Medal of Honor March: Remembering SFC Eugene Ashley, Jr.
Immerse yourself in the incredible saga of Sergeant First Class Eugene Ashley, Jr., a beacon of valor and heroism in the annals of the U.S. Army. His remarkable actions during the Vietnam War earned him the esteemed Medal of Honor.
Eugene Ashley, Jr., a native of Wilmington, North Carolina, was born on October 12, 1930. He had a destined path as a service member. Growing up in the vibrant streets of Crown Heights, Brooklyn, he responded to the call of duty like many others before him. In 1950, when the U.S. got involved in the Korean War and started enlisting troops, Ashley joined the army. Before he turned 21, he was deployed to the Korean peninsula. Bravely serving his country, he returned to New York by 1953.
But his journey as a service member was far from over. In fact, Ashley continued his service and achieved the rank of Sergeant First Class. He joined Company C, 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), 1st Special Forces. As America entered the war in Vietnam, Ashley once again deployed to Asia and actively participated in the actions that led to him receiving a Medal of Honor. Unfortunately, it was in this endeavor that he lost his life.
Sfc. Ashley distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with Detachment A-101, Company C. Sfc. Ashley was the senior Special Forces Advisor of a hastily organized assault force whose mission was to rescue entrapped U.S. Special Forces advisers at Camp Lang Vei. During the initial attack on the Special Forces camp by North Vietnamese Army forces, Sfc. Ashley supported the camp with high-explosive and illumination mortar rounds. When communications were lost with the main camp, he assumed the additional responsibility of directing air strikes and artillery support. Sfc. Ashley organized and equipped a small assault force composed of local friendly personnel. During the ensuing battle, Sfc. Ashley led a total of five vigorous assaults against the enemy, continuously exposing himself to a voluminous hail of enemy grenades, machine gun and automatic-weapons fire.
Throughout these assaults, he was plagued by numerous boobytrapped satchel charges in all bunkers on his avenue of approach. During his fifth and final assault, he adjusted air strikes nearly on top of his assault element, forcing the enemy to withdraw and resulting in friendly control of the summit of the hill. While exposing himself to intense enemy fire, he was seriously wounded by machine-gun fire but continued his mission without regard for his personal safety. After the fifth assault he lost consciousness and was carried from the summit by his comrades only to suffer a fatal wound when an enemy artillery round landed in the area. Sfc. Ashley displayed extraordinary heroism in risking his life in an attempt to save the lives of his entrapped comrades and commanding officer. His total disregard for his personal safety while exposed to enemy observation and automatic-weapons fire was an inspiration to all men committed to the assault. The resolute valor with which he led five gallant charges placed critical diversionary pressure on the attacking enemy and his valiant efforts carved a channel in the overpowering enemy forces and weapons positions through which the survivors of Camp Lang Vei eventually escaped to freedom. Sfc. Ashley's bravery at the cost of his life was in the highest traditions of the military service, and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the U.S. Army.
On December 2, 1969, Vice President Spiro Agnew paid tribute to Sergeant First Class Ashley in a solemn ceremony at the White House, presenting his posthumous Medal of Honor to his grieving family. Ashley's bravery also earned him the Purple Heart, further honoring his heroism in Vietnam.
Today, Ashley rests in peace at the Rockfish Memorial Park Cemetery in Fayetteville, North Carolina. His name lives on, a symbol of the bravery and dedication of a true American hero.
Learn more about the Congressional Medal of Honor Society at cmohs.org or find them on Instagram |Facebook
Participate in Medal of Honor Day on March 25 by sharing a recipient's story
Support veteran hiring and transition programs in your workplace
Teach younger generations about the values of courage, sacrifice, and service
Medal of Honor Month isn't just about recognizing history. It's about keeping the mission alive for the future. Observe Medal of Honor March on We Are The Mighty here.
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