In God We Trust
On June 28, 1950, while on a combat mission, the flight instruments on B-26B Invader bomber (#44-34238) with the 8th Bomber Squadron, 3rd Bomber Group malfunctioned and the plane crashed into the Yellow Sea. Two were killed and one was rescued.
Killed in Action:
Campos, SSgt. Jose Catano Jr. (tailgunner) - Sergeant Campos was born May 16, 1919 in Miami, Arizona, the son of Jose Catano Campos Sr. and Belen Campos. He attended George Washington and Miami High School before joining the Army Air Corps on September 15, 1941. During World War II he flew 100 bombing missions in the European Theater. After discharge on June 21, 1945 he worked for Inspiration Copper Company. He enlisted in the Air Force in 1947. He married Jovita Casillas and they had one daughter Jennie. He was the recipient of a Distinguished Flying Cross, Silver Star, and an Air Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters. Sergeant Campos' remains were recovered and he was buried in Pinal Cemetery, Central Heights, Arizona.
Cyborski, 1Lt. Raymond Joseph (pilot) - Lieutenant Cyborski was born October 25, 1924 in Chicago Heights, Illinois, the son of Joseph and Edna Mae Cyborski. He was the recipient of an Air Medal.
Rescued:
Lister, 1Lt. Harry Monroe (injured) - Lieutenant Lister was born August 06, 1920 and died January 20, 2010. He retired from the Air Force as a Major.
A B-26B Invader bomber (#44-34478) with the 13th Bomber Squadron, 3rd Bomber Group diverted to Itazuke Air Base in bad weather. Later, on a flight from Itazuke to Ashiya, the aircraft crashed near Ashiya Air Base. Reported: Conducted bombing mission against the rail yards at Munsan, 20 miles north of Seoul.
Fatalities:
Goodwin, SSgt. William John - Sergeant Goodwin was born September 28, 1921 in Arkansas, a son of Neal Clark Goodwin (1892-1969) and Jennie Reinstra Goodwin (1899-1974). His brother was Arthur Goodwin. A World War II veteran who enlisted on September 11, 1942, Sergeant Goodwin is buried in Golden Gate National Cemetery, San Bruno, California.
Harding, 1Lt. Remer Laverne - Lieutenant Harding was born February 05, 1924 in Ellis, Texas, the son of Willard Jefferson Harding and Azale O'Neal Harding. He was married to Barbara Patricia Conkling (later Bailey) (1927-2020) and they had a son Richard Lane Harding (1950-2014). Killed on his second wedding anniversary, Lieutenant Harding is buried in Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery, Dallas, Texas.
DPAA: On the morning of June 29, 1950, a B-26B Invader (tail number 44-34339A) with a crew of two departed Ashiya Air Base, Japan. The briefed mission was a six-aircraft flight on a daylight interdiction operation against targets north of Seoul. After successfully bombing their primary targets, the flight began looking for targets of opportunity. While strafing an enemy train carrying ammunition near Sonyu-ri, the Invader was struck by exploding ordnance. As the pilot attempted to recover, the B-26 flew into electrical wires and crashed near the town of Ilsan-ri. Local villagers reported that both occupants were killed instantly and that their remains were taken to the North Korean Army Headquarters in Seoul.
Killed in Action:
Avarello, 2Lt. Charles B. "Baldy" (pilot) - Lieutenant Avarello was born December 18, 1927, in Buffalo, New York, the son of Joseph and Antoinette (Olivia) Emanuel Avarello of Buffalo, New York.
Olson, TSgt. Maurice Arthur - Sergeant Olson was born January 05, 1926 in Minnesota, a son of Carl Peder Olson (1889-1973) and Mathilda Geneva Anderson Olson (1892-1968). His siblings were Clarice Elaine Olson Hallisey (1916-1991), Carl Sherman Olson (1919-1920), Robert Carl Olson (1920-2003), Henry Warren Olson (1922-1992) and Lorraine Phyllis Olson Thompson (1924-1996). Sergerant Olson enlisted in the Army Air Corps on January 12, 1941.
USAF reports this plane ran out of fuel after a successful bombing run over Seoul and was forced to ditch at sea off the coast of Fukae-shima, Japan. The surviving pilot reports there was an underwater explosion after they ditched and he was knocked unconscious. While the pilot, Capt. Jack Eno was rescued, no sign of Staff Sergeant Fluke was found during extensive search by personnel from a nearby radar station. Captain Eno, in a letter describing the incident, reported a bomb had shook loose and stuck in the bomb bay during the run. This is the probable cause of the underwater explosion, he reported. He also reported Staff Sergeant Fluke had chosen to stay with the aircraft during the ditching instead of bailing out before.
