Army Aviation Lt. Colonel (Retired) W. Larry Dandridge is a client of ClearTrust Claims. Larry is a victim of asbestos exposure from his days as a civilian construction worker, an Army Maintenance Officer, and a civilian defense industry contractor. Despite his combat wounds, service-connected disabilities, and asbestos injuries, he has had successful careers in the Army, defense industry, law enforcement, hospice, education, veterans service, and writing.
On November 15, 2022 Larry was awarded South Carolina’s highest civilian honor, the Order of the Palmetto Award which he received in recognition of a lifetime of extraordinary achievement, outstanding and generous volunteer work and donations, and contributions on a national and statewide scale.
Larry served as an Army Enlisted Infantryman, a Warrant Officer Attack Helicopter Pilot, and a Commissioned Officer for 24 years and was severely wounded in combat in Vietnam in March of 1968. Despite his nearly fatal wounds in Vietnam, which included a broken back, severe Traumatic Brain Injuries, shattered ankles, a broken jaw, a broken hand, a serious neck whiplash, and a deep laceration of the neck, Larry has been able to astonish people with his tireless enthusiasm for helping others, especially veterans.
This is not the first time that US Army Aviation Lt. Colonel (Retired) Dandridge has been recognized for his military service, hospice volunteer and founder work, defense contractor work, police officer and reserve police officer service, and service as a VA volunteer Patient Adviser. Larry received special recognition from the S.C. House of Representatives public service on February 1, 2020, through S.C. House Resolution H.5224. His military awards are too many to list but they include the Purple Heart, Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry, Legion of Merit, German Silver Cross, five Meritorious Service Medals, 15 Combat Air Medals, and others.
Larry writes weekly articles on veterans’ benefits, leadership, hospice, law enforcement, employment, and other subjects for the Beaufort SC Island News Newspaper (www.yourislandnews.com). He is also a freelance writer and is known throughout S.C. as a champion of military members and veterans and their families, caregivers, and survivors. His award-winning and popular book, Blades of Thunder (Book One) has raised more than $70,000 for Fisher House Charleston and Fisher House Columbia.
We are very honored to know and work for such a distinguished veteran who has devoted his life to serve others.
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