In God We Trust
On June 28, 1950, while on a combat mission, the flight instruments on B-26B Invader bomber (#44-34238) with the 8th Bomber Squadron, 3rd Bomber Group malfunctioned and the plane crashed into the Yellow Sea. Two were killed and one was rescued.
Killed in Action:
Campos, SSgt. Jose Catano Jr. (tailgunner) - Sergeant Campos was born May 16, 1919 in Miami, Arizona, the son of Jose Catano Campos Sr. and Belen Campos. He attended George Washington and Miami High School before joining the Army Air Corps on September 15, 1941. During World War II he flew 100 bombing missions in the European Theater. After discharge on June 21, 1945 he worked for Inspiration Copper Company. He enlisted in the Air Force in 1947. He married Jovita Casillas and they had one daughter Jennie. He was the recipient of a Distinguished Flying Cross, Silver Star, and an Air Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters. Sergeant Campos' remains were recovered and he was buried in Pinal Cemetery, Central Heights, Arizona.
Cyborski, 1Lt. Raymond Joseph (pilot) - Lieutenant Cyborski was born October 25, 1924 in Chicago Heights, Illinois, the son of Joseph and Edna Mae Cyborski. He was the recipient of an Air Medal.
Rescued:
Lister, 1Lt. Harry Monroe (injured) - Lieutenant Lister was born August 06, 1920 and died January 20, 2010. He retired from the Air Force as a Major.
DPAA: On the morning of June 29, 1950, a B-26B Invader (tail number 44-34339A) with a crew of two departed Ashiya Air Base, Japan. The briefed mission was a six-aircraft flight on a daylight interdiction operation against targets north of Seoul. After successfully bombing their primary targets, the flight began looking for targets of opportunity. While strafing an enemy train carrying ammunition near Sonyu-ri, the Invader was struck by exploding ordnance. As the pilot attempted to recover, the B-26 flew into electrical wires and crashed near the town of Ilsan-ri. Local villagers reported that both occupants were killed instantly and that their remains were taken to the North Korean Army Headquarters in Seoul.
Killed in Action:
Avarello, 2Lt. Charles B. "Baldy" (pilot) - Lieutenant Avarello was born December 18, 1927, in Buffalo, New York, the son of Joseph and Antoinette (Olivia) Emanuel Avarello of Buffalo, New York.
Olson, TSgt. Maurice Arthur - Sergeant Olson was born January 05, 1926 in Minnesota, a son of Carl Peder Olson (1889-1973) and Mathilda Geneva Anderson Olson (1892-1968). His siblings were Clarice Elaine Olson Hallisey (1916-1991), Carl Sherman Olson (1919-1920), Robert Carl Olson (1920-2003), Henry Warren Olson (1922-1992) and Lorraine Phyllis Olson Thompson (1924-1996). Sergerant Olson enlisted in the Army Air Corps on January 12, 1941.
USAF reports this plane ran out of fuel after a successful bombing run over Seoul and was forced to ditch at sea off the coast of Fukae-shima, Japan. The surviving pilot reports there was an underwater explosion after they ditched and he was knocked unconscious. While the pilot, Capt. Jack Eno was rescued, no sign of Staff Sergeant Fluke was found during extensive search by personnel from a nearby radar station. Captain Eno, in a letter describing the incident, reported a bomb had shook loose and stuck in the bomb bay during the run. This is the probable cause of the underwater explosion, he reported. He also reported Staff Sergeant Fluke had chosen to stay with the aircraft during the ditching instead of bailing out before.
Killed in Action:
Fluke, SSgt. Robert Williams (tailgunner) - Sergeant Fluke was born October 19, 1924, the son of William H. Fluke and Alma Williams Yount Fluke (later Kelley) (1901-1958). On May 21, 1945 he married Frances Louise Blakeslee and they had a daughter, Sandra L. Fluke (later Knutson), who was four years old at the time of the crash. Sergeant Fluke was a World War II veteran.
Rescued:
Eno, 1Lt. Jack B. II (pilot) - Lieutenant Eno was born in 1922 and died in 1971. He is buried in Evergreen Cemetery, Lansing, Michigan.
On July 27, 1950, a three-man aircrew, twenty-two male passengers and one female--Genevieve Smith, left Haneda, Japan for a flight to Pusan, Korea in a C-47D. Less than a half hour later the plane veered to the right and flipped onto its back. The tail section broke off and the plane crashed into the ocean. There was only one survivor--saved because he was sucked out of the airplane and was able to pull his parachute ripcord before he lost unconsciousness. He was picked up out of the water by a Japanese fishing boat eight hours later. All others on the aircraft were lost at sea.
Fatalities:
Blasetti, Pvt. Silvio Vito - Private Blasetti was born June 15, 1930 in Yonkers, New York, a son of Fausto Blasetti (1904-1976) and Caroline Farrara Blasetti (1906-1989). His siblings were sisters Lucy and Marion, and brother Philip Blasetti. Silvio attended St. Mary's Parochial School and Benjamin Franklin Junior High School. He enlisted in the Army in February of 1947. While living in Japan he had a son (mother's name unknown), George Reiko-Blasetti.
Boggs, Pfc. Junior Russell - Private Boggs was born May 12, 1928 in Creston, West Virginia, a son of Thomas R. Boggs (1901-1990) and Della Frances Parsons Boggs (1906-1984). His siblings were Thomas Lee "Tom" Boggs (1924-1998), Mary J. Boggs Campbell (1926-2013), Anna Boggs Exline (1931-2022), James "Jack" Boggs (1935-2013), Mrs. Larry (Margaret Boggs) Webster, and Charles Boggs.
Brunn, Reginald R. - civlian ECA representative that lived in Tokyo
Collingsworth, GMC T.L. -
Hughes, Capt. Alexander Jr. - He was the son of Alexander M. Hughes Sr. and Twila E. Hughes. He was married when he enlisted on January 29, 1944 in Pennsylvania.
Corey, Pfc. John C. - Private Corey was born March 31, 1929.
Davis, Pfc. Ralph Duane - Private Davis was born December 09, 1924, the son of Handy L. Davis (1901-1957) and Ruth I. Davis (1910-1950). He attended Newberry High School and was inducted into the Army on May 18, 1945.
