Taskel Evans

Harry “Taskel” Evans (Aug. 11, 1917 – Oct. 8, 1944) was a soldier from Robbins killed in Germany during World War II.

See Also: Scott Countians killed in war

Biography

Born Aug. 11, 1917, Harry “Taskel” Evans was the son of Taskel Evans (1892-1919) and Estella Newport (1894-1961). His siblings included Thomas Lee Evans, Elizabeth Rebecca McCartt (1924-1924), Mary Nell Ross (1926-2015) and Odessa Sue McCartt (1930-1930). All of his sisters were born through his mother’s marriage to Dock McCartt (1890-1982) following the death of his father. His brother was a veteran of World War II in the U.S. Navy.

After 1930, the family moved to Somerset. Taskel was not married.

World War II

Sgt. Evans enlisted in the U.S. Army in March 1936 at Fort Oglethorpe, Ga. and was assigned to Co. F, 47th Infantry Regiment, 9th Infantry Division. He was discharged in 1938, joined the U.S. Army Reserve and was discharged in 1938, and re-entered the U.S. Army.

Eventually, his regiment was sent to North Africa, landing on Nov. 8, 1942. He won the Silver Star during battle in March 1943.

He later fought in Sicily, Italy, and was part of the invasion of Normandy in June 1944. He was wounded there, and was hospitalized in England. He returned to his unit in August 1944, and was killed in Germany on Oct. 8, 1944.

Aftermath

Sgt. Evans’ body was returned stateside, and he was buried at Somerset City Cemetery in Somerset, Ky., where his mother is also buried.

He received the Purple Heart and is listed on the East Tennessee Veterans Memorial in Knoxville. He is not listed on either of the Scott County veterans memorials.