Theodore L. Dobol
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Theodore Louis "Ted" Dobol (October 24, 1915 – November 15, 1996) was a soldier in the United States Army. He served for many years and became one of the most respected senior non-commissioned officers in the Army. His final rank was command sergeant major (CSM). He had the nickname "King Dobol".[1]
Early life
Theodore Dobol was born on October 24, 1915, in Passaic, New Jersey, United States.[1] His family background was Polish. When he was young, he lived for some time in Poland before returning to the United States.[2]
Military career
Dobol joined the U.S. Army before World War II began for the United States. He served with the 26th Infantry Regiment, part of the 1st Infantry Division, a unit often called the "The Big Red One".[3]
During World War II he fought in many important battles, including:
- North Africa
- Sicily
- Normandy (D-Day, landing at Omaha Beach)[3][4]
He showed great courage in combat and earned four Silver Stars for bravery[2][4] (the Silver Star is one of the highest US medals given to soldiers for bravery in battle).[3] He also earned two Legions of Merit, two Bronze Stars and five Purple Hearts[2][4].
Dobol later became one of the few soldiers in the Army to reach the rank of command sergeant major. This rank is one of the highest for non-commissioned officers.[5]
After World War II, he also served as a trainer and instructor at the United States Military Academy at West Point, helping to teach future Army leaders.[2]
Later life and death
After serving more than 30 years, Dobol retired from the Army.[2] He became assistant curator of the Cantigny War Memorial Museum of the 1st Division at Wheaton, Illinois.[2] He lived in Chicago, Illinois, before he died on November 15, 1996, at the age of 81.[1]
Dobol was buried at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia, a place where many United States soldiers are honored after their death.[1][6]
Legacy
Many people remember Dobol as a strong leader who cared for the soldiers under his command. His nickname, "King Dobol", became well known among members of the 1st Infantry Division.[2]
Books about the 1st Infantry Division's history pay tribute to his leadership and influence.[7]
According to a journalistic account published in Poland in 2023 the character of Sergeant Possum in the movie The Big Red One (1980), portrayed by Lee Marvin, was inspired by Dobol.[8]
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References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 "CSM Theodore Louis "Ted" Dobol (1915-1996)". Find a Grave. Retrieved 2026-02-02.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 "King Dobol". Army Digest: the official U.S. Army magazine. January 1970. p. 42. Retrieved 2026-02-08.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 "Theodore L. Dobol". Hall of Valor. Retrieved 2026-02-08.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 "News. Decorated WW II Soldier Ted Dobol". The Chicago Tribune. November 27, 1996. Archived from the original on 2025-08-17. Retrieved 2026-02-08. Unknown parameter
|url-status=ignored (help) - ↑ "NCO History". NCO Historical Society. Archived from the original on 2025-07-13. Retrieved 2026-02-08. Unknown parameter
|url-status=ignored (help) - ↑ "Theodore L Dobol / Oct 24, 1915 - Nov 25, 1996". Department of Veterans Affairs. Retrieved 2026-02-08.
- ↑ "Dobol, Theodore L. (Ted), SMA". Together We Served. Retrieved 2026-02-08.
- ↑ "Sierżant-major ze Stanów" [Sergeant Major from the States)]. Sztafeta (in polski). June 11, 2023. Retrieved 2026-02-02.
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