Engle, Maj. Frederick
Foster, Lt. Col. George W. (pilot) - He was the son of Mrs. Tom Aldreidge and husband of Mrs. Ann Foster.
Hinton, Albert - civilian war correspondent for The Norfolk Journal & Guide
Jackson, Lt. Col. Wilfred - Colonel Jackson was born September 02, 1902 in Fairmont, West Virginia, the son of George Samuel Jackson and Jessie Pearl Fouse Jackson.
Golubinski, Sgt. Zigmund T. - Sergeant Golubinski was born December 21, 1915. He was a World War II and Korean War veteran.
Kite, 2LT Howard Ray - Lieutenant Kite was born August 09, 1924, a son of Andy Ray Kite (1900-1971) and Johnnie Beatrice Carroll Kite (1904-1996). His siblings were Harold Edwin Kite (1921-1965) and Mrs. Ben A. l(Sara Kite) Pelot.
McCurdy, Capt. Lauchlan Neil (co-pilot) - Captain McCurdy was born August 05, 1;916 in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, the son of William and Emma McCurdy. He enlisted in the military on July 11, 1941.
Moravec, Matthew C. (civilian) - Mr. Moravec was born in Winona on January 06, 1915, a son of Mr. and Mrs. Vincent Moravec. He was a 1934 graduate of Winona Senior High School. He joined the Army, serving in the continental United States, Alaska and Germany from August of 1940 to 1945. Beginning in September of 1946 he was a civilian working in criminal investigation with Army occupation forces in Japan. His siblings were Joseph Moravec and sisters Mrs. Elmer (Blanche) Bess, Mrs. James (Mary) Murphy, Mrs. Arhur (Agnes) Kern, Mrs. Joseph (Frances) Kierlin, Mrs. Alvin (Kathryn) Purcell, and Mrs. Charles (Margaret) Trubl.
Munro, I.T. - civilian with the United Kingdom liaison mission in Tokyo
Perry, Cpl. Percy Royster - Corporal Perry was born December 01, 1930. He was the son of Mrs. Iola W. Perry of Raleigh, North Carolina..
Philonenko, Maximilian - civilian war correspondent for Agence France Presse
Seito, Sgt. M. -
Sexton, SSgt. Samuel Nelson (flight engineer) - Sergeant was born July 27, 1922, in Texas, the son of Jessee Cromwell (died 1968) and Rebeccca Jane Madden Sexton (1899-1973). He was married to Laura Evelyn Strange. He enlisted in the military on November 25, 1940 and was a member of the National Guard.
Simmons, Stephen - civilian war correspondent for Hilton Press & London Picture Post
Smith, Maj. Genevieve Marion - Genevieve Marion Smith was born April 25, 1905 in Epworth, Iowa, daughter of Thomas Aphonaius Smith (1875-1947) and Mary Elizabeth Kennedy Smith (1874-1965). In addition to her mother, Major Smith was survived by siblings Mrs. Frank (Veronica) Dagenais, Mrs. Edwin (Catherine) Horsfield, Mrs. Alfred (Alice) Arensdorf, Joseph Smith and Thomas K. Smith. Genevieve Smith graduated from St. Joseph Mercy Hospital School of Nursing in Dubuque, Iowa, on August 15, 1925, and joined the Army in 1928. After World War II she spent two years in Germany and then in October 1948 she was transferred to the Philippines. She was later transferred to Japan, where she was serving as chief nurse of the 155th Station Hospital in Yokohama, Japan when she was selected by General Douglas MacArthur to be chief nurse for Korea. Although the former World War II Army nurse was due to retire in January 1951 after 22 years of military service, she accepted the position and sealed her destiny on a fatal air flight to Korea. On July 27, 1950, a three-man aircrew, twenty-two male passengers and one female--Genevieve Smith, left Haneda, Japan for a flight to Pusan, Korea in a C-47D. Less than a half hour later the plane veered to the right and flipped onto its back. The tail section broke off and the plane crashed into the ocean. There was only one survivor--saved because he was sucked out of the airplane and was able to pull his parachute ripcord before he lost unconsciousness. He was picked up out of the water by a Japanese fishing boat eight hours later. All others on the aircraft were lost at sea. [See A Few Good Women by Evelyn M. Monahan and Rosemary Neidel-Greenlee, pp. 252-253.] Further information about Major Smith can be found in: A Concise Biography of Maj. Genevieve Marion Smith by Mrs. Genevieve Comeau, General Reference & Research Branch, Historical Unit, USAMEDS, Forest Glen Section, Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Washington, DC, published in April of 1962.
Supple, James O. - civilian religion news correspondent for Chicago Sun Times.
Welsh, James William - civilian, Red Cross
Young, MSgt. George Wickersham - Sergeant Young was born May 25, 1906. He was married to Sue Farwell on April 16, 1934. He enlisted in the military on March 06, 1941.
Lone Survivor:
Sazaki, SFC Haruo - 166th Military Intellicence Service Detachment, 8th Army, Yokohama, Japan
PAA: On September 2, 1950, a B-26 Invader (44-34373)) with three crew members took off as the lead in a flight of four aircraft on a bombing mission against enemy railroads near Iti, South Korea. This Invader's target was the railroad track running west from Iti to Kunsan. As the aircraft flew along the tracks at low altitude, it struck a high tension tower and crashed into the village of Kwangya-ri, causing an explosion that killed the three crew members and several villagers. Locals buried the bodies of two of the crew members, which were eventually recovered by U.S. Army Graves Registration Service personnel; however, the remains of the third crew member were not recovered, as they were reportedly cremated by the villagers.
Killed in Action:
Colvard, Sgt. Roy Paul Jr. (tailgunner) (body recovered) - Sergeant Colvard was born October 15, 1929 in Minnesota, the son of Roy Paul Colvard Sr. (1907-1976) and Bessie M. Colvard (1906-1970). He is b uried in Fort Snelling National Cemetery.
LaBarge, 1Lt. Francis John "Jack" (pilot) (body recovered) - Lieutenant LaBarge was born June 24, 1928, the son of Francis E. LaBarge (1904-1977) and Julia Ann Girard LaBarge (1903-1939). He enlisted in the Army Air Corps on January 28, 1946. Lieutenant LaBarge is buried in Holy Name Cemetery, Faust, New York.
