Morrison John Hosley Jr. served a distinguished career in the United States Army and the United States Army Reserve, ultimately reaching the rank of Colonel. He began his military journey after graduating from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in 1961, enlisting in the Army where he completed basic training at Fort Dix and was named Trainee of the Year.
Following his initial training, Mr. Hosley attended Pharmacy School at Fort Sam Houston and was subsequently stationed at Fort Richardson, Alaska. In 1963, he was commissioned as an officer and took command of the 64th Field Hospital. His leadership was instrumental during the Great Alaska Earthquake in 1964 when his unit set up a field hospital after the original Air Force hospital was destroyed.
Mr. Hosley’s military service continued at Fort Hood, where he worked as Assistant Operations Officer at the base hospital. During this time, he managed the transition to a new medical facility at Darnell Army Hospital and later commanded the 514th Medical Detachment.
In 1966, Mr. Hosley completed helicopter training and served as a medevac pilot in Vietnam for two tours separated by a tour in Japan. Throughout his service, he received numerous commendations such as the Silver Star for Valor in Combat, Distinguished Flying Cross, two Bronze Stars, Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry, two Purple Hearts, 16 Air Medals including one for Valor, and two Army Commendation Medals. Two of his commands were awarded Presidential Unit Citations.
He left active duty in 1972 but remained with the U.S. Army Reserve until retiring as a full Colonel in 1992.
Beyond his military career, Mr. Hosley contributed to public service by serving on a local school board for over ten years as President and held office as Town Supervisor for 16 years. Additionally, he spent three decades on the Board of Directors for Tupper Lake National Bank.
In July 1963, Mr. Hosley married Loretto Ehrbar. For over five decades, their family has owned businesses within the Adirondack community including Hoss’s Country Corner.
