"Roaring Joe” Castner was born in New Brunswick, New Jersey, the son of a Civil War veteran. After graduating from Rutgers, Castner was commissioned a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army in 1891. He led a distinguished career, serving with the Glenn Expedition in Alaska, the Tagalog Scouts in the Philippines, and even helping with construction projects in Yellowstone National Park. With the onset of World War I, Castner became the commander of the Ninth Infantry Brigade of the 5th Division. He led his brigade through fierce battles at Saint-Mihiel and during the Meuse-Argonne Offensive. For this, Castner was awarded the Army Distinguished Service Medal for “exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services…in a duty of great responsibility.” At the time of his retirement, he was in command of the 3rd Division. Mount Castner and the Castner Glacier in Alaska and Castner Range National Monument in Texas are all named in his honor. 

JOSEPH C CASTNER

Service

WORLD WAR I

US ARMY,

MG

Resting Place

Mementos

Tributes

Word Cloud

undefined

Milestones

Mementos

Historical Documents

Veteran programs and services

More VA resources

Get VA updates

In crisis? Get help now

Contact us