John N. Apperson

NAME: John N. Apperson

ASN: O-301346

PLACE OF BIRTH: VA

DATE OF BIRTH: UKN

DATES OF SERVICE: UKN - 21 Aug 1944

UNIT ASSIGNED: HHC 509th PIB

CAMPAIGNS: Southern France

AWARDS: Combat Infantryman Badge, Parachutist Badge with combat jump star, Purple Heart Medal, EAME Campaign Medal with arrowhead device, Distinguished Unit Citation with oak leaf cluster

SUMMARY OF SERVICE:

15 Aug 1944 - Participated in Operation DRAGOON Invasion of Southern France

Maj. John H. Apperson HHC 509th PIB Battalion Executive Officer KIA Southern France page 78, Book: First Airborne Task Force by Michel De Trez

22 Aug 1944 - "On or about this date Major Apperson and Lieutenant Flander were killed when their jeep hit a mine." - Lt. Harry Lieber

Major Apperson had been newly appointed as the battalion executive officer. It was noted that soldiers had received Italian Lira instead of French Francs as invasion currency in their escape kits. He collected the money from all the soldiers and was heading back to 1st ABTF headquarters to meet with the Finance Officer to exchange the money. Driving the jeep was Lt. Hubert Fiander, 509th PIB Intelligent Officer and riding in the back seat was Lt. Lee Webb also a Intelligence Officer. The jeep hit a Tellermine killing the three officers instantly. The money was scattered all over the road.

21 Aug 1944 - Maj. John N. Apperson O-301346 HQ 509th PIB VA 41 - 46 Buried: Plot A, Row 10, Grave 1, Rhone American Military Cemetary, Draguignan, France Awarded Purple Heart Medal

Planning the attack on the Castle. Left to Right: Lt. Harry Lieber - MG Plt., Capt. Edmond Tomasik - , Maj. John Apperson - XO, Garrett - Artillery, Wahl -