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[Source of the following excerpt: Findagrave] Crash of C-47, Louis Gossman, pilot, January 2nd 1953: 1953, Army C-47 transport crashes in Crabtree Park. Just before midnight on January 2, 1953, an Army C-47 transport plane crashed in Crabtree Park while attempting an emergency landing at Raleigh-Durham Airport. The weather was raining with dense fog. Three of the four crew members were killed. The fourth member survived, T-Sgt. Edward Matus, who walked to the airport, arriving at the Eastern Airlines office at 1:00 a.m. He followed the "sounds of airplanes taking off." He was rushed to Duke Hospital. The crash was the first fatal airplane accident "since the airport came under civilian operation in 1946." The plane was flying a "routine training flight" from Stewart Air Force Base, in Newburg, NY, to Donaldson Air Force Base, in Greenville, S.C, with a stop at Pope Air Force Base in Fayetteville. They attempted a landing a Pope, but "visibility there was zero." They diverted to Raleigh-Durham, where visibility "was about a one-quarter of a mile." Their last radio contact with Pope was at 10:41 p.m., when the crew reported "icing at 9,000 feet." Matus remembered being struck and falling to the floor in the plane, then waking up in the wreckage. He followed the sounds of airplanes to the airport. "Bleeding profusely despite a crude tourniquet," the survivor stumbled into the nearly empty office. He was "pale with shock and dazed." He couldn't tell from which direction he had come. He was treated at the hospital for "shock and multiple cuts." Wikipedia Photo The 100-person search party included "police, Civil Air Patrol officials, and Air Force investigators." After hours of searching, Highway Patrol officers were sent to the hospital, to retrieve one of the survivor's shoes. The lawmen also procured bloodhounds from the "Cary prison farm." They attempted, though unsuccessfully, to retrace the survivor's steps. None of the residents of the area reported hearing a plane crash. Six hours after they started, a 25-member search party located the wreckage and the bodies of the pilot, co-pilot, and navigator. The plane had crashed in thick woods, some 1,000 yards from the park's picnic area. The wings were sheared by the trees, and the tail section separated. The area "reeked of high-octane gasoline" but there was no fire, as the pilot had cut power. The plane's gear was down. The wreckage was "less than two miles from the airport's control tower." The dead airmen were Capt. Louis R. Gossman, pilot, First Lt. Norman W. Joyce, co-pilot, both of Donaldson Air Force Base, and First Lt. Robert W. Shaw, of Pope Air Force Base. The area was subsequently secured, though "crowds of curious persons" had converged on the wreckage earlier, "picking up souveniers from the broken parts of the plane." Cars also jammed the gate at the park entrance, and caused traffic problems on the highway. The process of moving the wreckage started on January 4. (January 2, 1953)
Fatalities:
Gossman, Capt. Louis Richard (pilot) - Captain Gossman was born on January 07, 1922, in Burr Oak, Iowa, the son of William Walter "Billy" Gossman (1876-1975) and Emma Rosalie "Rose Emy" Gresbrink Gossman (1890-1990). He was married to Naomi Thomas Street (later Culpepper) (1923-2013). Their children were Richard, Barbara (Frailey), Nina, and Rachel Gossman-Culpepper Adams. The sisters of Captain Gossman were Irene Hardwick (1913-1995), Mary Eloise Grebin (1917-2012), and Gertrude Elizabeth "Trudy" Ellestad (1919-2017). His brother was Clair W. (1915-2000). Captain Gossman is buried in Magnolia Cemetery, Meridian, Mississippi.
Joyce, 1Lt. Norman Whitmer (co-pilot) - Lieutenant Joyce was born on June 25, 1924, in Waycross, Georgia, a son of Alonzo Joyce (1895-1961) and Adria Louise Branch Joyce (1899-2956). He was married on October 26, 1944 in DeSoto, Florida, to Myrtie Howell (1922-2019). Their children were Joe Rene Joyce (1946-1946) and Jerry Michael Joyce (1949-1951). His brother was Lynwood K. Joyce. Lieutenant Joyce is buried in Oakland Cemetery, Waycross, Georgia.
Shaw, 1Lt. Robert "Bobby" Willcutt - Lieutenant Shaw was born on September 26, 1924, Bennington, Vermont, the son of Alpheus Edward Shaw (1893-1973) and Amrah Dinwiddie Smith Shaw (1893-1990). He married Eleanor K. Kimmey (1924-1987) and they had three infant children Clifford, Robert and Catherine L. Shaw. Lieutenant Shaw graduated from Brown University and served in Europe during World War II. He was a bombardier on a B-17G when it was shot down by Russians. He survived and returned home. He is buried in Shaw Cemetery, Windsor, Massachusetts.
On January 3, 1953, a C-47 transport stationed at Donaldson Air Force Base, South Carolina, was on a courier run from Newburgh, New York to Donaldson AFB via Pope Air Force Base, Fayetteville, North Carolina. The aircraft developed engine problem and the pilot tried to make an emergency landing at Crabtree Creek State Park near Raleigh, North Carolina. It ran into dense fog and rain and crashed, killing three crew members.
Just before midnight on January 2, 1953, an Army C-47 transport plane crashed in Crabtree Park while attempting an emergency landing at Raleigh-Durham Airport. The weather was raining with dense fog. Three of the four crew members were killed. The fourth member survived, T-Sgt. Edward Matus, who walked to the airport, arriving at the Eastern Airlines office at 1:00 a.m. He followed the "sounds of airplanes taking off." He was rushed to Duke Hospital. The crash was the first fatal airplane accident "since the airport came under civilian operation in 1946." The plane was flying a "routine training flight" from Stewart Air Force Base, in Newburg, NY, to Donaldson Air Force Base, in Greenville, S.C, with a stop at Pope Air Force Base in Fayetteville. They attempted a landing a Pope, but "visibility there was zero." They diverted to Raleigh-Durham, where visibility "was about a one-quarter of a mile." Their last radio contact with Pope was at 10:41 p.m., when the crew reported "icing at 9,000 feet."
Matus remembered being struck and falling to the floor in the plane, then waking up in the wreckage. He followed the sounds of airplanes to the airport. "Bleeding profusely despite a crude tourniquet," the survivor stumbled into the nearly empty office. He was "pale with shock and dazed." He couldn't tell from which direction he had come. He was treated at the hospital for "shock and multiple cuts." Wikipedia Photo The 100-person search party included "police, Civil Air Patrol officials, and Air Force investigators." After hours of searching, Highway Patrol officers were sent to the hospital, to retrieve one of the survivor's shoes. The lawmen also procured bloodhounds from the "Cary prison farm." They attempted, though unsuccessfully, to retrace the survivor's steps. None of the residents of the area reported hearing a plane crash. Six hours after they started, a 25-member search party located the wreckage and the bodies of the pilot, co-pilot, and navigator. The plane had crashed in thick woods, some 1,000 yards from the park's picnic area. The wings were sheared by the trees, and the tail section separated. The area "reeked of high-octane gasoline" but there was no fire, as the pilot had cut power. The plane's gear was down. The wreckage was "less than two miles from the airport's control tower."
The dead airmen were Capt. Louis R. Gossman, pilot, First Lt. Norman W. Joyce, co-pilot, both of Donaldson Air Force Base, and First Lt. Robert W. Shaw, of Pope Air Force Base. The area was subsequently secured, though "crowds of curious persons" had converged on the wreckage earlier, "picking up souvenirs from the broken parts of the plane." Cars also jammed the gate at the park entrance, and caused traffic problems on the highway. The process of moving the wreckage started on January 4. (January 2, 1953)
Gossman, Capt. Louis Richard (pilot) - Captain Gossman was born January 07, 1922 of Burr Oak, Iowa. He was married to Naomi Thomas Street (later Culpepper) (1923-2013). He was survived by his wife and children, Barbara Gossman (Frailey) and Dr. Richard Gossman. His siblings were Irene Gossman Hardwick (1913-1995), Clair W. Gossman (1915-2000), Mary Eloise Gossman Grebin (1917-2012), and Gertrude "Trudy" Elizabeth Gossman Ellestad (1919-2017). Captain Gossman is buried in Magnolia Cemetery, Meridian, Mississippi.