Killed in Action:
Fluke, SSgt. Robert Williams (tailgunner) - Sergeant Fluke was born October 19, 1924, the son of William H. Fluke and Alma Williams Yount Fluke (later Kelley) (1901-1958). On May 21, 1945 he married Frances Louise Blakeslee and they had a daughter, Sandra L. Fluke (later Knutson), who was four years old at the time of the crash. Sergeant Fluke was a World War II veteran.
Rescued:
Eno, 1Lt. Jack B. II (pilot) - Lieutenant Eno was born in 1922 and died in 1971. He is buried in Evergreen Cemetery, Lansing, Michigan.
A B-26B Invader bomber (#44-43240) with the 8th Bomber Squadron, 3rd Bomber Group was on a night mission on July 6, 1950 when the aircraft's bomb was released at low altitude and its blast destroyed the aircraft.
Fatalities:
Chumak, AB Edward (tailgunner) - Airman Chumak was born July 02, 1930, a son of Paul Chumak (1893-1973) and Julia Chumak (1903-1973). His brothers were Ralph Chumak (1931-2018) and Walter (1937-1954). Airman Chumak is buried in Arlington National Cemetery.
Moore, 1Lt. David Alexander "Danny" - Lieutenant Moore was born July 09, 1920 in Sierra Madre, California, the son of John Perry Moore and Susan Ellen Fitzsimmons Moore. He was married on February 17, 1946 in Los Angeles, California, to Bonita Angie "Ping" Williams (later Luby) (1919-2016). They were parents of a three-year-old daughter Sharon and a son David (born one week after the plane crash). A World War II veteran who enlisted on December 30, 1942, Lieutenant Moore is buried in Calvary Cemetery, Los Angeles, California.
-A B-26B Invader bomber (#44-34234) with 13th Bomber Squadron, 3rd Bomb Group crashed into a mountain while attacking a column of enemy tanks near Chong-ju.
Fatalities:
McNeill, SSgt. Lewis Otha Jr. - Sergeant McNeill was born May 26, 1918 in Illinois, the son of Lewis and Dathel Z. McNeill. He was married to Gladys L. Menees and they were parents of five children: Betty, Pete, Charles, Judy, and Louise (ages 11 years to 7 months old). A World War II veteran that served in the Pacific, he is buried in Beechwood (formerly Thistlewood) Cemetery, Mounds, Illinois. He enlisted on September 22, 1943.
O'Connell, 1Lt. William Thomas "Okie" Jr. - Lieutenant O'Connell was born March 09, 1926 in New York, New York, a son of William Thomas O'Connell Sr. His siblings were Theesa O'Connell and Arthur O'Connell. Lieutenant O'Connell, a graduate of the USMA Class of 1948, shares a grave with Captain Sizemore in Arlington National Cemetery.
Sizemore, Capt. Zemria Vance - Captain Sizemore was the bombardier on this B-26. He was born January 27, 1921 in Haywood, North Carolina, the son of Orville S. Sizemore and Fannie N.V. Townsend Sizemore. He was married to Dorothy C. Sizemore and they had a son David. Captain Sizemore enlisted in the Air Corps on March 13, 1942.
Two B-26 Invaders of the 729th Bombardment Squadron (Light), 452d Bombardment Group (Light), based at George AFB, California, collided in flight over El Mirage Dry Lake, ten miles northwest of Victorville, California. The pilots attempted unsuccessful bailouts.
Fatalities:
Cuerton, 1Lt. Ouris Hulon (pilot of #44-34174) - Lieutenant Cuerton was born June 21, 1921, in Swift, Texas, the son of Giles Napoleon Cuerton (1891-1966) and Susan Myrtle "Susie" Chalker Cuerton (1897-1985). He enlisted in the Army Air Corps in 1943 to serve in World War II and was the recipient of an Air Medal. He is bu ried in Green Hills Memorial Park, Rancho Palos Verdes, California.
