PRIVATE FIRST CLASS EARL D. ASHLEY’s conduct for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy during the engagement near Midway Island, June 4, 1942 was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross. PFC Ashley, as a gunner of a medium bombardment airplane, displayed extraordinary heroism during an extremely hazardous and difficult torpedo-bombing mission against the Japanese navy. He served his gun against strong fighter opposition until seriously wounded by enemy fire, and after wounded continued to assist another crew member in serving the gun until enemy opposition had ceased.

Mr. Ashley resides in Florida.