Silver Star Citation (2nd Award): 

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Colonel James Helms Kasler (AFSN: O-2221728/24551A), United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam. During the period 15 August 1967 to 20 September 1967, the North Vietnamese were conducting a savage purge throughout the prison camp in which Colonel Kasler was interned, to determine the identity of the leaders of the resistance against them and their camp policies. Colonel Kasler was called out on trumped up charges, had his hands clamped behind his back for 32 days and put through the dreaded rope torture. Colonel Kasler, although very seriously wounded, resisted the Vietnamese through extraordinary willpower and gallantry in a manner which reflected great credit on himself and the United States Air Force.

Silver Star Citation (1st Award):

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant James Helms Kasler (AFSN: O-2221728/24551A), United States Air Force, for gallantry in action against an armed enemy of the United Nations as a Pilot, 335th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron, 4th Fighter-Interceptor Group, FAR EAST Air Forces, on 15 May 1952. While on patrol in North Korea, Lieutenant Kasler sighted three MiGs and immediately attacked. He closed to one hundred feet and fired several short bursts, causing one MiG-15 to burst into flames. During this attack the other two MiGs had closed on Lieutenant Kasler, and he continued deliberately to draw their fire while directing his wingman so that he could destroy one of the attacking MiGs. The third MiG then ceased firing at Lieutenant Kasler and made one firing pass at his wingman. This maneuver permitted Lieutenant Kasler to fall in behind, pursuing the MiG at tree-top level through an extremely heavy concentration of ground fire. After a fifty-mile chase, Lieutenant Kasler was able to close on the MiG and destroy it. In employing these tactics of exposing himself to both air attack and heavy ground fire, Lieutenant Kasler and his wingman were able to destroy all three of the MiGs. Through his exceptional gallantry and keen airmanship, Lieutenant Kasler reflected great credit upon himself, the Far East Air Forces, and the United States Air Force.

Air Force Cross Citation (3rd Award):

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Title 10, Section 8742, United States Code, takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Air Force Cross to Lieutenant Colonel James Helms Kasler, United States Air Force, for extraordinary heroism in military operations against an opposing armed force while a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from June 1968 through July 1968. During this period, Colonel Kasler accomplished an amazing feat of resistance against the North Vietnamese when they attempted to force him to meet a visiting delegation and appear before television and news cameras. Through personal fortitude and absolute heroism, he completely withstood the most brutal of Vietnamese tortures and caused his captors extreme embarrassment in their failure to gain useful propaganda statements. Through extraordinary heroism, staunch display of courage, and willpower in the face of the enemy, Colonel Kasler reflected the highest credit on himself and the United States Air Force.

JAMES HELMS KASLER

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EX-PRISONER OF WAR

COL

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CROWN HILL FUNERAL HOME & CEMETERY

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