Ashby Baskett was born on March 8, 1915, in Atlee, Hanover County, Virginia. He was the son of Johnnie William Baskett and Dora Butler Baskett. He served in the 2nd Chemical Company, Aviation, as a Private during World War II.

After the fall of Bataan in the hands of the Japanese Army on April 9, 1942, Pvt Baskett was one of the 10,000 to 12,000 Americans who were forced to march over 60 miles under brutal conditions, resulting in 1,000 to 5,000 deaths due to starvation, dehydration, and abuse. Survivors were sent to Camp O'Donnell, where dire conditions, including overcrowding, malnutrition, and disease, caused an additional 1,500 to 2,300 American deaths within weeks. Those who survived faced ongoing hardships, including transfers to other camps and forced labor, where many continued to suffer or die.

Pvt Baskett was among the American soldiers who lost their lives in captivity on May 18, 1942. He is now buried in the Cool Spring Baptist Church Cemetery, Atlee Station, Hanover County, Virginia, USA.

Source of information: www.livescience.com