Leavitt, Capt. Lyle N. (pilot of #44-34677) - Captain Leavitt was born June 02, 1917, in Boise, Idaho, a son of Franklin Charles Leavitt (1891-1957) and Verna Scrivner Leavitt (1889-1981). He was married in 1939 to Elizabeth L. Thompson (1917-1998) and they had daughters Nan and Bonnie. His siblings were Stanley Arnold Leavitt (1919-2015) and June L. Leavitt Rolls (1922-1997). Captain Leavitt graduated in 1935 from the Polytechnic High School and then attended Long Beach City College. He is buried in Angeles Abbey Mausoleum, Compton.
DPAA: On September 2, 1950, a B-26 Invader (44-34373) with three crew members took off as the lead in a flight of four aircraft on a bombing mission against enemy railroads near Iti, South Korea. This Invader's target was the railroad track running west from Iti to Kunsan. As the aircraft flew along the tracks at low altitude, it struck a high tension tower and crashed into the village of Kwangya-ri, causing an explosion that killed the three crew members and several villagers. Locals buried the bodies of two of the crew members, which were eventually recovered by U.S. Army Graves Registration Service personnel; however, the remains of the third crew member were not recovered, as they were reportedly cremated by the villagers.
Killed in Action:
Colvard, Sgt. Roy Paul Jr. (tailgunner) (body recovered) - Sergeant Colvard was born October 15, 1929 in Minnesota, the son of Roy Paul Colvard Sr. (1907-1976) and Bessie M. Colvard (1906-1970). He is b uried in Fort Snelling National Cemetery.
LaBarge, 1Lt. Francis John "Jack" (pilot) (body recovered) - Lieutenant LaBarge was born June 24, 1928, the son of Francis E. LaBarge (1904-1977) and Julia Ann Girard LaBarge (1903-1939). He enlisted in the Army Air Corps on January 28, 1946. Lieutenant LaBarge is buried in Holy Name Cemetery, Faust, New York.
Zeiher, SSgt. George Thomas (tailgunner) (missing in action) - Sergeant Zeiher was born October 05, 1922 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the son of George J. Zeiher. He married Marguerite Ann Jones (later Blackwell-Phegley) (1927-1999) on August 03, 1948 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. His siblings included Marie Zeiher Kummer. A World War II veteran, Sergent Zeiher attended Woodrow Wilson Junior High School and Olney High School. He enlisted in the Army Air Corps on November 18, 1942.
Bartley, 2 Lt. Richard Davis - Lieutenant Bartley was the pilot of a F-80C Shooting Star fighter interceptor (#47-479) with the 7th Fighter Bomber Squadron, 49th Fighter Bomber Group. On September 16, 1950, while on a combat mission, his aircraft received a direct hit by anti- aircraft fire, crashed and burst into flames near Kuji, 35 miles southwest of Taegu, South Korea. Lieutenant Bartley was born May 26, 1927 in Los Angeles, California, the son of Paris Harwood Bartley (1894-1995) and Eva Faye Davis Bartley (1900-1953). His brother was Don Carter Bartley (1924-2012). Lieutenant Bartley, who enlisted on October 07, 1948, is buried in Inglewood Park Cemetery, Inglewood, California.
First Lieutenant Donald Drama was the bombardier of a B-26B Invader bomber with the 8th Tactical Recon Squadron, 543rd Tactical Support Group. Departed Itazuke AB, Japan on recon mission over central Korea. Last contact with him was as he approached the coast of Korea, lost on low-level recon mission between Chechon-Chongchon.
Drama, 1Lt. Donald John - Lieutenant Drama was born March 23, 1928, in Minnesota, a son of Anthony Walter Drama (1904-1974) and Mary Virginias Gregorich Drama (1908-1974). His siblings were Russell Drama (1936-1944), MaryCarol Drama Makkyla (1945-2008), Pat (Mrs. Leo Svir), and Virginia Drama. Lieutenant Drama was a World War II veteran with an Air Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster. He enlisted on June 19,1946. There is a marker for him in Forest Hill Cemetery, Aurora, Minnesota.
On September 30, 1950, while on a night intruder mission, a B-26B Invader bomber (#44-34685) with the 8th Bomber Squadron, 3rd Bomber Wing was hit by anti-aircraft fire, crashed into the ocean near Wonsan, North Korea and exploded.
Missing in Action:
Bruzelius, Sgt. David Jr. (tailgunner) - Sergeant Bruzelius was born June 11, 1931, the son of Rev. David B. Bruzelius (1903-1951) and Nellie Narcissa Bruzelius (later Long) (1900-1977). Sergeant Bruzelius earned the Distinguished Flying Cross and Air Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters.
