Lt. John C. Casselman (KIA)

F Company

He was born June 3, 1919. And died Jan. 3 1945. He would have been 25 when he died.  First Lieut. John C. Casselman, 25, a United States army paratroop officer was killed in action Jan. 3 in Belgium according to a war department telegram received by his parents. (1945)

He was a member of the New York National Guard when it became federalized in October 1940, and left his home here at that time for Fort McClelland, Alabama. He was sent with that company to Hawaii where he was stationed for six months. He was then returned to officers candidate school at Fort Benning Georgia and was given his commission as a second lieutenant in January, 1943. 

He married Miss Wilta Ilene Webster of Chicago February 1, 1943. After receiving his commission and soon after a leave in Clayton with his bride, entered training as an officer in the glider infantry at Camp MacKall, North Carolina. 

He went to North Africa in October, 1943, and participated in the fighting in North Africa, Sicily and Italy and the invasion of southern France last Aug. 15.

Lieutenant Casselman volunteered to become a paratrooper while stationed in Sicily and since he entered southern France last August (1943) had been in constant combat. He was wounded slightly and awarded the purple heart in September but continued with his unit.

He also was recommended for the bronze star but the citation had not been received at the time of his death. His parents had a letter stating "I have been recommended for the Bronze Star because I pulled off a trick on the Krauts which was successful." His parents Mr. and Mrs. Casselman were notified of his death via telegram. His wife enlisted with the US Marine Corps. and served in the records department in Arlington, VA. At the time of her honorable discharge she had attained the rank of Sergeant. 

 Attached are some pictures of John and one picture is of him on his wedding day to my late Grandmother Wilta Ilene Webster-Casselman.

 I would really love to get in touch with anyone who has information about John. We only recently learned about him upon the death of my late Grandmother. Thank you,

 Megan Harshbarger

Received from Megan Harshbarger

December 19, 2016