Nast practiced corporate law with the firm of DeWitt, Nast, Diskin & Martini.[7] In addition, he was general counsel for Condé Nast publications.[7] Nast retired in 1977.[7]
Nast returned to service with Company K in April 1929.[8] He was promoted to corporal in May 1930, and was discharged in June 1931.[8] He rejoined Company K a month later, and was promoted to sergeant in December.[8] In May 1932, he received his commission as a second lieutenant and was assigned to the regimental headquarters of the 107th Infantry.[8] He was promoted to captain in May 1936, but accepted reduction to first lieutenant in April 1937, when he became an inactive National Guard member.[8] Nast was discharged in April 1939.[8]
World War II
In September 1940, Nast returned to military duty as a private, and was assigned to the headquarters of 2nd Battalion, 105th Field Artillery, a unit of the 27th Infantry Division.[8] He was commissioned as a captain in October, and the division entered active duty for training in anticipation of U.S. entry into World War II.[8] He served with the 105th Field Artillery in the Pacific theater, and received promotion to major in June 1942 and lieutenant colonel in April 1943.[8] During his time with the 27th Division, Nast participated in the Battle of Saipan and Battle of Okinawa.[9]
Following the Surrender of Japan in August 1945, the U.S. military began the post-war Occupation of Japan.[10] Nast, by now serving as Judge Advocate General on the 27th Division's staff, was assigned to lead the division's advance party, which arrived in Japan ahead of the division's main body to make arrangements including travel, food, and lodging.[10] Nast transferred to the Organized Reserve Corps in January 1946, and was promoted to colonel in August.[8]
Later career
In April 1947, Nast returned to the National Guard and joined the 42nd Infantry Division as the organization's Judge Advocate General with the rank of lieutenant colonel.[8] In October 1949, he was again promoted to colonel.[8] In December 1950, he was promoted to brigadier general and assigned as the 42nd Division's assistant division commander.[8] In 1952, Nast graduated from the Infantry Officer Advanced Course.[9]
^ abLovejoy, Clarence E., ed. (November 2, 1928). "Alumni Class Notes". Columbia Alumni News. New York, NY: Columbia University. p. 17 – via Google Books.