Ahl, Archie Lee, CW4

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Archie Lee Ahl , retired Chief Warrant Officer 4, U.S. Army, of Cascade, died Sunday, Dec. 7, 2008 in Tucson, Ariz. A graveside memorial service with full military honors will be conducted at 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 20, 2008, at Zion United Methodist Church cemetery, 1147 Zion Road, Dorchester, S.C. 29437. Born April 13, 1937, in Allendale, S.C., he was the son of Pickens and Mary Lee Clayton. Archie grew up in Ridgeville, S.C., and graduated from Ridgeville High School. He joined the U.S. Army on Aug. 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 Vietnam 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 two 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, Archie met and married Marianne Effner on Aug. 15, 1957. Their son Roy was born Nov. 16, 1961. Archie is survived by Marianne, his wife of 51 years; his son, Roy; two brothers, Floyd (Joyce) Ahl of North Charleston, S.C., and Pickens L. (Joyce) Clayton of Moncks Corner, S.C.; sisters, Dinah Chiovaro of Goose Creek, S,C., Mary (Larry) Strukely of Summerville, S.C., Gloria (Richard) Rutherford of Goose Creek and Sandra (Edward) Dougherty of Goose Creek.