Illinois town dedicates park to local war hero

  • Published
  • By Maj. Karl D. Lewis
  • 301st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
MOMENCE, Ill. (AFPN) --  A warrior of three American wars who exemplified Air Force core values before they were written received a hero's tribute at the dedication of the Kasler-Momence Veterans Park Sept. 15 here.

More than 300 local residents, city and state representatives, and servicemembers came to honor retired Col. James Kasler who earned the Air Force Cross an unprecedented three times. 

The dedication included the unveiling of a statue of Colonel Kasler and a flyover by four Air Force Reserve Command F-16 Fighting Falcons in the town where he lives some 65 miles southeast of Chicago.

"Those F-16s brought tears to my eyes," said Colonel Kasler, who flew F-86 Sabres during the Korean War and F-105 Thunderchiefs during the Vietnam War. "There's nothing more glamorous than to be a jet fighter pilot in the United States Air Force."

During World War II, Colonel Kasler was an enlisted tail gunner in B-29 Superfortress bombers. He became a jet ace during the Korean War, scoring a total of six kills. He flew combat missions during the Vietnam War and, after being shot down, survived 6.5 years of torture and abuse at the hands of the North Vietnamese at the infamous Hanoi Hilton.

"What an amazing patriot," said Capt. Michael Barron, one of the F-16 pilots from the 301st Fighter Wing at Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base from Carswell Field, Texas. "Colonel Kasler embodies everything we as U.S. fighter pilots strive for. He was pushed to the limit -- and beyond. He fought through amazing odds with incredible courage and determination. To be involved with this event humbles me."

Colonel Kasler was awarded the Air Force Cross three times for service during the Vietnam War.

He was awarded his first Air Force Cross for his successful raid on the Hanoi petroleum, oil and lubrication facility. After the raid, more than 90 percent of the facility was destroyed, and the North Vietnamese abandoned it for the rest of the war.

Colonel Kasler earned his second Air Force Cross for his 91st combat mission in Vietnam. He became the on-scene commander during a rescue attempt for his wingman, who had been shot down. The colonel stayed in the area until he ran low on fuel. After being refueled by an air tanker, he returned to the scene to continue support for the rescue until he was shot down.

The Air Force Cross went to him a third time for heroism, valor and bravery for the 6.5 years spent as a POW. He received extensive injuries during his ejection from his stricken F-105.

"After I got hit, the stick was locked against my (right) leg," Colonel Kasler said. "The ejection pushed my thigh bone up past my G-suit. It was a miracle that it didn't puncture a vein. If it had, it would had killed me."

His captors did not properly cared for his wounds and used them to increase the severity of his torture. At times, he was deprived of sleep and tortured on an hourly basis.

During those years in captivity, the colonel never signed a statement or made any remarks that disparaged the United States or its allies.

While her husband was imprisoned, Martha Kasler kept hopes alive at home. She knew she would see him again.

"It was hard for many of the wives," Mrs. Kasler said. "We were married for 16 years when Jim was shot down. Some of the wives had been married for only a short time. I figured Jim -- knowing Jim -- that he would try to escape any day.

"The night Jim got shot down, the twins were staying at Jim's parents overnight," she said. "They'd come and gotten them so they got on the phone and were crying, and I said, 'Settle down. You know dad is going to escape, and he's going to be home. Don't worry about it.' I really, truly thought that. I did not know the extent of his injuries."

Mrs. Kasler is her husband's ultimate "wingman." She never gave up hope while he was imprisoned. 

"This is exciting!" she said at the dedication ceremony. "A lot of times things like this don't happen when you're still living, and we get to see this while we're still alive. I think it's really neat."

Colonel Kasler exemplified the Air Force's core values long before they were written, said Maj. Gen. Allan R. Poulin, the vice commander of AFRC and a family friend.

"It is really fantastic to dedicate this park today in Momence on behalf of the United States Air Force and to recognize Colonel Jim Kasler," General Poulin said. "Three-time recipient of the Air Force Cross, combat fighter pilot, fighter ace, B-29 tail gunner, F-105 Thunderchief fighter pilot -- just a remarkable guy who persevered for so long ... 6.5 years as a prisoner in captivity of the North Vietnamese. He never gave up and never gave in.

"Because of that, he demonstrates the character, resolve and determination of not only Jim Kasler, but of all of our American fighting men," the general said. "And I know because of that, he was an inspiration to his fellow prisoners of war. You couldn't ask for a better person to demonstrate the core values of the Air Force."

The dedication ceremony touched not only visitors, but also local residents like Summer Fuentes whose father, Pastor Michael Frazier, was an Army veteran.

"This dedication shows my generation and every other generation that it is a good thing that the military is doing and that our service men and women should be honored and dedicated for their service, support, and loyalty to our country and our nation," said Ms. Fuentes, whose father gave the invocation.

"This is a great day not only for Colonel Kasler, but also for all veterans," said retired Army Brig. Gen. Jack Kotter. "Jim certainly is an inspiration. Martha had a difficult time like all of our wives do when we go off to war. It's a great day to be an American, and a great day to dedicate this, not only to Jim, but to all veterans in this area."

Colonel Kasler said he was honored to be the focal point of the park's dedication.

"This park is here for the past, the present and the future," he said. "There will be many military people in the future who will fight for this country. On behalf of myself, my family ... I think it is a distinct honor that I should be a part of this beautiful memorial garden." 

(Courtesy of Air Force Reserve Command News Service)

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