Atwater in Merced County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Castle Air Force Base

Photographed By Gilbert Rodrigues, June 22, 2022

1. Castle Air Force Base Marker

Inscription.

Castle Air Force Base. . Opened in 1941 as Army Air Corps Basic Flying School, its mission was pilot and aircrew training. In 1943 it was renamed Merced Army Airfield, and in 1948 the base was again renamed to Castle Air Force Base after Brigadier General Frederick W. Castle., Brigadier General Castle, a B-17 bomber pilot during world war two, led 30 missions over Germany. On Christmas Eve 1944, while leading 2,000 bombers on his last mission, Castle’s aircraft suffered engine trouble causing it to fall out of formation and was attacked repeatedly by German fighters. With both engines on the right wing in flames, Castle ordered his crew to bail out while he stayed at the controls. The airplane exploded in midair, but 5 of the 9 crewmen survived. General Castle died at the controls and posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his bravery., The airfield became the home of the 93rd Bombardment Wing in 1947 under the newly formed United States Air Force, Strategic Air Command, and was home to B-17 Flying Fortresses, B-29 Superfortresses, and C-54 Skymasters. In 1949, B-50 bombers arrived, and in 1954, the B-47 Stratojet. The first B-52 Stratofortress arrived on June 29, 1955, and KC-135 Stratotanker in 1957, and would remain at Castle AFB. until the base closed., In 1955, the 456th Fighter Interceptor Squadron (FIS) arrived with F-86 Sabres, and later, F-102 Delta Daggers and F-106 Delta Darts. In 1973, the 84th FIS, also with F-106s, assumed this role, and in 1983, the 318th FIS, with F-15 Eagles, took over this mission. , v In 1990, Castle AFB was included in the Defense Base Closure and Realignment Act. Over the next 5 years, all planes and units were relocated, and Castle Air Force Base closed on September 30, 1995., Castle Air Museum officially opened to the public in 1981 to preserve military aviation heritage for future generations. Castle Air Museum started with 5 planes and today is home to 80 restored vintage military aircraft, ranging from pre-world war two to present day fighters, bombers, and tankers.

Opened in 1941 as Army Air Corps Basic Flying School, its mission was pilot and aircrew training. In 1943 it was renamed Merced Army Airfield, and in 1948 the base was again renamed to Castle Air Force Base after Brigadier General Frederick W. Castle.

Brigadier General Castle, a B-17 bomber pilot during WWII, led 30 missions over Germany. On Christmas Eve 1944, while leading 2,000 bombers on his last mission, Castle’s aircraft suffered engine trouble causing it to fall out of formation and was attacked repeatedly by German fighters. With both engines on the right wing in flames, Castle ordered his crew to bail out while he stayed at the controls. The airplane exploded in midair, but 5 of the 9 crewmen survived. General Castle died at the controls and posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his bravery.

The airfield became the home of the 93rd Bombardment Wing in 1947 under the newly formed United States Air Force, Strategic Air Command, and was home to B-17 Flying Fortresses, B-29 Superfortresses, and C-54 Skymasters. In 1949, B-50 bombers arrived, and in 1954, the B-47 Stratojet. The first B-52 Stratofortress arrived on June 29, 1955, and KC-135 Stratotanker in 1957, and would remain at Castle AFB. until the base closed.

In 1955, the 456th Fighter Interceptor Squadron (FIS) arrived with F-86 Sabres, and

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later, F-102 Delta Daggers and F-106 Delta Darts. In 1973, the 84th FIS, also with F-106s, assumed this role, and in 1983, the 318th FIS, with F-15 Eagles, took over this mission.
v In 1990, Castle AFB was included in the Defense Base Closure and Realignment Act. Over the next 5 years, all planes and units were relocated, and Castle Air Force Base closed on September 30, 1995.

Castle Air Museum officially opened to the public in 1981 to preserve military aviation heritage for future generations. Castle Air Museum started with 5 planes and today is home to 80 restored vintage military aircraft, ranging from pre-WWII to present day fighters, bombers, and tankers.

Erected 2022 by Native Sons of the Golden West. (Marker Number 145-7.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Military. In addition, it is included in the Native Sons/Daughters of the Golden West series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1941.

Location. 37° 21.858′ N, 120° 34.664′ W. Marker is in Atwater, California, in Merced County. The marker is on the right after entering the parking lot, by the flag poles. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 5050 Santa Fe Dr, Atwater CA 95301, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 7 other markers are within 14 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Castle Memorial Parade Ground

Castle Air Force Base Marker Dedication image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Gilbert Rodrigues

2. Castle Air Force Base Marker Dedication

(approx. ¼ mile away); A Comrade’s Tribute to Brig. Gen. Frederick W. Castle A.A.F. (approx. ¼ mile away); Merced County Courthouse (approx. 6½ miles away); Merced County Veterans Memorial (approx. 6.6 miles away); The Montpelier-Oakdale Railroad (approx. 6.9 miles away); Merced Assembly Center (approx. 7.2 miles away); First Court House in Merced County (approx. 13.2 miles away).

Also see . . . Stories of Sacrifice - Frederick Walker Castle (Congressional Medal of Honor). "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 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

Castle Air Force Base Marker Dedication Ceremony image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Gilbert Rodrigues

3. Castle Air Force Base Marker Dedication Ceremony

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." (Submitted on April 1, 2023, by James King of San Miguel, California.)

Credits. This page was last revised on April 3, 2023. It was originally submitted on April 1, 2023, by James King of San Miguel, California. This page has been viewed 173 times since then and 61 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on April 1, 2023, by James King of San Miguel, California. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.