Gallagher, 1Lt. Lawrence William (pilot) - Lieutenant Gallagher was born November 22, 1924, the son of Vincent A. Gallagher (1897-1972) and Alberta S. Gallagher (1904-1983). His sister was Phyllis Gallagher Shurter (1928-1974). He enlisted in the Army Air Corps on December 13, 1942 and received the Air Medal with one Oak Leaf Cluster.
Matton, Sgt. Andre Joseph (bombardier) - Sergeant Matton was born August 31, 1925 in Massachusetts, the son of Philias Victor Matton (1879-1957) and Lucine Ross Matton (1881-1962). His siblings included an infant sister (1918-1918), Eva Matton (1906-1907), Anna Matton (1913-1917), Philias Matton, Lionel Matton, Emil Matton, Noella Matton Barnaby (1911-2002), Mrs. Andre Gagne, and Phyllis Matton Luvu.
On October 3, 1950, while on a night intruder mission, B-26B Invader bomber with the 13th Bomber Squadron, 3rd Bomber Group (#44-34237) was hit by anti-aircraft fire and crashed one mile north of Hangju.
Killed in Action:
Dorsey, TSgt. Joyce Merlin (tailgunner) - Sergeant Dorsey was born July 16, 1925 in Ashland, Kansas, the son of Henry L. Dorsey (1897-1969) and Lulu Edna Smith Dorsey (1900-1986). Sergeant Dorsey was a World War II veteran that served in the 8th Air Force in the European Theatre. His siblings were Marvin J. "Jack" Dorsey (1930-2018), Jacob Robert Dorsey (1934-1992), Kenneth Dorsey, Henry Dorsey, and Dwight Dorsey.
Hallum, Capt. Allen Lynnwood (bombardier) - Captain Hallum was born December 02, 1921 in Fannin, Texas, the son of Allen Lynwood Hallum (1895-1921) and Edna Jewel Sharp Hallum (later Smith). His stepfather was Frank S. Smith. Captain Hallum and his wife Doris had a daughter Linda Marie, who was born after her father was declared missing in action. His half siblings were Theresa Belle Trockmorton (1923-1992), Henrietta Christine Weber (1927-2016), Doris Jean "Tootie" Goldsborough (1932-2021), Billye Jeane Smith Noyes (1929-1994) and Robert Bruce Smith (1925-1986). Captain Hallum graduated from Hereford High School and then attended Commercial School of Art in San Antonio, Texas. He served in the South Pacific during World War II and was the recipient of an Air Medal.
Walton, 1Lt. Lucius Prewett (pilot) - LIeutenant Walton was born January 20, 1928 in Louisiana, the son of Clarence Leon Walton (1892-1940) and Doris E. Walton (Johnson). Lieutenant Walton spent his childhood in Moroe and attended Ouachita Parish schools.
On October 3, 1950 while on a night intruder mission in the Pyongyang to Wonsan area, contact with a B-26B Invader bomber (#44-34233) with the 13th Bomber Squadron, 3rd Bomber Group was lost. The remains of the crew members were recovered in Operation Glory.
Killed in Action:
Glakeler, SSgt Robert Thomas (tailgunner) - Sergeant Glakeler was born January 13, 1912 in Ponca City, Oklahoma, the son of Thomas Lee Glakeler (1886-1963) and Georgia Ella O'Neal Glakeler (1888-1965). His wife was Flora Bernice Dale Glakeler of Las Vegas, Nevada. He was the recipient of a Distinguished Flying Cross and Air Medal with six Oak Leaf Clusters. Sergeant Glakeler is buried in Restland Memorial Park, Dallas, Texas.
Pierce, Capt. Luther Herman (navigator) - Captain Pierce was born March 02, 1915 in Easton, Massachusetts, a son of Edward Thomas Pierce (188301950) and Josephine Stephanie Philla Pierce (1890-1970). His wife was Mabel L. "Whitie" Pierce. He was the recipient of a Distinguished Flying Cross and Air Medal.
Smith, Capt. Gordon Oliver (pilot) - Captain Smith was born March 31, 1923, the son of Emmett John Smith (1869-1925) and Gertrude Letitia Moore Smith (1887-1959). He was married to Mary Lon Smith (later Johnson) (1926-2001). Captain Smith enlisted in the Army Air Corps on September 12, 1942. He is buried in Arlington National Cemetery.
