Edgar Allen Asbury, Jr. was born June 9, 1918, in Byars, Oklahoma. He was a proud Chickasaw and served in the glider artillery of the 82nd Airborne Division from 1943 to 1946. He later went on to serve in the Pathfinders during the invasion of Normandy.

Asbury received a Bronze Arrowhead and four Battle Stars for his courage and extensive service. He was also honored with a Purple Heart for his bravery 50 years after D-Day. His selfless acts of courage saved the lives of his commander, a glider crew and members of his unit.

After his military service, Asbury went on to work in the transportation industry for 35 years, serving as a salesman for Red Arrow Motor Freight Company and superintendent of transportation for East Texas Motor Freight.

Asbury and his wife, Dorothy, traveled to Europe for the 50th anniversary of the invasion of Normandy with the 82nd Airborne Association. He was the first American to have the honor of carrying the American flag and leading the parade in Leicester, England, with the 82nd Airborne Association.

He died Oct. 16, 2006, in San Antonio, Texas, at the age of 88.