Joyce, 1Lt. Norman W. (co-pilot) - Lieutenant Joyce was born June 25, 1924. He and his wife Myrtie Joyce were parents of a son Jerry Michael Joyce (1949-1951). Both are buried in Oakland Cemetery, Waycross, Georgia.
Shaw, 1st Lieutenant Robert W. (navigator) - Lieutenant Shaw was the son of Alpheus E. and Amran D. Shaw. He was born on September 26, 1925 and is buried in Shaw Cemetery, Windsor, Massachusetts. He was a veteran of World War II from Castleton, New York.
Matus, T/Sgt. Edward
2Lt. Charles Lee Coleman was a pilot of a F-86E fighter assigned to the 3599th Flight Training Squadron, 3595 Flight Training Wing at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada. On January 3, 1953, he was leading a flight of four F-86E aircraft, when his plane developed problem and crashed about 10 miles from Boulder City, Nevada. Lieutenant Coleman was born on April 22, 1928, in Kirkwood, Missouri, a son of Hal Robert Coleman (1879-1947) and Isabella M. Menkens Coleman (1892-1973). On October 28, 1952, he married Florence Patricia Pope. His brother was Hal Berrien Coleman (1925-2025). Lieutenant Coleman is buried in Oak Hill Cemetery, Kirkwood, Missouri.
DPAA report: Major Deane Moser Barnett, who joined the U.S. Marine Corps from California, served with Marine Attack Squadron 121, Marine Air Group 12. On January 4, 1953, piloting a single seat AD-3 Skyraider (bureau number 122306) he left Pyongtack Air Base on a ground attack mission in North Korea. Major Barnett's Skyraider crashed for unknown reasons while making a run on the target, the main railroad between Sariwon and Pyongyang. His plane disintegrated on impact, and other pilots in the flight saw no sign that he had ejected. He was not reported to be a prisoner of war, and his remains were not identified among those returned to U.S. custody after the war. Major Barnett was born on March 21, 1921. He was the recipient of a Distinguished Flying Cross and an Air Medal with two Gold Stars.
Lt. B. E. Rayner, Royal Navy, was missing in action when this aircraft was lost. The KWE has found no further information on this tragedy.
On January 6, 1953, while on an operational mission, an F-94B Starfire fighter (#51-5459) with the 319th Fighter Interceptor Squadron, U.S. Air Force crashed 10.6 miles south southeast of K-13 Suwon, Korea.
Fatalities:
Woodruff, 2Lt. Robert S. (radar observer) - Lieutenant Woodruff was born July 11, 1928, in Evanston, Illinois, a son of Ernest Walker Woodruff (1890-1972) and Helen Seymour Woodruff (1895-1979). His brother was Richard King "Dick" Woodruff (1921-2006). Lieutenant Woodruff is buried in Memorial Park Cemetery, Skokie, Illinois.
First Lieutenant Boyd Bernard Gwin was the pilot of a F-84E Thunderjet fighter (#51-1103) with Headquarters Squadron, 49th Fighter-Bomber Group. On January 6, 1953, while on a combat mission, as he pulled off his target, the aircraft exploded and disintegrated. His remains were not recovered. Lieutenant Gwin was born June 05, 1 922, in Crete, Nebraska, a son of Merle d. Gwin (1888-1922) and Carrie Edith Osterhout Alwin Gwin (1888-1982). In 1942 he married Katherine Clare Devol (1922-1968) and they had daughters Nancy Elayne Gwin and Diane Marie Gwin (1952-1952). His siblings were Elmer Merle (1913-1965), Homer Ward (1917-2003) and Marjorie Lorine Gwin Shumake (1918-1992). Lieutenant Gwin was the recipient of an Air Medal.
During squall conditions in a training exercise, this jet ditched into the sea off MCAS Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, killing the pilot, Maj. Archibald William "Bill" MacLachlan Jr. Major MacLachlan was born on January 30, 1922, in Sault Sainte Marie, Michigan, a son of Archibald William MacLachlan Sr. (1895-1972) and Edith Eileen Bowen MacLachlan (1893-1955). In 1948, he married Betty Esther Woodworth (later Stark) (1925-2018). His siblings were Georgia Stuart Tarwater (1920-2009), Donald Douglas "Doug" (1923-2014), and Bruce Duncan (1928-2013). Major MacLachlan played on the UCLA varsity football team. He flew 126 fighter sortees in both World War II and Korea, earning a Distinguished Flying Cross.
First Lieutenant Lindsay Seymour Bartholomew was the pilot of a F-84G Thunderjet fighter (#51-10324) with the 8th Fighter-Bomber Squadron, 49th Fighter-Bomber Group. On January 7, 1953, while on a training mission, his aircraft crashed on take-off. Lieutenant Bartholomew was born May 17, 1929, in Nunica, Michigan, a son of Kenneth Bartholomew (1902-1990) and Catherine Currie Lindsay Bartholomew (1904-1995). He was married to Wilma Anderson on May 10, 1952 at Williams Air Base in Chandler, Arizona. His siblings were Virginia Bartholomew Gilbert, Rodney Bartholomew, and Ronald Bartholomew (1929-1929). Lieutenant Bartholomew graduated from Coopersville High School and then attended Michigan College of Mining and Technology. He left college to enlist in the Air Force with his boyhood chum, Donald Ray Reitsma. Both friends went to Korea, with Reitsma piloting an f-86 Sabrejet and Bartholomew piloting an F-84G Thunderjet. Lieutenant Reitsma was declared missing in action on December 22, 1952. Lieutenant Bartholomew's remains were returned to the States and he is buried in Ottawa Center Cemetery, Coopersville, Michigan.
Forty souls were lost when an Associated Air Transport C-46 aircraft crashed eight miles west of Fish Haven, Idaho in the Cache-Wasatch National Forest's Pat Hollow on January 07, 1953. Thirty-seven of the victims were military personnel returning home to loved ones. Three other victims were the crew members. The plane was traveling from Boeing Field, Seattle, Washington en route to Fort Jackson, South Carolina. For three hours the pilots checked in regularly by radio. They were last heard from at 3:58 a.m. as the plane passed 13,000 feet over Malad City. The pilots were due to report in again over Rock Springs at 4:45 a.m., but a call was never made. The C-46 hit a tree at 8,545 feet above sea level. It continued in the air for 377 feet before slamming into two large pines. It then careened downhill and disintegrated. Snowy conditions necessitated that armed military guards be placed at the crash site until the recovery process could be completed in June 1953.
Crawford, Capt. Lawrence Benjamin, 28, San Antonio, Texas (pilot) - Age 28, Captain Crawford was from San Antonio, Texas. He was born October 18, 1924 in Chicago, Illinois, a son of Lawrence France Crawford (1905-2001) and Louise Grim Crawford Meyer. His wife was Irene Clark Crawford and his two sons were Lawrence and Donald Crawford. Captain Crawford's siblings were Joseph Raymond (Joe) Crawford (1922-2014), James Elmer Crawford (1928-1993), and Mary A. Crawford Schafer. Captain Crawford is buried in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Alsip, Illinois.
