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Colonel Alfred Asch Honored With Legislation Renaming the Beaverton Post Office

June 26, 2018

Congressman John Moolenaar has introduced legislation to rename the United States Post Office in Beaverton, Michigan after the late Colonel Alfred Asch.

Asch grew up in Beaverton and served in the U.S. Army in World War II. He joined the Army Air Corps in 1941, flying two tours with the 93rd Bomb Group (28 missions) and 455th Bomb Group (47 missions) during World War II. Colonel Asch served through 1968, earning numerous decorations, including the Legion of Merit, the Distinguished Flying Cross with the Oak Leaf Cluster, the Purple Heart and two unit citations for the 93rd presented by King George II.

After retiring, Colonel Asch became a systems engineer with the Mitre Corporation where he spent 16 years developing automation for the air traffic control system of the Federal Aviation Administration. In 2013, he published his memoir, The Whole Nine Yards, donating proceeds to the Beaverton Activities Center in his hometown. Previous publications included "The Story of the 455th" and the book of remembrance for the B-24 Monument dedication at the United States Air Force Academy.

Congressman Moolenaar, when he was a state senator, paid tribute to the late colonel in 2014 at the opening of the new Beaverton Activities Center, where a plaque honoring Asch is on display.

Congressman Moolenaar made the following statement on the legislation:

"Colonel Alfred Asch was a patriot who dedicated his life to serving the United States and defending the American people. Through his love of flying he helped liberate Europe and he contributed to civilian aviation at home. He is a proud son of Beaverton and an example of service to us all.

"When Colonel Asch served our country during World War II his letters home to his wife Naomi were a cherished lifeline for the couple, so it is my privilege to introduce legislation to honor his legacy and put his name on his hometown post office."

David and Peter Asch, Colonel Asch's sons, also made a statement supporting the legislation:

"Dad truly loved his hometown of Beaverton, Michigan and its people. It is where he laid his life's foundation. Growing up in Beaverton he faced life's early challenges, overcame them and went on to take on the world. On his behalf and on behalf of the Asch family and citizens of Beaverton, we are thankful and proud to receive this high honor."

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Issues:Veterans