T/5 Everett R. Casperson

How this story crossed my path

During the ongoing search for information, photos, and stories about 'Antwerp X', Dieter Dijck and the Dr. Cornil family presented the opportunity to look through the Cornil family photo albums. In these were numerous photos referring to the stay of American soldiers in or near Putte. Soldiers from the anti-aircraft artillery who protected the port of Antwerp from V-bombs during 'Operation Antwerp X'.

For their contribution to our freedom, I would like to take this opportunity to tell their story and give them the recognition they deserve. Family friend to the Cornil-Vercammen family was T/5 Everett R. Casperson of the 494th AAA Gun Battalion. He gave the Cornil family a photo of himself with the following message written on the back: 'Good Luck to Gilberte from Everett Casperson - Nelson, Minnesota - November 12, 1944'. The photo disappeared for years in the Cornil family photo album.

Biography and Wartime Service

Everett Ronald Casperson was born on October 9, 1916, in Berlington, North Dakota, to Bertha Amelia Stenning (1881–1924) and Otto R Casperson (1889–1923). His father Otto was of Norwegian origin, arrived in the US in November 1913, worked as a coal miner before he served as a Private in World War One. He died from pulmonary tuberculosis when Everett was just 7 years old. One year later Everett lost his mother she orphaned 5 children. Everett went to live and grew up with the Smith family, namely Peter and Ella Smith. His brothers and sisters were adopted by several families. At the age of the 10 months, his youngest sister went to live with Bertha's sister, her Aunt Lydia Hansen, along with their 11 children. To put it mildly, it was a difficult time for the Casperson children, who were all separated from each other.

Everett R. Casperson joined the Minnesota National Guard in February 1941 and was one of many Douglas County boys who ended up serving with the 494th AAA Gun Battalion. As a National Guard man he was one of the original men who joined B Battery when the 494th was formed in Iceland.

After later moves that took the unit through Scotland, England and Normandy they were stationed in Putte, Belgium, a part of operation 'Antwerp X'. Everett's battery, B Battery was set up from November 2 until November 15, 1944 in a field near Reetlei in Putte. Since then the site has been completely build up. Their position was very close to the Cornil-Vercammen residence which explains why they would have gotten acquainted with each other. He discharged on August 31, 1945.

Everett Casperson re-enlisted January 16, 1951 and served in the Korean War until discharged on August 12, 1952.

Everett R. Casperson married Madonna 'Dolly' Marie Gaffaney (1922-1985) on June 27, 1946, in Douglas, Minnesota. He then married Norma M. Freie DeBour (1926-2023) on September 20, 1986. Everett Casperson died on May 31, 1999, in North Iowa Health Center, Mason City, Iowa, at the age of 82, and was buried in Villard, Minnesota.

Gallery

click on the images to enlarge

Thanks to the Cornil family for sharing these photo from their family albums