Davis, Dorothy Marie, 21, San Antonio, Texas (stewardess) - Age 21, Stewardess Davis was from San Antonio, Texas. She was born April 01, 1931 and is buried in Lakeland Hills Memorial Park, Burnet, Texas.
Perkins, Maxwell Frederick Jr., 32, San Antonio, Texas (first officer) - Age 32, First Officer Perkins was from San Antonio, Texas. He was born March 01, 1920, son of Maxwell F. Perkins Sr. (1895-1942) and Rebecca Lois Stovall Perkins (1896-1984). The family is buried in Pecan Grove Cemetery, McKinney, Texas.
Hardin, Pfc. James Patrick, 21, Columbus, South Carolina - Born February 01, 1931, he is buried in Greenlawn Memorial Park, Columbia, South Carolina.
Harding, Ulysses, Ludowici, Georgia
Hargrett, Herbert B. - Sergeant Hargrett was born on June 03, 1930. He is buried in Crawford Cemetery, Shadeville, Florida. He was raised by his aunts, Blanche Gavin and Lenious Hargrett. His sister was Queen Elizabeth Hargrett.
Harper, Charles Augustus, Florence, South Carolina - Born February 27, 1937, he was the son of James M. Harper (1912-1987) and Juanita B. Harper (1912-1991). He is buried in Saint Beulah Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery, Florence County, South Carolina.
Harrell, Ralph Donald, Hartford, North Carolina - Born November 09, 1929, Corporal Harrell is buried in Cedarwood Cemetery, Hartford, North Carolina. He served in the 160th Infantry, 40th Infantry Division. Ralph "Sonny" Harrell was born November 09, 1929 in North Carolina, a son of Robert Lee Harrell (1907-1988) and Lindell Adams Harrell (1906-1998). He married Carolyn Dean Harrell (later Mrs. Walter Wallace Cartwright). His siblings were Myrtle Lee Davenport (1927-2015), Carl Harrell, Erma Bernice Layden (1932-2020), and Peggy Harrell Harris. Sonny served in the Army from August 06, 1951, until his death.
Harviley, Mathew, Bessemer, Alabama - Mathew was a son of Seaborn Harviley (1903-1966) and Frances R. Harviley (1905-1991) of Bessemer. His siblings were Oscar (1928-1991), Eloise, Henry J., Mary F., Louis, Jimmy C. and Hattie B. Harviley.
Hatcher, Walter Jr., Gadsen, Alabama
Henderson, Willie B., Harrisburg, North Carolina
Hendrix, Rothel O., Columbus, Georgia - This World War II veteran was born April 09, 1927. He is buried in Salem Freewill Baptist Church, Kynesville, Florida.
Herzig, Wilfried Otto Walter Paul, Augusta, Georgia - The son of Willy P. Herzig, he was born on January 06, 1932. He is buried in Gracewood Cemetery, Gracewood, Georgia.
Hill, Jimmie, Quitman, Georgia
Hollingsworth, McLean, Salemburg, North Carolina - Born October 06, 1923, he was a son of Perdie Lee Hollingsworth (1895-1954) and Caressie Knowles Hollingsworth (1896-1982). He served as a Sergeant in the Service Company of the 27th Infantry, United States Army. His siblings were Thomas M. Hollingsworth (3/02/1939-12/10/2016), Marion D. "Red" Hollingsworth (12/08/1931-3/09/2006), Lindsey B. Hollingsworth, Aaron C. Hollingsworth, John Lee Hollingsworth, and Armon E. Hollingsworth.
Holloway, Raymond Fletcher, Jacksonville, Florida - Born December 13, 1932, he was a son of Mr. and Mrs. Rufus R. Holloway. His brothers were Arthur B., Alfred R. and Donald R. Holloway. Private Holloway enlisted in the Army on June 14, 1951 and had served in Korea since December of 1951. He is buried in Evergreen Cemetery, Jacksonville, Florida.
Hudson, Arthur, East Charles, South Carolina
Hudson, Francis A., Beaufort, South Carolina
Human, David, Travelers Rest, South Carolina - David was born August 15, 1934, a son of Geneva Lockaby Human (1906-1961). His siblings were Ada Grice (1923-1974), Ethel Cross (1925-2006), Willis (1927-1976), Betty Trammell, Estelle Virginia Rhodes (1930-2019), Negal (1932-2016), and James Earl (1948-2022). Davis is buried in Cleveland First Baptist Church Cemetery, Cleveland, South Carolina.
Jackson, Ernest, Talladaga, Alabama
Jaggers, Moses, Rock Hill, South Carolina - Moses was born August 13, 1930 in South Carolina, a son of Spencer Jagger Sr. (1891-1977) and Irene Rawlinson Jaggers (1893-1975). His siblings were Willie (1916-1988), Rosie Mae Jaggers Reid (1920-2004), Elizah (1928-1980), Spencer Jr. (1921-1979), Nathaniel Matthew (1934-2023), Lincoln (1924-2004), Maggie Jaggers Jackson and Ruth Jaggers Scott. Moses is buried in Lincoln Memorial Cemetery, Rock Hill, South Carolina.
Jenkins, Herbert Hoover, Middleton, North Carolina - Herbert was born October 17, 1930, a son of Teat Hunter Jenkins (1892-1947) and Mattie Carter Jenkins (1897-1996). His siblings were Carlton Jenkins Sr. (1939-2020), Wiley H. (1921-1981), Eric, Mrs. Alphonso (Bertie Mae Jenkins) Bridgforth (1925-2004), Leon (1936-2000), Shirley Jenkins Dukes and Joe B. Jenkins. Hebert H. Jenkins is buried in Roanoke Chapel Baptist Church Cemetery, Littleton, North Carolina.
Jenkins, Marvin, St. George, South Carolina - Marvin was born December 16, 1930 and is buried in Saint James AME Church Cemetery, Saint George, South Carolina.
Jenkins, Robert Jr., 22, Charleston, South Carolina
Jinks, Russell, Baxley, Georgia
Johnson, Henry A., Augusta, Georgia
Johnson, James Jr., Donaldsonville, Georgia
Johnson, Lawrence C., Newland, North Carolina - Lawrence was born January 27, 1931, the son of Lillard Burton Johnson (1904-1999) and Donna "Dona" Carpenter Johnson (1909-1933). His siblings were Beulah Dean Johnson Calhoun (1928-2004) and Baby Johnson. His half sibling was Janice Gail Johnson Morelli (1945-2020). Lawrence is buried in Ashley Cemetery, Newland, North Carolina.
Johnson, Robert C., Tucker, Georgia
Johnson, Robert W., Montgomery, Alabama
Johnson, Willie E., Ousley, Georgia - Willie was born February 05, 1929 and is buried in Forest Grove Cemetery, Clyattville, Georgia.
Jones, James Royce, Lyons, Georgia - James was born January 17, 1927, a son of Callie Jones (1906-1969) and Ellen Hardy Jones (1908-1974). His siblings were Albert Hayden Jones Sr. (1929-1989), Jean Jones Kelly (1937-2000) and David Thomas Jones (1943-2022). James is buried in Providence Baptist Church Cemetery, English Eddy, Georgia.
Jones, Jeff W., Tallahassee, Florida - Born July 07, 1927, he was the son of Mrs. Littie B.J. Jones. He is buried in Laurel Hill Cemetery, Thomasville, Georgia.
Josey, James E., Plevna, Alabama - Born April 20, 1931 in Plevna, Alabama, Pfc. Josey was the only son of Benjamin Edward Josey (1898-1994) and Lena Mae Walker Josey (1902-1988). He was a member of Company I, 2nd Infantry Division, 3rd Battalion, 38th Infantry Regiment. His body was accompanied home by his first cousin, A1C Lucian J. Walker and he is buried in Miller Cemetery, New Market, Alabama. His sister was Sarah Josey Neeley.
