2017/01/30

Vietnam War Veteran Honored at Airborne & Special Operations Museum

When retired Master Sgt. Lawrence Ashton's family took him to the Airborne and Special Operations Museum on Saturday, he didn't know he was going to a ceremony in his honor.

"I would have hid," he said after the dedication of a paver bearing his name.

His daughter, Air Force Lt. Col. Karen Coltrin, told him that's why it was a surprise.

The marker near the Iron Mike statue at the museum recognizes Ashton's service in the Marine Corps and the Army. The paver also includes Ashton's response when someone asks him how he is doing, "Just peachy."

Ashton joined the Marine Corps in 1958, when he was 17 years old. He served in a Marine reconnaissance battalion for four years before joining the Army.

During three tours in Vietnam, Ashton participated in 12 campaigns. He served there with the 173rd Airborne Brigade's 82nd Aviation Battalion and the 82nd Airborne Division's 3rd Brigade.

As a helicopter pilot in Vietnam, Ashton flew troops back and forth to the front lines. He was shot down three times and survived an explosion.

In addition to the Vietnam deployments, Ashton served in Okinawa, Germany and Korea. He spent 13 of the last 14 years of his career at Fort Bragg, serving in the 5th, 6th and 7th Special Forces groups.

After retiring from the Army in 1984, Ashton served for 24 years as a federal agent.

During the ceremony, Ashton received the Vietnam Service Commemoration Pin.

The pin bears the image of an eagle surrounded by the blue of the American flag. It also includes wreaths and stars representing the nation and its allies in the war.

"A grateful nation honors and thanks you" is engraved on the back of the pin.

Jack Morgan, commandant of the Marine Corps League's Shawn Knisley Detachment No. 983, talked about Ashton's career.

"For those who thought we knew Larry, we only knew the tip of the iceberg," Morgan said.

Morgan talked about Ashton's awards, which include the Bronze Star, the Air Medal with 12 Oak Leaf Clusters and the Army Commendation Medal.

Morgan also read the Marine Recon Creed, which he said guided Ashton's service. The Marine promises in the creed to exceed the limitations set down by others.

"Conquering all obstacles, both large and small, I shall never quit," the creed says. "To quit, to surrender, to give up is to fail."

Ashton's wife, Joan, was recognized during the ceremony for her commitment to her husband, her family and the units in which he served. The couple's seven children all participated in the ceremony.

Ashton, who has recently been diagnosed with cancer and begins treatment Wednesday, said the ceremony reminded him of those with whom he served.

"Lots of old memories," he said. "Lots of old soldiers."

After the paver was dedicated, a friend told Ashton that Saturday was his day.

"Semper Fi," the friend yelled.

"Do or die," Ashton replied.

fayobserver.com

No comments:

Post a Comment