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Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to First Lieutenant (Air Service) John Rolfe Castleman, United States Army Air Service, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with 99th Aero Squadron, U.S. Army Air Service, A.E.F., near Romagne, France, 5 October 1918. In spite of being attacked by seven enemy planes, type Fokker, and later by five type Pfalz, Lieutenant Castleman successfully accomplished a photographic mission 6 kilometers behind the German lines, without protection, and also destroyed two of the enemy planes.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Air Service)

    Batallion:

    99th Aero Squadron

    Division:

    American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    October 5, 1918
    GHQ, American Expeditionary Forces, Citation Orders No. 1 (June 3, 1919)

    By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918), First Lieutenant (Air Service) John R. Castleman, United States Army Air Service, is cited by the Commanding General, American Expeditionary Forces, for gallantry in action and a silver star may be placed upon the ribbon of the Victory Medals awarded him. First Lieutenant Castleman distinguished himself by gallantry in action while serving as a Pilot with the 99th Aero Squadron, American Expeditionary Forces, in action near Cunel, France, 5 October 1918, while on a photographic mission.