James Case Evert

Rank: Private, U.S. Army

Serial: 32369295

Unit: Reconnaissance Company, 41st Armored Infantry Regiment

Entered service from: New Jersey

Died: June 2, 1943

Burial: Arlington Cemetery, Cove Road, Pennsauken, NJ

Awards: Soldier’s Medal

Private James Case Evert was born in Merchantville NJ on January 3, 1921 to Walter Hatfield and Edythe Oakford Evert. His parents had moved to the area from Williamsport PA sometime between 1910 and his birth. At the time of the 1930 Census his family lived at 6119 Walnut Avenue in Pennsauken NJ. His father gave his occupation as special agent in the fire insurance business. He had an older brother Walter Brooks Evert, who then worked as a salesman in a music house.

James Evert attended classes at Merchantville High School, and finished his high school education in 1938. James Evert entered Rutgers University in September 1938, graduating with a BS degree in Business Administration in May of 1942. While at Rutgers, James Evert was an accounting major and earned his numerals in crew. He was a member of Zeta Psi, vice president of Tau Kappa Alpha, served as manager of the debate team and was an active member in Little Theater. A State Scholarship recipient, he was also inducted into the National Honorary Forensic Society. After graduation, he worked as an accountant for the Radio Corporation of America in Camden NJ.

James Case Evert was inducted into the Army on June 11, 1942 at Camden NJ and reported for active duty on November 6, 1942. After joining the Army, he trained at Camp Polk, LA. He was serving with Reconnaissance Company, 41st Armored Infantry Regiment, 11th Armored Division while he was in training. During a tactical maneuver on June 1, 1943, he and five others crossed the Sabine River into Texas. During this action, a member of the team, Private Goldberg of Dorchester, MA, was caught in a current. James dove in to assist him, but was unable to save the heavier victim, causing both to drown. He was posthumously awarded the Soldier’s Medal for heroism.

James Case Evert was survived by his widowed mother and brother of Riverton NJ, and an uncle, Charles H. Oakford of 63 Walnut Street, Merchantville NJ. His death was reported in the June 5, 1943 edition of the Camden Courier-Post. James Evert was brought home and buried at Arlington Cemetery in Pennsauken NJ, near his father, in the Oakford family plot.