Zeiher, SSgt. George Thomas (tailgunner) (missing in action) - Sergeant Zeiher was born October 05, 1922 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the son of George J. Zeiher. He married Marguerite Ann Jones (later Blackwell-Phegley) (1927-1999) on August 03, 1948 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. His siblings included Marie Zeiher Kummer. A World War II veteran, Sergent Zeiher attended Woodrow Wilson Junior High School and Olney High School. He enlisted in the Army Air Corps on November 18, 1942.
DPAA: First Lieutenant James John Anderle Jr., who joined the U.S. Air Force from California, was a member of the 363rd Fighter-Bomber Squadron, 8th Fighter-Bomber Group. On September 2, 1950, he took off from Tsuki Air Base, Japan, piloting an F-51D Mustang (tail number 45-11538) as the number two aircraft on a two-plane armed reconnaissance mission over Wonsan, North Korea. As the flight neared Wonsan, the flight leader radioed an order to strafe an enemy oil storage tank. As the flight leader made his pass, he saw and heard heavy ground fire coming from the target area. He then radioed 1st Lt Anderle to give him flight instructions, but 1st Lt Anderle responded that he did not receive the message. The flight leader then circled the area to search for 1st Lt Anderle, but saw no sign of him. First Lieutenant Anderle was not seen or heard from again. No returning POWs mentioned having contact with 1st Lt Anderle, nor was he seen at any known holding point, interrogation center, hospital, or permanent POW camp. He has not been associated with any remains returned to U.S. custody after the ceasefire, and he is still unaccounted for.
Missing in Action:
Anderle, 1Lt. James John Jr. - Lieutenant Anderle was born June 24, 1924 in Oak Park, Illinois, a son of James John Anderle Sr. (1895-1965) and Evelyn Johanna Galley Anderle (1901-1969). His siblings were Katharine Galley Anderle Boos (1927-2004) and Gustav Galley Anderle (1930-1972). A World War II veteran with one year of college, Lieutenant Anderle was the recipient of an Air Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster.
On September 30, 1950, while on a night intruder mission, a B-26B Invader bomber (#44-34685) with the 8th Bomber Squadron, 3rd Bomber Wing was hit by anti-aircraft fire, crashed into the ocean near Wonsan, North Korea and exploded.
Missing in Action:
Bruzelius, Sgt. David Jr. (tailgunner) - Sergeant Bruzelius was born June 11, 1931, t he son of Rev. David B. Bruzelius (1903-1951) and Nellie Narcissa Bruzelius (later Long) (1900-1977). Sergeant Bruzelius earned the Distinguished Flying Cross and Air Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters.
Gallagher, 1Lt. Lawrence William (pilot) - Lieutenant Gallagher was born November 22, 1924, the son of Vincent A. Gallagher (1897-1972) and Alberta S. Gallagher (1904-1983). His sister was Phyllis Gallagher Shurter (1928-1974). He enlisted in the Army Air Corps on December 13, 1942 and received the Air Medal with one Oak Leaf Cluster.
Matton, Sgt. Andre Joseph (bombardier) - Sergeant Matton was born August 31, 1925 in Massachusetts, the son of Philias Victor Matton (1879-1957) and Lucine Ross Matton (1881-1962). His siblings included an infant sister (1918-1918), Eva Matton (1906-1907), Anna Matton (1913-1917), Philias Matton, Lionel Matton, Emil Matton, Noella Matton (Barnaby (1911-2002), Mrs. Andre Gagne, and Phyllis Matton Luvu.
On October 3, 1950, while on a night intruder mission, B-26B Invader bomber with the 13th Bomber Squadron, 3rd Bomber Group (#44-34237) was hit by anti-aircraft fire and crashed one mile north of Hangju.
Killed in Action:
Dorsey, TSgt. Joyce Merlin (tailgunner) - Sergeant Dorsey was born July 16, 1925 in Ashland, Kansas, the son of Henry L. Dorsey (1897-1969) and Lulu Edna Smith Dorsey (1900-1986). Sergeant Dorsey was a World War II veteran that served in the 8th Air Force in the European Theatre. His siblings were Marvin J. "Jack" Dorsey (1930-2018), Jacob Robert Dorsey (1934-1992), Kenneth Dorsey, Henry Dorsey, and Dwight Dorsey.
Hallum, Capt. Allen Lynnwood (bombardier) - Captain Hallum was born December 02, 1921 in Fannin, Texas, the son of Allen Lynwood Hallum (1895-1921) and Edna Jewel Sharp Hallum (later Smith). His stepfather was Frank S. Smith. Captain Haillum and his wife Doris had a daughter Linda Marie, who was born after her father was declared missing in action. His half siblings were Theresa Belle Trockmorton (1923-1992), Henrietta Christine Weber (1927-2016), Doris Jean "Tootie" Goldsborough (1932-2021), Billye Jeane Smith Noyes (1929-1994) and Robert Bruce Smith (1925-1986). Captain Hallum graduated from Hereford High School and then attended Commercial School of Art in San Antonio, Texas.
Walton, 1Lt. Lucius Prewett (pilot) - LIeutenant Walton was born January 20, 1928 in Louisiana, the son of Clarence Leon Walton (1892-1940) and Doris E. Walton (Johnson). Lieutenant Walton spent his childhood in Moroe and attended Ouachita Parish schools..
On October 3, 1950 while on a night intruder mission in the Pyongyang to Wonsan area, contact with a B- 26B Invader bomber (#44-34233) with the 13th Bomber Squadron, 3rd Bomber Group was lost. The remains of the crew members were recovered in Operation Glory.
Killed in Action:
Glakeler, SSgt Robert Thomas (tailgunner) - Sergeant Glakeler was born January 13, 1912 in Ponca City, Oklahoma, the son of Thomas Lee Glakeler (1886-1963) and Georgia Ella O'Neal Glakeler (1888-1965). His wife was Flora Bernice Dale Glakeler of Las Vegas, Nevada. He was the recipient of a Distinguished Flying Cross and Air Medal with six Oak Leaf Clusters. Sergeant Glakeler is buried in Restland Memorial Park, Dallas, Texas.
Pierce, Capt. Luther Herman (navigator) - Captain Pierce was born March 02, 1915 in Easton, Massachusetts, a son of Edward Thomas Pierce (188301950) and Josephine Stephanie Philla Pierce (1890-1970). His wife was Mabel L. "Whitie" Pierce. He was the recipient of a Distinguished Flying Cross and Air Medal.
