Petty Officer Leo Casper was assigned to VT-100 at Barbers Point Oahu where he presumably received training in TBF/TBM Avenger aircraft as a turret gunner before being assigned to VT-1.

On June 2nd 1944 AMM2c Casper reported aboard the USS Copahee (CVE-12). The USS Copahee departed Pearl Harbor the next day carrying replacement aircraft and military personnel heading to the Marshall and Marianas Islands.

On June 14th 1944 Petty Officer Casper was transferred aboard the USS Yorktown (CV-10) and joined VT-1 as a replacement gunner. The USS Yorktown had just completed 3 days of combat off of Guam and was heading north toward the Bonin Islands (Chichi Jima and Iwo Jima). VT-1 had already lost one aircraft (Lt Merrell) and would lose another the next day at Chichi Jima (Ltjg Keeler).

AMM2c Casper was awarded an Air Medal for his service aboard the USS Yorktown flying with VT-1. The names of the pilot and radioman that he flew with is not known.

USS Copahee (CVE-12) muster report June 3rd 1944

USS Copahee (CVE-12) muster report June 21st 1944

Air Medal awarded December 5th 1944 (for his service aboard the USS Yorktown)

Leo Casper (1922)