CARIBOU (AP) – Edward Dahlgren, a World War II veteran who received the Medal of Honor for spearheading the rescue of a platoon of fellow soldiers that was surrounded during a German counterattack, died Wednesday at the Maine Veterans Home in Caribou. He was 90.

Dahlgren, a sergeant in the 36th Infantry Division, captured more than 20 German soldiers while killing and wounding several others during combat in France on Feb. 11, 1945.

“I was afraid before it happened and after it happened,” Dahlgren said in an interview 14 years ago. “But in battle I just acted on the spur of the moment.”

Dahlgren, whose other medals included the Silver Star, three Bronze Stars, the Purple Heart and the French Croix de Guerre, was discharged from the Army as a second lieutenant.

A native of Woodland, Dahlgren lived in Blaine and worked for 40 years as a seed potato inspector for the state.

Dahlgren was the last surviving Medal of Honor recipient who was a full-year resident of Maine, Gov. John Baldacci said. He noted that there are just over 100 recipients of the nation’s highest military honor still living.

Baldacci said Dahlgren recounted to him a month ago his surprise at the great emotion displayed by President Harry Truman when he presented him with the Medal of Honor more than 60 years ago.

“Ed was a humble man,” Baldacci said. “Even after all these years he found it hard to believe someone like the president of the United States would give him such praise and honor.”

A street in Caribou and a hall at the former Loring Air Base were named after Dahlgren.

The initial announcement of his death came from Sen. Susan Collins, who said “America has lost a true hero with the passing of Eddie Dahlgren.”

“He was a great man who was well liked and respected not only by his fellow veterans but also by all those who had the privilege and good fortune of knowing him,” Collins said.

Survivors include Dahlgren’s wife Pauline; sons Brian Dahlgren of Strafford, N.H., and Michael Dahlgren of Madawaska; daughters Susan Daigneault of North Berwick and Judith Johnston of Mars Hill; and stepson Garold “Chick” Mahan of Van Buren.

A Mass of Christian Burial was scheduled for Monday at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Presque Isle. Flags will be flown at half staff throughout the state that day, Baldacci said.