Robert Lewis Cass
Era: World War II
Military Branch: Army
Photo 1: Robert Cass in September 1946
Photo 2: Left to right: Sundsbak, Duncan, Fowler, and Robert Cass
-----
Robert L. Cass served in World War II in the Pacific Theater.
He served in the U.S. Army beginning on April 14, 1945. He was initially assigned to the 77th Infantry Division. He was subsequently part of the 82nd Airborne Division, where he served as a paratrooper. He was discharged on December 15, 1946.
His rank was Private 1st Class.
Mr. Cass was decorated with an overseas award.
Robert Cass was born in 1926 in Castlewood, South Dakota, the son of Leland B. and Viola Mary (Moore) Cass.
Source: Veterans’ Memorial Hall veteran history form; veteran’s account (below)
“Bob Cass was raised on a farm in Castlewood, South Dakota. He was drafted at age eighteen to serve his country. His family held a going-away party for him. The next day his father took him to the Hamlin County Courthouse to report to duty.
“When they arrived, the clerk told him he had a deferment that had been lost in a drawer and he would not have to go. He told his father that he didn’t feel right because people had given him gifts and it would be wrong not to go. He was scared, as he had never been away from home.
“After basic training, he was sent to Japan.
“While Bob was serving his country, his family moved to northern Minnesota. Upon discharge he followed the family. Bob worked in the mine and worked up to pit foreman and retired in 1979. He raised five children and four stepchildren. He is well respected in his community as well as his church.
“Bob says that the experience he had in the service was worth a million dollars and he was proud and honored to be able to serve his country!”
