Career
Olson joined the Army from Minneapolis, Minnesota in 1967, and by May 13, 1968 was serving as a specialist four in Company A, 5th Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 199th Light Infantry Brigade (Separate). During a firefight on that day, in the Republic of Vietnam, Olson was about to toss a hand grenade at an enemy position when he was wounded, causing him to drop the activated grenade. He then threw himself on the grenade, sacrificing his life to protect his fellow soldiers from the blast.
Olson, aged 22 at his death, was buried in Paynesville Cemetery, Paynesville, Minnesota.
When his platoon moved into the area of contact and had overrun the first line of enemy bunkers, With complete disregard for his safety, Realizing that it would explode immediately, By this unselfish action.