Tascher graduated from pilot training as part of class 44A in January 1944 and was assigned to North American B-25 training at Columbia AAB, SC with additional training at Mather Field, CA. In December 1944, he was assigned to the 341st Bomb Group, 491st Bomb Squadron at Yangkai air base in China, flying combat missions against the Japanese in various models of the B-25 Mitchell and earning a DSC and Purple Heart for his service.