Smith, Capt. Gordon Oliver (pilot) - Captain Smith was born March 31, 1923, the son of Emmett John Smith (1869-1925) and Gertrude Letitia Moore Smith (1887-1959). He was married to Mary Lon Smith (later Johnson) (1926-2001). Captain Smith enlisted in the Army Air Corps on September 12, 1942. He is buried in Arlington National Cemetery.
On October 19, 1950, while participating in a night intruder mission over Sinanju, Korea in bad weather, contact with B-26B Invader bomber (#44-34223) with the 8th Bomber Squadron, 3rd Bomber Wing, based at Iwakuni Air Base, Japan, was lost.
Milligan, 1Lt. Aychie Clark (navigator) - Lieutenant Milligan was born April 18, 1 920 in Charleston County, South Carolina, a son of Edward D. Milligan (1895-1978) and Lillian A. Clark Mulligan (1898-1968). In 1947 he married Dorothy Ann Christopher Milligan (later Hillburg) (1922-2010). They had a son, James Milligan, who was five years old when his father was declared missing. Lieutenant Milligan's brother was Edward Oliver Milligan (1925-1965). Lieutenant Milligan was the recipient of an Air Medal.
Paffenroth, Capt. Albert William (pilot) - Captain Paffenroth was born April 25, 1920 in Wisconsin, a son of John Paffenroth (1895-1958) and Mary Elisabeth Merkle Paffenroth (1899-1982). He was married with sons Albert William Paffenroth Jr. and Allen Paffenroth, and a daughter. Captain Paffenroth enlisted in the Army Air Corps on March 10, 1942 during World War II. He was the recipient of an Air Medal with six Oak Leaf Clusters.
Quider, TSgt. Chester Darwin "Tommy" (tailgunner) - Sergeant Quider was born January 16, 1926, the son of Chester Joseph Quider (1899-1959) and Marion R. Brady Quider (later Stark) (b. 1905). He was married to Mary Florence Murphy Quider (1927-2013) and they had children Sherry Quider Murphy, Karan Quider Mason and Tommie Jean Quider.
On October 21, 1950, while on a combat mission, an F-51D Mustang night fighter with the 39th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron, 35th Fighter-Interceptor Group received a direct hit by anti-aircraft fire and crashed into a hill between Sunchon and Kunu-ri, North Korea. He pilot's remains were discovered and returned during Operation Glory, 1954.
Killed in Action:
Anderson, Capt. Bergier Albert - Captain Anderson was born July 18, 1924 in San Francisco, California, the son of Beriger F. Anderson (1896-1961) and Marie W. Muhlmann Anderson (1902-1993). A P-47 pilot in World War ll, he was awarded a fifth and sixth Oak Leaf Cluster to the Air Medal posthumously. Captain Anderson's remains are buried in Golden Gate National Cemetery, San Bruno, California.
DPAA: On November 30, 1950, a B-26 Invader (serial number 44-35941, call sign "Duncan Dog Seven" and nicknamed "Black Noop Gnat") took off from Iwakuni Air Base carrying three crew members on a combat mission against enemy forces in North Korea. The intended targets included enemy troop concentrations and vehicle convoys in the Chunma Mountains in northwestern Korea. The Invader was contacted by radio on the morning of December 1, when it flying was near Seoul, South Korea and still en route to its targets. However, the aircraft was not heard from again and never returned from the mission. A search of friendly airfields found no sign of "Black Noop Gnat" or its crew. Because of unknown circumstances surrounding the loss area in enemy-held territory, no crash site was located. The three crew members aboard the aircraft remain unaccounted-for.
Batty, Capt. Claude Albert Jr. (pilot) - Captain Batty was born May 17, 1918 in Kansas City, Missouri, the son of Claude Albert Batty Sr. (1894-1954) and Alma Mathilda Deines Batty (1893-1991). He was married to Marguerite Jane Patton (1923-2007) on January 13, 1940. His sister was Dona Batty Reeves-Marquardt. A World War II veteran, Captain Batty enlisted in the Army Air Corps on January 20, 1944.
Coulter, 1LT John Robert - Lieutenant Coulter was born June 14, 1925 in Uniontown, Pennsylvania, the son of Ottley Russell Coulter (1890-1976) and Ethel Grace Alexander Coulter (1898-1972). His siblings were Athelda (Mrs. Clarence Klink) and David Batty. According to a message on the Korean War Project website, he was the father of Mary Boal, whose mother was Jean Marie Allen. His siblings were David Coulter and Mrs. Clarence (Athelda Coulter) Klink. Lieutenant Coulter was the recipient of a Distinguished Flying Cross and Air Medal with eight Oak Leaf Clusters.
Kepley, Capt. Walter Maurice ( navigator) - Captain Kepley was born May 07, 1925 in Logan, Oklahoma, the son of Byron Ranson Kepley (1910-1944) (killed on Saipan in World War II) and Nele Rita Barnebey Kepley (1905-1995). His sister was Betty Lou Kepley Shaw (1922-1998). He was the recipient of an Air Medal.
DPAA report: Midmorning on December 2, 1950, a B-26C Invader (tail number 44-35874) departed Itazuki Air Base, Japan, with a crew of three aviators, as the number two aircraft in a flight of four. The briefed mission was a low-level bombing operation supporting United Nations forces under attack approximately 50 miles north of Pyongyang. As the flight approached the target area, they were instructed by the forward air controller to attack pre-planned targets at Pakchon. On the flight's second pass, the flight leader narrowly missed several powerlines; as Hobba pulled off the target, the number two-B-26 suddenly exploded crashing near the target. Witnesses in a LTG-6 Texan reconnoitering the Pakchon area reported the Invader hit a ridge one-half mile southeast of the town and slide down into the valley, burning during its descent; it is unlikely anyone survived the crash.
Missing in Action:
Hobba, Capt. William Otis (navigator) - Captain Hobba was born October 09, 1924 in Los Angeles, California, the son of William John Hobba (1902-1966) and Geneva May English Hobba (1905-1980). Captain Hobba was the recipient of an Air Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters.
