Albert Epperson

Clarence “Albert” Epperson (April 29, 1916 – Sept. 18, 1944) was a soldier from Robbins killed in Italy during World War II.

See Also: Scott Countians killed in war

Biography

Born April 29, 1916, Albert Epperson was the son of Jess Epperson (1880-1933) and Martha Garrett (1880-1931) of Robbins. His siblings included Henry Dave Epperson (1900-1958), Lillie Epperson (1907-1910), Delmar Epperson (1909-1966), Pearl Epperson (1912-1912), Zora Boling (1913-1933), Bennie Epperson (1918-1980), Archie William Epperson (1921-1978), Johnnie Willard Epperson (1925-2004), Robert Lawrence Epperson (1927-1992).

Albert’s mother died in 1931, his sister Zora died in 1933 of pulmonary tuberculosis, and his father also died in 1933. His father was buried at Black Creek Crossroads Cemetery, and his sister was buried at nearby Kilbeck Cemetery. It’s not clear where his mother was buried.

When he registered for the draft in October 1940, Albert was living with his older brother Henry in Robbins.

Albert was married between 1940 and 1942 to Bertha Clark.

World War II

SSgt. Epperson enlisted in the U.S. Army on Dec. 16, 1942 at Fort Oglethorpe, Ga. He was assigned to the 133rd Infantry Regiment, 34th Infantry Division.

SSgt. Epperson was wounded in the Mediterranean area in March 1944. He was killed on Sept. 18, 1944. A hospital admission card indicates that he died from wounds caused by artillery fragments to his forearm and chest. On that particular day, the 34th Infantry Division was on the Gothic line north of Florence. The 34th had begun an assault on the German line on Sept. 10, 1944.

Aftermath

SSgt. Epperson was buried at the Florence American Cemetery in Florence, Italy. He was awarded with Purple Heart with two Oak Leaf Clusters.

He is listed on the VFW Post 5669 Memorial Wall in Oneida, the Scott County Veterans Memorial in Huntsville, and the East Tennessee Veterans Memorial in Knoxville.

It is not clear what became of SSgt. Epperson’s widow.