Floy Lauren Ashley

West Point, 1951

Be Thou At Peace

Posted by Jose A. "Andy" Chacon on October 25, 2012:

Floy Lauren Ashley Born July 18, 1927 -- Died October 23, 2012 Floy Lauren "Ash" Ashley was born in Illinois on 18 July 1927 and was appointed to West Point on an At-Large Presidential appointment. His West Point classmates recall: "After a tour in Uncle Sam's Navy, Tyrone decided to earn his fortune as a soldier. Always high academically, Ash congenially helped his wives in their struggle with the books. His amiable disposition and good looks have been the delight of the femmes and have made him a renowned draggoid. His strong and most confident convictions will carry him to the top in any branch he chooses." During his cadet days Ash was with the Radio Club all four years; went out for Squash and was with the Handball Club plebe year; was with the Russian Club yearling, cow, and first class years; and was a Cadet Lieutenant his first class year. Upon graduation Ash went in the Armored Corps and after completing the Basic Armored Course at Fort Hood, Texas reported to the 57th Tank Battalion, 2nd Division in Europe where he served from 1952 to 1955. In 1958 Ash earned a Master of Science degree in Physics from the University of Illinois and then was assigned to the Physics and Chemistry Department at United States Military Academy where he served as an Instructor from 1958 to 1961. In 1962 Ash went to The Armored School, Fort Knox, Kentucky and then was assigned to the 1st Cavalry Division and served from 1962 to 1963 and was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal for conspicuously meritorious performance of duty in a non-combat situation. In 1964 Ash attended the Command and General Staff College, Fort Leavenworth, Kansas and on completion was assigned to Army Combat Development Command (Armor), Fort Belvoir, Virginia where he served from 1964 to 1966 and was awarded the Commendation Medal for distinguished service. From 1967 to 1968 Ash served with the United States Army Standardization Group in the United Kingdom then he was named Battalion Commander with the 64th Armor, 3rd Division in Germany from 1968 toe 1970. On completion he was awarded a second Meritorious Service Medal for conspicuously meritorious performance of duty in a non-combat situation. Then from 1970 to 1971 Ash served as Senior Advisor with the 41st Armor, Republic of Vietnam Regiment and at Headquarters, Military Assistance Command, Vietnam and was decorated with the Bronze Star Medal for distinguished heroism against an enemy; 3 Air Medals for meritorious achievement beyond that normally expected, while participating in aerial flight; the Joint Service Commendation Medal; the Purple Heart for wounds in action against an enemy; and the Combat Infantryman Badge. Next Ash received orders to the Army Materiel Command, Warren, Michigan where he served through 1971 and was awarded a third Meritorious Service Medal for conspicuously meritorious performance of duty in a non-combat situation. Ash's last military assignment was as Deputy Commanding Officer Readiness Group, Fort Snelling where he served from 1975 to 1976 and was awarded the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services on his retirement from the United States Army in the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. On retirement Ash accepted the position of Commandant of St. Thomas Academy, where he served as such until 1978. From 1978 to 1990 Ash was in the Real Estate business. Ash and his wife Jean made their home in St. Paul, Minnesota.

admin