US Army Air Forces Brig Gen Frederick Castle: WWII Medal of Honor Recipient

Medal of Honor Citation:
He was air commander and leader of more than 2,000 heavy bombers in a strike against German airfields on 24 December 1944. Enroute 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 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 Gen. Castle to his death. His intrepidity and willing sacrifice of his life to save the members of his crew were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service.

Please view our other videos to learn about our Medal of Honor heroes.

Photos Courtesy Wikimedia Commons

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[robertdipaola]

A true leader, saving his crew and heroically going down with his ship

[tommyjenkins]

I knew an older man when I was stationed in Idaho, Mr Mullens an infantry man in France and Germany. He told me of seeing groups of bombers as far as you could see in every direction heading to targets, Thanks for your service and the time you spent with a young airman teaching me history, Mr Mullens probably gone now, ,RIP

[tigertiger]

I don’t know why we play this game.. you always leave me on my arse humbled and in tears…
When I think of how far I have to look up to those I know made the difference.. that we all live in today🙏👍🌹

[Snaproll]

General Castle led from the front. May he Rest in Peace.

[luisbermudez]

RIP BG Castle 🫡🇺🇸. Thank you sir for your service. Part of The Great Generation.

[shaun]

I'm speechless. Bravery beyond comparison. True warrior

[grannyblinda]

A man among men...we owe so much to these giants and patriots...

[harryshriver]

Well done, sir, I applaud how you saved your crew and your sacrifice is forever remembered by those surviving crew, RIP BG Castle 😢 vaya con Dios y en paz descansen.

[keithfarris]

True leadership. There were too many that never understood this. A man like this is someone that can get the impossible from his men. Because he would do the impossible for them. Rip brother live forever

[thomascorrea]

Thank you Sir for your service and RIP

[stevebailey]

Castle AFB is named after him. It was located near Merced, CA. Its now closed. I flew in there when doing my private pilot certificate. RIP GEN Castle.

[jefsantamonica]

He rests in Honor. General, your duty is valued from a grateful nation. The Greatest Generation.

[frankdenardo]

The old Castle Air Force Base in Merced, California, was named after him.

[johnlansing]

He took care of his boys ! He knew he could not be taken prisoner and made rhe call that saved his men and his country, Thank you for your courage and sacrifice !

[christesta]

Thank you for your service and your sacrifice Brigadier General Castle. May you rest in peace.

[DonaldConway-ri]

Thank you for your service to your country

[davepattyhornick]

Rest in peace General Castle
Thank you for your service and sacrifice.

[jamesdrew]

Rest in peace and thank you again for everything and God bless you all 🙏 ❤️

[kevinjohnson-lfkj]

Hence forth "Castle " Air Force Base.

[krismueller]

Thank you for your service and sacrifice