Joyner, Walter R., Atlanta, Georgia - Born on August 17, 1931, he was a son of Leroy W. Joyner Sr. (1892-1957). He is buried in Hillcrest Cemetery, East Point, Georgia.
Kelley, Leroy Jr., Columbia, South Carolina
Kelley, Pearl "J.P." (Joe), 23, Birmingham, Alabama - The son of an Alabama coalminer, Joe was survived by his wife Yvonne Smith Kelley. The couple met while she was roller skating and they married in July 1951. Three months later he left for Korea, where he served in a Field Artillery Battalion. He received a Purple Heart and a Silver Star. Yvonne eventually remarried and had one child, but she later divorced.
Kemp, Bruce McColeman, Roseville, Georgia - Born December 06, 1930 in Florida, he was a son of Dr. Malcolm Thomas Kemp (1883-1938) and Elizabeth Brown Kemp (1872-1993). His siblings were Eloise Catherine Kemp Strickland (1912-2016), Bernard Walton "Bernie" Kemp (1936-2016), and Tom Kemp. Bruce is buried in Chattanooga National Cemetery, Chattanooga, Tennessee.
Kent, Joseph Onree, Porterdale, Georgia - Joseph was born August 16, 1933, a son of Joe L. Kenet (1903-1972) and Mollie M. Kent (1904-1969). His brother was John Lucious "Luke" Kent (1928-2007). Joseph is buried in Covington Mill Cemetery, Covington, Georgia.
King, John Henry, Goldsborough, North Carolina - John was born October 05, 1930. He and his wife, Julia Mae Crawford King, were parents of a son, Henry Alton King (1951-2023). John is buried in Wayne Memorial Park North, Goldsboro, North Carolina.
At approximately 0412 MST, January 7, 1953, an Associated Air Transport Curtiss C-46F, N1648M, being operated as Trip 1-6-6A, CAM, No. 4355J. between Seattle, Washington, and Fort Jackson, South Carolina, crashed approximately eight miles west of Fish Haven, Idaho. All 40 persons aboard, consisting of 37 passengers, all military personnel, and a crew of three lost their lives, and the aircraft was completely demolished.
Trip 1-6-6A originated at Boeing Field, Seattle, Washington, with the first stop scheduled at Cheyenne, Wyoming. The crew consisted of Captain Lawrence B. Crawford, First Officer Maxwell F. Perkins and Stewardess Marie Davis. Prior to departure the aircraft was serviced with 738 gallons of fuel and 60 gallons of oil. Pre-flight inspection was performed by the crew. The gross weight of the aircraft at departure was 45,401 pounds or 401 pounds over the maximum allowable gross weight of 45,000 pounds authorized for passenger operations; the distribution of the load on board, however, was within the prescribed center of gravity limitations.
Weather briefing of the crew by the United States Weather Bureau at Boeing Field indicated en route weather to be scattered to broken clouds to overcast with the tops estimated at 12,000 feet and a Cheyenne Terminal Forecast of scattered clouds at 15,000 feet, visibility of more than 15 miles. The weather briefing included a forecast of icing conditions in clouds and precipitations above 6,000 feet along the route, with cloud tops ranging from 10,000 to 14,000 feet MSL.
An IFR (Instrument Flight Rules) flight plan, filed by Captain Crawford and approved by the Civil Aeronautics Administration Air Route Traffic Control, Seattle, requested a cruising altitude of 13,000 feet to Cheyenne via Airways Green 2, Blue 12, Blue 32, Red 1, and Green 3, with a proposed true air speed of 200 m.p.h., estimated elapsed time five hours, with six hours and forty minutes of fuel aboard, alternate airport, Denver, Colorado.
The flight departed Boeing Field at 0050 and made the required position reports along the route, with no mention of any irregularities, reporting over Malad City at 13,000 feet, time 0358, and estimating Rock Springs at 0445.
There were no further radio contacts with the aircraft. All attempts to contact the flight by CAA radio stations and by other aircraft along and bordering the proposed route were unsuccessful. A widespread search for the missing aircraft was subsequently conducted under the supervision of Air Search and Rescue units of the United States Air Force.
Five days later, on January 12, 1953, at 1320 hours, the wreckage was sighted from the air by a Civil Air Patrol pilot. Two Air Force paramedics parachuted to the scene and immediately confirmed the aircraft's identity and determined that there were no survivors.
During their observation of the wreckage area, a strip of hard ice was noticed on the leading edge of the deicer boot of a partially exposed wing. This piece of ice was adhering to the boot, parallel to the leading edge and was about three feet long and uniformly about 1-1/2 inches thick and about 3/4 inches wide. Both ends of this strip appeared to be blunt. No other ice was seen on the aircraft wreckage.
On January 13 and 14, a military search party and Board investigators reached the crash site. It was agreed to by all concerned that it was impossible to find and identify the bodies or to conduct a detailed examination of the wreckage because of extremely deep and heavily drifted snow.
The military established and maintained a guard of the crash area until June 20, 1953, when recovery operations were completed and the last of the bodies had been removed.
The investigation at the scene of the accident revealed that the initial impact occurred when the aircraft, traveling on a heading of about 340 degrees and nearly level longitudinally, struck a small pine tree at an altitude of approximately 8,545 feet, 45 feet south of an 8,500-foot east-west ridge, and continued 377 feet in a nearly level attitude where contact was made with two large pine trees.
At this point several small bits of wreckage, including chips of propeller blades, were recovered. The aircraft continued on the same heading (340 degrees), striking another large pine tree 242 feet beyond and approximately 75 feet lower. From this point, the aircraft began to disintegrate as it continued down the slope at an approximate 50-degree angle shearing numerous trees. Contact with the ground was made at the base of the hill at the north end of a 93-foot ravine where the aircraft gouged three large holes in the ground.
The aircraft then continued up a 32-degree rise approximately 200 feet where the tail section came to rest. Several components of the wreckage continued over this hill approximately 350 feet. The wreckage was distributed over an area approximately 400 feet wide and 1,540 feet north from the point of initial impact.
Time of the crash was determined by impact-stopped watches as close to 0412. The location was 42 degrees 04 feet North latitude 111 degrees 32 feet West longitude.
Two oxygen bottles were found at the scene of the accident. Although the main valve on each cylinder was closed, both pressure gauges and output control valves were broken off. One bottle was completely charged, while the other, which was badly damaged, was partially discharged. Thus, it is evident that there was no shortage of oxygen supply.
Examination of the widespread and scattered wreckage yielded no clue or even suggestion that there had been structural or mechanical difficulty of any nature before impact. Further, the relatively flat angle of impact is indicative of partial control at the time the aircraft struck. There was no evidence of any fire or explosion before the crash.
Examination showed that both engines were rotating at the time of impact and that the propellers were in the cruising r.p.m. range which definitely indicated that power was being developed at impact. Damage was so extensive that it was impossible to follow through on the continuity of all control systems; however, those portions of control systems that could be examined were found to be properly fastened and safetied.
The aircraft was equipped with wing deicer boots but the cockpit unit controlling their use was not recovered. However, investigation disclosed that the deicer boots were operative when checked at Boston on January 4, 1953, three days prior to the accident. Due to the forecasted icing conditions en route to Cheyenne, it is probably that the pilot checked the aircraft's deicer equipment prior to departure from Seattle in accordance with standard operating procedure. Also, the propellers were equipped for deicing, and the 20 gallon anti-icer tank, supplying the propellers, the carburetor and the windshields, was full of alcohol when the aircraft left Cheyenne for Seattle on January 5, 1953.
