Fred was a quiet, dedicated and true patriot. He was an All-American gymnast at San Diego State University where I knew him. Rest in Peace, Fred. We miss you. LT Frederick M. Kasch was a pilot assigned to Anti-Submarine Fighter Squadron 3 (VSF-3), Carrier Air Wing 10 (CVW-10), embarked in USS Intrepid (CVS-11). On 2 July 1967 LT Kasch launched in his A-4B Skyhawk (side number AK-112, BuNo 145002) on a strike mission in to Thai Binh Province, North Vietnam. Following the release of his ordnance, he reported engine failure. He was approximately 15-20 miles from the coast when this occurred. Kasch established a glide toward the Tonkin Gulf and his wingman joined up on him. The wingman remained in radio contact with LT Kasch until he reported descending below 500 feet altitude. The wingman then advised him to eject, since they would be unable to stretch the glide to reach the coast. The wingman lost sight of the aircraft momentarily during the descent. The aircraft hit some houses and burst into flames. The wingman accompanying Kasch saw no parachute and heard no emergency radio transmissions. Search and rescue efforts were limited because of the low fuel status of the overhead aircraft. The on-scene commander viewed the crash site at an altitude of about 100 feet, and observed that the ejection seat was still in the aircraft, and although he did not positively sight LT Kasch, it was his opinion that he remained in the aircraft and did not survive. On 3 Nov 1988 the Vietnamese returned a number of remains to U.S. control. One of the remains, they stated, were Frederick Kasch. On 17 Feb 1989 the U.S. announced that the remains had been positively identified as being those of Kasch. From the POW Network Lieutenant Fred Kasch rests in Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery in San Diego, California. He is memorialized by his squadron-mates in VSF-3. Visit the VSF-3 CHESSMEN LT Kasch's photograph was provided by Jacki Lomangino. The headstone photograph is by John W. Hays. Both are taken, with permission, from the VSF-3 web site.

 

A memorial from his college friend, Joe Potter jpottercs@aol.com  24 Mar 2001

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