Hunter, Capt. William Ralph (pilot) - Captain Hunter was born July 19, 1919 in California, a son of William Thomas "Bill" Hunter (1888-1969) and Gertrude "Dado" Kennedy Hunter (1890-1975). His siblings were Otis Dell "Buster" Hunter (1912-1999) and Evelyn Zelma Hunter (Stella) (1914-2007). Captain Hunter received a Distinguished Flying Cross.
Overton, Sgt. Donald Wesley (tailgunner) - Sergeant Overton was born April 30, 1926, the son of Harry Barton Overton (1903-1999) and Virginia Hattie Overton (later Hutcheson) (1906-1974).
DPAA: Late in the afternoon on December 6, 1950, a B-26 Invader (tail number 44-34222) departed Iwakuni Air Base, Japan, with a crew of three. The briefed mission was a night intruder operation north of Seoul, Korea. Due to a solid cloud cover over most of Korea, they were forced to drop their payload based on an estimated time of arrival and began searching for targets of opportunity. Unable to see any terrain features, the pilot decided to return to base by way of Seoul and Teagu. Inclement weather interfered with navigation and radio equipment throughout the flight, making it difficult to stay on course. When the fuel was almost exhausted, the pilot was able to contact two ground stations in Japan, which provided a course to Japan. Unfortunately, before the Invader could reach land, the engines cut out and it became necessary to bail out. The next day, the navigator was rescued. Rescuers were unable to locate the pilot or the gunner, and both men remain unaccounted-for.
Lewis, Capt. Jack - Rescued
McFee, SSgt. Claude Douglas (MIA) - Sergeant McFee was born on April 21, 1928 in Houston, Texas, a son of Claude McFee (1905-1972) and Bessie Virginia Clark McFee (1909-1999). His brother was Bram McFee. A World War II veteran, he enlisted on April 09, 1946.
Tahsequah, LTC Meech (MIA) - Lieutenant Colonel Tahsequah was born October 27, 1918 in Lawton, Oklahoma, a son of George and Pansy Sapcut Tahsequah. His other parent was Charlie Komah (1894-1955). LTC Tahsequah was married to Flaurel Evelyn Landrum Tahsequah (later Oliver) (1920-2010). Their children were Donald G. Tahsequah (1941-1961) and twin sons, Larry Wallace Tahsequah (1944-1944) and Gary Wayne Tahsequah (1914-2011). His siblings were Austin T. Komah (1913-1974), Marguritte Wilson (1920-1998), Pauline Jane Komah Tahsequah McCully (1921-2012) and Kenneth Lee Komah (1923-1973. LTC Tahsequah, a Native American Comanche, was a World War II and Korean War veteran who received a Distinguished Flying Cross and an Air Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters.
B-26 #44-35992 crashed in light snow about 1,800 feet short of the runway of the Bolling AFB while performing a local training sortie. The plane somersaulted into a corrugated metal supply building. Two crew members were killed.
Fatalities:
Lowe, Capt. Ralph Zelmore Jr. - Captain Lowe was born October 01, 1920 in Galveston, Texas, a son of Ralph Zelmore Lowe Sr. (1891-1971) and Mary Grace Roberti Lowe (1895-1992). His siblings were Douglas Marius Lowe (1926-2001), George Lowe and Olivette Lowe Rule. Captain Lowe, a World War II and Korean War veteran, is buried in Arlington National Cemetery.
Sapp, SSgt. Eugene C. - Sergeant Sapp was born May 26, 1921, the son of Charles Robert Sapp (1891-1953) of Louisiana, Missouri and Lea Venita Sapp Mariweather (1893-1975) of Moline, Illinois. His siblings were Alonzo C. Sapp (1912-1996), Otha Marie Sapp Perkey (1916-2010), Nola V. Sapp Heflin (1926-2018), and John Gay Sapp (1930-2013). Sergeant Sapp is buried in Rock Island National Cemetery, Rock Island, Illinois.
DPAA: Midmorning on December 20, 1950, a B-26 Invader with a crew of four aviators (tail number 44-35992) departed Miho Air Base, Japan, as the lead aircraft in a flight of six. The briefed mission was daylight-bombing operations targeting in Kangdong, North Korea. Shortly after take-off, the flight proceeded into the clouds that covered the airfield at the time. When the flight leader’s wingman broke through the cloud cover, he was unable to locate the lead aircraft. All of his radio calls to the missing aircraft went unanswered. The flight leader’s wingman immediately contacted Air Sea Rescue, which began its search which continued through December; all search operations ended with negative results. Later, an eyewitness account from the captain of a small Japanese fishing boat revealed that the missing aircraft had crashed into the Sea of Japan. Subsequent recovery of a propeller blade and a parachute, identified as the pilot’s, confirmed that this aircraft was the missing Invader. Additionally, the immediate search conducted by the captain of the Japanese fishing boat found no evidence of survivors.
Killed in Action:
Fitt, 1LT John Mason (co-pilot) - Lieutenant Fitt was born September 07, 1924 in Winnepeg, Canada, the son of Albert J. and Hilda Fitt of Winnepeg. His sister was Dorothy E. Fitt. He was married to Patsie Sourwine and they had sons Mark Mason Fitt (3 1/2 years old) and Brandon Jay Fitt (18 months old). He attended Albambra High School and then transferred to Mark Keppel High School, where he was a star athlete. In civilian life he was a painter-decorator. He enlisted in the Army Air Corps on March 20, 1943 and was in the Reserves after World War II. He was recalled to service during the Korean War, arriving in Korea on October 01, 1950. He was the recipient of an Air Medal.
Hiatt, Maj. William Holmes (pilot) - Major Hiatt was born February 13, 1921 in Madison, Iowa, the son of Ernest Bradfield Hiatt and Catherine Luella Spencer Hiatt. He was married to Virginia Robey Hiatt and they had a son and daughter. He enlisted in the Army Air Corps on December 16, 1941.
Upton, Sgt. Richard Raymond (tailgunner) - Sergeant Upton was born January 06, 1926 in Chicago, Illinois, the son of Richard John and Christine H. Gould Upton. He enlisted in the Army Air Corps on June 10, 1944 and was the recipient of an Air Medal.
