Mel Casson

Mel Casson (July 25, 1920 – May 21, 2008) was an American cartoonist with a 50-year career. He is primarily remembered for his work on the daily comic strips Sparky, Angel, Mixed Singles/Boomer and Redeye, plus numerous magazine cartoons.

Born in Boston, Massachusetts, Casson was encouraged by his father to pursue a career in art. He received a scholarship to the Art Students League of New York. Casson signed a cartooning contract with The Saturday Evening Post at age 17, and his artwork began to appear regularly in The Saturday Evening Post, Esquire, The New York Times, Ladies' Home Journal and other major magazines.

WWII

He enlisted in the infantry for World War II service and made the Normandy Landing on D-Day. His commander was killed instantly upon reaching Omaha Beach, leaving Casson to lead the attack. He successfully led his men through the assault without further casualties and went on to participate in other battles, earning the rank of captain and decorated with five battle stars: two Bronze Stars, the Croix de guerre and two Purple Hearts.