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/Ardennes Alsace Campaign (1944-45)
From Month/Year
December / 1944
To Month/Year
February / 1945
Description (Ardennes Alsace Campaign 16 December 1944 to 25 January 1945) During their offensive in the Ardennes the Germans drove into Belgium and Luxembourg, creating a great bulge in the line. For some time the weather was bad, but when it cleared the Allies could send their planes to assist their ground forces by bombing and strafing the enemy’s columns, dropping paratroops and supplies, and interdicting the enemy’s lines of communications. By the end of January 1945 the lost ground had been regained and the Battle of the Bulge, the last great German offensive, was over.