Fatality:
1Lt. Stanley Everette "Fetch" Wafle was the pilot of a B-26B Invader bomber (# unknown) with the 162nd Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron, 543rd Tactical Support Group. On October 4, 1950, it is reported that his aircraft crashed on landing at Itazuke Air Force Base, Fukuoka, Japan. Two other aircraft were involved. His remains were recovered. Lieutenant Wafle was born on December 17, 1919, in Warsaw, Virginia, a son of John Floyd Wafle (1878-1939) and Emma May Lumpkin Wafle (1886-1932). He and his wife Anna Louise were married on December 24, 1944, but divorced in June of 1947. Lieutenant Wafle's siblings were Caleb B. Wafle, Mabel F. Wafle Toombs Foster (1907-1997), Dorothy Emmeline "Dot" Wafle Kuhn (1926-1989), Lewis Lee Wafle (1912-1931), Robert Ole "Unkie" Wafle (1914-`970), James Floyd Wafle (1917-1978) and Clara Mae Wafle Hoverson (1921-1993). Lieutenant Wafle is buried in Arlington National Cemetery.
On October 19, 1950, while participating in a night intruder mission over Sinanju, Korea in bad weather, contact with B-26B Invader bomber (#44-34223) with the 8th Bomber Squadron, 3rd Bomber Wing, based at Iwakuni Air Base, Japan, was lost.
Milligan, 1Lt. Aychie Clark (navigator) - Lieutenant Milligan was born April 18, 1920 in Charleston County, South Carolina, a son of Edward D. Milligan (1895-1978) and Lillian A. Clark Mulligan (1898-1968). In 1947 he married Dorothy Ann Christopher Milligan (later Hillburg) (1922-2010). They had a son, James Milligan, who was five years old when his father was declared missing. Lieutenant Milligan's brother was Edward Oliver Milligan (1925-1965). Lieutenant Milligan was the recipient of an Air Medal.
Paffenroth, Capt. Albert William (pilot) - Captain Paffenroth was born April 25, 1920 in Wisconsin, a son of John Paffenroth (1895-1958) and Mary Elisabeth Merkle Paffenroth (1899-1982). He was married with sons Albert William Paffenroth Jr. and Allen Paffenroth, and a daughter. Captain Paffenroth enlisted in the Army Air Corps on March 10, 1942 during World War II. He was the recipient of an Air Medal with six Oak Leaf Clusters.
Quider, TSgt. Chester Darwin "Tommy" (tailgunner) - Sergeant Quider was born January 16, 1926, the son of Chester Joseph Quider (1899-1959) and Marion R. Brady Quider (later Stark) (b. 1905). He was married to Mary Florence Murphy Quider (1927-2013) and they had children Sherry Quider Murphy, Karan Quider Mason and Tommie Jean Quider.
Boone, 1Lt. Charles Henry - Lieutenant Boone was the pilot of a F-80C Shooting Star fighter interceptor with the 80th Fighter Bomber Squadron, 51st Fighter-Interceptor Group. On November 17, 1950, while returning from a combat mission, his engine flamed out. He overshot Seoul Airfield (K-16) and crashed into the Han River. Lieutenant Boone was born October 02, 1923 in Mississippi, the son of Cornelius Blincoe Boone (1899-1971) and Elizabeth "Bessie" McNamara Boone (1895-1976). He enlisted in the Army Air Corps on September 9, 1942. He is buried in Lakewood Memorial Park, Jackson, Mississippi.
SSgt. Francis W. "Frank" Obzina was a crew member of a B- 26B Invader bomber (#44-34149) with the 8th Bomber Squadron, 3rd Bomber Group. On November 28, 1950, while on a day interdiction of the enemy, his aircraft was hit by anti-aircraft fire and crashed 65 miles northwest of Taegu. His parachute became entangled with the aircraft and he was killed. Sergeant Obzina was born October 06, 1918 in Butte, Montana. His mother was Ida Bauffay Obzina (also known by last names Diesen and Foster) (born 1893 and died in Oregon). Sergeant Obzina was married to Jean L. Obzina. During World War II he flew 40 missions and in Korea he flew 75 combat missions. He is buried in Evergreen-Washelli Memorial Park, Seattle, Washington. Rescued after the crash was Capt. Joseph Stein.
