John Melvin (Jack) Kastner |
| Posted 2018-06-29 by Judy Wight Branson |
| Arizona Republic, Phoenix, Arizona Wednesday, March 14, 1973, page 14, column 1 Jack M. Kastner, 57, World War II Navy pilot Jack Melvin Kastner, 57, Navy pilot in World War II, who received a citation from the Navy secretary, died of a heart attack Sunday in his home, 1007 E Missouri. Mr. Kastner, who had served 20 years until retiring in 1957, was on of the first civilian test pilots hired by the Army and was stationed eight years at Atlantic Army Depot, Forest Park, Ga. His citation was for 'exceptionally meritorious service' as a pilot of a Navy Beechcraft plane in northern Manitoba, Canada, from Sept. 12, to 24, 1948. He was requested to take controls fl the aircraft after it had become lost in bad weather. He made a landing on extremely hazardous terrain. An able woodsman and marksman, he contributed greatly to the survival of the passengers and crew during the ensuing nine days. When the group attempted to march out of the woods, he broke the trail and unselfishly deprived himself of food so there would be more for the others. "Kaster, by his courage and resourcefulness, aroused the respect and esteem of all members of the group before search planes found the downed aircraft.' His last employment was with the State Highway Department. He was born in Prescott. A master mason in St. Andrew's Lodge 560 in Ottawa, he was a member of the American Legon, Veterans of Foreign Wars and Arizona Public Employes Association. Survivors include his wife, Mary F.; three sons' Michael, Donald and David of Denver, his mother, Mrs. Lois B. Henderson of Phoenix; his father, Jack G. Kastner of Tucson; a sister, Mrs. Maxine Bailey of Phoenix, and three grandchildren. Services will be at 1 p.m. tomorrow in Arizona Funeral Home, 376 N. Third Ave., with Masonic funeral committee officiating. Cremation will be private. The family suggests memorial contributions to favorite charities. |
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