Watkins, Capt. Norman Edward ((co-pilot) - Captain Watkins was born July 22, 1914 in West Bromwich, Staffordshire, England, the son of Edward and Marian Jones Watkins of England. He married Helen Louise Young Watkins on March 16, 1945. He was the recipient of the Distinguished Flying Cross and an Air Medasl with two Oak Leaf Clusters.
DPAA: On December 27, 1950, a B-26 Invader (44-35758) with a crew of four took off from Iwakuni Air Base, Japan, on a night intruder mission over North Korea. While flying over South Korea, en route to the target area, the B-26 contacted an air controller to report that they were experiencing no difficulties, and the flight was proceeding as planned. This was the last contact made with the aircraft, which failed to return from the mission. The exact circumstances surrounding the Invader's loss are unknown. The aircraft's navigator was later discovered to have been a prisoner of war who died while in enemy custody; his remains were returned to the U.S. after the war. The other three members of the Invader's crew are still unaccounted for.
Gehman, 2Lt. Robert A. (navigator) (POW - body recovered) - Lieutenant Gehman was born November 28, 1923, the son of Ivan and Margaret Gehman of Linwood, New Jersey.
George, MSgt. Winiford Robert "Bubber" (bombardier) (MIA) - Sergeant George was born August 12, 1921 in Early County, Georgia, a son of Lonnie Calvin George (1897-1972) and Niza Lee Sheffield George (1900-1989). His siblings were Eugene N. (1925-1962), Bob Allen (1931-2023), Willie Joe "Amos" (1934-2017) and Charlie Dick George (1937-2024). Sergeant George enlisted October 31, 1945 and was the recipient of an Air Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters.
Guthrie, SSgt. Marvin Lee (tailgunner) (MIA) - Sergeant Guthrie was born January 25, 1917 in Alabama, the son of James Lee and Mary F.E. Guthrie. When Marvin Guthrie enlisted on November 29, 1945, he was married. He was the recipient of an Air Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster.
Kuehner, Capt. Gordon Voelker Jr. (pilot) (MIA) - Captain Kuehner was born July 14, 1922 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, a son of Gordon Voelker Kuehner Sr. (1892-1948) and Beatrice Wright Kuehner (later Dewing) (1897-1967. Captain Kuehner's brother was 2Lt. Richard S. Kuehner, who was killed in action in France during World War II. Captain Kuehner was the recipient of an Air Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters.
:On December 29, 1950, a B-26B Invader (tail number 44-34705A) with a crew of three departed Miho Air Base, Japan, as part of a five-plane tactical bombing mission targeting enemy holdings in Sunchon, Korea. As the formation made a low-level pass over the target area, the Invader was hit by enemy fire and crashed. The other aircraft in the formation circled the crash site, but saw no sign of survivors. Enemy presence prevented ground searches of the area, and all three members of the Invader's crew remain unaccounted-for.
Aiken, Cpl. James Richie "Jimmie" (bombardier) (MIA) - Corporal Aiken was born January 20, 1931 in Illinois, the only son of Winton James Aiken (1904-1978) and Lillie Opal Snow (later Peterson) (1911-1995). He was married to Virginia Lee Collier on April 01, 1948 in Los Angeles, California. Corporal Aiken was the recipient of an Air Medal.
McNamara, Capt. Martin Jerome (MIA) - Captain McNamara was born April 04, 1916 in New York. He was the husband of Eleanor Loraine McNamara. He enlisted on March 13, 1944. Captain McNamara was the recipient of an Air Medal.
Victor, 1LT Irwin Louis Jr. "Bus" (co-pilot) (KIA) - Lieutenant Victor was born July 27, 1921 in Chicago, Illinois, the son of Irwin Louis Victor Sr. (1892-1971) and Francis "Frankie" Bohn Victor. He had one sister, Dorothy Mae Victor. Lieutenant Victor enlisted in the Army Air Corps on April 10, 1942. He was the recipient of a Distinguished Flying Cross and Air Medal.
August 05, 1950 - #62938 - 15 miles south of Kunsan - Md air collision with Aircraft #63018
August 09, 1950 - #62928
August 10, 1950 - #80932 -35 miles southeast of Denver, CO Mid air collision with #81071
August 10, 1950 - #62995 - near Chonui
August 11, 1950 - #97492 - west of Kosong
August 18, 1950 - On this date a flight of sixteen F4U Corsairs was returning to the Quonset Point NAS after a formation training flight. As the aircraft were in the process of breaking formation in preparation for landing, two of them, Bu. No. 97173, and Bu. No. 96898 were involved in a mid-air collision. The tail section of #97173 was torn away and the plane plummeted from 1,000 feet and crashed just 15 feet from Hangar 3. The pilot, LTCD Robert Lyons Jungklas, did not survive. The other aircraft was also damaged, but landed safely. The aircraft were assigned to VF-74 at Quonset NAS. Commander Jungklas was born Jund 14, 1919 in Saginaw, Michigan, a son of William Frederick Jungklas (1884-1943) and Sarah Loreetta Lyons Jungklas (1886-1964). He was married to June Reamy (later Maxwell) (1924-2018) on May 31, 1949. Their son was Robert Lyons Jungklas Jr. His sisters were Mary Jane Jungklas (1916-2016) and Sally Ann Jungklas (1921-1983). His half-sister was Leona Jungklas (1908-1909). Commander Jungklas is buried in Mount Olivet Cemetery, Saginaw, Michigan.
August 19, 1950 - #62928
August 28, 1950 - #80907 - Cherry Point, NC
August 31, 1950 - Capt. James A. English (born in Lawrence, Massachusetts on January 20, 1917), died on August 31, 1950. He was leading his flight of four F4Us in close air support of friendly forces near Pohang-dong, South Korea when his aircraft received a direct hit by anti-aircraft fire and crashed. He gallantly gave his life for his country. Captain English was a veteran of World War II. In Korea he was the pilot of a F4U-4B Corsair fighter (#97463) with Marine Fighter Squadron 214, Marine Air Group 33, 1st Marine Air Wing. For his leadership and valor, Captain English was awarded the Silver Star, the Distinguished Flying Cross with 2 Gold Stars, the Air Medal with 12 Gold Stars, Purple Heart, the Combat Action Ribbon, the Korean Service Medal, the United Nations Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Korean Presidential Unit Citation, the Republic of Korea War Service Medal and the World War II Victory Medal. The KWE believes that his wife was Helen English.