DPAA: On November 30, 1950, a B-26 Invader (serial number 44-35941, call sign "Duncan Dog Seven" and nicknamed "Black Noop Gnat") took off from Iwakuni Air Base carrying three crew members on a combat mission against enemy forces in North Korea. The intended targets included enemy troop concentrations and vehicle convoys in the Chunma Mountains in northwestern Korea. The Invader was contacted by radio on the morning of December 1, when it flying was near Seoul, South Korea and still en route to its targets. However, the aircraft was not heard from again and never returned from the mission. A search of friendly airfields found no sign of "Black Noop Gnat" or its crew. Because of unknown circumstances surrounding the loss area in enemy-held territory, no crash site was located. The three crew members aboard the aircraft remain unaccounted-for.
Batty, Capt. Claude Albert Jr. (pilot) - Captain Batty was born May 17, 1918 in Kansas City, Missouri, the son of Claude Albert Batty Sr. (1894-1954) and Alma Mathilda Deines Batty (1893-1991). He was married to Marguerite Jane Patton (1923-2007) on January 13, 1940. His sister was Dona Batty Reeves-Marquardt. A World War II veteran, Captain Batty enlisted in the Army Air Corps on January 20, 1944.
Coulter, 1Lt. John Robert - Lieutenant Coulter was born June 14, 1925 in Uniontown, Pennsylvania, the son of Ottley Russell Coulter (1890-1976) and Ethel Grace Alexander Coulter (1898-1972). His siblings were Athelda (Mrs. Clarence Klink) and David Batty. According to a message on the Korean War Project website, he was the father of Mary Boal, whose mother was Jean Marie Allen. His siblings were David Coulter and Mrs. Clarence (Athelda Coulter) Klink. Lieutenant Coulter was the recipient of a Distinguished Flying Cross and Air Medal with eight Oak Leaf Clusters.
Kepley, Capt. Walter Maurice ( navigator) - Captain Kepley was born May 07, 1925 in Logan, Oklahoma, the son of Byron Ranson Kepley (1910-1944) (killed on Saipan in World War II) and Nele Rita Barnebey Kepley (1905-1995). His sister was Betty Lou Kepley Shaw (1922-1998). He was the recipient of an Air Medal.
DPAA report: Midmorning on December 2, 1950, a B-26C Invader (tail number 44-35874) departed Itazuki Air Base, Japan, with a crew of three aviators, as the number two aircraft in a flight of four. The briefed mission was a low-level bombing operation supporting United Nations forces under attack approximately 50 miles north of Pyongyang. As the flight approached the target area, they were instructed by the forward air controller to attack pre-planned targets at Pakchon. On the flight's second pass, the flight leader narrowly missed several powerlines; as Hobba pulled off the target, the number two-B-26 suddenly exploded crashing near the target. Witnesses in a LTG-6 Texan reconnoitering the Pakchon area reported the Invader hit a ridge one-half mile southeast of the town and slide down into the valley, burning during its descent; it is unlikely anyone survived the crash.
Missing in Action:
Hobba, Capt. William Otis (navigator) - Captain Hobba was born October 09, 1924 in Los Angeles, California, the son of William John Hobba (1902-1966) and Geneva May English Hobba (1905-1980). Captain Hobba was the recipient of an Air Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters.
Hunter, Capt. William Ralph (pilot) - Captain Hunter was born July 19, 1919 in California, a son of William Thomas "Bill" Hunter (1888-1969) and Gertrude "Dado" Kennedy Hunter (1890-1975). His siblings were Otis Dell "Buster" Hunter (1912-1999) and Evelyn Zelma Hunter (Stella) (1914-2007). Captain Hunter received a Distinguished Flying Cross.
Overton, Sgt. Donald Wesley (tailgunner) - Sergeant Overton was born April 30, 1926, the son of Harry Barton Overton (1903-1999) and Virginia Hattie Overton (later Hutcheson) (1906-1974).
DPAA: Late in the afternoon on December 6, 1950, a B-26 Invader (tail number 44-34222) departed Iwakuni Air Base, Japan, with a crew of three. The briefed mission was a night intruder operation north of Seoul, Korea. Due to a solid cloud cover over most of Korea, they were forced to drop their payload based on an estimated time of arrival and began searching for targets of opportunity. Unable to see any terrain features, the pilot decided to return to base by way of Seoul and Teagu. Inclement weather interfered with navigation and radio equipment throughout the flight, making it difficult to stay on course. When the fuel was almost exhausted, the pilot was able to contact two ground stations in Japan, which provided a course to Japan. Unfortunately, before the Invader could reach land, the engines cut out and it became necessary to bail out. The next day, the navigator was rescued. Rescuers were unable to locate the pilot or the gunner, and both men remain unaccounted-for.