The Board's investigation also disclosed that all the required items of navigation equipment were aboard the aircraft, and that the flight log found at the scene had been maintained with the last position entry over Malad City at 0358. It revealed no discrepancies. The indicated times over stations along the route coincided with reported times as recorded by the CAA radio stations.
According to company records, Captain Crawford and First Officer Perkins were both well qualified on C-46 aircraft, and were thoroughly familiar with the deicing equipment and its use. A company official testified that both had flown the route involved about 12 times during the year preceding the accident and were therefore familiar with terrain elevations. Investigation disclosed that both Captain Crawford and First Officer Perkins had received their required rest periods prior to departure from Seattle.
Had the flight continued on from Malad City at 13,000 feet, it would likely have entered the tops of the clouds over the mountains between Malad City and Bear Lake. During this short period that the flight would have been in the clouds, light rime ice and light to possibly moderate turbulence would have occurred. It is probable that the top portion of these clouds were predominately ice crystals, and that therefore sufficient water in the liquid state would not have been present to produce more than a light coating of ice. It seems likely that even this condition could have been flown over by an increase of altitude of not more than 500 feet. These conditions were verified by another flight that preceded N1648M by only a few minutes without any difficulty. There was no request received from the flight for a higher altitude. (Any change of altitude would require clearance from Air Route Traffic Control.)
Since the above conditions did exist at the time the flight was in the area, it is likely that an involuntary descent was made into an area of increasing ice and turbulence which extended two or three thousand feet above the mountains. The mountains between Malad City and Bear Lake range from 8,000 feet to in excess of 9,000 feet. The westerly winds were lifting the moist unstable air over those mountains, producing zero ceiling, moderate to severe turbulence, moderate to heavy icing and snow, with updrafts on the windward side of the slopes and downdrafts on the leeward sides. Ground observers in that area, none of whom saw any aircraft, described conditions as a blizzard. This was a local condition resulting from the air flow over this mountain range.
The general weather conditions at 13,000 feet in the area were not conducive to carburetor ice. However, had any icing occurred, the prompt application of alcohol or heat should have eliminated this condition. Since icing became progressively worse at lower altitudes, there is a possibility that any appreciable delay in taking corrective action could have caused a forced descent into worsening conditions. There was an ample supply of alcohol for both the carburetors and propellers.
As mentioned previously, a strip of hard ice was found on the leading edge of the deicer boot, parallel to the exposed supper surface of a wing. Although this ice was observed five days following the accident, there were strong indications that it had accumulated on the wing during descent. No ice was seen on the other exposed parts of the airplane and the absence of glazed ice or icicles on the boughs of trees is indicative that the wing ice had not formed following the accident. The configuration of the ice precludes the possibility of it having formed as a result of rain droplets after the crash. Furthermore, the blunt condition of both ends of the ice strip strongly suggests that it was the remaining portion of a larger ice layer on the leading edge which could well have been broken off during the crash. Since this ice was on the deicer boot, it shows that ice was forming on the boots so rapidly during descent that action of the boots themselves was not sufficient to break off and remove the ice completely.
Investigation disclosed that the aircraft struck on a heading almost 100 degrees from its intended course. This gives rise to the belief that during the descent a rapid accumulation of ice on the top surfaces of the wings would have seriously impaired the lift of the aircraft and probably adversely affected controllability despite the fact that the deicer boots could have been operating at the time. The airplane could not have maintained proper altitude much less climb had these conditions existed, even though maximum continuous power was being used.
It is well known that the rate of ice accretion and its quantity vary greatly under different conditions of temperature, moisture content, etc.
About 42 miles back from the crash site, over Malad City, the flight reported as being at 13,000 feet. The elapsed time from the Malad City report to the time of crash was about 14 minutes. Thus the ground speed over these 42 miles was about 180 miles per hour. Previous legs of the flight had been logged at ground speeds of 220-230 miles per hour. But the distance of the final segment, from Malad City, is short and the time determinations are subject to some error. Therefore, it may be presumed that the flight lost altitude while continuing straight ahead and on course at a somewhat reduced speed until shortly before the accident when a left turn was made. (The crash site was only about two miles from the center of the airway.) This somewhat reduced speed can be accounted for by the fact that light to moderate turbulence existed at the cruising level and became worse at the lower altitudes. (The company's Operation Manual specifies a speed reduction to 140 m.p.h. through turbulence.)
The flight previously mentioned, also eastbound, and only a few minutes earlier, did encounter some turbulence in the area and this pilot avoided it by increasing his altitude from 13,000 feet to 13,500 feet.
The crash site was several hundred miles from Cheyenne, the point of next intended landing, far too distant to start a letdown.
The fact that the aircraft was overweight by 401 pounds when it left Boeing Field cannot be considered as pertinent because the aircraft's weight at the time it crashed was some 3,000 pounds less than the weight at take-off due to fuel consumption.
The Board concludes from the evidence available that the aircraft encountered severe turbulence and the formation of heavy icing of the aircraft which precipitated its descent and subsequent crash. The Board is unable to state why the flight did not request and proceed to a higher altitude to clear the tops of the clouds. The reason for the initial descent is not known.
On the basis of all available evidence the Board finds that: The carrier, the crew and the aircraft were properly certified. Both the captain and copilot had received the required rest period at Seattle. The flight was routine until passing Malad City, the last reporting point. The flight reported being over Malad City at 13,000 feet, its assigned altitude. Light to moderate turbulence and light rime ice prevailed in cloud tops at cruising altitude, while at lower altitudes moderate to severe turbulence and moderate to heavy icing exists. Ice found on the wing had formed in flight. The crew had been adequately briefed by the U.S. Weather Bureau as to weather over the route prior to departure from Seattle. All major components of the aircraft were identified and examination of the wreckage disclosed no evidence of malfunction, failure or fire prior to impact. Both engines were developing power at impact. All navigation aids along the route were reported normal. The accident occurred within the airway and slightly to the left of course.
The Board determines that the probable cause of this accident was the inadvertent descent into an area of turbulence and icing which resulted in the flight's inability to regain a safe altitude.
Signed by the Civil Aeronautics Board: Oswald Ryan, Harmar D. Denny, Josh Lee, Joseph P. Adams, and Chan Gurney.
The Civil Aeronautics Board's office at Kansas City, Missouri, received notification of the accident through CAA Communications, at 0930, January 7, 1953. An investigation was immediately initiated in accordance with the provisions of Section 702(a)(2) of the Civil Aeronautics Act of 1938, as amended. A public hearing was held in connection with the investigation of this accident at San Antonio, Texas, February 20 and 21, 1953. Additional reports of the Board's final examination of the wreckage were entered in the record by deposition at Kansas City, Missouri, on August 14, 1953.
Associated Air Transport, Inc., an irregular air carrier, is a Texas Corporation with its principal place of business at San Antonio, Texas. It is authorized to operate in the area of the Continental United States, Overseas and International, transporting passengers and cargo under the terms of Air Carrier Operating Certificate No. 1-740.
Captain Lawrence B. Crawford, age 28, was employed by Associated Air Transport on August 1, 1951. He was the holder of a valid airman certificate with an airline transport and appropriate aircraft rating. Captain Crawford had a total of 4,960 flying hours of which 1,055 were in C-46 aircraft. His last instrument check was accomplished October 27, 1952. He possessed a first-class medical certificate dated August 22, 1952, listing no restrictions.*
First Officer Maxwell F. Perkins, age 32, was employed by Associated Air Transport October 20, 1952. He held an airman certificate with a commercial pilot, multi-engine land and instrument ratings. He had a total of 3,584 flying hours, which included 1,445 hours on C-46 type aircraft. First Officer Perkins possessed a first-class medical certificate dated April 14, 1952, which contained a waiver for glasses.
