Herman Lafayette Alley

Herman Lafayette Alley, age 91 passed away on July 9, 2011 in Arlington, TX. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Gloria Taylor Alley of Arlington, TX, 4 children, daughter Barbara Alley Austin of Austin, TX, son Herman Lafayette Alley Jr. of Lawton, OK, daughter Kathryn Gloria Letcher of Hartford, AL, and son Harold Franklin Alley II of Arlington, TX. Other family members included 11 grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren, and 2 daughters in law.

Herman L. Alley was born in Powder Springs, GA on Dec. 17, 1919. He was the eldest child with two siblings, brother Harold Franklin Alley and sister Ruby Pauline Alley, born to Luther and Ruby Manning Alley, all of whom have preceded him in death.

Herman Alley graduated from Commercial High School in Atlanta, GA and Georgia State University. He was a highly decorated military officer who landed on Normandy Beach D-Day in 1943 and was awarded 17 medals for his bravery and outstanding leadership including the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart for wounds incurred during his service in WWII. Mr. Alley served in the 82nd Airborne Division, 456th Parachute Field Artillery Battalion, A Battery during WWII. He also fought in the Korean War. Later he served as a commissioned officer in the US Army Reserves with the Nike-Hercules Missile Defense in Alaska. Mr. Alley served the military for 26 years, he retired with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel and after military retirement he continued to work for the Army as Chief of the Visitors Bureau at Fort Bliss in El Paso, TX for 17 years, until his retirement from Civil Service.

Lt. Col Herman L. Alley will be laid to rest at the Dallas Fort Worth National Cemetery. Due to Cemetery floral policy, in lieu of sending flowers, the family has arranged for a floral account at Country Florist 817-277-4082, so flowers can be put on the gravesite monthly.

Lt. Co. Herman L. Alley, an American Hero, will be missed by many.