Lt. Col. Leroy \Dutch\"" Osburn Obituary (1915 - 2007)

t. Col. Osburn was a professional soldier and a member of the First United Methodist Church. He entered the Army in 1930 as a Private and serviced in all enlisted grades from private to Master Sergeant. He graduated from Advanced Infantry Officers school in 1943 and was assigned to the 102nd Division during World War II. He served as an Infantry Unit commander in Europe and later as a constabulary officer in the occupation of Germany. During 1948-1949 he served in the occupation forces of Japan where he was called to lead the initial resistance forces during the Korean invasion. He was seriously wounded on August 6, 1950 during anti-tank fire while trying to get his unit to safety. He retired from active service in 1954 as a Lieutenant Colonel. After retirement he was employed at Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green and later at Bowling Green High School as the first Senior Army Instructor where he initiated the Junior ROTC Program. \ A devoted husband, father, grandfather and patriot, was honored by his country with the Silver Star for Gallantry in Action; The Bronze Star with 4 Oak Leaf clusters for Heroism in Action; the Purple Heart; the Combat Infantry Badge with Stars; the European Campaign Medal with 3 Stars; the World War II Victory Medal; the Army Commendation Medal with 3 Oak Leaf Clusters and numerous other decorations. Of all his awards, he was most proud of the Outstanding Performance of Service award as a civilian at Bowling Green High School as the Senior Army Instructor. \ He is survived by his wife, Mary Louise Tucker Osburn; one daughter, Phyllis Fulford of Indianapolis; one son, Tom Easley of Rogers, Arkansas and two grandson, Jim Earnshaw Jr. and Tom Easley Jr. \ Funeral services will be at 10:00 A.M. Friday, January 5, 2007, at Barnett-Strother Funeral Home with Dr. Don Davis officiating. Burial will follow in Odd Fellows Cemetery. \ Visitation will be after 9:00 A.M. Friday at the funeral home. \ Military graveside rites will be conducted by VFW Post # 5480, American Legion Post # 6 and American Legion Post # 2. \ Memorials may take the form of donations to THE USO, Operation Uplink or Operation Hero Miles. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. \