Person:James Aston (2)

From the March 26, 1969, edition of the Lubbock (TX) Avalanche-Journal

Snyder Native Dies In War; Rites Pending

LORENZO (Special) -- Pfc. James (Mike) Aston, 19, grandson of Mr. and Mrs. D.H. Daniel of Lorenzo, was killed March 19 in Quang Nam Province, Vietnam.

Services are pending at the Owens-Brumley Funeral Home in Wichita Falls.

Relatives were notified by the U.S. Marine Corps that Aston was killed after he hurled himself on an "exploding device to protect his comrades."

Aston was a native of Snyder and a graduate of Wichita Falls High School where he lettered three years on the football team. He also was president of his home room during his senior year and was active in the speech department.

Other survivors include his parents, Mr. and Mrs. James R. Aston; a brother, Jerry; a sister, Terry; and his paternal grandmother, Mrs. Loretta Aston, all of Wichita Falls.

_______________________

USMC Navy Cross Citation:

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to James Michael Aston (2450092), Private First Class, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving as a Mortar Ammunition Man in Company H, Second Battalion, Twenty-Sixth Marines, Ninth Marine Amphibious Brigade, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam on 19 March 1969. Private First Class Aston was participating in a company- sized operation through thick brush and chest high elephant grass in Quang Nam Province when he tripped a hidden enemy explosive device. Fully aware of the probable consequences of his daring action but thinking only of the welfare of several nearby companions, he unhesitatingly threw himself across the lethal object and was mortally wounded as he absorbed the concussion of the detonation. His heroic and timely actions inspired all who observed him and were instrumental in saving the lives of several Marines. By his courage, selfless concern for his fellow men and unwavering devotion to duty, Private First Class Aston upheld the highest traditions of the United States Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

Authority: Navy Department Board of Decorations and Medals Home Town: Wichita Falls, Texas

Service: Marine Corps

Rank: Private First Class

Company: Company H

Battalion: 2d Battalion

Regiment: 26th Marines, 9th Amphibious Brigade

Division: III Marine Amphibious Force

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