Castle, Frederick Walker

Date of birth:: October 14th, 1908 (Fort McKinley-Manilla, Philippine Islands)
Date of death:: December 24th, 1944 (Hods, Belgium)
Buried on:: American War Cemetery Henri-Chapelle
Plot: D. Row: 13. Grave: 53.
Service number:: 0-319375
Nationality:: American

Biography

Promotions:
?: 2nd Lieutenant;
January 19th, 1942: Captain;
March 1942: Major;
January 1st, 1943: Colonel;
November 20th, 1944: Brigadier General.

Career:
?: Boonton High School;
?: Storm King Military Academy;
October 2nd, 1924: New Jersey National Guard;
July 1t, 1926 - June 12th, 1930: West Point Military Academy;
?: Commission Corps of Engineers;
? - December 22nd, 1931: Pilot Training March Field California, Kelly Field, Texas;
?: 17th Pursuit Squadron, Selfridge Field, Michigan;
?: Civilian Conservation Corps;
February 17th, 1934: Army Reserve;
?: Allied Chemical and Dye Corporation;
September 1938: Assistant Company President Sperry Gyroscope Company;
January 19th, 1942: Organistation Bases and Supply Depots 8th Army Air Force;
January 1943: Air Chief of Supply (A-4), 8th Air Force;
June 19th, 1943 April 14th, 1944: Commanding Officer 94th Bomb Group, Rougham;
April 14th, 1944: Commanding Officer 4th Combat Wing;

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Pilot Wing

Awarded on:: December 22nd, 1931

Silver Star Medal (SSM)

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Brigadier General
Unit:: 487th Bombardment Group, U.S. Army Air Forces
Awarded on:: 1943

General Orders No. 136, Headquarters, 8th Air Force (1943).

Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC)

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Colonel
Unit:: 8th Air Force, U.S. Army Air Forces
Awarded on:: February 16th, 1944

Citation:
"For extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while leading a Heavy Bombardment Division of Flying Fortresses on a mission over Germany, 16 December 1943. Colonel Castle directed the attack from his position in the leading aircraft. In spite of repeated assaults by hostile fighters and extremely adverse weather conditions, he maintained a tightly-knit formation and reached the assigned target on schedule. Though subjected to heavy, accurate anti-aircraft fire, Colonel Castle led his units directly over the objective and wrought great destruction on important enemy installations. The high degree of success attained is attributable to the courage and superb leadership of Colonel Castle. His actions on this occasion reflect highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States."

General Orders No. 59, Headquarters, 8th Air Force (February 16, 1944).
This award was obtained in the form of a bronze Oak Leaf to be attached on the ribbon of the first award.

Medal of Honor - Army (MoH)

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Brigadier General
Unit:: 4th Bomber Wing, U.S. Army Air Forces
Awarded on:: February 28th, 1947

"He was air commander and leader of more than 2,000 heavy bombers in a strike against German airfields on 24 December 1944. En route to the target, the failure of 1 engine forced him to relinquish his place at the head of the formation. In order not to endanger friendly troops on the ground below, he refused to jettison his bombs to gain speed maneuverability. His lagging, unescorted aircraft became the target of numerous enemy fighters which ripped the left wing with cannon shells. set the oxygen system afire, and wounded 2 members of the crew. Repeated attacks started fires in 2 engines, leaving the Flying Fortress in imminent danger of exploding. Realizing the hopelessness of the situation, the bail-out order was given. Without regard for his personal safety he gallantly remained alone at the controls to afford all other crewmembers an opportunity to escape. Still another attack exploded gasoline tanks in the right wing, and the bomber plunged earthward. carrying Gen. Castle to his death. His intrepidity and willing sacrifice of his life to save members of the crew were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service."

Awarded posthumously.
General Orders No. 22, 28 February 1947.

Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC)

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Colonel
Unit:: 8th Air Force, U.S. Army Air Forces

Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC)

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Brigadier General
Unit:: 8th Air Force, U.S. Army Air Forces

This award was obtained in the form of a second bronze Oak Leaf to be attached on the ribbon of the first award.

Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC)

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Brigadier General
Unit:: 8th Air Force, U.S. Army Air Forces

This award was obtained in the form of a third bronze Oak Leaf to be attached on the ribbon of the first award.

Legion of Merit - US Military

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Brigadier General
Unit:: 8th Air Force, U.S. Army Air Forces

Received for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States while serving with the EIGHTH Air Force during World War II.