December 15, 2011, BAE Systems announced that they had resolved their dispute with Dakota Meyer out of court. Meyer had filed a lawsuit alleging the company punished him for opposing a weapons sale to Pakistan.

September 25, 2012: Publication of "Into the Fire"

On September 25, 2012, Dakota Meyer and Bing West published the book "Into the Fire: A Firsthand Account of the Most Extraordinary Battle in the Afghan War", which detailed the Battle of Ganjgal.

Into the Fire: A Firsthand Account of the Most Extraordinary Battle in the Afghan War

Check it on Amazon

October 15, 2013: William D. Swenson Awarded Medal of Honor

On October 15, 2013, Army Captain William D. Swenson, whom Dakota Meyer advocated for in his book, was awarded the Medal of Honor after Meyer made a case for him to be awarded the Medal of Honor; Swenson had criticized Army officers for not providing fire support.

November 26, 2013: Elimination from Maximum Warrior

On November 26, 2013, Dakota Meyer was eliminated from the fourth season of "Maximum Warrior" on the eighth episode, "Night Hostage Rescue", finishing in fourth place.

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March 13, 2015: Engagement to Bristol Palin

On March 13, 2015, Dakota Meyer and Bristol Palin got engaged.

2015: Advisory Board for VETPAW

As of 2015, Dakota Meyer joined the advisory board for VETPAW (Veterans Empowered To Protect African Wildlife), an organization of U.S. military veterans dedicated to protecting African wildlife.

January 6, 2016: Meyer Confirmed as Father and Files for Custody

On January 6, 2016, it was reported that Dakota Meyer was the biological father of Bristol Palin's child, and Meyer filed legal documents asking for joint legal and physical custody and child support.

May 8, 2017: Birth of Daughter

On May 8, 2017, Bristol Palin gave birth to a daughter, her second child with Dakota Meyer.

January 29, 2018: Filing for Divorce

On January 29, 2018, Dakota Meyer filed for divorce from Bristol Palin, citing a "conflict of personalities".

March 2018: Op-Ed Calling for Legalization of Medical Cannabis

In March 2018, Dakota Meyer co-authored an op-ed calling for the legalization of medical cannabis in Kentucky, advocating for its benefits for veterans with PTSD and as a means to reduce opioid usage.