United States of America
Headstone of Robert Michael Dale
U.S. Army · United States United States

Robert Michael Dale

Died April 4, 1974

Robert Michael Dale served in the U.S. Army for 3 years. Robert served during the years of the Vietnam War and the Cold War.

How He Died
Manner Accident
Cause Multiple traumatic injuries
What Happened

Officer Robert Dale accidentally shot himself while serving a search warrant. Officer Dale who was normally on helicopter flight assignments, but due to bad weather, was assisting the fugitive squad. While serving a warrant to a man they thought was harboring a fugitive; he was leaning inside the opening with the 9 mm weapon in his right hand and his flashlight in his left when he bumped the hammer against the door jamb, causing it to discharge. The bullet hit him in the left side of the chest, fatally wounding him. The fugitive was found in another apartment, and five men were arrested for obstructing an officer. Officer Dale was a United States Army Vietnam War veteran and had served with the Atlanta Police Department for 3 years.

Survivors
He was survived by his wife, son, and daughter.
Media
Robert Michael Dale
Robert Michael Dale 0 views
Service Record
U.S. Army
1970 – 1973
Also Served
Atlanta Police Department
Officer
Memorials
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Panel 47-W · Line 9 cut as ROBERT MICHAEL DALE
In Our Keeping
Permanent identifier neuraspine_01krbxtpcvygsx3ebj5h3mh05q
Record added August 2, 2026 neuraweb.nw
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Last updated August 2, 2026

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In tribute

I served 1985 to 1993. You served too, before the badge - different uniform, same idea. You go where you are sent and you do not get to pick the call.

Officer Dale gave the Atlanta Police Department 3 years.

Thank you for your service to the Atlanta community, and for your service before it. Gone but never to be forgotten.

Rest easy, brother.

— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993

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