This Deceased Army Profile is not currently maintained by any Member.
If you would like to take responsibility for researching and maintaining this Deceased profile please click
HERE
Contact Info
Home Town Detroit
Last Address Hemet, CA
Date of Passing Sep 04, 2011
Location of Interment Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery (VA) - San Diego, California
Duke Ashton was born on February 14, 1923, in Detroit, Michigan. He enlisted in the U.S. Army on March 2, 1943, at Fort Custer, Michigan, and after completing basic training and infantry training, he served with Company F, 2nd Battalion, 71st Infantry Regiment of the 44th Infantry Division during combat training in the United States before deploying to France with his unit in September 1944.
PFC Ashton fought with his unit through France and Germany, and was wounded in action in France on December 13, 1944, and on February 15, 1945; and in Germany on March 29, 1945. After the war ended he served on Occupation Duty in Germany until returning to the United States in July 1945, and he received an honorable discharge from the U.S. Army on October 17, 1945. Duke Ashton died on September 4, 2011, and his ashes were placed in the columbarium wall at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery in San Diego, California.
WWII - European Theater of Operations/Rhineland Campaign (1944-45)
From Month/Year
September / 1944
To Month/Year
March / 1945
Description (Rhineland Campaign 15 September 1944 to 21 March 1945) Attempting to outflank the Siegfried Line, the Allies tried an airborne attack on Holland on 17 September 1944. But the operation failed, and the enemy was able to strengthen his defensive line from Holland to Switzerland. Little progress was made on the ground, but the aerial attacks on strategic targets continued. Then, having regained the initiative after defeating a German offensive in the Ardennes in December 1944, the Allies drove through to the Rhine, establishing a bridgehead across the river at Remagen.
