Frank Casazza

Major Frank Casazza, of Indian Lake, volunteered for the Army Air Corp Air Cadet Program during World War II, and two weeks after graduating high school, was in basic training. On August 21, 1944, Mr. Casazza earned his wings as an Army Air Corps Navigator, at only 19 years old. 

Four months later, Mr. Casazza was assigned to the 8th Air Force in the 446th Bomb Group of B-24 Heavy Bombers stationed in Bungay, England. His very first mission was to Magdeburg, Germany, where Mr. Casazza and his crew survived an intense attack from almost 200 anti-aircraft guns, their plane narrowly escaping countless bursts of flak and concussions. Tragically, he witnessed the loss of others in his squadron that fateful day. Mr. Casazza went on to fly ten successful combat missions over Germany, including one over Berlin on February 26, 1945. 

After the war, Mr. Casazza remained an active member of the Air Force Reserves, went to Newark College of Engineering and began working in research. In 1952, with a strong desire to continue flying Air Force missions, he sought out an active flying reserve squadron and flew over- water missions, including regularly transporting radar equipment to Cuba. He retired from the Reserves in 1985, after 41 years of faithful service to our nation. 

Frank Casazza is a proud member of American Legion Post 1392 in Indian Lake, where he currently serves as Acting Adjutant and was responsible for creating the Post’s website. He is a member of the 446th Bomb Group Association and the Military Officers Association of America. In further service to his community, he has been a volunteer with youth in Little League programs as well as with the YMCA. He will be married to his loving wife, Fran, for 70 years this July, and they are the proud parents of two children.