Jack Desmond Ashby was born on January 11, 1924, in Barnsdall, Osage County, Oklahoma. He was the son of Donatello Edward Ashby Sr. and Mabel C. Schrack Ashby. He joined the army on February 21, 1943. Cpl Ashby served in the United States Army with the 740th Tank Battalion in World War II. Known as the “Daredevil Tankers”, the 740th was a separate battalion that fought from Utah Beach all the way to the Baltic Sea in support of various divisions of the US war effort.

Cpl Ashby was Killed in Action on February 2, 1945, in Germany. He is now buried in the Ethel Reece Cemetery, Barnsdall, Osage County, Oklahoma, USA.

Silver Star Citation:
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Corporal Jack D. Ashby (ASN: 38465994), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company C, 740th Tank Battalion, 82d Airborne Division, in action on 31 January 1945, near ****, Belgium. While advancing on their objective, Corporal Ashby’s platoon met a hail of anti-tank fire. Drawing back to defilade they laid down a barrage of direct fire and again advanced. Reaching the objective it was discovered the supporting infantry had been unable to advance with the tanks because of the intense artillery and mortar fire. With great courage and aggressiveness, Corporal Ashby dismounted from his tank and armed only with his individual weapon, destroyed a great number of enemy infantry, and with the aid of two other members of his crew captured two hundred of the enemy. The intrepid courage and aggressiveness displayed on this occasion by Corporal Ashby were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Armed Forces.

Source of information: www.findagrave.com, valor.militarytimes.com