Jack Gerold Kasper
Military
Jessie H. McKnight Crew
B-24J1-FO #42-95617 "Jennie" T9-I
Standing Left to Right: Donald Hemingway (CP), Jessie H. McKnight (P), Edwin Martin (N)
Kneeling Left to Right: Jack Kasper (FE), Glenn Hill (NG), Ben Buck (WG), Gerald Alport (WG), Frank Bostwick (TG), Ben Brown (R/O)
Completed a 34 mission tour: 6 October 1944 - 31 March 1945
466th BG Historian
Object Number - UPL 7185 - Crew #665 Jessie H. McKnight Crew B-24J1-FO #42-95617 "Jennie" T9-I Standing Left to Right: Donald Hemingway (CP), Jessie H. McKnight (P),...
Connections
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Units served with
- Unit Hierarchy: Group
- Air Force: Eighth Air Force
- Type Category: Bombardment
- Unit Hierarchy: Squadron
- Air Force: Eighth Air Force
- Type Category: Bombardment
People
- Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
- Nationality: American
- Unit: 466th Bomb Group 786th Bomb Squadron
- Service Numbers: O-823910
- Highest Rank: Major
- Role/Job: Piot
Places
- Site type: Airfield
- Known as: Attlebridge Arsenal, Station 120
Events
| Event | Location | Date | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Born |
Bay City, MI, USA | 26 June 1922 | |
|
Enlisted |
Detroit, MI, USA | 3 July 1940 | |
|
Other 466th BG Tour |
Attlebridge, Norwich, Norfolk NR9, UK | 6 October 1944 - 31 March 1945 | |
|
Died |
Taft, CA, USA | 6 March 1998 | Mr. Kasper owned and operated Kasper's Jewelry for over 40 years. He served his country during World War II as a member of the 8th U.S. Army Air Corps and flew 25 missions over Germany and France. He received the Air Medal of which he was very proud. Mr. Kasper was the first World War II Veteran to join the American Legion in Taft, as Mr. Stanley Kerr submitted him for membership while he was still stationed in England. Mr. Kasper was one of the first members of the local American Legion color guard which presented the colors at parades, sporting events and many other events for over 50 years. He loved the American Legion and was an active life member until his death. He served 12 years on the Board of Directors of the West Side Recreation and Park District. During that time the new West Side Community Center Building was built. He was most proud of the Franklin Field Recreation Complex, having played softball at that ball field as a young man. Mr. Kasper was also an active member of the Taft Elks Lodge until its closure and enjoyed the many functions and friends he made through the organization. In addition, he was a charter and life member of the Traveling Elks RV Club. He had many great times and ate at many great potlucks until he was no longer able to participate. He left behind his loving wife of 39 years, Georgia; his six children and their spouses, his seven grandchildren,and six great grandchildren. He will be missed by all, as we lost our father, grandfather, great grandfather, friend and hero. |
|
Buried |
Taft, CA, USA | 10 March 1998 | West Side District Cemetery Taft Kern County California, USA |
Revisions
ContributorAAM
Changes
Sources
Drawn from the records of the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force, Savannah, Georgia / Unit roster in the book ATTLEBRIDGE ARSENAL by Wassom & Brassfield, page 347