September 10, 1950 - #123199 - 15 mi n, Harrisburg, VA.
September 16, 1950 - #97979 - Inchon
September 16, 1950 - #97479 - near Inchon
September 19, 1950 - Lieutenant Junior Grade Franklin Smith Jr. was the pilot of a F4U-4 Corsair fighter (#81129) with Fighter Squadron 63, Carrier Air Group Two aboard the aircraft carrier, USS Boxer (CV-21). On September 19, 1950, after completing a raid over Korea, as his aircraft landed, it struck the barrier and went overboard inverted. His remains were not recovered. Lieutenant Smith was born March 30, 1924 in Greenville, South Carolina, the son of Franklin Smith Sr. and Elizabeth B. Smith. He attended Greenville senior high school and Randles Preparatory School in Washington before entering the naval academy. He graduated in the US Naval Academy Class of 19 46. There is a marker for him in Arlington National Cemetery.
September 19, 1950 - #81120
September 22, 1950 - #122018
September 24, 1950 - #82021 - between Okinawa to Hami AB
September 25, 1950 - Ensign William Edmund Brown (Luzerne County, Pennsylvania) was the pilot of a F4U-4B Corsair fighter (#97457) with Fighter Squadron 53, aboard the carrier USS Valley Forge (CV-45). On September 25, 1950, while on a combat mission near Sariwon, North Korea, his aircraft crash landed possibly due to enemy anti-aircraft fire. His remains were not recovered. It is believed that he was held captive by North Korean forces, held prisoner in Sariwon and later Pyongyang.
September 25, 1950 - #63058 - .5 miles near Kimpo
September 26, 1950 - #81123 - Corry Field, Florida
September 29, 1950 - ner Uijongbu
October 03, 1950 - #97098 - near Kycha
October 06, 1950 - #121839 - 20 miles east of Suwon
October 17, 1950 - #121832 - enroute Kimpo to Wonsan
October 19, 1950 - #76535 - three miles ne of St. Helens, Oregon
October 26, 1950 - #124523 - eight miles east of Carollton, TX
October 26, 1950 - F4U Corsair WE18 was hit by ground fire during the Chosin Reservoir campaign and crash-landed in North Korea. U.S. Marines rescued the pilot, Lt. Joe Bibby, and then threw hand grenades into the fuselage and cockpit to destroy what the crash didn't.
October 27, 1950 - #81890 - 3 miles west of Riverside, CA - mid air collision with F4U #82036
October 27, 1950 - #82036 - See #81890
October 27, 1950 - #82033 - four miles east of Hwangsuwon-ni
November 04, 1950 - #96917 - three miles east of Carrizo, CA
November 11, 1950 - #81779 - north of Hamhung
November 14, 1950 - #122051 - between Chosin & Fusin
November 20, 1950 - #121996
November 21, 1950 - #121871 - Sea of Japan
November 24, 1950 - 10 miles n Meadville, PA
November 30, 1950 - Major Marvin Leland Berg was a veteran of World War II. In Korea, he was the pilot of an F4U-5N Corsair (#121974) night fighter with the Marine Night Fighter Squadron 513, Marine Air Group 12, 1st Marine Air Wing. On November 30, 1950, during an air strike near Yudam-ni, North Korea, he reported to his wingman that he was feeling badly and his oxygen was a problem. He lost contact. He was listed as Missing in Action and was presumed dead on December 3, 1953. Major Berg was born April 20, 1923 in Borup, Minnesota, the son of Obert Clarence Berg (1898-1952) and Vina E. Veale Berg (1902-1977). He was married to Carmen Beverly Bakken (later Couey) (1924-1975) on October 09, 1943 in Corpus Christi, Texas. They were parents of children Billi Jean Berg (Zippwald) and Marvin Lelad Berg Jr. (1949-2004).
December 03, 1950 - Technical Sergeant Charley Lee Radford was the pilot of a F4U-5 Corsair fighter (#122028) with Marine Fighter Squadron 212 aboard the aircraft carrier USS BATAAN (CVL-29). On December 3, 1950, while on a combat mission of strafing enemy positions five miles west of Koto-ri, Korea, his aircraft struck the side of a hill. 1st Marine Air Wing records cited time as 1315 December 3, 1950, at CV5358, detailed summary of missions flown. Area southwest of Koto-ri in the area of Hill 1250 south of Hamadae-ri at CV531594. Sergeant Radford was born November 19, 1920, a son of John Columbus Radford (1885-1959) and Hester Inez Strickland Radford (1891-1945). He was married to Mary Louise Farr (1921-2001) and they had a daughter, Melda Charlene (McClaran), who was five years old at the time of the crash. His brother was Alfred Radford and his sister was Elsie Radford Wall. Sergeant Radford, who enlisted on November 25, 1940, is buried in Waco Memorial Park, Robinson, Texas.
December 4, 1950 - On December 4, 1950 an F4U (#97231) took off from the USS Leyte CV-32, piloted by Ensign Jesse LeRoy Brown on a ground attack mission over Kot'o-ri near the Chosin Reservoir. Brown was flight leader with wingman F4U Corsair (#82050) piloted by Lt(jg) Thomas J. Hudner, Jr. While flying in formation over the target, Brown was presumably hit by ground fire or small arms fire and reported losing oil pressure and selected a snow covered flat open area to the west of the Chosin Reservoir to make a force landing. During the force landing, Brown sustained injuries and the lower half of his body was trapped inside the cockpit preventing him from extricating himself from the aircraft. While flying in formation over the target, this aircraft was presumably hit by ground fire or small arms fire. While flying in formation, Brown reported losing oil pressure and selected a snow covered flat open area to the west of the Chosin Reservoir to make a force landing. During the force landing, Brown sustained injuries and the lower half of his body was trapped inside the cockpit preventing him from extricating himself from the aircraft. Meanwhile, wingman F4U Corsair 82050 piloted by Lt(jg) Thomas J. Hudner, Jr. who witnessed his flight leader's crash landing and spontaneously decided to force land his aircraft beside Brown. Hudner waded through the snow, finding Brown trapped inside the cockpit and was unable to free him. Seeing smoke, Hudner used a fire extinguisher on the nose of his plane. Returning, Hudner spoke with Brown until he expired from his wounds and exposure.
