Colonel Kasler distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism while piloting an F-105 against an armed hostile force in North Vietnam. On 6 August 1966, the then Major Kasler led a flight of fighter-bombers against a heavily defended target in evaluating a low level ordnance delivery tactic. While carrying out this hazardous mission, a wingman was forced to eject over unfriendly territy. Major Kasler located the downed airman and flew cover until perilously low fuel compelled him to leave. Refueling aerilly, Major Kasler returned to relocate the downed pilot so he could direct rescue operations. At great risk to his own life, he explored the gun infested countryside at tree-top level, valiantly searching, but was unable to locate his fellow American. Major Kasler’s Thunderchief was hit by destructive ground fire during this valorous search, and he too ejected into unfriendly hands. Through his extraordinary heroism, superb airmanship, and agressiveness in the face of hostile forces, Major Kasler reflected the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

View COL Kasler’s Air Force Cross and Second Oak Leaf Cluster. Col. Kasler joined the Legion of Valor in 1975.