Army Corporal Evan A. Ashcraft, 24, of West Hills, CA, was assigned to Company A, 1st Battalion, 327th Infantry, 101st Airborne Division, Fort Campbell, Kentucky. He died July 24, 2003, when his convoy was ambushed in Hawd, Iraq.

CPL Ashcraft grew up in Panama City, CA and was a graduate of El Camino Real High School. He was an accomplished student and musician and aspired to return to college to major in criminal justice. His ultimate goal was to one day join the LA Police Department.

CPL Ashcraft joined the Army in January 2000. He was instantly a team leader. Always up for a challenge, he volunteered for the elite Army Rangers. During April of 2003, CPL Ashcroft earned the Commendation Medal with a V (valor) for assisting in the rescue of two soldiers who were wounded when their Humvee hit a land mine. Also in the vehicle, CPL Ashcraft miraculously was not injured.

His fellow service members commented that CPL Ashcraft was a natural leader, and he was always there for them. “My son loved his country, loved his job and he believed in what he was doing,” said his father Asa Ashcraft, himself a Vietnam Veteran.

CPL Ashcraft was survived by his wife Ashley.