Marine Corps Vietnam Tankers Historical Foundation©

Marine Corps Vietnam-era Tankers and Ontosmen Have Made History. 

Your Historical Foundation is Making it Known.

LIEUTENANT COLONEL MAURICE C. ASHLEY, JR. US MARINE CORPS
For service as set forth in the following:

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat "V'to Lieutenant Colonel Maurice C. Ashley, Jr., United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States while serving in various capacities with the FIRST Marine Division in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam from 29 August 1968 to 10 August 1969. Throughout this period, Lieutenant Colonel Ashley performed his demanding duties in an exemplary and highly professional manner. Initially assigned as Commanding Officer of the First Tank Battalion, he displayed exceptional initiative and resourcefulness in deploying his tanks and provided a consistently high level of support to designated units during numerous combat operations, including Operation TAYLOR COMMON. Serving additionally as Officer in Charge of the Southern Sector Defense Command, he directed the construction of outposts and initiated patrol and ambush activities which thwarted repeated attempts by large hostile forces to penetrate vital areas. Under his aggressive leadership, his tank detachments inflicted heavy losses on numerically superior enemy forces and transported 764 tons of cargo and hundreds of passengers safely through hostile areas. Following a month's assignment as Assistant Chief of Staff, G-4, Lieutenant Colonel Ashley was reassigned as Executive Officer of the Fifth Marines on 16 April 1969, and initiated administrative and logistic procedures which greatly enhanced the readiness posture of subordinate units. His remarkable ability to analyze operational problems and provide feasible solutions earned the respect and admiration of all who served with him and contributed immeasurably to the accomplishment of his unit's mission. By his leadership, extraordinary professionalism, and unwavering devotion to duty, Lieutenant Colonel Ashley rendered distinguished service to his country and thereby upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service. (Lieutenant Colonel Ashley is authorized to wear the Combat"V'.)