David Dickinson was born on February 15, 1948, in Denver, Colorado. He enlisted in the U.S. Army on August 18, 1966, receiving Basic Training at Fort Bliss, Texas, and advanced training as an infantryman at Fort Polk, Louisiana between August 1966 and January 1967. After completing Long Range Patrol School, Dickinson deployed to Southeast Asia in April 1967, serving with E Company of the 52nd Infantry Regiment in South Vietnam until he was killed in action on December 6, 1967. He was buried at Fort Logan National Cemetery in Denver, Colorado.

His Bronze Star Medal w/Valor Citation reads:

For heroism not involving participation in aerial flight in connection with military operations against a hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Sergeant Dickinson distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous action on 21 November 1967 while serving as a patrol team leader with a long range reconnaissance patrol detachment during a combat mission in the Soui Ben Vach Valley Republic of Vietnam. When his unit came under intense hostile fire Sergeant Dickinson exposed himself to the enemy fire as he maneuvered his men to a more advantageous position. He then called in and adjusted artillery fire on the hostile emplacements. His action destroyed numerous enemy bunkers and contributed greatly to the successful completion of his unit's mission. Sergeant Dickinson's display of personal bravery and devotion to duty was in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.