Castle, Frederick Walker, BG

Brigadier General, US Army Air Corps. Medal of Honor Recipient. Born at Fort McKinley in Manila, Philippines, the son of Marie Durning and Colonel Benjamin Castle. He grew up in Tientsin, China; Washington, DC; Paris, France; and Mountain Lakes, New Jersey. He attended the US Military Academy, and after graduating in1930 as a Second Lieutenant, Engineers, he took Air Corps training at March Field and Kelly Field. He was assigned as a pilot and assistant operations officer with the 17th Pursuit Squadron at Selfridge Field. He resigned in 1934, and took a position with Allied Chemical followed by a period with the Sperry Gyroscope Company, while keeping reserve status with the New York National Guard. Following Pearl Harbor, he re-entered active service in January 1942. He was assigned to Major General Ira Eaker and was posted to London as the 8th Air Force Air Chief of Staff for supply. He was promoted to colonel in 1943, and took command of the 94th Bomb Group. In 1944, he was given command of the 4th Combat Wing, and was promoted to brigadier general. 

The President of the United States
in the name of The Congress
takes pleasure in presenting the
Medal of Honor
to

*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 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.