Seantor Rhoads Honors Fallen WWII Fireman Third Class Welborn Lee Ashby

iSurfHopkinsCo - Madisonville, KY, USA

Wednesday, 18 March 2009

FRANKFORT - The Kentucky State Senate Friday adopted Senator Jerry P. Rhoads' resolution adjourning the Senate in honor of Fireman Third Class Welborn Lee Ashby, who was killed during World War II.

Ashby, who enlisted in the United States Navy in 1940, was assigned to the Battleship USS West Virginia as a fireman. He was killed in action December 7, 1941 during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. His remains were recovered for proper identification in 2007 by the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command at Hickman Air Force Base in Hawaii, an organization that works to identify Americans who were killed in action. It took two years of DNA testing and confirmation to verify his remains for burial.

Ashby, who grew up in Centertown, drowned, following the sudden island attack by the Japanese that claimed 2,402 American lives, devastated the Pacific fleet, and spawned the United States' involvement in World War II.

His sister, Martha Christian, remembers him as being a jolly guy and a good student. She also says he "was patriotic toward his county."

"Ashby was the first World War II casualty from Ohio County, serving his country with courage and distinction," Senator Rhoads said. "The American Legion Post in Centertown was named in his honor. Ashby is a true hero to the people of Ohio County, the Commonwealth of Kentucky, and the United States of America."

Ashby was to be buried at his family's plot next to his parents (Otie and Mary Ashby) in Ohio County with full military honors.

Senator Rhoads (D) of Madisonville, said the Commonwealth of Kentucky has the highest respect for Ashby and is deeply grateful for the sacrifice he made for the freedom of all Americans. The discovery and interment of his remains provides a bittersweet sense of closure for his family.

The Kentucky State Senate adjourned on Friday, March 13, the 28th legislative day of the 2009 session, in memory and honor of Fireman Third Class Welborn Ashby.

Senator Rhoads represents the 6th district, which includes Hopkins, Muhlenberg and Ohio counties.