In God We Trust
"On May 30, 2000, the following information was received from TSgt. Gary W. Boyd, 51 FW Historian: "I have recently been privileged to view the declassified records of the 339th Fighter Squadron (All Weather) from 1950. Despite the contentions of the Korean War casualty data bases, Derrell was lost 28 June 1950 in an F-82G Twin Mustang. His Radar Officer, 1st Lt. Vernon Lindvig, was killed with him. Derrell was one of the first Americans to die in the Korean War. Four other airmen of the 3rd Bomb Group died in other crashes that grim day. The weather was below minimums, but the situation on the ground was so critical that the 5th Air Force flew anyway. Returning from a mission where he covered the civilian evacuees in the Rheinholte Freighter, Derrell's F-82 crashed in the mountains on return to Iwakuni AB, Japan, short of the runway in heavy, low clouds. We are dedicating a memorial to him and the four other 3rd Bomb Wing members who were the first fatalities of the war." A memorial marker was placed in Letart Falls Cemetery, Meigs, Ohio."[Source: Findagrave]
Lindvig, 1Lt. Vernon Alfred - Lieutenant Lindvig was born February 09, 1924, in McVille, North Dakota, the son of Martin Lindvig (1893-1985) and Emma C. Dahl Lindvig (1893-1991). In 1944 he married Emogene Carol Holen (1924-1982). Emogene married Hilton Gene "Tad" Foyle in 1951. His siblings were Irene Jeanette (Broe) (1917-2003), Maurice (1915-1976), Raymond (1925-1925) and Marian Fahey (Locken) (1927-2011). Lieutenant Lindvig is buried in Silent Hill Cemetery, Aneta, North Dakota.
Sayre, 1Lt. Derrell Bryce - Lieutenant Sayre was born on November 20, 1922, in Apple Grove, Ohio, a son of Herbert Lowell Sayre (1898-1992) and Doris Evelyn Sayre Sayre (1902-1986). His sibling was David Benton Sayre (1929-2003). He was married to Doris Hayman (later Rogers) circa 1946 in Montgomery, Alabama, and they were parents of two sons. Lieutenant Sayre joined the U.S. Air Force in 1941 and became a pilot in 1943. He flew navigation-training planes in Texas during World War II. Following the war he was discharged, but reenlisted and was stationed in Japan. Lieutenant Sayre is buried in Letart Falls Cemetery, Letart Falls, Ohio.
This jet (#49-711) was hit by a North Korean tank shell and crashed before the pilot could eject, as reported by his wingman. His remains were later recovered.
Fatality:
Sluder, Maj. Amos Leslie - Major Sluder was born August 23, 1917, in Buncombe County, North Carolina, the son of Amos Estie Sluder (1891-1972) and Essie Rymer Sluder (1890-2977). He was married to Ramona Westbury, who later married Col. Lindsey Wortham Hale. Major Sluder was a World War II veteran who was the recipient of a Distinguished Flying Cross and an Air Medal. He is buried in Saint George UDC Cemetery, Saint George, South Carolina.
Lt.Col. Geun-seok Lee of the Republic of Korea Air Force was the pilot of this F-51 Mustang when it crashed near Shihung, South Korea while attacking a tank. He was killed in the crash.
This aircraft crashed in adverse weather on July 06, 1950 at Chongmong-ni, South Korea.
Fatalities:
Fiebelkorn, Capt. Ernest Charles "Red" - Captain Fiebelkorn was born December 12, 1922, a son of Ernest Charles Fiebelkorn Sr. (1892-1936) and Helen L. Howorth Fiebelhorn (1896-1955). His siblings were M. Elizabeth "Betty" Baas (1924-2004), Roger Harlen Baas (1926-1944) (killed in action in France during World War II while serving in the 397th Infantry 100th Division), John A. "Jack" Fiebelkorn (1927-2008), and Lucille Anne Fiebelkorn (1933-1974). Captain Fiebelkorn and his wife June Allyn (later married to Harold "Hal" Cooper) were parents of one son, Eric Vaughn Fiebelkorn (later adopted by Hal Cooper and name changed). Eric was born in 1945 and died in 2019. The recipient of a Silver Star with Oak Leaf Cluster, a Distinguished Flying Cross (with two Oak Leaf Clusters) and five Air Medals, Captain Fiebelkorn is buried in Arlington National Cemetery.
Higgins, 1Lt. John J. - Lieutenant Higgins was born September 13, 1921, a son of Catherine T. Higgins (1901-1998). He was the brother of USN World War II KIA Robert H. Higgins (1923-1942). Lieutenant Higgins is buried in St. Patrick's Cemetery, Watertown, Massachusetts.
Squadron Leader Graham Strout, the first Royal Australian Air Force fatality in the Korean War, was posted missing after leading a raid by a section of four Mustang aircraft north of latitude 37 degrees 08 minutes north, on the east coast railway at Samchok on 7 July 1950. The RAAF Air Board had directed that a search team should be sent to locate Strout or his remains. At the time, the Pukpyong area was controlled by ROK forces and the recovery party was assisted by the ROK Navy. The team comprised Squadron Leader Esmond New, an RAAF Presbyterian chaplain with extensive knowledge of Korea, its people and language from prior to World War II, and Sergeant (Sgt) Tom Henderson, a World War II veteran of RAAF search and rescue in New Guinea, Java and New Britain. Squadron Leader Stroud's remains were recovered and were later buried at the United Nations Cemetery at Pusan, South Korea. [Source: Australian War Memorial website] Squadron Leader Strout was born February 04, 1921, in Adelaide, Adelaide City, South Australia, Australia, the son of John Alexander Diggory Strout (1889-1956) and Effie Agnes Jane Dunn Strout (1892-1971).
The B-50A (#46-040) suffered the loss of propeller on #3 engine about 19 minutes after take-off on a navigational training flight at 12,700 feet. The engine vibrated loose from its mounts and struck the forward fuselage/bomb bay, causing a fire in this area and the wing. The aircraft immediately entered an uncontrollable spin to the right and all five men in the forward compartment bailed out. Four others were killed.
Fatalities:
Adcock, Cpl. James Thomas (gunner) - Corporal Adcock was born April 20, 1929, a son of James McCoy Adcock (1892-1963) and Jewel Odessa Conner Adcock (1897-1953). On November 24, 1949, Corporal Adcock married Margaret Mary Krautkramer (1925-1994) in Tucson, Arizona. They were parents of a daughter, Barbara Ann Adcock, born and died in 1950. Corporal Adcock is buried in Forest Hill Cemetery, Birmingham, Alabama. His siblings were Raymond McCoy Adcock (1915–1979), Janice Elizabeth Adcock McWhirter (1917–2009), Bertha Adcock Turner (1919–2004), and Ila Adcock Arrington-McCay (1925–2003).
Jones, Sgt. Robert Louis (radio operator) - Sergeant Jones was born May 08, 1921, in Collinsville, Oklahoma, the son of Coney Jones (1882-1936) and Minnie M. Jones (1890-1973). He was married to Josephine Jones and had a stepdaughter, Dianna. One of his brothers was Abraham Lincoln Jones (1909-1953). He also had another brother and two sisters. Sergeant Jones is buried in Evergreen Cemetery and Mausoleum, Evergreen Park, Illinois.
Martin, Sgt. Harold Cornell (gunner) - Sergeant Martin was born March 08, 1923, in Shamrock, Oklahoma, a son of William M. Martin (1883-1958) and Alma E. Martin (1887-1971). His siblings were an infant with the last name Martin (1908-1908), Roy Martin, Virgel Martin, Thelma Martin Neely and Evelyn Martin Downey. Sergeant Martin served three and a half years in the Pacific with the 1st Marine Division during World War II. After discharge in December 1945, he joined the Air Force in November of 1946. He is buried in Fairlawn Cemetery, Cushing, Oklahoma.
O'Daniel, Sgt. Robert Racine (gunner) - Sergeant O'Daniel was born October 28, 1924, in Santa Clara, California, the son of Robert O'Daniel and Dorothy Wright Crow O'Daniel (Zerell-Olexa) (1906-1994). His stepfather was Harry "Hick" Zerell. He was married to Marceline Joy Ferguson on January 27, 1944 in Azusa, California. She died in 2011. They were parents of children Don, Peggy and Norma.
Survivors:
Hornbuckle, Sgt. Earl R. (flight engineer)
Lautenschlager, Capt. Vaughn S. (commander)
McCarville, Lt. Jerome M. (co-pilot)
Montoya, Capt. Patrick (navigator)
Tonne, Capt. Alvin V. (bombardier)
Weisberg, Lt. Arthur R. (radar operator)
On this date B-50D Superfortress bomber (#49-0267) from the US Air Force Strategic Air Command (SAC), 97th Bomb Group, left Biggs Air Force Base in El Paso, Texas, en route to England with a stopover at Wright Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton Ohio. The aircraft was carrying a Mark-4 nuclear bomb. It was flying over Warren County, Ohio at around 2:54 in the afternoon when the bomber suddenly fell from the sky and crashed approximately 4 ½ miles northeast of Mason, Ohio. The crash occurred west of State Route 741 and north of Hamilton Road. All sixteen persons (four officers and twelve airmen) onboard were killed. The crew was performing a navigational exercise out from Biggs AFB, Texas. While cruising at an altitude of 7,000 feet, the aircraft went into a spin and crashed in a vertical attitude in a huge explosion in a field located southwest of Lebanon. All 16 crew members, among them four officers, were killed. The impact and the blast tore a hole in the ground that was about 18 feet deep and at least 75 feet wide.
Fatalities:
Adams, Capt. John Samuel Jr. (pilot) - Captain Adams was born June 30, 1923, in Oklahoma, a son of John Samuel "Jack" Adams Sr. (1895-1977) and Emma C. Burch Adams (1898-1975). He was married to Helen Joyce (McKinnon) (1923-2018). His brother was George Howard Adams (1928-2011). He is buried in Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, St. Louis County, Missouri.
Anderson, Capt. Paul E. Jr. (navigator) - Captain Anderson was born November 07, 1921, in DeKalb, Illinois, the son of Paul E. Anderson Sr. and Adah Pasley Anderson. His wife was Lucille Wilcox Anderson and they had four children. During World War II he served in the Army Air Corps in England. He is buried in Fairview Cemetery, DeKalb, Illinois.
Danos, Sgt. Alcide - Sergeant Danos was born October 02, 1928, in Pelly, Texas, the son of Alcide Danos sr. (1898-1940) and Mary Angelina Dean Thompson (1895-1964). His sisters were Earline Danos Ingersoll (1;922-1992) and half-sister Minnie Roberta Dean Gieger (1916-2004). Sergeant Danos is buried in Hill of Rest Cemetery, Baytown, Texas.
Diggle, TSgt. Burnham Wade Jr. - Sergeant Diggle was born May 04, 1921, in Missouri, a son of Burnham Wade Diggle Sr. (1898-1968) and Irene A. Vickers Diggle (1897-1988). His brother was Frank Vickers Diggle (1925--2016). He is buried in Arlington National Cemetery.
Martin, Pfc. George L. - He was from Danberry, Nebraska. No information found.
Martin, 1Lt. Harvey Eugene (pilot) - Lieutenant Martin was born March 20, 1924, in Indiana, the son of George Harvey Martin (1884-1969). His siblings were Agnes Madeline Martin Cobb (1909–1980), George Harold Martin (1913–2003), Beulah Mae Martin Koslo (1925–2012), and Joe Billy Martin Sr. (1932–1991). He is buried in Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, San Antonio, Texas.
Moore, SSgt. Russell Earl - Sergeant Moore was born January 26, 1928, Fairmont, West Virginia. He was married in 1949 to Shirley Jean Carder (later Perkins) (1933-1973). He is buried in Doddridge County, West Virginia.
Mullen, SSgt. Thomas James - Sergeant Mullen was born May 14, 1928, in Kansas. He is buried in Jefferson Barracks, St. Louis County, Missouri.
Pickett, TSgt. Charles W. - Sergeant Pickett was born March 21, 1919, in Texas, the son of Charles W. Pickett Sr. (1886-1957) and Mary Virginia Young Pickett (1888-1981). His brother was William James "Billie" Pickett (1923-1928). Sergeant Pickett is buried in Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, St. Louis County, Missouri.
Smith, SSgt. Ellis E. - He was from Texas.
Tennille, SSgt. James Meador Jr. - Sergeant Tennille was born on January 05, 1916, in Richmond, Virginia, the son of James Meador Tennille Sr. (1884-1949) and Emley Getrude Newton Tennille (1892-1919). His sister was Alice Moore Tennille Armstrong (1914-1941). He is buried in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens, Spartanburg, South Carolina.
Timmons, SSgt Wallace O. - Sergeant Timmons was born on September 14, 1922, in Graham, Texas, a son of Wallace Edward Timmons (1883-1945) and Bertha Gertrude Clark Timmons (1890-1979). His siblings were Martha Ellen Timmons (1910–1913), William J. Timmons (1913–1980), Allie Edith Timmons Orr (1916–2002), Otwell Dudley "Preacher" Timmons (1919–1958), and Betty Jean Timmons Phillips (1932–2018).
Travis, SSgt. James Allison - Sergeant Travis was born July 22, 1921, a son of William H. Travis (1869-1928) and Ida Lee Hutto Travis (1880-1966). His siblings were Maud Isabel Travis Maher (1902–1996), Velma V. Travis Hays (1905–1989), Wilson Henry Travis (1909–1991), Nora F. Clifton (1912–1997), Dewey F. Travis (1914–1990), Thomas Milton Travis
(1916–1942), MM2 Thomas Milton Travis (1916–1942), W. D. Travis (1918–2010), W. D. Travis (1918–2010), and Gertrude Clodell Travis Ruddock (1924–2010). He is buried in South San Gabriel Cemetery, South San Gabriel, Texas.
