"Fifteen"
Fifteen
On May 15, 1952, Lt. James Kasler of the 335th Fighter Interceptor Squadron, Fourth Fighter Interceptor
Wing, became the 15th jet ace of the US Air Force by shooting down a pair of MiG 15s over Antung
Airbase, in China. Sliding in behind his first kill, Kasler opened fire from 1200 yards and ruptured the
MiG's main fuel tank just behind the cockpit. He went on to claim one more kill later in the war to bring
his total to six confirmed victories.
It should be noted that of three MiGs lost over Antung that day, one of them was flown by the son of
Chinese Communist Party Chairman Mao Tse-Tung. It is a 66% probability that Kasler was responsible
for it's destruction.
As a B-29 tailgunner in WWII, a jet ace in Korea, and an F-105 driver in Vietnam, James Kasler is the
epitome of service to his country. On his 91st mission in Vietnam, he was shot down while covering his
downed wingman and went on to spend several years in the Hanoi Hilton at great physical cost. For his
unparalled demonstrations of valor, Col. Kasler has earned three Air Force Crosses, the second highest
award the USAF can bestow.
No other pilot before or since holds this honor.
On May 15, 1952, Lt. James Kasler of the 335th Fighter Interceptor Squadron, Fourth Fighter Interceptor
Wing, became the 15th jet ace of the US Air Force by shooting down a pair of MiG 15s over Antung
Airbase, in China. Sliding in behind his first kill, Kasler opened fire from 1200 yards and ruptured the
MiG's main fuel tank just behind the cockpit. He went on to claim one more kill later in the war to bring
his total to six confirmed victories.
It should be noted that of three MiGs lost over Antung that day, one of them was flown by the son of
Chinese Communist Party Chairman Mao Tse-Tung. It is a 66% probability that Kasler was responsible
for it's destruction.
As a B-29 tailgunner in WWII, a jet ace in Korea, and an F-105 driver in Vietnam, James Kasler is the
epitome of service to his country. On his 91st mission in Vietnam, he was shot down while covering his
downed wingman and went on to spend several years in the Hanoi Hilton at great physical cost. For his
unparalled demonstrations of valor, Col. Kasler has earned three Air Force Crosses, the second highest
award the USAF can bestow.
No other pilot before or since holds this honor.
Here at Ozark Airfield Artworks we offer a large selection art prints. These prints mainly
depict modern and historic aviation along with military, civil and space flight. We also deal
with naval subjects and military armor and infantry works. These prints are from all the top
national and international artists along with some local artists. Many of our prints are
signed by the artist and by famous pilots and veterans. If you are looking for a specific
plane, pilot, artist or subject please contact us.
depict modern and historic aviation along with military, civil and space flight. We also deal
with naval subjects and military armor and infantry works. These prints are from all the top
national and international artists along with some local artists. Many of our prints are
signed by the artist and by famous pilots and veterans. If you are looking for a specific
plane, pilot, artist or subject please contact us.
Copyright © Ozark Airfield Artworks 2005 All Rights Reserved
All images are copyrighted by the individual artist and may not be reproduced
without their consent.
without their consent.
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Ozark Airfield Artworks
See our great selection of
artists like Sam Lyons,
John D Shaw, Robert
Bailey, & Thomas Smith!
artists like Sam Lyons,
John D Shaw, Robert
Bailey, & Thomas Smith!