Area Army Air Corps vet receives French Legion of Honor medal

by Airman 1st Class Sam Fogleman
92nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

7/16/2013 - Spokane Valley, Wash. -- Del Casper, Army Air Corps veteran who participated in 35 aerial combat missions over occupied Europe during World War II, was awarded the French Legion of Honor medal at the Spokane Veterans Center in Spokane Valley, Wash., July 15.

The award, the highest honor given by the government of France, was given to Casper by a decree coming all the way from the top: French president Francois Hollande.

Among the attendees were Col. Brian Newberry, 92nd Air Refueling Wing commander, Chief Master Sgt. Wendy Hansen, 92nd Air Refueling Wing command chief, and Spokane Valley mayor Tom Towey.

Following the playing of La Marseillaise, the French national anthem, and the singing of The Star-Spangled Banner, the award was given to Casper by Jack Cowan, Honorary Consul of France to Washington state.

"His courage, faith and dedication contributed more than 60 years ago to defending and preserving the independence of France and to save our common values of freedom, tolerance and democracy," Cowan said. "I would like to extend this tribute to all his fellow soldiers from World War II and especially to all of those who did not make it back to their country and families."

Casper, a Salt Lake City native and now a Spokane resident, enlisted in the Army Air Corps in November 1942 at the age of 19. He ended his military service in May 1945, arriving home with the first convoy to reach New York City, days before V-E Day. The count of 25 aerial missions was considered the capstone of one's flying career during that period. Casper flew in 10 more missions during the war.

Casper primarily flew in the B-17 Flying Fortress, a precursor to the B-52 Stratofortress that was a mainstay at Fairchild in the 1950s. Casper began as a ball-turret gunner. He was ultimately a togalier, a rare assignment for an enlisted flyer.

"You taught us that freedom is never free," Newberry said to Casper after the award presentation. "World War II was an incredible event for this entire world. It was global. Millions of Americans went out to fight and you were one of them. You freed France and so many other countries. You gave freedom another chance."

Casper is a man of few words.

"I'm flabbergasted," Casper said of receiving the award. "I don't know why they would pick me. There are other people a lot more deserving than me. I'm highly honored."