KASTAUFFER Posted November 13, 2016 Author Share #26 Posted November 13, 2016 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KASTAUFFER Posted November 13, 2016 Author Share #27 Posted November 13, 2016 He retired from the USAF in 1987 and passed away just last year in 2015. he received a Distinguished Service Medal when he retired. This thread is dedicated to the POWs of the Vietnam War, both those that returned and the ones that did not. There were 766 servicemen reported as POWs during the war. 591 were released at the end of the war. There are 1719 servicemen still MIA. I also want to thank Dan Swanson for his help in saving this group from destruction. Kurt Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wharfmaster Posted November 13, 2016 Share #28 Posted November 13, 2016 My oh my ! W Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave Posted November 13, 2016 Share #29 Posted November 13, 2016 Absolutely incredible, Kurt! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bobby R. Posted November 14, 2016 Share #30 Posted November 14, 2016 Thanks for sharing. Went to a good home. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete-o MSU Posted November 14, 2016 Share #31 Posted November 14, 2016 Thanks for posting and sharing the General's story! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Raidercollector Posted November 14, 2016 Share #32 Posted November 14, 2016 What a group Kurt. Wow, I just saw the Viet Nam war in HD on the history channel, and they show him coming off a air plane at the end of the war with other POW's that where released by North Viet Nam. He was the highest ranking POW. Nick Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mghcal Posted November 14, 2016 Share #33 Posted November 14, 2016 Amazing grouping of a true hero! The scrapbook and photos are really poignant and makes you appreciate some of what he must have gone through for 6 and a half years. Thanks for posting the whole grouping Kurt. Really glad it's found a safe and appreciative home. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheMariner Posted November 14, 2016 Share #34 Posted November 14, 2016 Excellent grouping and glad to hear that it was saved! Do you have the Airforce Cross, i dont see it in with the other medals ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KASTAUFFER Posted November 14, 2016 Author Share #35 Posted November 14, 2016 Excellent grouping and glad to hear that it was saved! Do you have the Airforce Cross, i dont see it in with the other medals ? The DSM was his retirement award and it wasn't with the other material. I'm not sure where it is. I'm assuming that's the medal you are asking about? He did not receive an Air Force Cross. Kurt Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheMariner Posted November 14, 2016 Share #36 Posted November 14, 2016 The DSM was his retirement award and it wasn't with the other material. I'm not sure where it is. I'm assuming that's the medal you are asking about? He did not receive an Air Force Cross. Kurt Yes, typo on my end hahaah Interesting that in such a complete grouping that one medal would be missing but stranger things have happened of course is the award document for the DSM in with the documents ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mach Posted November 14, 2016 Share #37 Posted November 14, 2016 Wow wow wow. Amazing story and grouping. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tarbridge Posted November 14, 2016 Share #38 Posted November 14, 2016 A group for the ages...thanks for posting.Congratulations. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pchepurko Posted November 14, 2016 Share #39 Posted November 14, 2016 Thanks for posting all of this. He was a true patriot. I don't understand how the family could let these go. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
decwriter Posted November 14, 2016 Share #40 Posted November 14, 2016 This is a great save and is in good hands now. Congrats Kurt! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KASTAUFFER Posted November 14, 2016 Author Share #41 Posted November 14, 2016 Yes, typo on my end hahaah Interesting that in such a complete grouping that one medal would be missing but stranger things have happened of course is the award document for the DSM in with the documents ? I don't have the document either. They are still probably together somewhere, Kurt Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KASTAUFFER Posted April 22, 2017 Author Share #42 Posted April 22, 2017 I was contacted by a member of the family who found this thread. After some discussion, I decided to sell it back to them at my cost. I don't make these decisions lightly because i don't prescribe to the mantra " all groups like this must have been lost or stolen". They especially wanted the scrapbook back. In this case I felt it was the correct thing to do. I have seen too many groups like this sent back to families end up later on eBay. I am certain that this group will stay with the family. Kurt Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
decwriter Posted April 22, 2017 Share #43 Posted April 22, 2017 Good on you Kurt! You can't go wrong honoring the man and then having one of the family realize what a hero in the midst they had. The medals are replaceable, but the paperwork is specific to him and the scrapbook is one of a kind. Karma will treat you well... Randy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now