He graduated from West Point in 1933[1] and earned the Silver Star during the strategically significant Guadalcanal Campaign in which he commanded the 161st Infantry Regiment as a colonel.Dalton was born in New Britain, Connecticut but moved to Naugatuck with his family at a very young age.For his duties during this campaign, Dalton was awarded the Silver Star and was promoted to lieutenant-colonel, then colonel.After Guadalcanal the 161st was ordered to New Georgia Island to link up with the 145th and 148th Infantry Regiments, in an attempt to take out the Japanese airfield at Munda Point.On arrival at New Georgia Island on July 22, 1943, Dalton's regiment was placed under the command of General Robert S. Beightler.
Funeral procession on Luzon for General Dalton two days after his death.