Jacob Ashton Obituary, Death – Fort Drum has confirmed the identity of the soldier who was discovered deceased on the installation on Monday. According to officials, 21-year-old Specialist Jacob Ashton hailed from Perry, Ohio. The Department of the Army Criminal Investigation Division is currently conducting an investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death, although no further details have been disclosed.
Specialist Ashton was a member of the Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division. He enlisted in 2021 and completed Basic Combat Training at Fort Moore, Georgia. In 2023, he was deployed to Iraq with the 2nd BCT.
His commendations include the Army Commendation Medal with C Device, the National Defense Service Medal, the Inherent Resolve Campaign Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, and the Combat Infantry Badge.
Col. Anthony Gore, commander of the 2nd BCT, expressed the collective grief of the Commando family, stating, “Our entire Commando family feels profound sorrow for the loss of Jacob. While words do little to ease the pain of Jacob’s passing, we are a family, and we will wrap our arms around his family as well as support each other. Let us live in a manner worthy of honoring Jacob’s life and service. As we mourn, I ask each of us to keep his family in our thoughts and prayers.”
Officials have indicated that support services are available for soldiers in Ashton’s unit who are experiencing grief.
A local memorial service is being organized.