Veid, TSgt Joseph - Sergeant Veid was born September 15, 1921, in West Virginia, a son of Louis Veid Sr. (1885-1982) and Mildred Virginia Farmer Veid (1887-1959). He was married to Delilah Mae Veid (Cumiford-Brown) and they had a son, Leonard Wayne Veid (1947-2009). His siblings were Louise Virginia Veid Gravely (1919–2000), Marie Veid Morgan (1924-2013), Louis "Louie" Veid Jr (1926–2012), and Fontaine "Fount" Veid (1928-2011). He is buried in Furrow-Tilden Community Cemetery, Glen Morgan, West Virginia.
Second Lieutenant Henry Ray Baas was the pilot of a F-51D Mustang night fighter (#44-74281) with the 40th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron, 35th Fighter-Interceptor Group. On July 15, 1950, while on a combat mission, his aircraft struck the ground as he made a rocket pass 14 miles northeast of Taejon, Korea. Lieutenant Baas was born May 26, 1928, in Pease, Minnesota, a son of John J. Baas Sr. (1895-1971) and Hattie Brinks Baas (1887-1969). His siblings were Lt. Jay Stanley Baas (1924-1945), 1Lt. John Junior "Jack" Baas (1924-1987), and Joan Alice Baas Suwyn (1922-2002). Lt. Jay S. Baas was killed in action in World War II. Both Lieutenant Henry Baas and Lieutenant Jay Baas are buried in Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia.
Captain George Emmor Haines was the pilot of a F-51D Mustang night fighter (ROK-2) with the 12th Fighter Bomber Squadron, 18th Fighter Bomber Wing. On July 21, 1950, while on a combat mission, his aircraft received a direct hit by anti-aircraft fire, crashed and burst into flames. Captain Haines was born March 06, 1925, in Portland, Oregon, the son of Ward Lemley Haines (1893-1968) and Hannah Marie Hall Haines (1897-1979). He was married to Mildred J. Haines. His sister was Marjorie Mae Haines Crisman (1921-2009). Captain Haines enlisted on January 27, 1943. He is buried in Friends Cemetery, Newberg, Oregon.
Ensign Don Richard Stephens was the pilot of an AD-4 Skyraider dive bomber with Attack Squadron 55 aboard the carrier USS Valley Forge (CV 45). On July 22, 1950, during an attack on enemy positions, his aircraft crashed and exploded near Kangnyong-ni, Korea. His remains were not recovered. Ensign Stephens was born on December 23, 1926, in Painesville, Ohio, the son of Mr. and Mrs. William T. Stevens. He was married to US Navy veteran Thailia Virginia Holmes (later Cole) (1923-2014) on August 04, 1948. They were parents of a 15-month-old son, Paul Richard Stephens, when Ensign Stephens was killed in action in Korea. He was also survived by a sister, Patricia Stephens Phillips. Ensign Stephens attended Mentor schools and graduated from the Admiral Farragut Academy in New Jersey in 1944. He entered the Naval Academy, graduating in 1948. He was the recipient of an Air Medal.
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
Captain Howard Emmerson Smith was the pilot of a F-51D Mustang night fighter (#44-73608) with the 51st Fighter Bomber Squadron (Provisional), 8th Fighter Bomber Group. On July 30, 1950, while on a strafing run, his aircraft was hit by ground fire and crashed into a hill 5 miles south of Kochang, South Korea. Captain Smith was born April 16, 1920, the son of George W. and Lucille L. Smith. He is buried in Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery, San Diego, California
Major Louis Joseph Sebille Jr. was a pilot of a F-51D Mustang fighter (#44-74394) and commanded the 67th Fighter-Bomber Squadron, 18th Fighter-Bomber Wing. On August 5, 1950 near Hamchang, Korea, he was conducting an attack upon a concentration of enemy troops when his aircraft was struck by enemy antiaircraft fire. Rather than attempting to land, he dove on his target to his death. Major Sebille was born November 21, 1915, in Harbor Beach, Michigan, a son of Dr. Louis Joseph Sebille Sr. (1886-1971) and Edna I. DeLish Sebille (1889-1918). He was married to Miss Elizabeth Jane Young at Barton, Florida, and they had a son, Louis Joseph "Flip" Seville III (born 1950). His sister was Elise M. Sebille. Major Sebille attended Wayne State University, Detroit, Michihgan and enlisted in the Army Air Corps on December 20, 1941. He flew 68 combat missions in Europe during World War II. Major Sebille was a Medal of Honor recipient for his actions in Korea. He is buried in Forest Home Cemetery, Forest Park, Illinois.
Captain Robert Newland Howell Jr. was a member of the 6002nd Tactical Support Wing. On August 5, 1950, he was the pilot of a F-51D Mustang night fighter (#45-11356) from the 67th Fighter Bomber Squadron, 18th Fighter Bomber Wing. While on a combat mission, his aircraft received a direct hit by anti-aircraft fire, crashed and burst into flames, killing him. Captain Howell was born November 30, 1919 in Missouri, the son of Robert Newland Howell Sr. (1869-1939) and Ida B. Tuley Howell (1878-1950). He was married to Eleanor Margaret McKasson (later Reed) (1920-2001) on March 15, 1944 in Kirksville, Missouri. His sister was Frances Clark Howell Reed (1906-1985). He attended four years of college and enlisted in the Army Air Corps on November 08, 1941. Captain Howell is buried in Maple Hills Cemetery, Kirksville.
Captain Marlin Thomas Nolan was the pilot of a P-51D Mustang night fighter with the 40th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron, 35th Fighter-Interceptor Group. On August 6, 1950, while on a combat mission, His aircraft crashed during an attack on a target near Keni-dong, Korea killing him. Captain Nolan was born September 01, 1920, in Baltimore City, Maryland, a son of Lawrence Thomas Nolan Sr. (1896-1963) and Sarah Marie Fleagle Nolan (1897-1942). He was married to Margaret Anne Ashbrook (born 1926). His brother was Lawrence Thomas Nolan Jr. (1926-1993). Captain Nolan was a member of John Marshall High School Corps of Cadets and graduated from the University of Richmond in 1942. He enlisted March 06, 1942 and served in World War II. Captain Nolan is buried in Arlington National Cemetery.
First Lieutenant William Russell Briscoe Jr. was the pilot of a F-51D Mustang night fighter with the 40th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron, 35th Fighter-Interceptor Group. On August 6, 1950, while on a combat mission, his aircraft received a direct hit by anti-aircraft fire, crashed and burst into flames. Several references list his death date as August 08, 1950. Lieutenant Briscoe was born May 16, 1925 in Knoxville, Tennessee, the son of William Russell Briscoe Sr. (1899-1979) and Deas Sinkler Adams Briscoe (1902-1987). He was married to Martha McCrary (later McWhorter) (1927-1997), and they had a daughter Cathy who was born in 1949. His sister was Margaret "Peggy" Briscoe Rochelle (1928-2005). Lieutenant Briscoe graduated from Knoxville High School in 1943 and was an alumnus of the University of Tennessee. Lieutenant Briscoe was the recipient of a Distinguished Flying Cross and Air Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters. He is buried in Old Gray Cemetery, Knoxville.
First Lieutenant James I. "Jim" Mathis was the pilot of a F-51D Mustang night fighter with the 39th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron, 35th Fighter-Interceptor Group. On August 10, 1951, while on a combat mission in the Pyongyang area, his engine suffered coolant problems and the aircraft crashed northwest of Yongdok. His remains were recovered and he was buried in Oak Hill Memorial Park, San Jose, California. Lieutenant Mathis was born December 14, 1922, in Bountiful, Utah, a son of John Lloyd Mathis (1894-1974) and Ida May Robinson Mathis (1894-1983). His siblings were Maj. Jack Robinson "Jake" Mathis (1918-1945/killed on Okinawa during World War II), Joe Mathis, Jerry Mathis, Dixie Mathis, and Evelyn Mathis Robinson.
Ensign John Henry Nyhuis Jr. was the pilot of a F9F-3 Grumman Panther fighter with Fighter Squadron 51 aboard the aircraft carrier Valley Forge (CV-45). On August 12, 1950, he was last seen strafing an enemy train north of Kumchon, Korea. He was listed as Missing in Action and was presumed dead on February 8, 1954.
Nyhuis, Ens. John Henry Jr. - Ensign Nyhuis was born on June 22, 1927 in Perkins, Iowa, a son of John Henry Nyhuis Sr. (1904-1956) and Nellie Gertrude Olivier Nyhuis (1907-2002). His brothers were Alverne Nyhuis and Norman Nyhuis. Ensign Nyhuis is memorialized in Tahoma National Cemetery, Kent, Washington.
DPAA: First Lieutenant Thelbert Bernard Wormack, who joined the U.S. Air Force from Ohio, was assigned to the 40th Fighter-Bomber Squadron, 35th Fighter-Bomber Group. On the morning of August 14, 1950, he piloted an F-51D Mustang (tail number 44-73560) in a flight of two. The briefed mission was an armed reconnaissance operation over Waegwan, South Korea. During the mission, 1st Lt Wormack’s engine began to emit smoke, and he was forced to bail out; the Mustang crashed in a dry riverbed. 1st Lt Wormack's wingman observed the downed pilot walking northwest toward railroad tracks. On his next pass over the area, the wingman lost sight of 1st Lt Wormack but observed five enemy soldiers searching the area. After scattering the soldiers, the wingman resumed his search but was unable to locate the downed pilot. Once this area returned to the control of the United Nations Command, Army Graves Registration Service teams investigated the crash site and interviewed local nationals without positive results. Additionally, no returning prisoners of war (POWs) mentioned contact with 1st Lt Wormack, nor was he seen at any known holding point, interrogation center, hospital, or permanent POW camp. He remains unaccounted-for. Lieutenant Wormack was born July 09, 1927, in Cincinnati, Ohio, the son of Fred and Katherine Day Wormack. He attended Douglass Grammar School, Avondale Grammer School, and Hughes High School in Cincinnati, Ohio, before enlisting on November 09, 1945. He was recalled to active duty from the Enlisted Reserve Corps for the Korean War. He was the recipient of an Air Medal.
"Jack flew sixty combat missions in the F-80's during the period June 25-August 15, 1950, and subsequently flew additional missions in F-51's when his unit was equipped with the latter type of aircraft. On August 15, 1950, shortly after he and his wingman had taken off on a pre-dawn mission, he experienced engine trouble, and had started to turn back to the field when his aircraft caught fire. Not being too far from shore, he risked his life attempting to save a costly piece of equipment, but lost the battle trying. The seas parted and received him and then closed around him. [Source: West Point website] 1Lt. John Neil "Jack"/"Monk" Munkres was born October 16, 1924, in Weeping Water, Nebraska, the only child of Neal A. Munkres (1904-1988) and Janet Y. Munkres (1898-1989). He was married to Alper Claudia Vestal on September 17, 1949, in Itazuke, Japan. Lieutenant Munkres attended the University of Nebraska and enlisted in the Army Air Corps December 14, 1942. A 1946 graduate of the United States Military Academy in 1946, he was the recipient of a Distinguished Flying Cross and Air Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters. He was on his 61st mission in Korea when he was lost in the sea.
Ensign Curtis Latham Smith was the pilot of a F-9F Pantherjet fighter #123447 with Fighter Squadron 112, aboard the carrier USS Philippine Sea (CV-47). On August 20, 1950, while attacking rail facilities near Pyongyang, Korea, his aircraft was struck by anti-aircraft fire and crashed.
Smith, Ens. Curtis Latham - Ensign Smith was born on August 13, 1925, in New York, the son of William C. and Edith Lillian Smith. The recipient of an Air Medal, he was married to Claire C. Smith.
On August 20, 1950, while flying an air-ground control mission, an AT-6D Mosquito observation aircraft (#44-82521) with the 6148th Tactical Air Control Squadron, 6147 Tactical Air Control Group was lost northwest of Waegwan, South Korea. There were two fatalities.
Fatalities:
Bushman, MSgt. Herschel L. - Sergeant Bushman was an observer on the aircraft . Sergeant Bushman was born January 26, 19 25, a son of Herschel C. Bushman (1903-1979) and Pearl S. Bushman (1903-1983). He was married to Marion O. Bushman and they had a son Terry. His brother was Jerald Allen Bushman (1931-2021). Sergeant Bushman enlisted on July 22, 1943 and is buried in Blackwell Cemetery, Blackwell, Oklahoma.
Reeves, 2Lt. Ernest Julius Jr. - Lieutenant Reeves was born January 15, 1926, in Lake Charles, Louisiana, the son of Ernest Julius Reeves Sr. (1903-1976) and Saline Sallier Reeves (1886-1934). He was married to Marie Novelene Pfeffer Reeves (later Osborne) (1926-2002). His sister was Emma Theresa Reeves Carney Gaisser (1928-2011). He is buried in Sallier Cemetery, Lake Charles, Louisiana.
On August 22, 1950, a AT-6D Mosquito observation aircraft (#42-86132) with the 6148th Tactical Air Control Squadron, 6147 Tactical Air Control Group. encountered poor weather conditions and crashed into Sobuk San Mountain, South Korea. There were two fatalities and their remains were recovered.
