Born in Canada, Milton Ashkins became a U.S. Citizen in 1926, and entered service in the Army Air Corps in 1935, and received his wings and commission in 1938. He was credited with shooting down one enemy aircraft in aerial combat during World War II. After serving in the Army Air Forces in World War II, he transferred to the U.S. Air Force when it became a separate branch of service in 1947. He retired in 1965 as a U.S. Air Force Brigadier General.