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TAPS
Fading light dims the sight,
And a star gems the sky,
Gleaming bright.
From afar drawing nigh,
Falls the night.
Day is done, gone the sun,
From the lake, From the hills,
From the sky.
All is well, safely rest,
God is nigh.
Then good night, Peaceful night,
Till the light of the dawn
Shineth bright,
God is near, do not fear,
Friend, good night. |

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Born: October 14, 1908 at
Manila, Philippine
Islands
Entered Service in the US
Army Air Corps from Mountain Lakes, NJ
Earned
The Medal of Honor During World War II For heroism December
24, 1944 at Germany
Died: December
24, 1944 at the age of 36
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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 General Castle 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.
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