Frederick W. Castle MOH

 Ok, a bit sorry. I got a bit wrapped up in things of the here and now and not WWII history. So...This is a bit short.

Talk about fast promotion.  Took me 20 years to go from 2Lt to LtCol.  Look at how it went in WWII.
 

Pinning on BG rank 

In June 1942, he was a Captain, in November, 1944 he was promoted to Brigadier General. World War tends to accelerate promotions.

 

 

On Christmas Ever 1944, he was co-piloting the Lead Bomber. 
 

 

 Unfortunately...

 

In addition to the Medal of honor, his other decorations include the Distinguished Service Cross, Legion of Merit, four Distinguished Flying Crosses, four Air Medals and the Purple Heart. 

 Medal of Honor Citation

CITATION:

         “For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action above and beyond the call of duty while serving with the 487th Bombardment Group (H), 4th Bombardment Wing, Eighth Air Force.

Brigadier General Castle 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 one 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 and 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 two members of the crew. Repeated attacks started fires in two 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 General 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.”

/s/ HARRY S. TRUMAN

 

 

 Sources

 https://www.thisdayinaviation.com/24-december-1944/

https://www.cmohs.org/recipients/frederick-w-castle 

https://www.uswarmemorials.org/html/people_details.php?PeopleID=27166  good quote

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frederick_Walker_Castle  

https://www.af.mil/About-Us/Biographies/Display/Article/108537/brigadier-general-frederick-w-castle/ 

https://www.thisdayinaviation.com/24-december-1944/