Carl was born on the 21st of April, 1925, in Harlan, Kentucky. Shortly after high school, he enlisted in the US Army but was later discharged as a Sergeant in March of 1946 due to a problem with his foot while training other soldiers. Six months later, Carl reenlisted and by the time the Korean War had began, he was a Master Sergeant with the 2nd Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division. During the Battle of Masan on the 7th of August, 1950, Carl's platoon leader was missing and he took over and led the remaining soldiers in reestablishing their position. He also returned to rescue two men that could not withdraw with the rest of the platoon. For these actions he received the Silver Star and received a battlefield commission to Second Lieutenant. Five months later, Carl was leading his platoon to capture Hill 256 and it was his actions during Operation Thunderbolt that would earn him the Medal of Honor. The citation reads:

1st Lt. Dodd, Company E, distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty in action against the enemy. First Lt. Dodd, given the responsibility of spearheading an attack to capture Hill 256, a key terrain feature defended by a well-armed, crafty foe who had withstood several previous assaults, led his platoon forward over hazardous terrain under hostile small-arms, mortar, and artillery fire from well-camouflaged enemy emplacements which reached such intensity that his men faltered. With utter disregard for his safety, 1st Lt. Dodd moved among his men, reorganized and encouraged them, and then single-handedly charged the first hostile machine gun nest, killing or wounding all its occupants. Inspired by his incredible courage, his platoon responded magnificently and, fixing bayonets and throwing grenades, closed on the enemy and wiped out every hostile position as it moved relentlessly onward to its initial objective. Securing the first series of enemy positions, 1st Lt. Dodd again reorganized his platoon and led them across a narrow ridge and onto Hill 256. Firing his rifle and throwing grenades, he advanced at the head of his platoon despite the intense concentrated hostile fire which was brought to bear on their narrow avenue of approach. When his platoon was still 200 yards from the objective he moved ahead and with his last grenade destroyed an enemy mortar killing the crew. Darkness then halted the advance but at daybreak 1st Lt. Dodd, again boldly advancing ahead of his unit, led the platoon through a dense fog against the remaining hostile positions. With bayonet and grenades he continued to set pace without regard for the danger to his life, until he and his troops had eliminated the last of the defenders and had secured the final objective. First Lt. Dodd's superb leadership and extraordinary heroism inspired his men to overcome this strong enemy defense reflecting the highest credit upon himself and upholding the esteemed traditions of the military service.

Because of his actions, Carl and his platoon were able to capture Hill 256 and he was promoted to First Lieutenant. He received the Medal of Honor on the 4th of June, 1951 from President Truman in a ceremony at the White House. Carl continued to serve in the Army for another fourteen years before retiring as a Major in 1965 after twenty-one years of service. Carl Henry Dodd died on the 13th of October, 1996 at the age of 71. He, along with his wife Libbie and son Charles, are buried in the Cumberland Memorial Gardens and Mausoleum in Lily, Kentucky.