Fatalities:
McCormick, 2Lt. Robert Emmett Jr. - Lieutenant McCormick was born July 13, 1927, in Maine, a son of Robert Emmett McCormick Sr. (1906-1988) and Josephine Mirian Hanley McCormick. His siblings were James, David Lee, and Tayler L. "Terry" McCormick. Lieutenant McCormick is buried in Lake Forest Park, Washington
Wenzl, 2Lt. Charles Patrick "Pat" - Lieutenant Wenzl was born November 20, 1926, in Pottawatomie County, Kansas, a son of Carl Patrick Wenzl (1898-1965) and Virginia Van Hole Wenzl (1899-1968). His siblings were Dick, Joe, Tom, James Emmett (1938-2019), Rebecca Jean Wenzl Allison (1934-1998), Kathleen Wenzl Snider, and Mary Lou Wenzl. Lieutenant Wenzl attended Bremerton High School and then enlisted in November f 1946. He is buried in Ivy Green Cemetery, Bremerton, Washington.
First Lieutenant Patteson "Pat" Gilliam was the pilot of a F-51D Mustang night fighter with the 35th Fighter Bomber Squadron, 8th Fighter Bomber Group. On August 22, 1950. while on a combat mission, his aircraft received a direct hit by anti-aircraft fire, as he made a strafing run over Uisong, Korea and crashed 5 miles northeast of Chonano-dong, South Korea. Lieutenant Gilliam was born August 31, 1926 in Petersburg, Virginia, a son of Robert Skelton Gilliam Sr. (1890-1968) and Jennie Belle Patteson Gilliam (1891-1983). His siblings were Robert Skelton Gilliam Jr. (1913-1985) and Jennie Belle Gilliam Powell (1917-2004). A graduate of West Point in 1948, he was the recipient of a Distinguished Flying Cross and Air Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters. Lieutenant Gilliam is buried in Blandford Cemetery, Petersburg, Virginia.
First Lieutenant Arlie Dale Mullet was the pilot of a F-51D Mustang night fighter (#44-74476) with the 35th Fighter Bomber Squadron, 8th Fighter Bomber Group. On August 24, 1950, while on a combat mission, he crash landed at Taegu Airfield (K-2). Lieutenant Mullet was born November 23, 1928, Warsaw, Ohio, the son of Oscar H. Mullet (1888-1976) and Gladys J. Akins Mullet (1892-1969). He was married to Oma Bess Mohon Mullet (later Gehlhausen) (1930-2014). He enlisted in the Air Force on November 27, l1946. Lieutenant Mullet is buried in Blissfield Cemetery, Blissfield, Ohio.
Major Meade M. Brown was the pilot of a F-51D Mustang night fighter (#44-72559) with the 40th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron, 35th Fighter-Interceptor Group. On August 24, 1950, while on a combat mission, his aircraft received a direct hit by anti-aircraft fire, burst into flames and crashed. Major Brown was born June 26, 1916, a son of Theodore Lawrence Brown Sr. (1885-1975) and Edith Clare Marsh Brown (1887-1969). His brother was Theodore Lawrence Brown Jr. (1920-1934). Major Brown is buried in Cave Hill Cemetery, Louisville, Kentucky.
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.
Pilot Officer William Percy Harrop was on his second sortie of the day when he flew towards Taegu in his F-51 Mustang #A68-753. He radioed fellow pilots to say that his aircraft was on fire and he was going to crash land in a field. After landing he got out of the aircraft before it exploded. He made his way to a nearby hut and waved that he was safe. Soon after he had an encounter with North Koreans who shot him in the right leg and then captured and executed him by shooting him in the back of his head. P3 Harrop was born October 21, 1924 in Lakemba, New South Wales. He enlisted in the Royal Australian Air Force on February 23, 1948. Villagers buried him in a temporary grave. His body was recovered on January 14, 1951 and he was reburied in the British Commonwealth section of the United Nations Cemetery, Pusan, South Korea.
Captain David Howard Grisham was the pilot of a F-51D Mustang night fighter with the 20th Weather Squadron, 18th Fighter Bomber Group. On September 3, 1950, he encountered bad weather over Pusan and, after being seen near Tsushima, contact was lost. He was listed as Missing in Action and was presumed dead on December 31, 1953. Captain Grisham was born October 14, 1920 in Shreveport, Louisiana, the son of Howard Grisham (1897-1966) and Ruby Grace Owen Grisham (1899-1976). He was married to Bette Desmond Grisham and they had daughters Barony Grisham and Leandra Grisham (1946-1973). His sister was Carolyn Lee Grisham Sirman (1930-2003). Captain Grisham was the recipient of a Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Mdal and Bronze Star.
First Lieutenant William Jefferson Levi was the pilot of a F-51D Mustang night fighter (tail number unknown) with the 40th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron, 35th Fighter-Interceptor Group. On September 7, 1950, on takeoff, his plane crashed and burst into flames 1.5 miles south of the airfield. Lieutenant Levi was born August 14, 1923, in Berryville, Virginia, a son of Charles Thomas Levi (1881-1944) and Marion Dearing Williams Levi (1884-1961). He was married to Ann Lee Enders (1925-1963) in January 07, 1943, Berryville, Virginia, and they had sons Charles Jefferson "Jeff" Levi and William Thomas Levi (1946-2020). His siblings were Charles T. Levi (1919-1920), Dorothy Dearing Levi and Helen Williams Levi Dozier (1911-1986). Lieutenant Levi graduated from Berryville High School and attended Randolph Mason College. He enlisted in the Army Air Corps on June 22, 1942 and served as a glider pilot and serviceman in the States during World War II. After the war he became a Virginia State Trooper, but resigned to reenter the military. He had flown 60 missions over Korea before he was killed in the plane crash. Lieutenant Levi was buried in Green Hill Cemetery, Berryville, Virginia.
DPAA: First Lieutenant Jack Arthur Lightner, who joined the U.S. Air Force from Nebraska, was assigned to the 67th Fighter-Bomber Squadron, 18th Fighter-Bomber Group. Late in the morning on September 7, 1950, he departed from Ashiya Air Base, Japan, flying an F-51D Mustang (tail number 11727 / callsign Elsewhere Barber 4) as the number four pilot in a flight of four. The briefed mission was a close air support operation, supporting the 6147th Tactical Air Control Squadron along the battlefront north of Pohang, South Korea. After successfully completing its mission, the Elsewhere Barber flight turned west out over the Korea Strait to return to base. During this return flight, 1st Lt Lightner radioed that his aircraft's engine was on fire and he intended to bail out. Turning back towards the closest airfield, Pusan (K-2) Air Base, 1st Lt Lightner jettisoned his Mustang's canopy as the aircraft descended to 2000 feet; however, he did not bail out early enough, hitting the water without decelerating and before his parachute could deploy. The flight circled the area for about ten minutes, observing a life vest, a dinghy, and what appeared to be blood on the water; they did not see 1st Lt Lightner. All air-sea recuse efforts failed to locate the missing pilot. He remains unaccounted-for. Lieutenant Lightner was born January 12, 1926, in Saint Edward, Nebraska, a son of George Fox Lightner (1897-1965) and Marion V. Preston Lightner (1901-1995). His sister was Jo Olive Lightner Groulik (1934-2014). He was also the brother of Dr. Jerry P. Lightner (1929-2010). Lieutenatn Lightner enlisted in the Army Air Corps on September 16, 1943. The recipient of an Air Medal, he was killed on his 47th mission over Korea.
On 9 September, in cloudy conditions, WGCC Louis Thomas Spence of the Royal Australian Air Force led three other Mustangs in a low-level napalm attack on An'gang-ni. He attempted to pull out of a very steep dive but crashed in the middle of the town and was killed. Whether he was hit by ground fire or had misjudged his attack is uncertain. His body was recovered and buried in the United National Cemetery, Busan, South Korea. WGCC Spence was born April 04, 1917,in Bundaberg, Queensland, Australia, the fifth child of Robert John and Louise Margaretta Marie Koob Spence. He attended Longreach State School 1924-31 and Thornburgh College 1932-1934. He served in Germany and Italy during World War II. Decorated with the Distinguished Flying Cross, Legion of Merit, and Air Medal, he was married to Vernon Swain and they were parents of two children.
Captain Marshall McDairmid Williams III was the pilot of a RF-80A Lockeed Shooting Star photo reconnaissance aircraft with the 8th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron, 543rd Tactical Support Group. On September 11, 1950, while on a reconnaissance mission between Chockyon-dong and Sungin-myon, Korea, his aircraft was shot down.
Williams, Capt. Marshall McDairmid III (a/k/a "Red" or "Rojo" - Captain Williams was born June 20, 1925, in Waco, Texas, a son of Maj. Marshall McDairmid II (1893-1935) and Lucy Pearl Lazenby Williams (1894-1984). His brother was Lt. Walter Williams. Captain Williams was a professional pitcher for the Philadelphia Athletics baseball team. A graduate of USMA Class of 1946, he was the recipient of an Air Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters. He is memorialized in Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery.
Captain Harold David Webster Jr. was the pilot of a F-51D Mustang night fighter (#44-72915) with the 36th Fighter Bomber Squadron, 8th Fighter Bomber Wing. On September 14, 1950, while on a combat mission, his aircraft struck a high tension line and crashed into the ground two miles south of Kuksa-bong, Korea. Captain Webster was born May 21, 1925, in Venice, California, the son of Harold David Webster Sr. (1893-1947) and Loucille Hayes Fowlkes Webster (1904-2000). His brother was Edward Haviland Webster (1926-1953). His half-sister was Caria E. "Teddy" Webster Malin (1912-1998).
Captain Walter R. Russell was a member of Headquarters, 8th Fighter Bomber Group. On September 16, 1950, he was the pilot of a F-51D Mustang night fighter from the 35th Fighter Bomber Squadron, 8th Fighter Bomber Group. While on a combat mission, his aircraft disappeared after making a bombing run. Captain Russell was born September 211, 1923, in Dickinson, North Dakota, a son of Walter William Russell (1894-1957) and Getrude S. Russell (Holland) (1899-1994). His siblings were Charles M. Russell Sr. (1927-2021), Dorothea Russell Sveen, and Marjorie Russell Focht. Captain Russell is buried in Terrace Heights Memorial Park, Yakima, Washington.
An AT-6D Mosquito observation aircraft (#44-82520) with the 6148th Tactical Control Squadron, 6147 Tactical Control Group. On September 17, 1950, this aircraft became lost in the Pohang-Kigye-Angang-ni area. Two crew members were killed and their remains were recovered.
Peiffer, Capt. Alfred Gordon - Captain Peiffer was born March 02, 1917, in Pennsylvania, the son of Leroy and Helen Road Peiffer. He married Fay Olive Coulson on November 08, 1943, in Dauphin, Pennsylvania, and they had a daughter, Karen M. Peiffer (Gillardy). Captain Peiffer was an air-ground controller from the 1st Cavalry Division when the plane was lost. His remains were not recovered. Captain Peiffer was the recipient of a Bronze Star.
Wolfsen, Capt. Elliott Dexter - Captain Wolfsen was born January 13, 1919, in Merced, California, a son of Chester Ralph "Chet" Wolfsen (1896-1958) and Hazel Estelle Elliott Wolfsen (1893-1943). He was married to Betty L. Wolfsen. His brother was 2Lt. Kent Harlan Wolfsen (1920-1942), killed in France during World War II. His sister was Beverly Jean Wolfsen Polly (1923-1965). Captain Wolfsen enlisted on November 07, 1941 and flew with multi-engine aircraft in the Pacific during World War II. He graduated from Pacific Union Collegge and attended the University of California before enlisting. He was the recipient of an Air Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters. He is buried in San Francisco National Cemetery, San Francisco, California.
AT-6D Mosquito observation aircraft #44-81610 was hit by ground fire, spun in and crashed southwest of Chungam-ni, South Korea. There were two fatalities.
Fatalities:
Davies, 2Lt. Earl James - Second Lieutenant Davies was an air-ground controller for the 19th Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division and was onboard the Mosquito when it crashed. Lieutenant Davies was the stepson of William H. Burkhardt and the son of Mildred Davies Burkhardt. He married Audrey Lorraine DeVault on May 13, 1950, and left the next month for Korea. He is buried in Arlington National Cemetery.
Warwick, 2Lt. William Barksdale Jr. - Second Lieutenant Warwick was born June 25, 1928, in Henrico County, Virginia, the son of William Barksdale Warwick Sr. (1895-1944) and Charlotte Drewey Vaden Warwick (1901-1999). Lieutenant Warwick is buried in Arlington National Cemetery.
Captain Edward J. Onze was the pilot of a F-51D Mustang night fighter (#44-72969) with the 36th Fighter Bomber Squadron, 8th Fighter Bomber Group. On September 19, 1950, while on a combat mission, of strafing enemy positions three miles northwest of Namwon, Korea, his aircraft crashed. Captain Onze was born March 24, 1921, the son of Michael "Mitch" Onze (1892-1975) and Rose Solack Onze (1899-1994). He was married to Isabel C. Onze (1918-1958). Captain Onze is buried in Arlington National Cemetery.
Ltjg. Clifford Eugene Seeman was the pilot of an AD-4 Skyraider dive bomber (#123803) with Attack Squadron 65 aboard the USS Boxer (CV-21). On September 20, 1950, his aircraft was hit by ground fire, lost its wing and crashed about three miles southeast of Kaesong and burned. Lieutenant Seeman was born July 18, 1922, in Canton, Ohio, a son of Ethan Seemann (1893-1983) and Blanche Mae Shoemaker Seeman (1898-1981). (His parents' tombstone spells their name name with two N's.). Lieutenant Seeman was married to Betty J. Randall Seeman (later Halderman) (1923-1984). His siblings were Lester Ethan Seeman (1923-1995) and Mary Louise Seeman (later Fink) (1924-2020). Lieutenant Seeman is buried in North Lawn Cemetery, Canton, Ohio.
