Last Known Activity:
He was credited with destroying 5 enemy aircraft in aerial combat in WWII.
The location of his remains is unknown.
His 1st DFC citation:
Awarded for actions during World War II
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Second Lieutenant (Air Corps) Nial K. Castle (ASN: 0-797787), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary achievement while participating in an aerial flight over Ormoc Bay, Leyte, Philippine Islands, on 1 November 1944. This officer, while flying in a formation of eight P-38's over Ormoc Bay, encountered ten to fifteen enemy fighters. The P-38's attacked, and Lieutenant Castle opened fire on one of the hostile aircraft. The pilot bailed out and the airplane crashed near the shore line. Lieutenant Castle then fired a three-second burst at another fighter which passed in front of him, whereupon it started burning and later crashed and exploded. The outstanding courage and devotion to duty displayed by this officer are worthy of the highest commendation.
General Orders: Headquarters, Far East Air Forces, General Orders No. 114 (January 18, 1945)
Action Date: 1-Nov-44
Service: Army Air Forces
Rank: Second Lieutenant
Company: 8th Fighter Squadron
Regiment: 49th Fighter Group
|