Sergeant Major David L. Ash is a native of Summersville, WV. He enlisted in the Marine Corps in January 2001 and completed recruit training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, SC. Upon completion in November 2001, Private First Class Ash attended Marine Corps Combat Training, Camp Geiger, NC. After completion of MCT he obtained the automotive maintenance technician MOS 3521.
 
In June 2002, Lance Corporal Ash reported to Marine Wing Support Squadron 271, Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, NC, assigned as a mechanic for Motor Transport Platoon.  He deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom in February of 2003.
 
In March 2004, Corporal Ash deployed to Barbados Defense Force, Camp Paragon, Barbados and he was promoted to Sergeant. He received orders to Marine Air Control Squadron 4 in Okinawa, Japan we he held the billet of Platoon Sergeant and he completed Jungle Warfare training School.  August 2005 Sergeant Ash completed his end of active service and was transferred to the Individual Ready Reserve.
 
In December 2005, Sergeant Ash was activated from the Individual Ready Reserve and deployed with III Marine Expeditionary Force, 3rd Civil Affairs Group in support of OIF II. He held the billet of Civil Affairs NCO and Team Leader.
 
Sergeant Ash went to the IRR and graduated The Charlotte Mecklenburg Police academy as a Sworn Police Officer. 

In November 2007, Sergeant Ash joined the SMCR and reported to 4th Maintenance Battalion, HQ Company, Charlotte NC.  Sergeant Ash was assigned the billet of Platoon Sergeant. February 2008 he was promoted to Staff Sergeant and attached to 1st Maintenance Battalion, Motor Transport Platoon and was deployed in support of OIF II.
 
In April 2011, Gunnery Sergeant Ash deployed with 4th Force Reconnaissance, Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force 12 and was assigned as the Assistant Team leader.  Gunnery Sergeant Ash returned to 4th Main Bn and held the billet of Company Gunnery Sergeant.  Mobilized again Gunnery Sergeant Ash was assigned to 4th Combat Engineer Battalion, Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force 13.3. He assumed the billet of Team Chief.
 
In March 2015, First Sergeant Ash reported to Kilo Company, 3D Battalion, 23D Marines. First Sergeant Ash deployed in support of Operation Freedom's Sentinel with Task Forces South West.  Upon his return from Afghanistan in October 2018 First Sergeant Ash transferred to H&S Company, Combat Logistic Battalion 451, Charlotte, NC.
 
In 2020 Sergeant Major Ash was assigned to 3D Battalion, 23D Marines as the battalion Sergeant Major.  Sergeant Major Ash's personal decorations include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation medal (in lieu of 2nd award), with Combat distinguishing device, and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal.