This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list.
Surnames: CASTLE
Classification: Military
Message Board URL:
http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/JFI.2ACIB/886
Message Board Post:
Source:
http://www.army.mil/cmh-pg/moh1.htm
Note: This is not my ancestry. I have NO additional information. I am just passing along
information that may be useful.*
CASTLE, FREDERICK W. (Air Mission)
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 Lake,
N.J. Born: 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 give!
n. 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.
Burial: Henri-Chapelle, Belgium
Born: 1908 MANILA, PHILLIPPINE ISLANDS
Died: 1944 Killed Action - Awarded Posthumously
Additional info and cemetery photo:
http://www.homeofheroes.com/gravesites/abmc/castle_frederick.html
*Feel free to pass this on to other appropriate resources.