LTC Robert E. Scanlon was killed in action during the Korean War. Scanlon while flying a F-51D Mustang fighter (#44-74691) on a combat mission over North Korea on September 21, 1950. He crashed approximately one mile northwest of Mukpang-ni, North Korea. His body was recovered and he is buried in Holy Cross Cemetery, Culver City, California. Lieutenant Colonel Scanlon was born May 27, 1923, in Colorado, the son of James and Viola Scanlon. He was married to Elizabeth Walsh (later Mrs. Robert Lee Anderson), and they had children Patrick (age 4), Daniel (age 3), and Marianne (six months). Lieutenant Colonel Scanlong enlisted January 14, 1942, and during World War II he flew combat missions in Italy. He was the recipient of a Distinguished Flying Crosds and Air Medal.
On September 23, 1950, a AT-6D Mosquito observation aircraft (#44-86145) was hit by ground fire, spun in, its wings came off and crashed. There were two fatalities.
Fatalities:
Burwell, 2Lt. David LeRoy - Second Lieutenant Burwell was born January 01, 1929, in Bridgman, Michigan, a son of Ralph L. Burwell (1901-1977) and Josephine Cutler Burwell (1908-2003). He was married to Dolores Nancy Livengood (later Coe) (1929-2023) in 1948. They were parents of an infant daughter, Nancy Jo Burwell, born in 1950. Lieutenant Burwell had siblings Lawrence Edward Burwell (1932-2023) and Norma Jean Burwell Marshall (1933-2001). Lieutenant Burwell graduated from Bridgman High School and then enlisted on June 2 3, 1948. He was only in Korea four days before the crash of his Mosquito. He is buried in Graceland Cemetery, Bridgman, Michigan.
Parmer, 2Lt. David Lindsey - Second Lieutenant David Lindsey Parmer was serving as an air-ground controller for the 38th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division. Lieutenant Parmer was born March 10, 1930, in Columbus, Georgia, the son of Ione Wadsworth Parmer (Holt) (1903-1970). He graduated from Baker High School in 1946, and was an honor graduate at North Georgia College in 1950. He is buried in Parkhill Cemetery, Columbus, Georgia.
While on a combat mission near Seoul, South Korea, this aircraft received a direct hit by anti-aircraft fire and crashed into the Han River close to a power plant.
Fatalities:
Beebe, Maj. John Ward - Major Beebe was born on April 03, 1918, in St. Paul, Minnesota, the son of Dr. Ward Losee Beebe (1881-1960) and Elizabeth "Bess" Leuthold Beebe (1885-1975). His remains were not recovered after the crash. Major Beebe was the recipient of a Silver Star, a Distinguished Flying Cross with one Gold Star, and three Air Medals.
Kludt, TSgt. Karl Vernon - T. Sergeant Kludt was born on March 28, 1916, in McClusky, North Dakota, a son of Emanuel J. Kludt (1877-1945) and Carolina H. Kuether (1880-1956). His siblings were Johanna "Anna" Kludt Wolt (1905-2005) and Milton Alvin Kludt (1919-1996). A radar observer with a Distinguished Flying Cross award, his remains were not recovered.
1Lt. Roland Edward Lee was the pilot of an F-51D Mustang Night Fighter; with the 40th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron, 35th Fighter Interceptor Group. On Sepember. 27, 1950 while on a combat mission of bombing a truck convoy south of Chochiwon, Korea, his aircraft received a direct hit by anti aircraft fire and exploded. Lieutenant Lee was born May 15, 1923 in San Diego County, California, the son of Harold Vernon Lee (1896-1986) and Eunice Mae Skeel Lee (1894-1942). His sister was Mary Lee King. Lieutenant Lee attended Grossmont High School and then attended Antioch University in Ohio. He enlisted in the Army Air Corps on February 23, 1943 and served in Italy during World War II. After the war he attended Stanford University before rejoining the Air Force. He was the recipient of an Air Medal with six Oak Leaf Clusters and a Distinguished Flying Cross. Killed on his 71st mission in Korea, he is buried in Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery, San Diego.
First Lieutenant Donald Lee Pitchford was the pilot of a F-51D Mustang night fighter (#255) with the 39th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron, 18th Fighter Bomber Group. On September 28, 1950, while on a combat mission, he was attacked by a Yak. His aircraft's engine began to smoke and it went into a spin. He bailed out at low altitude 10 miles northwest of Waegwan, Korea. His remains were recovered. Lieutenant Pitchford was born January 14, 1928, in Beggs, Oklahoma, a son of Wesley Denton Pitchford (1899-1978) and Mary H. Rombach Pitchford (1898-1973). His siblings were Geraldine Verda Pitchford Rouk (1926-2018) and Leo C. Pitchford (1933-2012). Lieutenant Pitchford is buried in Beggs Cemetery, Beggs, Oklahoma.
Captain Donald Leroy Flentke was assigned to the 6002nd Tactical Support Wing and the pilot of a F-51D Mustang night fighter (#44-74521) with the 67th Fighter Bomber Squadron, 18th Fighter Bomber Wing. On September 28, 1950, while on a combat mission, his aircraft received a direct hit by anti- aircraft fire, crashed and burst into flames near Senun-ri, 10 miles southeast of Wonsan, North Korea. Captain Flentke was listed as born in Ohio on January 01, 1917. He was married to Mildred C. Flentke. The World War II veteran enlisted in the Army Air Corps on February 19, 1942. It is believed by the KWE that he was a part of the Flentke family of Vanderburg County, Indiana, but that has not yet been confirmed. He is said to be buried in Auburndale Cemetery, Auburndale, Florida.
While searching for a missing observation plane, this unarmed helicopter was shot down by intense enemy fire in South Korea.
Fatalities:
Bancroft,1Lt. Arthur Richard - Lieutenant Bancroft was born April 18, 1920 in Des Moines, Iowa. He was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross
Odenbaugh, 2Lt. Thomas Donald - Lieutenant Odenbaugh was born October 02, 1926, in Ottumwa, Iowa, the son of Thomas Franklin "Frank" Odenbaugh (1877-1955) and Romola Rae Chrisman Odenbaugh (1888-1983). His siblings were sisters Evelyn Howell and Doris J. Carroll. Lieutenant Odenbaugh was the recipient of an Air Medal.
Rives, Capt. Edwin Eugene - Captain Rives was the aerial observer. He was born July 20, 1919, in Hickman, Kentucky, the son of James Littleton Rives (1882-1954) and Pearl Cox Rives (1877-1948). He was married to Dorothy Nowell Rives (1923-2006), and they were parents of Gary Edwin Rives (1949-2004) and Pamela Rives Goode. His siblings were Ida Lois Rives Rahgm (1905-1986), Opal Louise Henderson (1912-1985) and Mary Ambrette Wilkins (1915-2002).
Second Lieutenant Billie R. Crabtree was the pilot of a F-51D Mustang night fighter with the 40th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron, 35th Fighter-Interceptor Group. On July 26, 1950, while on a combat mission, his aircraft dove into the ground from 2,000 feet. Lieutenant Crabtree was born March 21, 1927 in Nashville, Tennessee, a son of Dr. Louie Richard Crabtree (1889-1946) and Sarah Belle Grindstaff Crabtree (1888-1935). His full and half siblings included Joseph Harold Crabtree (1910-1974), Garvin Preston Crabtree (1920-1958), Eloise C. "Nip" Crabtree Jones Skinner (1924-2000), Rudy Crabtree, Mary Elizabeth Crabtree Banister, Lee Crabtree, Quentin Crabtree, May Crabtree Miller, and Lillian Crabtree Richards. Lieutenant Crabtree is buried in Garland Brook Cemetery, Columbus, Indiana.
DPAA: Captain Dean Garland Crowell, who joined the U.S. Air Force from Oregon, was a member of the 6146th Air Base Unit, 5th Air Force. On October 1, 1950, he departed Seoul Air Base, South Korea, piloting an F-51D Mustang (tail number unavailable) as the flight leader of a four-plane armed reconnaissance mission over Pyongyang, North Korea. While flying over the south edge of Pyongyang, Capt Crowell spotted a target of opportunity. While diving over the target, his Mustang was hit by anti-aircraft fire. The aircraft went out of control and crashed, exploding on impact. Captain Crowell's wingman on the mission reported seeing signs of life near the crash site; however, rescue attempts or ground searches could not be conducted since the area was still in enemy hands. No returning POWs mentioned having contact with Capt Crowell, nor was he seen at any known holding point, interrogation center, hospital, or permanent POW camp. He is still unaccounted-for. Captain Crowell was born April 30, 1921 in LaCross County, Wisconsin, the son of Dr. Dean Piper Crowell (1894-1983) and Isabella Virginia Garland Crowell (1894-1983). On June 07, 1944 He was married to Helene M. Wilmot, and they had three children. His brother was Samuel H. Crowell. Captain Crowell was a 1944 graduate of the United States Military Academy. Captain Crowell graduated from the United States Military Academy in 1944 and served at Okinawa during World War II.
On October 2nd, 1950, U.S. Air Force Captain Woodrow Burton, 32, of Quincy, Illinois; beloved son of Joseph E. & Grace M. (Webster) Burton; continuing in honorable service since throughout World War II (Pacific); assigned to the 40th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron "Fighting Fortieth", departed Tsuiki Air Base, Japan as the sole occupant of a single-seat North American F-51D fighter-bomber and ground attack aircraft (#44-74072) in the number two position of a finger-four formation flying against enemy targets north of Pyongyang, DPRK. During low-level flight (15)-fifteen miles northeast of Pyongyang (at an 800-ft. altitude), Burton radioed the others in the flight to notify them that his Mustang, having ridiculously vulnerable oil and coolant lines lying just beneath its skin-thin sheet metal exterior, had been struck by gunfire from the ground, giving him about (5)-five minutes to decide where and how to separate from his disabled plane. Climbing to l,OOO feet, he deployed his Stanley Yankee A-1H egress system, successfully clearing the plane. Landing in hostile enemy territory (4)-four miles east-northeast of North Korea's communist political capital city of Pyongyang (the DPRK's equivalent of Washington, DC), at coordinates (39°04'N 125°50'E) at 16:20 hrs., he was immediately surrounded by a mob of angry civilians. The remaining (3)-three planes in the flight continued to orbit overhead for (10)-ten minutes and Burton waved to indicate he was all right. Eventually departing the area on low fuel, they would never see Burton again. No clues about his actual fate or final resting place have ever been able to surface. Captain Burton was born September 11, 1918 in Quincy, Illinois, the son of Joseph E. and Grace M. Webster Burton. He was the recipient of a Distinguished Flying Cross and Air Medal with four Oak Leaf Cluster.
On October 2, 1950, U.S. Air Force Captain Donald David Bolt, 26, of Havre de Grace, Maryland; beloved son of William D. (Sr.) & Edith M. (Riddaugh) Bolt; assigned to Headquarters Squadron, 18th Fighter-Bomber Wing "Dogpatchers", was the sole occupant of a single-seat North American F-51D fighter-bomber and ground attack aircraft (#44-84982) whose high degree of expertise was needed to perfectly time glide-bombing a locomotive just before it emerged from the Opariuk Railroad Tunnel. Clogging the tunnel in such a clever way would put a serious pause on Soviet-supplied weapons flowing into North Korea and ending up in enemy hands. Such an audacious stunt was not without its dangers, but Capt. Bolt was already aware that he might not make it back from this high-risk mission. Unflinching as his fuselage and canopy glass made a sound like popcorn popping while it was struck by large caliber automatic weapons fire from the ground, he made a perfectly controlled crash landing in a nearby rice paddy (coordinates 39°08'N 125°38'E). The landing was witnessed by Capt. McGee and Lt. Daniel B. Leake, who were taking part in the same attack. Leake flew cover over Bolt's plane and saw him get out on the wing and wave to indicate he was unharmed. Continuing to several more passes, Leake exchanged hand signals with Bolt enough to learn that he was not being fired upon. Continuing to be fired upon until departing the area low on fuel, Bolt's Air Force buddies would sadly never see or hear from him again. Continuing in honorable service since throughout World War II, a precursory glance at the Escape & Evade Society data, compiled and maintained by anti-Nazi resistance operatives (to covertly recover downed pilot back to friendly lines in Europe through an elaborate underground network) shows no listing for pilot Bolt which would've otherwise appeared in-between 'Bolsega, Stanley F.' and 'Bomar, Hugh C.'. He was, however, an expert topographic cartographer in his civilian life, and would've possessed all the maps and survival gear he would've needed. [Source: Findagrave]
Captain Bolt was born April 04, 1924 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, a son of William David Bolt Sr. (1897-1967) and Edith M. Riddaugh Bolt (1897-1980). His siblings were Dorothy May Bolt Donovan (1926–2003), Bernice Adele Bolt Wright (1929–2003), William David Bolt Jr (1930–2005), Paul Earl Bolt (1932–2009), Frank Carroll Bolt Sr. (1933–2023), and Howard Murray Bolt (1936–2020). Captain Bolt was the recipient of an Air Medal.