McFee, SSgt. Claude Douglas (MIA) - Sergeant McFee was born on April 21, 1928 in Houston, Texas, a son of Claude McFee (1905-1972) and Bessie Virginia Clark McFee (1909-1999). His brother was Bram McFee. A World War II veteran, he enlisted on April 09, 1946.
Tahsequah, LTC Meech (MIA) - Lieutenant Colonel Tahsequah was born October 27, 1918 in Lawton, Oklahoma, a son of George and Pansy Sapcut Tahsequah. His other parent was Charlie Komah (1894-1955). LTC Tahsequah was married to Flaurel Evelyn Landrum Tahsequah (later Oliver) (1920-2010). Their children were Donald G. Tahsequah (1941-1961) and twin sons, Larry Wallace Tahsequah (1944-1944) and Gary Wayne Tahsequah (1914-2011). His siblings were Austin T. Komah (1913-1974), Marguritte Wilson (1920-1998), Pauline Jane Komah Tahsequah McCully (1921-2012) and Kenneth Lee Komah (1923-1973). LTC Tahsequah, a Native American Comanche, was a World War II and Korean War veteran who received a Distinguished Flying Cross and an Air Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters.
Rescued:
Lewis, Capt. Jack
B-26 #44-35992 crashed in light snow about 1,800 feet short of the runway of the Bolling AFB while performing a local training sortie. The plane somersaulted into a corrugated metal supply building. Two crew members were killed.
Fatalities:
Lowe, Capt. Ralph Zelmore Jr. - Captain Lowe was born October 01, 1920 in Galveston, Texas, a son of Ralph Zelmore Lowe Sr. (1891-1971) and Mary Grace Roberti Lowe (1895-1992). His siblings were Douglas Marius Lowe (1926-2001), George Lowe and Olivette Lowe Rule. Captain Lowe, a World War II and Korean War veteran, is buried in Arlington National Cemetery.
Sapp, SSgt. Eugene C. - Sergeant Sapp was born May 26, 1921, the son of Charles Robert Sapp (1891-1953) of Louisiana, Missouri and Lea Venita Sapp Mariweather (1893-1975) of Moline, Illinois. His siblings were Alonzo C. Sapp (1912-1996), Otha Marie Sapp Perkey (1916-2010), Nola V. Sapp Heflin (1926-2018), and John Gay Sapp (1930-2013). Sergeant Sapp is buried in Rock Island National Cemetery, Rock Island, Illinois.
DPAA: Midmorning on December 20, 1950, a B-26 Invader with a crew of four aviators (tail number 44-35992) departed Miho Air Base, Japan, as the lead aircraft in a flight of six. The briefed mission was daylight-bombing operations targeting in Kangdong, North Korea. Shortly after take-off, the flight proceeded into the clouds that covered the airfield at the time. When the flight leader’s wingman broke through the cloud cover, he was unable to locate the lead aircraft. All of his radio calls to the missing aircraft went unanswered. The flight leader’s wingman immediately contacted Air Sea Rescue, which began its search which continued through December; all search operations ended with negative results. Later, an eyewitness account from the captain of a small Japanese fishing boat revealed that the missing aircraft had crashed into the Sea of Japan. Subsequent recovery of a propeller blade and a parachute, identified as the pilot’s, confirmed that this aircraft was the missing Invader. Additionally, the immediate search conducted by the captain of the Japanese fishing boat found no evidence of survivors.
Killed in Action:
Fitt, 1LT John Mason (co-pilot) - Lieutenant Fitt was born September 07, 1924 in Winnepeg, Canada, the son of Albert J. and Hilda Fitt of Winnepeg. His sister was Dorothy E. Fitt. He was married to Patsie Sourwine and they had sons Mark Mason Fitt (3 1/2 years old) and Brandon Jay Fitt (18 months old). He attended Albambra High School and then transferred to Mark Keppel High School, where he was a star athlete. In civilian life he was a painter-decorator. He enlisted in the Army Air Corps on March 20, 1943 and was in the Reserves after World War II. He was recalled to service during the Korean War, arriving in Korea on October 01, 1950. He was the recipient of an Air Medal.
Hiatt, Maj. William Holmes (pilot) - Major Hiatt was born February 13, 1921 in Madison, Iowa, the son of Ernest Bradfield Hiatt and Catherine Luella Spencer Hiatt. He was married to Virginia Robey Hiatt and they had a son and daughter. He enlisted in the Army Air Corps on December 16, 1941.
