Naval Hero Jeffrey Ahson Dies at 79

KALAMAZOO, Mich.--Jeffrey R. Ahson, U.S. Navy hero and Kalamazoo City firefighter, died last night at his home of causes related to emphysema. He was 79.

Mr. Ahson leaves behind an impressive legacy. A petty officer in the U.S. Navy during World War II, he was stationed on the USS Emery. In June of 1942 he participated in the Battle of Midway, proving himself truly courageous in the pitched fight.

During the battle, Mr. Ahson rescued four wounded soldiers and removed the body of a gunner from fire, placing himself at great personal risk. After removing the gunner's body, he took over the abandoned gun and shot down three enemy planes. For his heroic efforts, Mr. Ahson was awarded the Purple Heart, the Navy Cross, and promoted to the rank of ensign. "Ahson was a genuine American hero," said Jeraldine Fyfe, U.S. Navy Lt. Commander, in a statement released by Naval Public Relations. 

Jeffrey R. Ahson was born in 1929 in Chico, Calif. He left the Navy in 1946 and moved to Kalamazoo, Mich., taking a job as a firefighter. Known as a "fire historian," he collected firefighting memorabilia, including an antique fire truck. His collection can be found at the Kalamazoo Valley Museum. After leaving that job in 1966, Mr. Ahson became a new car salesman at Don Seely Ford in Kalamazoo, finally retiring in 1985. 

The late Mr. Ahson was highly involved in the Kalamazoo, participating in several organizations throughout his lifetime. He was a member of the American Legion, Post 702; the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post 4206; the local Elks Lodge; the National Checkers Association; and Gideon's International. Mr. Ahson also served as an usher for his church, John Calvin Presbyterian. 

Survivors include his wife, Therese Alpert, of Kalamazoo, Mich.; a son, Richard D. Ahson, of Phillipsburg, Kan.; two daughters, Angela Molino, of Omaha, Neb., and Lela Stalling, of Pipe Creek, Texas; five grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. Other survivors include a brother, Henry Ahson, of San Francisco, and two sisters, Judith Eaker, of Reidsville, N.C., and Shirley Solomon, of Newark, N.J.

A viewing will be held from 4 - 5:30 and 7:30 - 8 p.m. at Littleton Mortuary on Friday. Services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday in the same location, immediately followed by burial at Memorial Park Cemetary. The family requests no flowers. 

--XXX--