Miss Dorothy Marie Davis was employed as a Stewardess by Associated Air Transport, on January 1, 1953. This was Miss Davis' first flight with the company.
N1648M, a Curtiss-Wright Model C-46F, Serial No. 2504, was certified under CAA Specifications 3A2. It was equipped with two Pratt & Whitney R-2800 engines with a total time of 673:33 hours since overhaul. Total time on the aircraft as of December 31, 1952, was 1,941:37 hours. The aircraft possessed a current Airworthiness Certificate issued December 12, 1952.
*Note: Civil Air Regulations require the holder of an airman certificate with an airline transport rating to take a physical examination each six months by a Medical Examiner certificated by the Civil Aeronautics Administration.
Kyle Moore, age 13, took on the creation of a memorial to the lost souls on this flight as an Eagle Scout project. In 2006, Moore researched the crash and its victims and decided to design and build a wooden cross in Cache-Wasatch National Forest. Joined by members of the Moore family, members of Troop 305, and Forest Service recreation employees, the cross was erected near another existing memorial. Kyle said he wanted visitors to the site to remember the sacrifices of those who died in the crash. Congratulations, Kyle and friends!
1Lt. Harry Frederick Carter was the pilot of a F-86E Sabrejet fighter bomber (#51-2744) with the 16th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron, 51st Fighter-Interceptor Group. On January 7, 1953, while on an operational mission, his aircraft crashed short of the runway. Lieutenant Carter was born June 15, 1929 in Mount Pleasant, Texas, a son of Lynne Preston Carter Sr. (1901-1962) and Elsie Louise Grell Carter (1901-1981). His siblings were Lynn Carter Jr. and Mary Eugenia Redman (1925-2014). Lieutenant Carter attended Woodrow Wilson High School in Dallas, Texas and graduated in 1947 from Beeville High School. He attended Texas A & I and enlisted in the Air Force in January of 1951. Lieutenant Carter is buried in Restland Memorial Park, Dallas, Texas.
A B-50 with the 96th Bomb Squadron, 2nd Bomb Wing, perished when U.S. Air Force B-50D Superfortress #48-089 collided mid air with B-50D #48-073 and crashed, six miles east of Hunter Air Force Base, Savannah, Georgia. Flying at about 14,000 feet over Hunter Air Force Base on a training mission, the bomber was on a collision course with another B-50. A wing sliced through the vertical stabilizer of the second bomber, and the subject Superfortress went out of control and plunged to earth, crashing near a residential area of the Isle of Hope, south of Savannah, Georgia. The aircraft buried itself in a swampy crater, 20-25 feet deep, on the edge of the Herb River, killing all nine occupants aboard. Hundreds of curious onlookers crowded the roads into the crash scene, hampering recovery efforts. Due to the severity of the crash, eight of the nine crash fatalities were interred in a common grave at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery near St. Louis, Missouri, on February 11, 1953. Only the body of the Navigator-Bombardier could be identified independently. Pilot Lt. Col. Colin C. Hamilton safely landed the stricken B-50D #48-073 at Hunter Air Force Base, despite nearly four feet of the top of the vertical stabilizer sheared off, but with no reported injuries to that aircrew.
Fatalities #48-089:
Barnes, A1c Jerome Richard (gunner) - Airman Barnes was born on January 05, 1932, the son of Gerald Raymond Barnes (1909-1977). Airman Barnes is buried in Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in Missouri.
Blankenship, 1Lt. Carl Delbert (radar observer) - Lieutenant Blankenship was born on June 14, 1917. He is buried in Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in Missouri.
Edwards, SSgt. James R. (radio operator) - Sergeant Edwards was born on February 17, 1930, the son of George Washington Edwards (1903-1984) and Martha L. Davis Edwards (1906-1937). His sisters were Betty Jean Mahaly (1932-2022) and Ellen M. Edwards Couch (1935-2006). Sergeant Edwards is buried in Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in Missouri.
Eland, A1c John Joseph Jr. (gunner) - Airman Eland was born on April 17, 1932, in Ohio, a son of JohnJoseph "Jack" Eland (1904-198) and Florence Matilda Harriet Warner (1907-2002). His siblings were Irene Stahlhut (1926-2022), Walter James (1933-2018), Bill, Betty Staab, and Florence Byland. He is buried in Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in Missouri.
Hendrix, A2c Kenneth Alan (gunner) - Airman Hendrix was born on July 04, 1930, a son of Noble E. Hendrix (1897-1937) and Alice Dobson Hendrix (1896-1983). His siblings were Margaret, Bobby, Warren and Billy. He is buried in Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in Missouri.
Kinzie, 1Lt. Chester J. (A/C pilot) - Lieutenant Kinzie was born on July 05, 1928, a son of Ora Ambrose Kinzie (1900-1990) and Florence Marie Thompson Kinzie (1902-1977). In 1949 he married Dolores M. Sourwine (later Fisher) (1929-2017) and they had a son Chester Jack Kinzie Jr. Lieutenant Kinzie's siblings were Wallace Wayne "Wally" (1924-2007), Ora "Gale" (1925-2008) and Stanley D. (1926-1993). Lieutenant Kinzie is buried with other crew members in Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in Missouri.
Lane, 1Lt. Bernard Gavan - co-pilot) - Lieutenant Lane was born on April 12, 1924, a son of Frank Williams Lane (1887-1962) and Mabel Richmond Fitch Lane (1887-1970). Lieutenant Lane married Ethel Hilbun and they had one child, Hilbun Bernard Lane. Mrs. Lane later married Leslie Adams and he adopted Hilbun. Lieutenant Lane was a World War II veteran, and he is buried in Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in Missouri.
Latimer, MSgt. Loyal Daniels (flight engineer) - Sergeant Latimer was born on March 08, 1922, a son of Rufus Monroe Latimer (1885-1972) and Tide Frances Overstreet Latimer (1889-1967). His siblings were Bertha Ann Wells (1907-2002), Bernice May (1909-1934), Willie Lee "Johnny" Bond (1911-1954), Norma E. Slaughter (1915-2000), Rufus G. "Sonny" (1919-1989), and James F. (1926-1987).
Plog, Capt. Roy Charles (navigator-bombardier) - Captain Plog was born on May 30, 1918, in Fresno, California, the son of William John Plog (1877-1964) and Ethel Myrtle Gard Plog (1888-1951). He was married to Mary Elizabeth Erwin (1918-2012) and they had children JoAnn, Janice, Chuck, and Gail. His siblings were Fredericka Lillian "Frieda" Leach (1914-2008), Rosella Alberta Lawless (1915-2002), Ada Mae Brubaker (1916-2017), Wilda Ruth Carpenter (1920-2000), Irene Aeldam (1922-1922), LaVista Lois Cate (1923-1987), and Joan Lou (1928-1928). Captain Plog graduated from Fresno High School and Fresno State. He received a master's degree in entomology from Stanford University. He joined the Army Air Corps in 1942 and served in Italy during World War II. He is buried in Chapel of the Light Columbarium and Cemetery, Fresno, California.
While returning to Randolph AFB after flying a gunnery mission with B-29s from Randolph, a wing on this jet buckled and dropped off. The jet went into a flat, uncontrollable spin and crashed between the main gate and administration building at the base. The wreckage burst into flames just yards from a residential complex. Capt. Joseph Norbert Eberle was born on August 28, 1925, in Louisville, Kentucky, the son of Joseph A. Eberle (1890-1962) and Lavinia I. Belshoff Eberle (1890-1969). Captain Eberle and his wife Marie C. Eberle had a son, William Joseph Eberle. His sister was Mrs. Thomas J. Kennedy. Captain Ebele graduated from St. Xavier High School and attended the University of Louisville. He joined the military in June of 1943 and served in Iwo Jima 1947-1949. He is buried in Calvary Cemetery, Louisville, Kentucky.
