Guy Dahlbeck was born on August 25, 1954, in California. He was commissioned a 2d Lt in the U.S. Air Force through the Air Force ROTC Program at the University of Oregon on June 10, 1979, and went on active duty beginning April 16, 1980. Lt Dahlbeck next completed Undergraduate Pilot Training and was awarded his pilot wings at Laughlin AFB, Texas, in May 1981, followed by RF-4C Phantom II training from June to October 1981. His first assignment was as an RF-4C pilot with the 15th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron at Kadena AB, Okinawa, from December 1981 to May 1984, and he then completed F-111 Aardvark training in November 1984. Capt Dahlbeck served as an F-111 pilot with the 493rd and 495th Tactical Fighter Squadrons at RAF Lakenheath, England, from November 1984 to November 1988, followed by F-16 Falcon training from November 1988 to March 1989. His next assignment was as an F-16 pilot with the 17th Tactical Fighter Squadron of the 363rd Tactical Fighter Wing at Shaw AFB, South Carolina, from April 1989 to August 1991. During this time, Maj Dahlbeck deployed with his unit to Southwest Asia in support of Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm. He served with Headquarters U.S. Air Force in the Pentagon from September 1991 to July 1994, and then served as aide-de-camp and executive officer to the commander of Allied Air Forces Southern Europe in Naples, Italy, from August 1994 to June 1996. Col Dahlbeck next served as commander of the 555th Fighter Squadron at Aviano AB, Italy, from July 1996 to July 1998, followed by the Industrial College of the Armed Forces from August 1998 to June 1999. He was commander of the 347th Operations Group at Moody AFB, Georgia, from July 1999 to October 2000, and then served another tour in the Pentagon from October 2000 to April 2002. Col Dahlbeck served as commander of the 8th Fighter Wing at Kunsan AB, South Korea, from May 2002 to May 2003, and then served as deputy chief of staff with Headquarters North American Aerospace Defense Command at Peterson AFB, Colorado, from June 2003 to May 2004. His final assignment was as director of Policy and Planning for Headquarters U.S. Northern Command at Peterson AFB from May 2004 until his retirement from the Air Force on July 1, 2005. Gen Dahlbeck wore Command Pilot Wings and accumulated over 3,200 flying hours during his Air Force career.

His Silver Star Citation reads:

Major Guy K. Dahlbeck distinguished himself by gallantry in connection with military operations against the forces of the Republic of Iraq in the vicinity of H-3 Air Base, Republic of Iraq on 21 January 1991. On that date, he led a devastating predawn air strike against numerous SA-6 surface to air missile sites while facing the most intense enemy fire seen by this wing during this campaign. During that strike, with complete disregard for his own personal safety he braved intense 37 millimeter and 57 millimeter anti-aircraft artillery fire, numerous SA-2, SA-3, SA-6 and Roland surface-to-air missile launches and active MIG-29 Fulcrum fighter aircraft in the target area. Using the muzzle flashes and rocket plumes of the enemy defenses as they fired upon him to identify his targets, he delivered his bombs with pinpoint accuracy. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Major Dahlbeck has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.