World War II Honoree

John Casey

Branch of Service

U.S. Army Air Force

Hometown

Shirley, Massachusetts

Honored By

Charles B. Church, III

Relationship

Friend

Entered the U.S. Army Air Corps from Seattle, Washington in 1942. Took basic training at Santa Anna, California. Attended Officer's Candidate School at Ft. Sill, Oklahoma. Assigned to the 4th division at Fort Dix, New Jersey and trained as a field artillery officer. Was selected as general's aide. Along with General Barber, he delivered the leather pouch containing secret plans for the invasion of Utah Beach to Colonel James Van Fleet of the 8th Infantry. Later, during practice maneuvers in England, he was aboard an LCM landing craft when an explosion struck. Leg injuries sustained at that time prevented his further battle service. He served out his time stateside. Awards include the WWII Victory Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, and the American Defense Service Medal. Retired as a 1st Lieutenant field artillery officer in 1946.