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Kasper, Carl J.

Nationality:
American (1776 - present, Republic)

Biography

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Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
2nd Lieutenant
Unit:
41st Field Artillery Battalion, 3rd Infantry Division "The Rock of the Marne", U.S. Army (41st Field Artillery Battalion, 3rd Infantry Division "Rock Of The Marne", U.S. Army)
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Carl J. Kasper, Second Lieutenant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with the 41st Field Artillery Battalion, 3d Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces near Cisterna, Italy on 16 February 1944.

Lieutenant Kasper elected to remain at his post in the foremost infantry positions in order to adjust artillery fire on enemy troops which were attacking in overwhelming force. Although three enemy tanks fired directly on his position and machine gun bullets which came through his observation window made his task exceedingly hazardous, Lieutenant Kasper nevertheless brought the massed fire of an entire field artillery battalion directly on the enemy. When enemy forces overran his position, causing friendly infantry to withdraw, Lieutenant Kasper elected to brave almost certain death by bringing the massed fire of twelve 105 millimeter howitzers directly on himself. His last fire adjustment order came over the radio "Five zero over". When advised "That is your position", he replied, "I know, fire on me." Lieutenant Kasper then sent his radio men to a position of safety. When last seen, he was standing in the open doorway firing his pistol at the advancing enemy. His radiomen had reached a point only fifty yards distant when Lieutenant Kasper's Observation Post disappeared in a cloud of dust and smoke as friendly artillery exploded directly upon it. The massed artillery fire, adjusted by Lieutenant Kasper, caused the enemy thrust to lose its momentum, preventing a breakthrough. Lieutenant Kasper was captured by enemy force which overran his position. Second Lieutenant Kasper's intrepid actions, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 3d Infantry Division, and the United States Army.


Headquarters, Seventh U.S. Army, General Orders No. 121 (1944).
Distinguished Service Cross (DSC)

Sources

  • - Taggart, D.G., History of the Third Infantry Division in World War II, The Battery Press, Nashville, USA, 1987

Photo