Captain Ramon Roderick "Stoop" Davis was the pilot of a F-51D Mustang night fighter (#45-11606) with the 12th Fighter Bomber Squadron, 18th Fighter Bomber Wing. On October 5, 1950, while on a combat mission over Sunchon, North Korea his aircraft received a direct hit by anti-aircraft fire and lost its coolant. He landed on a sand bar in the Taedong River. He jumped out, waved "OK" to a fellow pilot, and then ran and disappeared into trees and brush. Davis was never heard from again. He was listed as Missing in Action and was presumed dead on March 31, 1954. Captain Davis was born October 12, 1924, in Ames, Iowa, the son of Harry Kimball Davis (1884-1965) and Coral Marian Roberts Davis (1886-1974). He was married to Tommie M. Davis. Captain Davis enlisted on November 14, 1942 and served in World War II. He was the recipient of a Distinguished Flying Cross and Air Medal with 15 Oak Leaf Clusters.
Major Glen Dale Schiltz Jr. was the pilot of a F-51D Mustang night fighter (#44-73504) with the 40th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron, 35th Fighter-Interceptor Group. On October 6, 1950, while on a combat mission, his aircraft received a direct hit by anti-aircraft fire, crashed and exploded west of Pyongyang, North Korea. Major Schiltz was born March 15, 1919, in North Canton, Ohio, a son of Glen Dale Schiltz Sr. (1891-1973) and Lillian M. Snyder Schiltz (1892-1973). He was married to Patricia J. Schiltz. Major Schiltz was the recipient of a Silver Star and a Distinguished Service Cross. He is buried in North Canton Cemetery, North Canton, Ohio.
First Lieutenant Mike Steve David was the pilot of a RF-51D Mustang fighter bomber with the 12th Fighter Bomber Squadron, 18th Fighter Bomber Group. On October 8, 1950, while on a combat mission near Wonsan, North Korea, his aircraft's engine failed so he ditched the plane in Wonsan Bay. His remains were not recovered. From the book, Unsung Heroes of the Korean Air War by D.E. "Bud" Biteman: "Lieutenant David was attacking targets along the coast near Hungnam when his airplane was hit in the engine by ground fire...he could see oil streaming up through the top of the cowling..being a hundred miles behind enemy lines, he reasoned that his best chance for pickup would be with the Navy flotilla known to be steaming north...Mike headed out over the sea to intercept them, nursing his crippled Mustang as it gradually lost power and altitude. Mellow Control was alerted by radio, and they, in turn, notified the Navy, who promptly arranged for a helicopter rescue...Mike could see the Navy formation off on the distant horizon as his engine finally sputtered and froze...his dead-stick glide brought him closer and closer to the vast watery expanse. Then, while the helicopter hovered several hundered yards off to the side, Mike touched gently onto the placid surface of the Sea of Japan..Then, as if in slow motion, the Mustang's nose dipped under the surface, and with the continuing momentum of his landing speed, the entire airplane slid immediately under the water...Mike could be seen trying vainly, and belatedly, to jettison his canopy...being held forcefully on by water pressure..the airplane settled deeper into the sea.." Of Hungarian descent, Lieutenant David was born November 07, 1926 in Ohio, the son of Mike and Gazella David. He enlisted in the Army Air Corps on March 29, 1945.
Captain Alexander Beck Padilla was the pilot of a F-51D Mustang night fighter (#44-74107) with the 12th Fighter Bomber Squadron, 18th Fighter Bomber Group. On October 9, 1950, while on a combat mission, his aircraft received a direct hit by anti-aircraft fire near Kwangtan-ni, Korea, crashed and burst into flames. He was listed as Missing in Action and was presumed dead on March 31, 1954.
[Source of the following information is Findagrave.] "At 16:45 hrs. Lima Time (local Korean time), less than (2)-two hours before sunset (assuming skies were not overcast) Padilla, descending by parachute, touched down at coordinates furnished by Air Force Intelligence investigators as being (38°22'N 125°45'E). The eventual crash of his Foxy-Few-Dog-Patching-Mustang nearby was observed by flight leader 1st Lt. William D. Bridges, and by 1st Lt. Robert R. Blank. After Padilla's plane crashed, his squadron mates observed him climbing out of the aircraft holding his left arm. Padilla walked away from his plane and sat down. His left arm appeared injured or broken because he held it. Padilla waved to other members of the flight circling above. Padilla's actions appeared erratic to Lt. Blank, who continued to orbit overhead after Lt. Bridges had departed for Kimpo air base for a rescue helicopter. F4U Corsairs that had been operating nearby cooperated in maintaining surveillance by buzzing the area. Padilla sat down holding his arm and stayed in a ditch until 17:45 hrs. (45 min. before sunset). Suddenly Lt. Blank noticed dust kick up in front of Padilla (shot fired) and (1)-one enemy soldier sneaking to within an estimated (25)–twenty-five yards of Padilla, up a ravine. Padilla stood up, raised his arms to a surrender position, and stumbled down the path about (75)–seventy-five yards into the village. Afterwards, he was observed being captured. At this time the F4Us were called off by Lt. Blank, who then returned to base." Captain Padilla was born December 21, 1923, in Tucson, Arizona, the son of Felix Ochoa Padilla (1889-1949) and Emma Beck Padilla (1902-1988). He was married to Evanggeline "Eva" G. Urrutia Padilla (1925-1990) in 1943, and they had a daughter Frances Diane Padilla Barela (1944-2009). Captain Padilla was the recipient of an Air Medal.
This aircraft was returning from Korea when it crashed at Ashiya Air Base, Japan. Three veterans were killed and several others, including war correspondents, were injured.
Fatalities:
Morrison, 1Lt. Norman Elwood - Lieutenant Morrison was born May 02, 1918 in Michigan, the son of Neil Morrison (1872-1944) and Rosezetta Wilson Morrison (1878-1950). He weas married to Laura Catherine Giuliani (Grassmick) (1919-2011). This World War II veteran is buried in Forest Lawn Cemetery, Saginaw, Michigan.
Shepherd, 1Lt. John Henry - Lieutenant Shepherd was born February 16, 1925, in Minden, Louisiana, a son of Gurvy Shepherd (1892-1963) and Cinchona "Chona" Lucky Shepherd (1893-1989). He was married to Elsie M. Shepherd and he was the brother of Gurvy Shepherd Jr. (1923-1956). Lieutenant Shepherd enlisted on February 05, 1943. He is buried in Minden City Cemetery, Minden, Louisiana.
Showalter, SSgt. Raymond H. - Sergeant Showalter was born October 10, 1923, in Louisiana, a son of David Martin Showalter (1894-1962) and Ruth Elizabeth Heider Showalter (1898-1985). His siblings were Anna Mae, Florence, and David Showalter. Sergeant Showalter enlisted on January 22, 1942. The World War II veteran is buried in Baton Rouge National Cemetery.
1Lt. Sang Soo Lee was the pilot of an F-51 Mustang when it was downed by ground fire near Pyongyang. A member of the Republic of Korea Air Force, Lieutenant Lee was killed in the crash.
C-47 Skytrain #42-10855, October 15, 1950 (Sea of Japan)
DPAA: Late in the afternoon of October 15, 1950, a C-47 Skytrain (tail number 42-100855, call-sign “Native Son”) departed Kimpo Air Base, Korea, with a crew of three aviators and one passenger. The briefed mission was routine transport flight to Brady Field, Japan. After encountering adverse weather conditions and approximately two hours into the flight, the pilot attempted to contact Brady Field for navigational assistance. Unable to establish contact with Brady Field air traffic control, the C-47 pilot managed to contact the pilot of a C-119 Boxcar near Pusan East (K-9) Air Base. Acting as a relay, the crew of the C-119 passed a message to Pusan Air Sea Rescue that Native Son was lost somewhere southwest of Pusan and was requesting a steer to station. Exactly what happened following these radio contacts is uncertain, but there were several aircraft in the area attempting to assist the lost Skytrain to a safe runway. Approximately four hours after takeoff the pilot of the C-47 broadcasted that he believed that he was approaching land, and that he would climb to 7000 feet and bail out when fuel was exhausted. This was last time anyone heard from the ill-fated C-47. An extensive organized search for this missing aircraft was completed throughout area and points beyond where Native Son could have conceivably gone down. All searches produced no results.
Lopes, 1Lt. Frank Maurice - Lieutenant Lopes was born December 08, 1929, in Massachusetts, a son of Frank and Anna K. Lopes. He enlisted on September 10, 1946, and graduated from De La Salle Academy 1947. His older brother was killed in World War II.
Thompson, 2Lt. John Eldon - Lieutenant Thompson was born March 31, 1924, in Illinois, a son of William Jennings Bryan Thompson (1897-1967) and Virginia Cecelia Baker Thompson (1901-1976). His siblings were Robert Marland Thompson (1925-1974) and Donald James Thompson (1927-1990).
Thompson, Capt. Morris Finley - Captain Thompson was born October 07, 1916, a son of William Hinton Thompson (1872-1921) and Mary Jane Casey Thompson (1878-1971). He was married to Florence Lucille Connorty (1919-1995). His siblings were Byron Dow Thompson (1895-1995), Richard Herbert Thompson Sr. (1897-1979), Sarah Alice Thompson Parsons (1899-1954), Alma Gwendolyn Thompson Lane (1902-1973), Bernice Thelma Thompson DeLange (1904-1959), Doris T. Thompson Calderoni (1908-1997), William H. "Bill" Thompson (1911-2003), and Newell Casey Thompson (1914-2002).
Wallman, Cpl. Joseph Robert - Corporal Wallman was born January 17, 1928 in Union, New Jersey, the son of Joseph and Elizabeth Horvath Wallman (later Mrs. Harry J. Bockman) (1898-1984). One of his siblings was Donald R. Wallman (1931-1984).
Second Lieutenant Wayne Johnson Rabun was the pilot of a F- 51D Mustang night fighter (#45-11404) with the 8th Fighter Bomber Squadron, 49th Fighter-Bomber Group. On October 16, 1950, his aircraft collided with a L-17 control aircraft near Haeju, Korea and crashed. The L-17 was piloted by Lt. John B. Stanton, and his observer was Lt. John Elliott Watkins. Lieutenant Rabun was born August 10, 1924, in Oklahoma, a son of Robert Dickson Rabun Sr. (1894-1947) and Dora Katherine "Kate" Matthews Rabun (1897-1987). His siblings were Mary Kathlyn "Kaye" Rabun Grider (1928-2015), Robert Dickson "Dick" Rabun Jr. (1917-1922) and Mona Ruth Rabun Reeves. Lieutenant Johnson is buried in Rose Hill Cemetery, Ardmore, Oklahoma.
This aircraft crashed into the sea on its takeoff run from the USS Franklin D. Roosevelt. One crewman escaped from the wreckage with minor injuries and was rescued by the plane guard helicopter. Analysis of witness statements and movie and still photos failed to positively identify the cause of the accident, but the most likely cause was determined to have been an inadvertent engagement of the flight control gust lock.
Fatalities:
Barrett, ALC Edward Robert "Eddie" (chief aviation radioman) - Airman Barrett was born March 11, 1922, in New York, a son of Edward Patrick Barrett (1896-1959). He was married to Lydiaa Tennessee Anderson (later Petrini) (1925-1993) in 1948. His siblings were Raymond Peter Barrett Sr. (1926-1992) and Mary Catherine "Little Mary" Barrett (1934-1937). Airman Barrett was lost at sea.
Purdon, LCDR David B. Jr. (aircraft commander) - Commander Purdon was born September 07, 1916, the son of David B. Purdon Sr. He was married to Blanche Tallulah Grantham (later Wyche) (1921-2001) on October 27, 1943, in Duval, Florida. He was a graduate of Eramus Hall High School and was a graduate of the US Naval Academy's Class of 1940. He was lost at sea.
Survivor:
Decker, Ltjg. Ed
DPAA: On October 18, 1950, a T-6 Texan (serial number 44-82514) with a pilot and one observer aboard departed Seoul Air Base on a tactical air control mission over Pyongyang. The last contact with the aircraft was at take-off, and the aircraft did not return to base as scheduled. The route was searched for several days but a crash site was never located and the two crew members were never heard from again. It was determined that the Mosquito was hit by anti-aircraft fire at Kajo-jong and crashed five miles east of Pyongyang, North Korea.
Missing in Action:
Decoste, Capt. Thomas William - Captain Decoste was a veteran of World War II. In Korea, he was a member of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 21st Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division, serving as an aerial observer aboard AT-6F coordinating with the 6148th Tactical Control Squadron. Captain Decoste was born May 20, 1921, in Schenectady, New York, a son of Thomas Decoste (1879-1933) and Edna Alma Augusta Anderson Decoste Hyson (2896-2985). His stepfather was Charrles Hyson. Captain Decosta was married to Eva Louise Williams Decoste (1924-2008). His siblings were Ruth Eleanor Decoste Cross (1916-1988), Marjorie Decoste Mintz (1925-1987), Robert Martin Decoste (1927,2002), Alice W. Decoste, William P. Decoste, and half siblings Patricia J. Hyson Knapp (1930-2011), Vivian Hyson, Charles Hyson and Richard Hyson. Captain Decoste was the recipient of a Bronze Star with Oak Leaf Cluster and Air Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster.
McKee, 1Lt. Robert Edgar - Llieutenant McKee was born November 14, 1921, in Walpole, Massachusetts, the son of Fred Alexander McKee (1885-1938) and Amy Dorothy Reeves McKee (1888-1954). He was married to Lois A. McKee. His sister was Dorothy Mabel McKee Fitzgibbon (1926-2000). Lieutenant McKee was the recipient of an Air Medal.
