James H. Kasler

James H. Kasler was a highly decorated United States Air Force officer and fighter ace whose career spanned three major conflicts. He is most renowned for his extraordinary heroism during the Vietnam War, where he earned the Air Force Cross for a daring raid and later endured over six years of brutal captivity as a prisoner of war. Kasler remains the only individual to have received the Air Force Cross twice for separate acts of valor.

Early life and education

Born in South Bend, Indiana, Kasler developed an early interest in aviation. He attended local schools before enlisting in the United States Army Air Forces in 1944 during the final stages of World War II. Following the war, he utilized the G.I. Bill to further his education, attending Purdue University and later completing coursework at the University of Maryland.

Military career

Kasler's military career began as an enlisted aircrew member before he was selected for flight training. He earned his pilot wings and received a commission as a second lieutenant in the newly established United States Air Force. He quickly transitioned to jet aircraft, flying the F-86 Sabre and later becoming an instructor at the prestigious United States Air Force Fighter Weapons School. His expertise led to assignments with elite units, including the 4th Fighter Wing and the 8th Tactical Fighter Wing.

Korean War service

During the Korean War, Kasler was assigned to the 4th Fighter Wing flying the F-86 Sabre. He proved to be a highly skilled fighter pilot in the intense air battles over MiG Alley. Credited with shooting down six enemy MiG-15 aircraft, he achieved the status of a flying ace. His combat performance earned him multiple awards for gallantry, including the Silver Star and the Distinguished Flying Cross.

Vietnam War service and captivity

In the Vietnam War, Kasler served as a squadron commander with the 8th Tactical Fighter Wing at Ubon Royal Thai Air Force Base, flying the F-105 Thunderchief. On a 1966 mission against the heavily defended Paul Doumer Bridge in Hanoi, he pressed his attack despite intense surface-to-air missile and anti-aircraft fire, earning his first Air Force Cross. Later that year, he was shot down during a raid on the Thai Nguyen Steel Mill and captured by North Vietnamese forces. He endured severe torture and solitary confinement as a prisoner of war in facilities such as the Hanoi Hilton. For his leadership and resistance during captivity, he was awarded a second Air Force Cross upon his release in 1973 as part of Operation Homecoming.

Later life and legacy

Following his repatriation, Kasler continued to serve in the United States Air Force, retiring with the rank of colonel in 1975. He settled in Indianapolis and remained active in veteran affairs, particularly with organizations like the Red River Valley Fighter Pilots Association and the American Legion. His legacy is preserved at institutions like the National Museum of the United States Air Force and the Indiana Military Museum. Kasler passed away in Indianapolis and is buried at Arlington National Cemetery.

Category:American military personnel of the Korean War Category:American prisoners of war in the Vietnam War Category:Recipients of the Air Force Cross (United States)