Lawrence V. Castner Explained

Lawrence V. Castner
Fullname:Lawrence Varsi Castner
Birth Date:May 1, 1902
Birth Place:San Francisco, California, United States
Death Place:Oakland, California, United States
Sport:Fencing
Collegeteam:West Point Military Academy Class of 1923
Show-Medals:yes

Lawrence Varsi Castner (May 1, 1902 – December 7, 1949) was an American businessman, fencer and military officer. He competed in the individual and team sabre events at the 1924 Summer Olympics.[1] His greatest acclaim came during World War II, when he led a unit known as Castner's Cutthroats in Alaska.[2]

Biography

Lawrence V. Castner was born in San Francisco on May 1, 1902.[1] [3] He is the son of Major General Joseph Compton Castner.[4] He graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1923.[5]

For his service in Alaska, he earned the Distinguished Service Medal and the Legion of Merit.[3] [5]

He died at his mother's home in Oakland, California on December 7, 1949, after a long illness, and was buried at San Francisco National Cemetery.[3] [5]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Laurence Castner Olympic Results . https://web.archive.org/web/20200417202438/https://www.sports-reference.com/olympics/athletes/ca/bill-castner-1.html . dead . April 17, 2020 . March 29, 2010 . sports-reference.com.
  2. Web site: Lawrence V. Castner . Olympedia . October 26, 2021.
  3. News: Colonel Castner Dies on Coast . . 17 . 1949-12-08 . 2022-12-21 . Newspapers.com.
  4. Book: Class of 1891, Rutgers college, history to 1913 . Rev. John Howard Raven . 19 .
  5. News: Colonel Castner Passes on in California . . Oakland, California . AP . 8 . 1949-12-12 . 2022-12-21 . Newspapers.com.