Captain Daniel Bruce Leake Jr. was the pilot of a F-51D Mustang night fighter (#44-74993) with the 67th Fighter Bomber Squadron, 18th Fighter Bomber Wing. On October 18, 1950, while on a combat mission, his aircraft received a direct hit by anti-aircraft fire, burst into flames and crashed. He could not bail out successfully. Captain Leake was born January 29, 1923, in New Mexico, the son of Daniel Bruce Leake Sr. (1892-1982) and Ona Blanche Teel Leake (1899-1987). He was married to Mary Ellen "Betty" Sears (1922-1996) on February 06, 1942 in Albuquerque, New Mexico. He enlisted in the Army Air Corps on December 11, 1942. He was the recipient of an Air Medal and was a World War II veteran. He is buried in Mountain View Cemetery, Deming, New Mexico.
First Lieutenant Lamar Brindley Longshore was the pilot of a F-51D Mustang night fighter with the 39th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron, 35th Fighter-Interceptor Group. On October 19, 1950, while on a combat mission, he suffered vertigo and the aircraft crashed into the ground. He was listed as Missing in Action and was presumed dead on December 31, 1953. Lieutenant Longshore was born March 10, 1927, in Washington, D.C., the son of Clinton Lamar Longshore (1909-1982) and Nallie Mae Brindley Longshore (1909-1989). His siblings were Jean Longshore Faulkner and Carol Ann Longshore Roudenbush. Lieutenant Longshore was the recipient of an Air Medal.
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. The 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 report: On November 5, 1950, a PBM-5 Mariner (bureau number 84765) with twelve crew members took off from Naval Station Sangley Point, Philippine Islands, on a patrol mission up the Formosa Strait. The flight had a scheduled recovery at Naval Base Buckner Bay, Okinawa, where the seaplane tender USS Salisbury Sound (AV-13) awaited its arrival. The weather was problematic, with heavy cloud cover and rough seas. The Mariner made a routine position report near the south end of the Formosa Strait but then disappeared for unknown reasons. It did not reach its destination and was not seen again. Extensive searches following the aircraft's disappearance failed to locate any sign of the Mariner or its crew.
Final Search and Recovery Report: CIL 2011-321. From February 20 through March 21, 2011, and from October 30, 2011, to December 3, 2011, personnel from JPAC and personnel from the People's Republic of China excavated a crash site associated in Jiao Shui Gen Village, Feng Huang District, Guangdong Province, P.R.C. Partial records obtained from John Zimmerlee. The aircraft was identified as an aircraft from VP-46, United States Navy, and corresponded to the aircraft reported Missing on or about November 5, 1950. No remains were recovered. The approximate site of the crash was on a mountain about 37.26 miles north of Shantou at a bearing of 6.65 degrees.
Fatalities:
Burt, AL1 James Bryan Jr. (aviation electronicsman) - AL1 Burt was born August 06, 1924, in Ringgold, Texas, the son of James Bryan Burt Sr. (1896-1981) and Grace Mae Dell Burt (Gray) (1903-1989). He was married to Frances Lucille Jaquays Burt (born 1924).
Faubel, AOC Warren Henry (chief aviation ordnanceman) - AOC Faubel was born April 04, 1920, in Nebraska, the son of Heinrich W. George "Henry" Faubel (1887-1962) and Katherine Elizabeth "Katie" Fink Faubel (1894-1971). He was married to Margaret [or Maude] Edith Enmark (1914-2001). His sisters were Lilah Faye Faubel Wagner (1913-1985) and Marjorie Kathryn Faubel Kohl (1926-2016).
Franchino, PNC John (chief aviation pilot) - PNC Franchino was born March 27, 1921, in Herkimer County, New York, the son of Francesco Franchino (1889-1971) and Anna Gargiulo Franchino (1899-1971). He was married to Emma Elizabeth LaCoy Franchino (1915-1993). PNC Franchino was a World War II veteran.
Gardiner, ENS Joseph William - Ensign Gardiner was born November 19, 1928. He was married to Emmy Lou Edwards Gardiner (born 1929).
Henderson, SN Clifford Murry Jr. (seaman) - Seaman Henderson was born May 23, 1930, in Columbus, Georgia, the son of Cliford Murry Henderson Sr. (1908-1981) and Kathleen Hale Henderson (1911-1969).
Larsen, AN Lawrence Oliver (aviation mechanic) - AN Larsen was born June 16, 1931, a son of Lawrence Charles Larsen (d. 2005) and Velma Wilson Larsen (1905-1990). His siblings were Evelyn Louise Larsen Larsen (1919–2011), Robert Alexander Larsen (1924–1973), Perry D. "Pete" Larsen (1934–2021), and Kathleen Larsen Buchanan (1937–2021). AN Larsen attended Woodrow Wilson grade school and Granite High School. He joined the Navy on July 09, 1948.
Milus, ADC Nick (chief aviation ordnanceman) - ADC Milus was born July 23, 1921, in New Mexico, the son of Mike Milus (1893-1967) and Dorothy Godeski Milus (1905-1981). He was married to Marion Olive Briggs Milus (1924-2007).
Mische, LTJG Lester Louis - Lieutenant Mische was born November 16, 1 924, in Kansas, the son of Henry Charles Mische (1896-1973) and Effie C. Mische (1896-1970). He was married to Carol Louise Mische. His brother was Lawrence Gene Mische (1928-1958).
Schwerer, AL1 Raymond Paul (aviation electronicsman) - AL1 Schwerer was born April 14, 1926, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the son of George Schwerer (1898-1994) and Margaret C. Smith Schwerer (1906-1968). He was married to Juanita Rae Schwerer.
Stevenson, ADC Carl Cecil (aviation electronicsman) - ADC Stevenson was born April 30, 1919, Owensboro, Kentucky, a son of William Isaas Stevenson (born 1881) and Mattie Huff Stevenson (1888-1981). He was married to Mary Ethel Thomas Stevenson. His siblings were William, Willard, Paul, Ray, Evelyn (Aebersold) and Margaret Stevenson Anderson. ADC Stevenson graduated from Halleck Hall and then attended duPont Manual High School. He joined the Navy on October 25, 1939.
Wilkes, AD3 Donald (aviation ordnanceman) - AD3 Wilkes was born March 24, 1928, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, a son of Thomas Jefferson Wilkes (1895-1958) and Gladys Carson Wilkes (1898-1982). His siblings were Truett George Wilkes (1923-1945) (killed in action in World War II in the Philippines) and Troy Gene Wilkes (1932-1968).
Williams, LTJG Cassius Allen Jr. - Lieutenant Williams was born February 16, 1923, in Seneca County, Ohio, a son of Cassius Allen Williams (1882-1975) and Mary C. Hoppes Williams (1882-1958). He was married to Maude Elva Thurn Jess (1923-1958) on September 23, 1945, and they had a son Chris Williams, age three years old. His brother was Leland K. Williams (1907-1978) and his sister was Pauline M. Williams Habecker (1909-2004). Lieutenant Williams was a World War II veteran.
First Lieutenant George Michael Lukakis was the pilot of a F-51D Mustang night fighter (#44-73570) with the 39th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron, 35th Fighter-Interceptor Group. On November 6, 1950, while departing on a combat mission, his aircraft crashed and he was unable to jettison his napalm bomb. Lieutenant Lukakis was born January 10, 1924 in Massachusetts, a son of Michael Lukakis (died 1940) and Irene Kaloroumakis Lukakis (1898-1986). His siblings were Mary Lukakis Venetiou (1918-1989), Nicholas Michael "Nike" Lukakis (1920-1999), and John M. Luke (1925-2014). Lieutenant Lukakis enlisted on December 03, 1942. He is buried in Fairview Cemetery, Chicopee, Massachusetts.
On November 8, 1950, while flying an air-ground control mission, an AT-6D Mosquito observation aircraft (45-86149) with the 6148th Tactical Air Control Squadron, 6147 Tactical Air Control Group was hit by anti-aircraft fire and exploded.
Fatalities:
Harrison, 1Lt. Lewis T. Jr. - Lieutenant Harrison was living in Nashville, Arkansas, when he enlisted and was serving as an air-ground controller for the 8th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division. He was seriously wounded when the enemy infiltrated his platoon's position near Kumchon, South Korea on August 2, 1950 and returned to duty on August 26, 1950. On November 8, 1951, while flying in a AT-6D Mosquito observation aircraft, it was hit by anti-aircraft fire and exploded. Lieutenant Harrison was born on September 24, 1922, a son of Lewis Thomas Harrison Sr. (1889-1981) and Matilda Jane "May" Smith Harrison (1890-1984). He was married to Eula Ruth Jones Harrison (1922-2011), and they had a daughter, Emily Anne Harrison (1948-1951). His siblings were Nathan Daniel Harrison (1908-1983) and Joe Hugh Harrison (1917-2009). The recipient of a Silver Star, Lieutenant Harrison is buried in Rose Hill Cemetery, Arkadelphia, Arkansas.
Zentner, 1Lt. Frederick Otto - Lieutenant Zentner was born February 02, 1920, in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, the son of Emil John Zentner (1886-1969) and Myrtle Ida Louise Ziebell Zentner ( 1899-1992). He was married to Thrula Mae "Siddy" Lane Sager (later Penner) (1914-1969) in 1944. They had a son Fredrick L. Zentner (1946-2014). His siblings were Phyllis Ruth Zentner Buchanan (1921-2015) and Priscill May Zentner Reid (1932-2009). Lieutenant Zentner is buried in Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, San Antonio, Texas.
The crew was performing a routine flight from Maxwell AFB, Alabama, to Donaldson AFB, South Carolina. While approaching Greenville from the northwest, the aircraft hit the wooded slope of Mt Bully located 13 miles northwest of Pickens, about 34 miles northwest of the Donaldson AFB. The aircraft disintegrated on impact and a fire erupted. All four crew members were killed.
Fatalities:
Bloomer, SSgt. John Davis - Sergeant Bloomer was born March 12, 1926, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, a son of Edwin McKinley Bloomer (1894-1956) and Edith Mae Davis Bloomer. His siblings were Inga Bloomer, Doris Mae Bloomer Pickens, Marian Florence Bloomer, Roy Earl Bloomer and Adeline E. Bloomer. Sergeant Bloomer is buried in Allegheny County Memorial Park, Allison Park, Pennsylvania.
Lott, SSgt. Walter O. (passenger) - Sergeant Lott was born May 16, 1898, in Wirt County, West Virginia, the son of Walker Buchanon "Buck" Lott (1867-1927) and Lucy Treadway Lott. The KWE believes that his step-mother was Jessie Lena Smith Lott (1888-1965). He was married to Lelia May Stevens Lott (1898-1969) on January 01, 1922. Their children [unconfirmed by the KWE] included Betty B. Lott Kerby (1922-2003), Dorothy E. "Dote" Kerby (1924-2005), Dora Lee Lott Hysell (1928-1999), Violet G. Lott (1936-1936), William John Lott, Ronzel Lott (1933-2025), Peggy Lott Cunningham, Albert Lott, Harold Lott, and Anna Louise Lott Agee (1929-2013). His step-brother was James Earl Lott (1925-1925). Sergeant Lott is buried in Mount Zion Cemetery, Grantsvill, West Virginia.
Schmitt, 1Lt. Robert P. (co-pilot) -
Stuckrath, Capt. John Miles (pilot) - Captain Stuckrath was born January 13, 1921, in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, a son of William C. Stuckrath (1889-1965) and Ella Marie Rieder Stuckrath (1894-1970). His brother was Robert Warren Stuckrath (1926-2013). Captain Stuckrath is buried in Allegheny County Memorial Park, Allison Park, Pennsylvania.
Captain Bernard Lee Pearson was the pilot of a F-51D Mustang night fighter (#45-11514) with the 67th Fighter Bomber Squadron, 18th Fighter Bomber Group. On November 11, 1950, while on a combat mission of strafing enemy troops 3 miles east of Pukchin, his aircraft received a direct hit by anti-aircraft fire and crashed into a nearby ridge. His remains were not recovered. Captain Pearson was born December 14, 1924, in Cape May, New Jersey, the son of Barney Pearson (born 1886) and Bertha Lee Nicholson Pearson (born 1884). He was married to Virginia Louise Pearson. Captain Pearson enlisted in the Army Air Corps on January 06, 1943.
This aircraft was assigned to the 606th Air Control and Warning Squadron when it crashed four miles northwest of Taegu, SouthKorea.
Fatality:
Garegnani (a/k/a Gary), Lt. Angelo Anthony - Lieutenant Gary was born November 18, 1920 in Turbigo, Italy. He and his wife, Barbara Ann Trumbly Garegnani (later Polz, Sharpe) (1926-2011) were parents of Michael A. Gary (1944-1982). During World War II, Lieutenant Gary served in Panama. He changed his name from Garegnani to the Americanized name "Gary" prior to enlisting.
On November 13, 1950, while on a combat mission, an AT-6D Mosquito observation aircraft (#42-84202) with the 6147th Tactical Air Control Squadron, 6147 Tactical Air Control Group crashed two miles north of Koto-ri, Korea. There were two fatalities.
Fatalities:
Holcomb, 1Lt. Lester Allen - Lieutenant Holcomb was born November 29, 1915, in Ohio, the son of Walter Ward Holcomb (1891-1966) and Ida Louise Larson Holcomb (1885-1957). He was married to Dorothy Mae Farnham (later Faught) (1922-2021) on September 08, 1938, in Steuben, Indiana and they had sons Clifton Lester Holcomb (1939-2003) and Russ Holcomb. Lieutenant Holcomb enlisted on November 27, 1942 and served in World War II. He was the recipient of a Distinguished Flying Cross and Air Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters. He was killed on the day before he was to ship back to the USA. He is buried in Fort Meigs Cemetery, Perrysburg, Ohio.
