Jim Dodson was born on July 29, 1942, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps on March 11, 1960, and completed basic training at Parris Island, South Carolina, in June 1960. Pvt Dodson then completed Basic Combat Engineer training at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, in September 1960, followed by service with 2nd Pioneer Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment of the 2nd Marine Division at Camp Lejeune from September 1960 to May 1961. His next assignment was at Marine Barracks, Naval Ammunition Depot Oahu, Hawaii, from May 1961 to May 1962, and then with the 3rd Pioneer Battalion, Fleet Marine Force, at MCB Camp Pendleton, California, from May 1962 to June 1963. Cpl Dodson served with Marine Air Base Squadron 31 at MCAS Beaufort, South Carolina, from June to October 1963, and then with the 2nd Replacement Company at Camp Pendleton from October to November 1963. His next assignment was with the 2nd Infantry Training Regiment at Camp Pendleton from November 1963 to December 1964, followed by service with C Company, 1st Engineer Battalion of the 1st Marine Division at Camp Pendleton from December 1964 to June 1965. Sgt Dodson then deployed to Southeast Asia with the 3rd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment of the 3rd Marine Division in South Vietnam from June 1965 until he was captured and taken as a Prisoner of War on May 6, 1966. He managed to escape from his captors on June 17, 1966, and made it back to friendly lines on June 20, 1966. After returning to the United States and being treated for his injuries, Sgt Dodson received an honorable discharge on July 14, 1966. Jim Dodson died on September 2, 1995, and was buried at the Indiantown Gap National Cemetery in Annville, Pennsylvania.