Upton, Sgt. Richard Raymond (tailgunner) - Sergeant Upton was born January 06, 1926 in Chicago, Illinois, the son of Richard John and Christine H. Gould Upton. He enlisted in the Army Air Corps on June 10, 1944 and was the recipient of an Air Medal.
Watkins, Capt. Norman Edward (co-pilot) - Captain Watkins was born July 22, 1914 in West Bromwich, Staffordshire, England, the son of Edward and Marian Jones Watkins of England. He married Helen Louise Young Watkins on March 16, 1945. He was the recipient of the Distinguished Flying Cross and an Air Medasl with two Oak Leaf Clusters.
DPAA: On December 27, 1950, a B-26 Invader (44-35758) with a crew of four took off from Iwakuni Air Base, Japan, on a night intruder mission over North Korea. While flying over South Korea, en route to the target area, the B-26 contacted an air controller to report that they were experiencing no difficulties, and the flight was proceeding as planned. This was the last contact made with the aircraft, which failed to return from the mission. The exact circumstances surrounding the Invader's loss are unknown. The aircraft's navigator was later discovered to have been a prisoner of war who died while in enemy custody; his remains were returned to the U.S. after the war. The other three members of the Invader's crew are still unaccounted for.
Gehman, 2Lt. Robert A. (navigator) (POW - body recovered) - Lieutenant Gehman was born November 28, 1923, the son of Ivan and Margaret Gehman of Linwood, New Jersey.
George, MSgt. Winiford Robert "Bubber" (bombardier) (MIA) - Sergeant George was born August 12, 1921 in Early County, Georgia, a son of Lonnie Calvin George (1897-1972) and Niza Lee Sheffield George (1900-1989). His siblings were Eugene N. (1925-1962), Bob Allen (1931-2023), Willie Joe "Amos" (1934-2017), Charlie Dick George (1937-2024), Niza Lee George Jones (1928-2025) and Mary Ann George Vaticalos. Sergeant George enlisted October 31, 1945 and was the recipient of an Air Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters.
Guthrie, SSgt. Marvin Lee (tailgunner) (MIA) - Sergeant Guthrie was born January 25, 1917 in Alabama, the son of James Lee and Mary F.E. Guthrie. When Marvin Guthrie enlisted on November 29, 1945, he was married. He was the recipient of an Air Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster.
Kuehner, Capt. Gordon Voelker Jr. (pilot) (MIA) - Captain Kuehner was born July 14, 1922 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, a son of Gordon Voelker Kuehner Sr. (1892-1948) and Beatrice Wright Kuehner (later Dewing) (1897-1967). Captain Kuehner's brother was 2Lt. Richard S. Kuehner, who was killed in action in France during World War II. Captain Kuehner was the recipient of an Air Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters.
On December 29, 1950, a B-26B Invader (tail number 44-34705A) with a crew of three departed Miho Air Base, Japan, as part of a five-plane tactical bombing mission targeting enemy holdings in Sunchon, Korea. As the formation made a low-level pass over the target area, the Invader was hit by enemy fire and crashed. The other aircraft in the formation circled the crash site, but saw no sign of survivors. Enemy presence prevented ground searches of the area, and all three members of the Invader's crew remain unaccounted-for.
Aiken, Cpl. James Richie "Jimmie" (bombardier) (MIA) - Corporal Aiken was born January 20, 1931 in Illinois, the only son of Winton James Aiken (1904-1978) and Lillie Opal Snow (later Peterson) (1911-1995). He was married to Virginia Lee Collier on April 01, 1948 in Los Angeles, California. Corporal Aiken was the recipient of an Air Medal.
McNamara, Capt. Martin Jerome (MIA) - Captain McNamara was born April 04, 1916 in New York. He was the husband of Eleanor Loraine McNamara. He enlisted on March 13, 1944. Captain McNamara was the recipient of an Air Medal.
Victor, 1LT Irwin Louis Jr. "Bus" (co-pilot) (KIA) - Lieutenant Victor was born July 27, 1921, in Chicago, Illinois, the son of Irwin Louis Victor Sr. (1892-1971) and Francis "Frankie" Bohn Victor. He had one sister, Dorothy Mae Victor. Lieutenant Victor enlisted in the Army Air Corps on April 10, 1942. He was the recipient of a Distinguished Flying Cross and Air Medal.