Warren, MSgt. Leonard Everett - Master Sergeant Warren was a member of Headquarters, 3rd Logistics Command, U.S. Army. On November 13, 1950 he was a passenger on this AT-6D Mosquito observation aircraft. Sergeant Warren was born March 03, 1911, in Watonga, Oklahoma, the son of Lewis Jackson Warren (1884-1962) and Lethia Blanche Yeakley Warren (1887-1966). He was married to Gay L. Murry (1917-?). Sergeant Warren is buried in Kingfisher Cemetery, Kingfisher, Oklahoma.
There were four crew members on a C-47B Skytrain transport with the 21st Troop Carrier Squadron, "Kyushu Gypsies", 374th Troop Carrier Wing. On November 21, 1950, while flying a drop mission, the aircraft crashed eight miles south of Hyesanjin, Korea, killing three on board.
Breitkreutz, 1Lt. John John "Jackie" - Lieutenant Breitkreutz was born July 28, 1928, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the son of John Ralph Breitkreutz (1901-1978) and Marie Lea Hennon Breitkreutz (later Ohls, Schnippert) (1906-1993). His siblings were Selma Catherine Breitkreutz Wolfe (1927-2000) and Joy A. Breitkreutz Jandrlich.
Gish, SSgt. William Hurley - Sergeant Gish was born October 24, 1913, in Middletown, Pennsylvania, the son of Edwin Ober Gish (1893-1968) and Alice Laura Kling Gish (1883-1949). He was married to Catherine Watson Gish (1915-1978). Sergeant Gish is buried in Middletown Cemetery, Middletown, Pennsylvania. Sergeant Gish enlisted on October 10, 1940, and was the recipient of a Distinguished Flying Cross.
Wilson, 1Lt. Robert Vernon - Lieutenant Wilson was born February 20, 1920, in Denver, Colorado, the son of Frank Russell Wilson (1894-1983) and Marie Anne Ensch Wilson (1898-1990). He was married to Marjorie Mae Wilson. A World War II veteran, Lieutenant Wilson was the recipient of a Distinguished Flying Cross and Air Medal with five Gold Stars. He is buried in San Fernando Mission Cemetery, Mission Hills, California.
This P2V Neptune bomber lost its wing, rolled downward clockwise, and distintegrated in a ball of flame into the ocean off Oahu's Kaena Point. Its crew of five were lost. Because of a scheduling mix-up, before the plane took off, the pilot, James Clampet received word that he was to relieve the duty officer. Junior pilot George Irelan voluntarily took Clampet’s place.
On 27 November 2000, the Honolulu Advertiser printed an article on a memorial ceremony for the crew of the P2V that crashed on 27 November 1950. According to the article, the aircraft, equipped with 16 rockets, was conducting a rocket run two miles off Yokohama Bay, near Kaena Point, the western-most end of the island. The starboard wing separated from the aircraft, and it rolled and impacted the ocean. The VP-4 crew of five died. No identifiable remains were found, though some remains were buried together in one casket at the National Cemetery in Chattanooga, Tennessee on January 19, 1951. The 27 Nov 2000 memorial ceremony was held at Yokohama Bay with three dozen friends, relatives and military personnel present. At the end of the ceremony, a VP-4 P-3 flew over and dropped a marker on the exact location of the crash site. Richard Irelan, George Irelan's older brother, presented the Navy with the casket flag that was used in the joint services in Chattanooga. The flag will be displayed at the Commander Patrol and Reconnaissance Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet Headquarters in Kane'ohe, the current station for VP-4 ..."
Fatalities:
Irelan, Ens. George Hill - Ensign Irelan was born November 15, 1928, a son of Benjamin Irelan. His siblings were Frank, Richard and Paul Irelan--all World War II veterans. Ensign Irelan graduated from Bridgeton High School in 1946. According one newspaper article, "Irelan was excited about flying with Linn, an experienced pilot who, along with Adm. Richard Byrd, had charted the Antarctic during Operation Highjump in the 1940s."
Linn, Ltjg. Sylvester Jesse Jr. (pilot) - Lieutenant Linn was born May 01, 1924, in Cushing, Oklahoma, a son of Sylvester Jesse Linn Sr. (1895-1973) and Cora Lee Abrocrombie Linn (1897-1985). He was married to JoAnn Taylor (later Arnold) (1926-1978 ) in 1944. His siblings wewre Decima Gyona Linn (1918-1918), Wynema Linn Johnson (1920-2002), Ladema Lee Linn Moore Whitebread Williams (1921-2002), Robert Bruce Linn Sr. (1929-2004) and Tosby Laile "Toss" Linn (1934-2019).
Farris, AL1 Malcolm (radioman) - AL1 Farris was born February 01, 1923, in Rogers, Texas, a son of Ollis E. Farris (1892-1960) and Alice W. Woodruff Farris Coupland (1894-1978). His siblings were Andrew Edison Farris (1912-1963) and Adrian M. Farris (1916-1938).
Neely, AN Harold Thomas (ordnance man) - AN Neely was born April 30, 1930.
Zitkovich, Frank (flight engineer) - Born November 9, 1923, AD1 Zitkovich was from Hinsdale, Illinois, a son of Stepan and Ana Kelicic Zitkovich. His siblings were: Anne T. Zitkovich, Steve Joseph Zitkovich (died 2010), Joseph J. Zitkovich (died 1997), Matthew M. Zitkovich (died 2006), Michael Zitkovich, Michael Mathews, Stephanie McCormick, and Rose Zitkovich (died 2009).
DPAA report: Captain Frederick Gray Hudson III, who joined the U.S. Air Force from Louisiana, was a member of the 12th Fighter-Bomber Squadron, 18th Fighter-Bomber Wing. On November 27, 1950, he took off from Pyongyang East Air Base, North Korea, piloting an F-51D Mustang (tail number 45-11560) as the number two aircraft in a three-plane armed reconnaissance mission over North Korea. After making a strafing attack against a camouflaged object on the road south of Sakchu, small pieces of metal began to fall from Captain Hudson's aircraft. The aircraft climbed, rolled twice to the left, and crashed into a ridge. Captain Hudson was not seen to parachute from the F-51D before it went down, and the other pilots on the mission saw no signs of life at the crash site. Enemy presence in the area prevented organized searches for Captain Hudson, who was not seen again. No returning POWs mentioned having contact with Captain Hudson, nor was he seen at any known holding point, interrogation center, hospital, or permanent POW camp. He is still unaccounted-for. Captain Hudson was born September 12, 1923, in Monroe, Louisiana, the son of Edward Murray Hudson (1898-1972) and Mary Louise Faulk Hudson (1895-1971). His sister was Dorothy "Doll" Hudson Biedenharn (1921-2017). Captain Hudson attended elementary and high school in Monroe. He also attended Phillips Academy in Andover, Massachusetts, and Princeton University. He was a 1947 graduate of the United States Misslitary Academy at West Point. He was the recipient of an Air Medal.
Noonan, Ensign William Donald - Ensign Noonan was the pilot of an AD-4 Skyraider dive bomber (#123917) with Attack Squadron 115, aboard the aircraft carrier USS Philippine Sea (CV-47). On November 27, 1950 during a snow storm, his aircraft crashed into the sea. His body was not recovered. Ensign Noonan was born May 24, 1929 in Missouri, a son of George Frank Noonan (1890-1974) and Katherine Quinn Noonan (1893-1989). His sibling was Robert Owen Noonan (1923-1984). Ensign Noonan was posthumously awarded a Distinguished Flying Cross.
On 28 November 1950 a reconnaissance aerial photo mission was scheduled aboard the USS Leyte (CV-32), an Essex-class aircraft carrier to film Chinese and North Korean troop movements along their two borders. Composite Squadron 62 was assigned the task and Ensign William George Wagner, call-sign "WAG", would fly the F4U-1P Corsair Photo Plane. Upon reaching the border and starting his film run, the aircraft was hit and WAG had to eject. The 3rd Air Rescue was notified. They knew this was going to be a very risky mission due to the distance they would have to cover, nearly all of it behind enemy lines and the lateness of the mission start would put them into the hours of darkness. Robert B. Parker's H-5G Dragonfly #49-2009 helicopter was not equipped for night flying and had a maximum range of 280 miles on a full fuel load. Today, over 180 of those miles were to be flown behind enemy lines, so volunteers were asked for and Robert volunteered. He knew the risks, but he also knew a brother in arms was in big trouble and wouldn't survive the night, so he volunteered along with Private First Class Desmond Roy Wilkerson, a medical technician to rescue Ensign Wagner. The mission launched at 1500 hours (3pm) with two U.S. Navy fighter aircraft assigned to fly cover. Upon reaching the Manchurian border, they located WAG and rescued him. On the return trip the enemy lines kept shifting and at 1915 hours (7:15pm) he radioed the escort fighters that he was out of fuel and has to land. He was 10 miles north of Airfield K-29 at Sinanju, North Korea. That was Robert's last radio transmission. Robert, WAG and Desmond were discovered by a U.S. Army patrol and interred at the United Nations Cemetery at Pyongyang, North Korea. That too, fell to the Chinese and North Korean forces days after and Robert's remains were not returned to the U.S. Forces until 1955.
Fatalities:
Parker, Lt. Robert Blaine - Lieutenant Parker was born September 19, 1924 in Jonesborough, Tennessee, a son of Charles Hubert Parker (1887-1961) and Sarah Julia Lyle Parker (1898-1997). He and his wife Janelle had no children. His siblings were Charles Edwin "Ed" Parker (1919-2019) and Frances Marie Parker (1923-1924). Lieutenant Parker was a 1943 graduate of Lamar High School and served in World War II in the Pacific. He was the recipient of a Distinguished Flying Cross.
Wagner, Ens. William George - Ensign Wagner was born May 30, 1924. He was married to Norma J. Wagner.
Wilkerson, Pfc. Desmond Roy - Private Wilkerson was born March 23, 1927, in Los Angeles, California, a son of Dr. Roy Taturn WilkersonJr. (1903-1994) and Fern Corrine Richardson Wilkerson (1907-1965). He was married to Shirley Gardner (later Fletcher) and they had a son Desmond W. Wilkerson (later Fletcher). His brother was Dr. David Lee "Doc" Wilkerson (1932-2023). Private Wilkerson was the recipient of a Distinguished Service Cross. He is buried in West Jordan City Cemetery, West Jordan, Utah.
This aircraft was lost between Koto-ri and Hagaru-ri, North Korea, during the Chosin Reservoir campaign. Missing in action were two 41st Independent Commando Royal Marines participating in Taskforce Drysdale.
Parkinson-Cumine, Capt. Ralph Nicholas - born July 10, 1922. The recipient of a Military Cross, there is a memorial to him at St. Annes Church, Killough Down.
Southworth, Cpl. Ronald - Born January 08, 1927, he was from Chorley, Lancashire.
The only RB-45C lost in combat during the Korean War was 48-015, which was assigned to the 323rd SRS, 91st SRW. The crew was from the 19th BW, Langley Air Force Base, on temporary duty to the 91st SRW. The RB-45 was shot down by MiGs on 4 December 1950. The co-pilot, Major Jules E. Young, and navigator, Capt. James J. Picucci, were killed in action. The pilot and an observer were taken prisoner. The Pentagon assigned observer, Col. John R. Lovell, was deaten to death by North Koreans on 10 December 1950. The pilot, Major Charles E. McDonough, died 31 December 1950 while a prisoner of war.
Lovell, Col. John Raymond (observer) - Col. John Raymond Lovell was born on November 12, 1094, in Ottumwa, Iowa, a son of roy edgar Lovell (1880-1947) and Mae Evans Lovell (1884-1958). He was married to Norma Marie McKaigh Lovell (1903-2000), and they had a daughter, Mrs. Dick (Nancy) Dean. His siblings were Lloyd E. Lovell (1907-1956), Morgan Edgar "Lefty" Lovell (1908-1990), Ruthann Lovell (1912-1967) and Merle Evans Lovell (1914-1915). Colonel Lovell was a graduate of West Point (Class of '27), a former U.S. Olympic boxing team coach and a veteran of Cold War espionage. Colonel Lovell was the highest-ranking intelligence officer lost during the Korean War. Colonel Lovell received the Air Medal, the Legion of Merit, and the Purple Heart. During the Korean War, he was with the Directorate of Intelligence, U.S. Air Force. He was placed on temporary duty with the 5th Air Force. On December 4, 1950, while on a reconnaissance mission over the Yalu River, his RB-45C Tornado bomber was shot down by Russian MiG-15s. He was taken prisoner by the Chinese forces, interrogated by the Russians and turned over to the North Korean Armed Forces. He was beaten to death by North Korean civilians on December, 10 1950. His remains were not recovered." He was stationed TDY with the 91st from the was with the Directorate of Intelligence, U.S. Air Force, Pentagon and was, thus, a very valuable target for the communists."
McDonough, Major Charles Edward (pilot) (beaten to death while a POW) - Major McDonough was born April 08, 1919, in Connecticut, the son of Edward C. McDonough (1891-1929) and Elizabeth "Bessie" M. Hoyle McDonough (1896-1999). He was married to Mary Jo McDonough and they had a daughter, Jeanne McDonough Dear. Captain McDonough was in charge of the three top secret RB-45Cs stationed at Yokota AB, Japan which had arrived in September 1950. They belonged to Detachment "A" of the 84th Bomb Squadron, 91st Strategic Reconnaissance Wing. Captain McDonough's RB-45 (Aircraft Number: 48-015) reconnaissance was attacked by 5 Soviet MiG-15s from the 64th Fighter Aviation Corps and shot down (by one according to the interrogation info) on 4 December 1950. He was taken prisoner, interrogated under torture by Soviet (probably in China). Soviet interrogator Fironov said the North Koreans hung a sign around McDonough's neck stating he was a US war criminal, put him on display in a public square, and permitted a mob to beat McDonough to death, on or about 18 December 1950. Major McDonough was the recipient of a Distinguished Flying Cross, Legion of Merit and Air Medal.
