|
Rank and organization: Brigadier General. Assistant Commander, 4th Bomber
Wing, U.S. Army Air Corps. Place and date: Germany, 24 December 1944.
Entered service at:
Mountain Lakes, N.J. Birth: 14 October 1908, Manila P.I. G.O.
No. 22, 28 February 1947. Citation: 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.
This data was extracted from the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, U.S. Senate, Medal of Honor Recipients: 1863-1973 (Washington, D.C.: Government Printing Office, 1973)
| | |