Simultaneously, a helicopter was dispatched to the site to rescue both pilots. When the helicopter arrived, Hudner used the helicopter's rescue ax in a futile attempt to cut into the aircraft's skin to free Brown's body, but was unsuccessful. The helicopter departed with Hudner, leaving Brown's body at the crash site. Both crash landed Corsairs were reported at approximately Lat 40° 36' N Long 127° 6' E roughly ten miles north of Yudam-ni. On December 6, 1950 an F4U Corsair from VF-32 returned to the crash site and observed Brown's body still inside the cockpit of his aircraft. On December 7, 1950 F4U Corsairs from VF-32 returned to the site and dropped napalm onto both aircraft to destroy them. Brown was officially declared dead the day of the mission and is still listed as Missing In Action (MIA). Presumably, Brown's body was destroyed by the napalm bombs dropped on December 7, 1950. Possibly, Chinese soldiers reached the site prior to the napalm strike and recovered his body or personal effects. Brown is memorialized at National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific (Punchbowl) on the courts of the missing, court 8. Posthumously, he earned the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC), Purple Heart and Republic of Korean War Service Medal. In 1972, Knox-class frigate USS Jesse L. Brown (FF-1089) was named in his honor. [Source: Pacificwrecks.com]
Jesse Brown was born October 13, 1926 in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, a son of John Dudley Brown (1892-1959) and Julia Anna Lindsey Brown. His brother was William Dudley Brown (1922-2000). Jesse Brown has the distinction of being the first black African-American aviator in United States History.
December 07, 1950 - On December 7, 1950, while making a strafing run on enemy positions near Hagaru-ri, Korea, an F4U-4B Corsair fighter (#63046) with Marine Fighter Squadron 323, Marine Air Group 12 aboard the aircraft carrier USS Badoeng (CVE-116) was hit by small arms fire and crashed into a hillside. The pilot's remains were not recovered.
Fatality:
TSgt. Hugh E. "Whiskey" Newell - Sergeant Newell was born on April 25, 1921 in Lawrence County, Illinois, a son of Orville Raymond Newell (1894-1937) and Edna M. Moore Newell (1894-1978). He was married to Nancy Jane Gleaton (later Farrow) (1025-2005) and they were parents of Natalie and David Newell. His siblings were Margaret Evaline Newell Brown (1918-1992), Thomas Philip "Tom" Newell (1920-2004), Mary Elizabeth Newell Pyatt (1923-1990), James Newell (1924-1925), Martha Newell Rumble (1926-2011), Kelly David Newell (1928-1998), Robert Moore Newell (1930-1955), Esther Newell Spinner (1932-2016) and Arthur E. Newell (1933-1978). Sergeant Newell was the recipient of a Distinguished Flying Cross with two Gold Stars and an Air Medal with four Gold Stars.
December 07, 1950 - An F4U-4 Corsair fighter (#81465) with the Marine Fighter Squadron 311, Marine Air Group 33, 1st Marine Air Wing ran out of fuel. The pilot tried to make it to Itami Air Base, but the aircraft crashed seven miles west of the Hami Air base.
Fatality:
Capt. John Strickland Jr. was born January 18, 1922, a son of John Strickland Sr. (1894-1981) and Elizabeth Botting Lear Strickland (1896-1948). He was married to Florence Barz and they had a son, John Strickland III. His siblings were Richard (1918-1998), Joseph (1924-1997), Harriet Ann Strickland Hannahs (1920-1981), Mary Strickland Irvin (1926-2008) and Elizabeth Strickland Ring (1928-2015). Captain Strickland was a 1939 graduate of West Chester High School and a 1941 graduate of Rising Sun School of Aeronautics, Philadelphia. He entered the Navy in July 1942 and then transferred to the Marine Corps. During World War II he served in Okinawa. Captain Strickland is buried in Oaklands Cemetery, West Goshen Township, Pennsylvania.
December 10, 1950 - #92154 - Crashed 15 miles northeast of Niagara Falls, New York. One fatality.
December 15, 1950 - Ens. Ronald Eugene Paris was a pilot of a F4U-4 Corsair fighter (#82061) with the Fighter Squadron 193 aboard the aircraft carrier USS Princeton (CV-37). On December 15, 1950, while on a combat mission over Yonpo Airfield three miles south of Koto-ri, Korea, his aircraft received a direct hit by anti-aircraft fire, crashed and disintegrated. Ensign Paris was born October 11, 1928, the son of Gilbert Jennings Paris (1900-1965) and Lila F. Cooper Paris (later Lerney). He was a graduate of Argentine High School and attended two years at the University of Kansas. He was a member of Delta Chi fraternity.
December 23, 1950 - Ens. John Richard "Jack" Brinkley was the pilot of a F4U-4 Corsair fighter (#96899) with Fighter Squadron 53 aboard the aircraft carrier USS Valley Forge (CV-45). On December 23, 1950, performing close air support through Army controllers north of Hungham, North Korea, his aircraft was struck by anti-aircraft fire and crashed north of Hungnam, North Korea. His remains were not recovered. His family and friends knew him as "Jack." Ensign Brinkley was born February 10, 1929 in Columbus, Ohio, the son of Clyde Ward Brinkley (1899-1967) and Charlotte Mildred Tapp Brinkley (1903-1985). His sister was Mary Margerite Brinkley Rohe (1928-2011).
December 24, 1950 - DPAA: Ens. Hugo Vernon Scarsheim, who joined the U.S. Navy from Washington, was a member of Fighter Squadron 193, embarked aboard the USS Princeton (CV-37). On December 24, 1950, he took off from the Princeton in an F4U-4 Corsair (bureau number 81928) to provide close air support to U.S. Marines who had retreated to Hamhung from the Chosin Reservoir area. Witnesses report that, during the mission, ENS Scarsheim's Corsair released a bomb that exploded directly underneath the aircraft, damaging it in the blast. The plane caught fire, crashed, and disintegrated. Ensign Scarsheim was not seen to escape the aircraft before it went down. He was not seen in the wreckage, and enemy presence prevented rescue attempts at the crash site. Ensign Scarsheim's remains have not been located or identified, and he is still unaccounted for. Ensign Scarsheim was born February 27, 1928 in Chicago, Illinois, the son of Martin F. Scarsheim (died 1961) and Agda Frolich Scarsheim.