Picucci, Capt. James Jerome (navigator) - Captain Picucci was born October 23, 1918. He was from New York. Captain Picucci was the recipient of a Distinguished Flying Cross. He was killed in this plane crash.
Young, Major Jules Edwin (co-pilot) - Major Young was born June 07, 1921, in New York, the son of Edwin and Edith M. Young. During World War II he flew 40 combat missions. He was the recipient of a Distinguished Flying Cross and an Air Medal.
Major Kenneth Sherrill Hodges, who joined the U.S. Air Force from California, was a member of the Headquarters Squadron, 35th Fighter-Interceptor Group. On December 6, 1950, he took off from Pusan East Air Base, South Korea, piloting an F-51D Mustang (tail number 44-72743A) as the number two aircraft in a two-plane armed reconnaissance mission along main supply routes north of Pyongyang. The mission started by flying over the road from Pyongyang to Sukchon. While flight along the road, the formation made an attack on boxcars in the village of Opari. Major Hodges crashed while making his pass over the target; however, the exact cause of the crash is unknown. The flight leader circled the crash site but saw no signs of survival, and MAJ Hodges was not seen again. No returning POWs mentioned having contact with Maj Hodges, nor was he seen at any known holding point, interrogation center, hospital, or permanent POW camp. He is still unaccounted-for. Major Hodges was born January 16, 1919 in Idaho, a son of James L. and Francis A. Hodges. He married Lorraine Alice Ross (1919-1992) on May 11, 1943 in Seattle, Washington, and they had an infant daughter at the time Major Hodges went missing. He had a brother, James Hodges. Major Hodges attended college for three years and enlisted in the Army Air Corps on February 11, 1941. He served in Germany during World War II. He was the recipient of a Distinguished Flying Cross and an Air Medal.
Shortly after takeoff for a night weather reconnaissance mission, ice and snow accumulated on the wings of the aircraft causing it to stall and crash approximately eighteen miles from Kimpo Airfield. Both crew members were killed instantly.
Harding, Capt. Warren Gamaliel - Captain Harding was born December 312, 1920, in Minnesota, a son of William O. Harding (1892-1954) and Oella C. Cragne Harding (1899-1980). He was married to Virginia Jean Madson on November 30, 1942. They had a daughter Sandy Harding (Benson), age eight months. Captain Harding's brothers were Charles Arthur (1922-2011) and William Dale Harding (1924-2007). Captain Harding is buried in Elwood Cemetery, Sycamore, Illinois.
Pratt, 1Lt. Clifford Francis - Lieutenant Pratt was born January 120, 1922, in Oakland, California, the son Frank William Pratt Jr. (1889-1953) and Margaret Ruth Talbott Pratt (1891-1982). He was married to Robbie Mae "Babe" Janae Pratt (1922-1985) and they had a daughter, Jane Ruth Pratt (1948-1949). Lieutenant Pratt's sister was Geraldine Ruth Pratt (1919-2019). Lieutenant Pratt is buried in Cedar Park Cemetery, Calumet Park, Illinois.
First Lieutenant Robert Roy Williams was the pilot of a F-51D Mustang night fighter (#44-73122) with the 36th Fighter Bomber Squadron, 8th Fighter Bomber Group. On December 9, 1950, while on a combat mission, his aircraft stalled and crashed causing his napalm tanks to explode. His remains were not recovered. Llieutenant Williams was born April 28, 1922, in California, the son of George T. Williams. He was the recipient of a Distinguished Flying Cross and an Air Medal.
1Lt. Adelorde Gene Morency, USMC, of VMO-6, was the pilot of an OY-2 Grasshopper aircraft. The aerial observer was 1Lt. Roy Sheil, USMC. While making a message drop to Marine forces near Sudong-ni, North Korea, at about 100 feet altitude, the aircraft struck wires and went into a flat spin and crashed. The two men were picked up and rushed to a hospital in Hamhung. Lieutenant Sheil was later evacuated to a hospital in Japan with a Brain Concussion. Lieutenant Morency died of wounds enroute to the hospital. Lieutenant Morency was born June 24, 1923, in Cohasset, Minnesot, the son of Axel Morency (1884-`949) and Lena Rose Lemmens Witherill Morency (1886-1960). His siblings were Harold George Witherill (1913–1983), Arnold Thomas Witherill (1915–1987), Elaine Frances Witherill Conway (1916–1959), Georgia Mae Lattery (1917–1989), Theodore Patrick Morency (1925–1987), Mary Lou Morency Goodrie (1929–2022), and John Bernard "Jack" Morency (1933–2021). Lieutenant Morency is buried in Wildwood Cemetery, Cohasset, Minnesota.
Johnson, Major Neil Richard - Major Johnson was the pilot of a F-51D Mustang night fighter (#44-84597) with the 40th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron, 35th Fighter-Interceptor Group. On December 12, 1950, during a combat mission, his aircraft ran out of fuel and crashed 500 feet short of the runway at Taegu Airfield (K-2), South Korea. Major Johnson was born February 26, 1919, the son of Walter U. Johnson (1894-1976) and Helen Genevieve Rogers Johnson (1901-1980). In 1942 he was maried to Thelma June Willes Johnson (later Heaphy) (1920-2007), and they had a son Gary Neil Johnson (1946-1997) and a daughter. Major Johnson attended Montana State University 1938=1940, where was was a football and basketball player. He enlisted in the Army Air Corps on May 31, 1941. He was the recipient of a Distinguished Flying Cross and Air Medal with 13 Oak Leaf Clusters.
Second Lieutenant Floyd Albert "Bo" Stephenson Jr. was the pilot of a F-84E Thunderjet fighter with the 523rd Fighter Escort Squadron, 27th Fighter Escort Group. On December 13, 1950, while on a combat mission of strafing enemy positions south of Sariwon, Korea, his aircraft received a direct hit by anti-aircraft fire, crashed and disintegrated. His remains were not recovered. Lieutenant Stephenson was born August 03, 1 928, in Los Angeles, California, the son of Floyd Albert Stephenson Sr. A graduate of Western High School in Washington, D.C., he attended Virginia Military Institute before graduating from the United States Military Academy in 1949. His sister was Violet Jane Stephenson. Lieutenant Stephenson was the recipient of an Air Medal.
While flying in marginal weather conditions at an altitude of about 4,000 feet, the twin engine aircraft hit the slope of Mt McCreight and was destroyed on December 18, 1950. SAR operations were quickly conducted but eventually suspended after a few days as no trace of the aircraft or the crew was found. The wreckage was eventually spotted by walkers on October 21, 1951 in a dense wooded area located on the Vancouver Island. All 11 crew members were killed. They were performing a training mission from the Whidbey Island NAS, Washington.
Fatalities:
Anderson, LTJG Roy Theodore (pilot) - Born February 22, 1923, in Chicago, Illinois, Roy Anderson was a son of Roy Leslie Anderson (1886-1974) and Irene Nichols Peasley Anderson (1888-1987). He was married to Betty Jean Hamilton (later Lewis) (1925-1980) on December 05, 1947. His brother was Alden Peasley Anderson (1925-2018). Lieutenant Anderson is buried in Memorial Park Cemetery, Battle Creek, Michigan.
Bergquist, ALC Milton Edward (1st radioman) - Born August 18, 1923, this World War II veteran is buried with other Bergquist family members in Evergreen-Washelli Memorial Park, Seattle, Washington.
Christiana, ATAN James F. (crewman) - Born September 14, 1929, James Christiana was from New York. He is buried in Kattellville Cemetery, Kattellville, New York, next to Harmon T. Christiana (1889-1965) and Mildred Sherman Christiana (1889-1976). Harmon and Mildren's other children were Thelma Sebesla, Myrtle Cahill, Jeane M. Sivers (1925-2002), Lucas R., Harold D., and Harmon T. Jr.
Hancock, AF3 Verl Louis (photographer)- Born August 23, 1926 in Downey, Bannock County, Idaho, Verl is buried in Grove City Cemetery, Blackfoot, Idaho.
Hogaboom, Midshipman George Beverly (navigator) - Born August 11, 1929, George grew up in Central America. While in flight school, he roomed with Neil Armstrong. He was born July 11, 1929, a son of Henry George Hogabgoom (1901-1975) and Margaret Lena Johnson Hogaboom (1908-1996). His brother was Peter Hogaboom (1931-1992). George is buried in Cedar Hill Cemetery, Vicksburg, Mississippi.
Lunn, AO1 Edward G. (1st Ordnanceman) - AO1 Lunn was born in 1922, the son of George J. Lunn (1903-1977) and Helen M. Lu8nn (1905-1984). He is buried in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Cheltenham Township, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania.
Morris, ENS James Forrest (co-pilot) - Born April 10, 1928, James was from Texas. He is buried in Forreston Cemetery, Forreston, Texas.
Pinne, Lt. Lalonde Martin - Lieutenant was born March 04, 1917, in Butte, Montana, a son of Albert L. Pinne (died 1927) and Gladys M. Pinne (Klinkee) (1891-1968). He was married to Elizabeth Ann Freeman (later McCollam) (1920-1998) in 1942. They were parents of a son. Lieutenant Pinne enlisted in the Navy in 1936. He is buried in Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery, San Diego, California.
Sinclair, Frederick John USNR (radarman) - Born September 06, 1 925, he is buried in Arlington National Cemetery.
Stockton, AT2 Robert C. (2nd radioman) - [KWE Note: The only Robert Stockton that we have been able to find is a Robert Stockton born July 20, 1920. That Robert Stockton died in December of 1950, was married, and had two children and three stepchildren. The KWE has no information as to whether this is the right Robert Stockton. We urge our readers to contact the KWE if they have details about Robert C. Stockton.]
Whitehead, Chief Machinists Mate Walter William - Walter Whitehead was born August 31, 1922, in Alameda County, California. He is buried in East Lawn Memorial Park, Sacramento, California.
On this date the first prototype of Douglas XA2D-1 Skyshark BU#122988 crashed at Edwards Air Force Base in California, on its 15th flight. The pilot, LTCD Hugh John Edward Wood Jr., was killed. The son of Hugh John Edward Wood Sr. was the recipient of a Navy cross with Gold Star, Silver Star, Distinguished Flying Cross and an Air Medal with five Gold Stars. Lieutenant Wood is buried in Arlington National Cemetery.
Captain Ralph Maynard Olson was a decorated veteran of World War II. In Korea, he was the pilot of a F-51D Mustang night fighter (#44-74716) with the 39th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron, 35th Fighter-Interceptor Group. On December 19, 1950, while returning from a combat mission, his aircraft crashed into the sea one mile short of the runway at Pusan, Korea. Captain Olson was born May 22, 1917 in Minnesota, the son of Lester A. Olson (1893-1943) and Esther Olson McCall (1894-1991). He was married to Norma Jean Koehler (later Pease) (1927-2010) in 1949. His sibliings were Robert Olson and Mrs. Arnie Flom. Captain Olseon attended Winona State Teachers College. In World War II he served in the 10th Army Air Corps. He enlisted on September 26, 1941. He was the recipient of a Bronze Star, Silver Star, Distinguished Service Cross and Air Medal with five Oak Leaf Clusters. Captain Olson is buried in Money Creek Cemetery, Money Creek, Minnesota.
The RAAF's 77th Fighter Squadron lost its sixth pilot on 22 December 1950 when Pilot Officer Donald Campbell "Don" Ellis (F-51 Mustang #A68-726) was shot down by ground fire whilst carrying out a reconnaissance mission near Taedong River east of Pyongyang, North Korea. Sergeant Ellis was born April 13, 1927 in Sydney, Australia.
Second Lieutenant Roger William Bascom was the pilot of a F-84E Thunderjet fighter (#49-2422) with the 522nd Fighter-Escort Squadron, 27th Fighter-Escort Group. On December 24, 1950, while on a combat mission, his aircraft crashed near Kopo-ri, Korea, about five miles southwest of Kimpo Airfield (K-14). Lieutenant Bascom was born June 21, 1927, in Texas, a son of Raymond Eugene Bascom Sr. (1902-1985) and Mabel Sarah Lyons Bascom (1899-1985). His siblings were Raymond, Merle Eugene (1936-2022) and Albert Bascom. Lieutenant Bascom enlisted on January 10, 1946, and received an Air Medal. He is buried in Keene Cemetery, Keene, Texas.
Captain Jerry Elmer Albro Miller was a pilot of a F9F-2 Pantherjet fighter with the Marine Fighter Squadron 311, Marine Air Group 33, 1st Marine Air Wing. On December 26, 1950, while on a combat mission of attacking a highway bridge, his aircraft received a direct hit by anti-aircraft fire, crashed into a small hill and burst into flames. His remains were not recovered.
Miller, Capt. Jerry Elmer Albro - Captain Miller was born October 26, 1919, in Kansas City, Missouri, the son of Otto William Martin Miller (1884-1968) and Letha L. Long Miller (1888-1983). He was married to JoAnn E. Miller (born 1927). Captain Miller was the recipient of a Distinguished Flying Cross and a World War II veteran.