Eugene Ashley Jr. was born on October 12, 1931, in Wilmington, North Carolina, to Eugene and Cornelia Ashley. Growing up alongside his two sisters, Gertrude and Louis, Eugene spent his early childhood in Wilmington before his family relocated to New York City. There, he attended Alexander Hamilton High School, where he began shaping the determination and courage that would define his life.

On December 7, 1950, he made the life-changing decision to enlist in the U.S. Army. With the Korean War in progress, he was first deployed with the 187th Regimental Combat Team, beginning a career that would span multiple roles and responsibilities.

Over the years, Ashley served as an infantryman, ambulance driver, anti-aircraft ammunition handler, and specialist in heavy weapons and parachute repair. He also rose through the ranks, taking on leadership positions as a cavalry and armored battle group squad leader and later as a company sergeant.

Ashley’s dedication and drive led him to volunteer for the Special Forces while serving in the 82nd Airborne Division. After rigorous training, he was assigned to Company C of the 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), 1st Special Forces, marking the next chapter in a remarkable military career defined by bravery, skill, and an unwavering commitment to service.

By February, Ashley was serving as a senior advisor with Detachment A-101 of the 5th Special Forces Group at Special Forces Camp Lang Vei, located in the northwest corner of South Vietnam. Situated just a mile from the Laos border and eight kilometers west of the U.S. Marine base at Khe Sanh, the camp had been established in December 1966. It served as an outpost where Ashley and his team could train and equip locally recruited Vietnamese soldiers, preparing them for the challenges of the conflict.

On February 6th, 1968, the North Vietnamese launched a fierce attack on Camp Lang Vei, where Ashley was serving as a senior advisor. For the first time in the Vietnam War, the enemy employed tanks, seven in total. With no anti-tank weapons available, the American forces found themselves trapped.

Ashley, a native of Wilmington, sprang into action. Leading five courageous assaults against the tanks and the enemy troops supporting them, he worked to carve a path that would allow his fellow soldiers to escape the encirclement. His bravery and leadership succeeded, creating an escape route and holding back the advancing forces.

During the battle, five of the seven tanks were destroyed. Tragically, two Americans were killed, including First Sergeant Eugene Ashley, who was wounded by machine-gun fire during the fifth assault. While attempting to rescue him, a mortar shell explosion mortally wounded Ashley, claiming his life in the line of duty.

A year later, his wife, Barbara, and son accepted the Medal of Honor on his behalf at a White House ceremony, where the Vice President presented the nation’s highest military decoration to honor a man who gave everything to protect others.