More detail on this person: Died from a Lengthy
battle with cancer. Survived by his wife Maryanne
and his Son Roy. Dateline: Summerville, SC
Archie Lee Ahl, CW4 US Army (Retired) of
Cascade, Colorado died Sunday December 7, 2008
in Tucson, Arizona.
A graveside memorial service with full military
honors will be 11:00 AM Saturday, December 20,
2008 at Zion United Methodist Church Cemetery,
1147 Zion Road, Dorchester, SC 29437.
Born April 13, 1937 in Allendale, SC. He was the
son of Pickens and Mary Lee Clayton. Archie grew
up in Ridgeville, SC and graduated from Ridgeville
High School. He joined the US Army August 4,
1953 and started a 38-year career. This career
included 82nd Airborne Division (Paratrooper),
Special Forces (Green Berets), Helicopter Pilot,
Fixed Wing Aircraft Pilot (including Various Army
Jets). Archie attained the rank of CW4 and was
for a time the senior CW4 in Europe and later, the
senior CW4 in the Army. He received yearly
extensions from the Secretary of the Army to allow
him to remain on active service after the normal
30 years. His tours of duty included four tours
in Viet Nam in Special Forces Teams and later in
various roles as a helicopter pilot. His last
several tours involved Flight Operations in Europe
transporting high-ranking military officers,
ambassadors, and cabinet level secretaries.
During his distinguished career, his awards
included 2 Distinguished Flying Crosses, Bronze
Star, Legion of Merit, and 16 other service
awards. He also received awards from the Republic
of Vietnam.
While stationed in Berlin Germany, Archie met and
married Marianne Effner on August 15, 1957. Their
son Roy was born November 16, 1962. Archie is
survived by Marianne (his wife of 51 years) and
Roy, two brothers; Floyd
(Joyce) Ahl, North Charleston, Pickens L. (Joyce)
Clayton, Moncks Corner, sisters; Dinah Chiovaro,
Goose Creek, Mary (Larry) Strukely, Summerville,
Gloria (Richard) Rutherford, Goose Creek, and
Sandra (Edward) Dougherty, Goose Creek.
Memorials may be made in memory of CW4 Archie
Ahl, US Army (retired), to Disabled American
Veterans National Service Foundation, PO Box
14301, Cincinnati, OH 45250.
Bryant Funeral Home of St. George, SC is assisting
the family.
Bryant Funeral Home Phone (843) 563-3325 Fax
(843) 563-8910 Toll free 1-800-430-6917 Email
bryanthome@bellsouth.net
This information was last updated 05/18/2016
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Date posted on this site: 07/12/2023
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