We lost another patriot. Louis Lasley, aged 90 of Miami Township, passed away recently. He was a veteran of both World War 2 and Korea.
Lou tried to join the Army, but was turned down because he was too young. He tried again later and was accepted. He served stateside during World War 2. Lou became a military policeman and protected President Truman, generals Eisenhower and Marshall and singer/actor Bing Crosby. He later guarded a New Mexico nuclear weapons facility with his K-9 partner Killer.
Lasley asked for a transfer to Japan. He was met at the boat by a grizzled sergeant who handed him a helmet and a M-1 rifle. Lasley protested, arguing that he was a m.p. The sergeant replied that he needed infantrymen not policemen. Louis was now a member of the 27th Infantry, “The Wolfhounds”.
Lasley was with his unit near Mt. Fuji when The Wolfhounds received an urgent order to board the train and proceed immediately to Tokyo- no explanation as to why. Lasley saw civilians scurrying around at a train station. He rolled down the window and asked a Japanese man what was going on, “War! War!”, he replied. Lou was told that the war was in Korea. He asked his buddy, “Where the heck is Korea?”
Louis and the rest of his comrades soon found out. The Wolfhounds were deployed into the war at a crucial time. The Americans were beat up by the Communists. They were in full retreat. Many wondered if we could hold on. A last ditch effort was made near the city of Pusan. The fighting was fierce, often becoming hand to hand combat. The 27th earned a reputation as a crack unit. They were inserted to plug holes in the line. Louis never knew where he was because the 27th was always on the move.
Louis participated in the 8th Army breakout following the Inchon landing.
The Communists were pushed back into North Korea up to the border of China. The temperature plunged to 30 below zero. The winds howled and 18 inches of snow fell. And then the Chinese attacked-throwing the Allies down the peninsula. Lou was forced to walk most of the way, contracting frost bite in the process. His combat days were over.
In recent years, Lou was a fixture at Miami Township’s Spirit of 76 Park, becoming the park’s guardian. He did whatever was needed:Â attending meetings, participating in events, pulling weeds, spreading wood chips and pruning bushes. He often went to the park just to take its serenity. Lou greeted visitors, sharing the history of the park and giving them a tour.
We are going to miss Lou-his passion for the park, his love of country, his wry sense of humor, and his body-quaking chuckle.
Rest easy soldier.