Eugene Ashley Jr. facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Eugene Ashley Jr.
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| Born | October 12, 1930 Wilmington, North Carolina, United States |
| Died | February 7, 1968 (aged 37) Lang Vei, Quang Tri Province, Vietnam |
| Buried |
Rockfish Memorial Park, Fayetteville, North Carolina
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| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Service/ |
United States Army |
| Years of service | 1950–1968 |
| Rank | Sergeant First Class |
| Unit | Company C, 5th Special Forces Group 1st Special Forces |
| Battles/wars | Korean War Vietnam War
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| Awards | Medal of Honor Purple Heart |
Eugene Ashley Jr. (October 12, 1930 – February 7, 1968) was a United States Army Special Forces soldier and a recipient of America's highest military decoration—the Medal of Honor—for his actions in the Vietnam War.
Ashley joined the Army in 1950, and took part in the Korean War. After being deployed to Vietnam, Ashley took part in the Battle of Lang Vei, where he led an assault force to rescue encircled American forces. He tried on 5 attempts, and on the fifth attempt was mortally wounded by a shell. He was awarded the Medal of Honor posthumously for these actions.
Biography
Sgt. Ashley was born in Wilmington, North Carolina on October 12, 1930, to Eugene Ashley Sr. and Cornelia Ashley; he had a sister named Gertrude Ashley. Not long after his birth, his family moved to New York City, where Eugene Jr. attended Alexander Hamilton High School. Ashley joined the Army from New York City in December 1950 and served in the Korean War. By February 6, 1968, he was serving as a sergeant first class in Company C of the 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), 1st Special Forces during the Vietnam War. On that day, Ashley led an assault force in an attempt to rescue American troops trapped by North Vietnamese infantry and tanks during the Battle of Lang Vei. He led several assaults against the enemy and was mortally wounded in his fifth and last attempt to reach the American forces. He was subsequently awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions during the battle.
Eugene Ashley's body was returned to the United States and buried in Rockfish Memorial Park, Fayetteville, North Carolina.
Eugene Ashley High School in Wilmington, North Carolina was named after him.
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