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Castle, Noel Oker

Date of birth:
November 19th, 1911 (Washington/District of Columbia, United States)
Date of death:
May 6th, 1942 (Corregidor, Philippines)
Mentioned on:
American Cemetery and Memorial Manila
Service number:
0-5323
Nationality:
American (1776 - present, Republic)

Biography

Captain Castle commanded Company D (4th Marines) during the Battle of Corregidor in May 1942. He organised and led a counter-attack against Japanese forces occupying Battery Denver with the following words: "Let's go up there and run the bastards off." Castle perished in the battle for the water tower. More about his story can be found here.

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Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Captain
Unit:
Company D, 2nd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Brigade, U.S. Marine Corps
Awarded on:
September 10th, 1947
"For gallantry in action against the enemy while Commanding Company D, Fourth Marines, in action at Corregidor, Philippine islands, on 5 - 6 May 1942. On that date, Captain Castle was supervising the re-installation of damaged beach defense weapons in the east sector, Corregidor, at the time when the Japanese launched their landing attack against the island. During the intense bombardment supporting the attack, Captain Castle, by his example of personal bravery and outstanding leadership, encouraged his men to resist to the utmost against overwhelming odds, with the result that a larger number of casualties were inflicted on the enemy. When the crew of a machinegun, which had been firing against the advancing enemy, was so reduced by casualties as to be unable to continue to man its gun, Captain Castle personally manned the gun and continued firing until he was killed. Captain Castle's gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service."

War Department, General Orders No. 86 (posthumously awarded)
Silver Star Medal (SSM)
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)

With bronze star
Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal

Sources