1937, and completed two years at the University of California in 1941. Joined the Navy in 1941 for Primary Flight Training at Oakland, California. Received my wings and Ensign commission at Corpus Christi, Texas in June 1942. Joined VP201 in Norfolk, Virginia as it was formed and flew as a PPC from Norfolk, Banana River, Florida, and Bermuda doing ASW in PBMs. Was assigned to VPB-111 PB4Ys in August of 1943 as it formed at Norfolk, as a PPC doing ASW work from England and Port Lyautey, French Morocco. In June of 1944, VPB-111 was reassigned to the Pacific Fleet and was stationed on Tinian, Leyte Moritai, and Palawan doing Anti Shipping work. I returned stateside in June of 1945 and left the service in September 1945.

I joined Kaiser Cement in 1945 and retired as the Northern California Sales Manager. My wife Lorraine and I retired to the Napa Valley wine country in 1975 where we presently live. Lorraine and I have been married for 61 years. I have worked part time for two excellent wineries as a tour guide and wine appreciation seminar director.Lorraine and I have two children – boy and girl, four grandsons, and two great-grandchildren – a boy and girl. Our enjoyment in life is centered around our grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

A Message to You from Lorraine Ashton and Sharon Archer —

We will honor the life of Harold Ashton, who departed this life on September 16th, 2014, with a memorial service on Friday, September 26th at 4pm. The service will take place at Murphy’s Arlington Funeral Home, 4510 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, Virginia. Burial will take place at Arlington National Cemetery at a future date.