By Allie Jacobs
KALAMAZOO, Mich.-- Jeffrey R. Ahson, recognized for his heroism in the navy during World War II and his service as a firefighter in his hometown of Kalamazoo, died on Oct. 9 at his home due to emphysema.
Mr. Ahson was known for his leadership and bravery as a U.S. Navy Officer. While serving in The Battle of Midway in June of 1942, he crossed a deck of the burning USS Emory naval ship, saving four wounded soldiers and recovering the body of a gunner. During the battle, Mr. Ahson also shot down three enemy planes, demonstrating skill and courage. "Ahson was a genuine American hero," said Jeraldine Fyfe, Lt. Cmdr. of the U.S. Navy. Mr. Ahson was awarded the Purple Heart and a Navy Cross for his achievements.
Born in Chico, Calif., Mr. Ahson later moved to Kalamazoo where he served as a firefighter until his retirement in 1966. He was passionate about his job and was known for his collection of firefighter memorabilia. One of his beloved possessions, a fire truck, is now on display at the Kalamazoo Valley Museum. After his service as a firefighter, Mr. Ahson worked briefly at Don Seelye Ford as a new car salesman until his retirement in 1985.
Mr. Ahson was a member of Post 4206, American Legion Post 702, Elks Lodge, Gideons International, and the National Checkers Association. He frequently ushered at John Calvin Presbyterian Church.
Mr. Ahson is survived by his wife, Therese Alpert; three children, Richard D. Ahson of Philipsburg, Kan., Angela Molino of Omaha, Neb., Lela Stalling of Pipe Creek, Texas; five grandchildren and five great grandchildren; a brother, Henry Ahson of San Francisco, Calif.; and two sisters, Judith Eaker of Reidsville, N.C., and Shirley Solomon of Newark, N.J.
A viewing will be held on Friday from 4-5:30 p.m. and from 7:30-9 p.m. at the Littleton Mortuary. Services will be held on Saturday at 10 a.m. at the Littleton Mortuary. The burial of Mr. Ahson will take place following the service at Memorial Park Cemetery. The family requests no flowers.
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1 comment:
"While serving in The Battle of Midway in June of 1942, he crossed a deck of the burning USS Emory naval ship, saving four wounded soldiers and recovering the body of a gunner. During the battle, Mr. Ahson also shot down three enemy planes, demonstrating skill and courage."
There is no way this could have happened. USS EMERY (corrected spelling, there was no "USS EMORY" in WW2) was commissioned in August 1943 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_Emery). The Battle of Midway was in June 1942. Why do people feel they have to falsify or embellish their military service record?
Semper Fidelis, John
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