Lt. Charles M. Lewis's F90F-5 crashed in Albemarle Sound, five miles southeast of Edenton, North Carolina. Lieutenant Lewis was born in 1929, the son of Edward A. Lewis (1897-1976) and Euna Mae McCarty Lewis (1901-2001). Lieutenant Lewis is buried in Forest Park Lawndale Cemetery, Houston, Texas.
In Korea, 1Lt. James A. Albright was a pilot of a F-94B Starfire Fighter with the 68th Fighter Interceptor Squadron, 6160th Air Base Wing, stationed at Itazuke Air Force Base, Japan. On January 10, 1953, he was on a combat mission to identify surface vessels in the Sea of Japan. His aircraft disappeared about 40 miles west of Tsushima Island. Lieutenant Albright was born on January 03, 1924, a son of Leslie Sharmon Albright (1897-1978) and Ellen T. Kiernan Albright (1898-1949). His sibling was Gerald E. Albright (1931-1970). Lieutenant Albright was a World War II veteran who served on Okinawa.
Two T-28A Trojans collided five miles south of Garden City, Texas, on this date. Both pilots died.
Fatality - #51-7570:
Brauer, AVN Cadet Ronald William - Cadet Brauer was born on July 11, 1929, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, the son of Earl Paul Brauer (1914-1995) and Agnes Ann Bruner Brauer (1908-1990). He was not married. He is buried in Fort Snelling National Cemetery, Fort Snelling, Minnesota.
Fatality - #51-3692:
Burkhardt, Airman Albert F. - Airman Burkhardt was born on June 24, 1929, the son of Karl Mortz Burkhardt (1908-1933) and Katharyn McGovern Burkhardt (1906-1984). He enlisted on April 20, 1948. Airman Burkhardt is buried in East Lawn Cemetery, Sugarcreek, Ohio.
2Lt. Evert Vaughn Todd's jet crashed 10 miles east of Aguila, Arizona. He ejected himself but his parachute failed to open. His body was found two miles from the crash site. Lieutenant Todd was born on September 20, 1926, in Honey Grove, Texas, a son of William Evert Todd (1904-1970) and Easter Vera Newhouse Todd (1903-1967). In 1952 he married Katherine Dowe "Kathy" Mercer (later Flaming) (1933-2010). His siblings were T.J. Todd (1928-2020), Gayle "Flash" Todd (*1932-2015), William "Carl" Todd (1933-2015), and Nancy Todd (1942-1942). Lieutenant Todd is buried in Forest Grove Cemetery, Telephone, Texas.
The "Sabre Dancers" aerobatic team was conducting maneuvers when the wing of a plane flown by 1Lt. Charles R. Knoche hit the cockpit of #47-1177. Both planes nosedived and crashed. Lieutenant Knoche was able to parachute to safety, but Capt. Clement Leon Bittner Jr. died. He was born on October 21, 1926, in San Francisco, California, a son of Clement Leon Bittner Sr. (1891-1949) and Gertrude Adele Preston Bittner (1899-1971). He was married in 1949 to Audrey May Belton (later Confer) (1930-2025) and they had a daughter, Diane Lynn Bittner (later Confer) (1951-1994). His siblings were Helen, Frances Mary, Dorothy B. Jensen (1928-2023) and David. Captain Bittner graduated from Abraham Lincoln High School in 1944. He was the recipient of a Distinguished Flying Cross and Air Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters. He is buried in Golden Gate National Cemetery, San Bruno, California.
Capt. Charles Stewart Herring Jr. died in a crash of this TB-26C. Born on July 07, 1921, in Washington, D.C., he was the only child of Charles Stewart Herring Sr. He is buried in Arlington National Cemetery.
Although this F-84G crashed on January 12, its pilot, 2Lt. James Patrick Padden, did not die from his injuries for eight days. He died January 21, 1953. Lieutenant Padden was born on January 01, 1931, in Minnesota, a son of Philip Joseph Padden (1895-1980) and Katherine McGrath Padden (1900-1990). His siblings were Mary Elizabeth "Betty" Schlageter (1923-1990), Thomas James (1925-2004), and William John (1928-2008). Lieutenant Padden is buried in Fort Snelling National Cemetery, Fort Snelling, Minnesota.
A Norwegian Air Cadet, Sgt. Helge Einar Klausen, lost his life when his F-51 Mustang collided with F-51D #44-72959 upon landing at Luke Air Force Base in Arizona. The other pilot, French student Sgt. Jean Raymond Rabledo, received minor injuries. Sergeant Klausen was born on July 26, 1931, in Norway, the son of Liel and Astrid Klausen. He was cremated.
First Lieutenant Charles Rupert Parkerson was the pilot of a RF-80C Shooting Star reconnaissance aircraft with the 15th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron, 67th Tactical Reconnaissance Wing. On January 13, 1953, while on a combat mission, his aircraft developed engine trouble and was ditched in the ocean near Cho-do, North Korea. His remains were not recovered. Lieutenant Parkerson was born on July 29, 1928, in Louisiana. He was married to Marie Ellen "Monie" (later Voorhies) (1931-2016) in 1952. Their son was Charles R. Parkerson. Lieutenant Parkerson was the recipient of a Silver Star and an Air Medal.
Strategic Air Command Boeing B-50D-125-BO Superfortress, 49-386, c/n 16162,[129] of the 93d Bombardment Wing, Castle AFB, California, one of a flight of four on a routine navigational flight, spins down out of clouds at 1340 hrs. PT and crashes 13 miles (21 km) west of Gridley, California, killing all 12 on board. Witnesses said that the bomber appeared to lose power. "When we first saw the plane it was coming out of the clouds in a steep spin at about 2,000 feet," said John Cowan, manager of Grey Lodge Waterfowl refuge. "The pilot gave it full power several times, but he couldn’t pull it out." Just before they hit the ground, the plane appeared to level out some, but it was too late. "They hit the ground with a tremendous thudding sound." Cowan, a flier himself, and a pilot of Navy planes during the war, could offer no explanation for the crash. "We could hear the pilot hit his engines before he dropped out of the clouds," Cowan said. A special investigations team was dispatched early today (14 January) from Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Dayton, Ohio. Salvage, and additional recovery of bodies, waited on the arrival of a 92-foot (28 m) crane sent from McClellan Air Force Base, Sacramento. Gridley residents said the doomed plane "barely cleared treetops" while passing over the town seconds before the crash, but regained altitude momentarily. Eyewitnesses to the actual crash said the bomber came out of the clouds at 2,000 feet (610 m) in a spin. Many heard the pilot gunning his engines during the fall, and the plane appeared to level out slightly just before the impact half buried it in the mud of an open grain field on the Terrill Sartain property, two miles (3 km) W of the Butte-Colusa county line. Shortly before the crash the flight of four bombers were seen in formation over Oroville.
Fatalities:
Bradshaw, MSgt. Joe Lee - Sergeant Bradshaw was born October 13, 1915, in Texas, a son of Luit Bradshaw (1880-1946) and Nettie Lee Bradshaw (1888-1966). He was married to Jassannie Bradshaw and they were parents of children Patricia and Michael Bradshaw. His siblings were Howe Ellis Bradshaw (1912-2003), Ann Bradshaw McNear (1913-2001), Frank Dean Bradshaw (1923-1928), and Sarah Rhoda Bradshaw Rogers (1926-1997). Sergeant Bradshaw is buried in Comanche Springs Cemetery, McGregor, Texas.
