On 28 July 1868 while a member of Company L, 8th U. S. Cavalry, Private Aston with two other men volunteered to search for a wagon passage out of a four thousand foot valley wherein an infantry column was immobile. This small group passed six miles among hostile Apache terrain finding the sought passage. On their return trip down the canyon they were attacked by Apaches who were successfully held at bay. Private Aston ’s unselfish heroic actions on that date were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and bring great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.