A proud Oklahoman and veteran, Castleberry is one of the last remaining pilots who flew bomber planes in WWII.
STILLWATER OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE / 18
The Greatest Generation
WW2 VETERAN CELEBRATES 100th BIRTHDAY
Legacy Village has become well-known for its parties and events for our local celebrities. The retirement center just celebrated the 100th birthday of resident and WWII veteran Solomon
Castleberry.
Family, friends, and staff were on hand for the birthday bash of their beloved hero. Surrounded by decorations with his face on it and lots of chocolate cake, Solomom toasted his 100 years and reflected on his time in the military.
" Mr. Castleberry is the perfect example of what a life well-lived truly looks like,” said Kristi Lester, director of sales and marketing for Legacy Village.“ It was incredible to watch him and his family celebrate the remarkable legacy he has created."
Castleberry was drafted at 18 years old right out of Stillwater in 1943. He was one of 13 young men from Payne County and went on to become a tail gunner for a B-29. The tail gunner on a B-29 Superfortress played a crucial role in the aircraft ' s defense against enemy aircraft. Positioned in the rear section, the tail gunner was responsible for protecting the bomber from tail attacks. The tail gunner ' s effectiveness was vital during missions, as they faced the most dangerous position in the aircraft, often being the last line of defense against enemy fighters.
Solomon then joined the Army Air Corps, which we now know as the US Air Force. Not only did he serve his country for decades, he served alongside his wife Twilla for multiple years as well. The military couple will be celebrating their 80th wedding anniversary in December. He actually proposed to her in a letter while he was stationed overseas. " Living with me is the only reason he ' s made it to 100. Everyone else would ' ve kicked him out!" joked Twilla.
A proud Oklahoman and veteran, Castleberry is one of the last remaining pilots who flew bomber planes in WWII. The Stillwater News Press thanks you for your service, good sir!
SwOk
STORY BY: JENNIFER JALBERT Stillwater Oklahoma Magazine
PHOTO by JENNIFER JALBERT
A proud Oklahoman and veteran, Castleberry is one of the last remaining pilots who flew bomber planes in WWII.
Honor those who sacrifice to protect our freedoms.
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STILLWATER OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE / 18