The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Colonel (Air Corps) Frederick Walker Castle (ASN: 0-319375), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary achievement, while leading a Combat Wing of B-17 airplanes on a bombardment mission over Germany, 25 February 1944. In spite of adverse weather conditions over England, he skillfully assembled his units in their proper positions in the formation exactly on schedule. Flying as Command Pilot in the leading aircraft, Colonel Castle maneuvered the Wing through determined enemy opposition to reach the assigned target. Though subjected to intense and accurate anti-aircraft fire, which damaged his plane, he directed a bombing run that wrought vast devastation on an important enemy installation. The courage, sound judgment and skillful leadership displayed by Colonel Castle were largely responsible for the high degree of success attained by the Wing. His actions on this occasion reflect highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.