Notable Alumni

Notable Alumni

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LTC Ashby Taylor class of 1966

Dear Principal Joyner:

I am writing this letter to recommend to you and support other recommendations for Lieutenant Colonel (LTC) John Ashby Taylor’s recognition as an Outstanding Alumnus from Druid Hills. I am not sure whether or not an “official” Outstanding Alumni Award or recognition exists, but if so, and if appropriate, LTC Ashby Taylor certainly deserves consideration.

Ashby graduated from DHHS in 1966 and immediately was accepted into the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, CO. Throughout his entire time at DHHS Ashby was single-minded in his desire to go to the Air Force Academy and become a pilot.

He graduated from the Air Force Academy in 1970 with a B.S. degree in Aeronautical Engineering. Later in his military career, he earned an M.S. degree in Management from Troy University.

Ashby is an honest-to-goodness war hero, having served in the Air Force for twenty years, during which time he deployed to Southeast Asia in support of ground troops in the Vietnam war. Ashby’s heroism was recognized by the receipt of the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) with 12 oak leaf clusters, among other combat decorations. The complete list of decorations is included in his attached brief bio. The DFC is the third highest possible award for heroism and extraordinary achievement, second only to the Congressional Medal of Honor and the Silver Star.

The Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) is a military decoration of the United States Armed Forces. The medal was established on July 2, 1926, and is currently awarded to any persons who, after April 6, 1917, distinguish themselves by single acts of heroism or extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight. Both heroism and extraordinary achievement are entirely distinctive, involving operations that are not routine.

Among his many Air Force career accomplishments, Ashby is a graduate of The United States Navy (U.S.N.) Fighter Weapons School, now commonly called “Top Gun” school, popularized by the recent “Top Gun” and “Maverick” movies.

Ashby retired from the Air Force in 1991 in order to raise a family with his wife Louise. He began a second career as a flight officer (Captain, Instructor Pilot) with United Airlines, frequently flying international routes. He retired from United Airlines in 2018, having reached the airline’s mandatory retirement age.

I offer this recommendation in support of his nomination as an “Outstanding Alumni” of DHHS. Please feel free to contact me if you would like or need additional information. I look forward to hearing from you.

With best regards,

Jim Wansley