During his college years, Dole enlisted in the United States Army during World War II in 1942. In April 1945, while in combat near Castel d'Aiano southwest of Bologna, Italy, Dole was seriously wounded by German machine gun fire, being struck in his upper back and right arm. His recovery was slow as he had many health problems caused by his injured. Dole recovered from his wounds and was honored three times, receiving two Purple Hearts for his injuries, and the Bronze Star with valor for his attempt to help a radioman. The injuries left him with limited mobility in his right arm and numbness in his left arm.