Clark, MSgt. William Houston - Sergeant Clark was born November 06, 1920, in Van Horn, Texas, a son of H.G. "Sam" Clark (1890-1953) and Kathlyn Williams Clark (1896-1988). His wife was Audrey W. Clark. His brother was Joe Clifton Clark (1914-1997). Sergeant Clark is buried in Golden Gate Cemetery, San Bruno, California.
Crutchfield, AJ William Brinkley - Airman Crutchfield was born March 27, 1925, in Tennessee. He was married to Della Ann Crutchfield (Oliver Duffy) (1926-2014) in in 1950. Airman Crutchfield is buried in East Lawn Memorial Park, Sacramento, California.
Duffy, TSgt. Curtis Frederick - Sergeant Duffy was born August 31, 19 2 5, the son of Emmett Eugene Duffy (1889-1982) and Elsie Evelyn Morgan Duffy (1908-1957). He was married to Ruth A. Duffy. A World War II veteran, he was the recipient of an Air Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters. He is buried in Rosemere Cemetery, Oelika, Alabama.
Fallon, Lt. Col. Gerald Walter (pilot) - Lieutenant Colonel Fallon was born April 02, 1918, in New York. He was married to Elaine K. Fallon. He is buried in Mount Saint Mary Cemetery, Flushing, New York.
Griffitts, 1Lt. George Don - Lieutenant Griffitts was born April 04, 1928, in Hico, Texas, a son of George Austin Griffitts (1902-1991) and Stella Lucille Trimmer Griffitts (1906-1993). His siblings were Joyce Griffitts (1933-1933), John Talley Griffitts (1935-1935) and Judy Griffitts Ogle (1942-2018). He is buried in Hico Cemetery, Hico, Texas.
Hesse, A1c Charles Westover - Airman Hesse was born October 15, 1931, in Sauk Centre, Minnesota, a son of Carl Henry "Charley" Hesse (1890-1964) and Sarah Bessie "Sadie" Westover Hesse (1891-1989). His siblings were Pearl Irene Hesse Miller (1913–1996), Esther Grace Hesse Long (1914–2006), Gladys Lillian Hesse Gates (1916–1982), Donald Charles "Anti-Fascist" Hesse I (1918–1997), Lynn Charles Hesse (1920–1982), Lola Charlotte Hesse Berg (1920–2008), Doris Elaine Hesse Magnuson (1929–2003), James Richard Hesse (1933–1993), and John Ira "Jackie" Hesse (1936–1984). Airman Hesse joined the Air Force in September of 1950. He is buried in Greenwood Cemetery, Sauk Centre.
McMillan, Maj. William P. - Major McMillan was born March 20, 1915, in New York. He was married to Greta A. McMillan.
Raker, Capt. William Samuel - Captain Raker was born February 07, 1925, in Oregon, the son of Samuel Walker Raker (1892-1975) and Ruth Angel Raker (Archibald) (1898-1984). In 1944 he was married to Lorraine Gustafson (Krause) (1924-2006). He is buried in Willamette National Cemetery, Portland, Oregon.
Schwartz, MSgt. Wallace Neil - Sergeant Schwartz was born on June 14, 1924, in Platteville, Wisconsin, a son of George Schwartz and Hazel Amy Yearous Schwartz Lentz (1903-1988). His siblings were Audrey Schwartz Halverson (1928-2020) and Emmett C. Schwartz (1932-2022). Sergeant Schwartz graduated from Darlington High School and then enlisted in April of 1943. During World War II he served in Germany. He is buried in Fort Snelling National Cemetery, Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Theuret, TSgt. Bobby Gene - Sergeant Theuret was born February 26, 1923, in Missouri, a son of Hiram David Theuret (1884-1964) and Anna Missouri Armstrong Theuret (1890-1967). He was married to Margaret Louise "Mickey" Cloud (later Kolinek) (1924-2012). Their children were Judy Darnell Theuret Newman (1952-2024), Neva Theuret Schmidt, and David Theuret. His siblings were Dorwyn Eugene Theuret (1908–1949), Forrest Earle Theuret (1910–1980), Clifton David Theuret (1912–1984), Margaret L. Theuret (1926–1926), and Marjorie Eldean Theuret (1926–1926). Sergeant Theuret is buried in Westminster Memorial Park, Westminister, California.
Williams, Capt. Edward Yolen - Captain Williams was born August 24, 1919, in Spokane, Washington, the son of John Edward Williams (1892-1947). He is buried in Riverside Memorial Park, Spokane.
While on a mission of dropping leaflets over enemy territory, a RB-29A Superfortress reconnaissance bomber from the 91st Strategic Reconnaissance Squadron was attacked by 12 MiGs. Three crew members were killed and eleven were taken prisoner.
Missing in Action:
Hart, A2C Alvin Dale Jr. (tailgunner) - Airman Hart was born on December 07, 1931, in Michigan, the son of Alvin and Alice Hart.
VanVoorhis, Capt. Paul Edward (radar operator instructor) - Captain VanVoorhis was born March 17, 1920. Known to be held in China. He was from Glen Cove, New York.
Weese, 1Lt. Henry D. - Lieutenant Weese was born September 14, 1924, a son of Edward H. Weese (1894-1944) and Gusta Weese (1907-1962). His brother was Leslie Howard (1915-1991). Lieutenant Weese was known to be held in China.
Prisoners of War (all repatriated to military control from China in 1955):
Arnold, Jr., Col. John K.
Baumer, Maj. William E.
Benjamin, JR., A2C Harry M.
Brown, TSgt. Howard W.
Llewellyn, Capt. Elmer F.
Schmidt, A1c Daniel C.
Thompson, III, A2c John W.
Vaadi, Capt. Eugene J.
First Lieutenant John Riley "Jack" Pentecost Jr. was the pilot of a F-84E Thunderjet fighter with the 428th Fighter-Bomber Squadron, 474th Fighter-Bomber Group. On January 13, 1953, while on a combat mission, his aircraft received a direct hit by anti-aircraft fire, its right wing fell off and it crashed into the water. His remains were not recovered. Killed while flying second strike against bridges over Yalu River at Western entrance to Yellow Sea. Aircraft struck by ground fire while making low level approach between mountains on either side of river. Plane last seen on fire and falling out of control, no crash seen, no parachute seen. Witnessed by Wingman, Henry Karnes. After investigation and debrief evaluation presumed Killed in Action. Was only listed as missing for about one week. Lieutenant Pentecost was the son of John Riley Pentecost Sr. (1903-1966) and Glendola Mildred Standorf Pentecost (Ellis) (1905-1974. He was married to Mary Ann Rand on May 10, 1952. They had no children. His half-sister was Nancy Ellis Wolf (1935-1999) and his half-brother was William Pentecost. Lieutenant Pentecost received an engineering degree from the University of Wisconsin. He attended Rolla School of Mines. Lieutenant Pentecost was the recipient of a Distinguished Flying Cross and an Air Medal.
A B-26 Invader bomber with the 37th Bomber Squadron, 17th Bomber Wing, stationed at Pusan Airfield (K-9), South Korea. On January 13, 1953, shortly after takeoff from Pusan, the aircraft crashed into the sea and exploded, killing all three on board.
Bauwin, Capt. Eugene Edward - Captain Bauwin was born March 24, 1920, Ford City, Pennsylvania. He was married to Shirley A. Corll (1923-2017). They had a daughter, Mrs. Robert W. (Coral Jean) Hanseman. Captain Bauwin was a graduate of Sandy Lake High School and graduated from Thiel College in 1947. He was employed by Eastern Airlines and Talon, Inc. before becoming personnel director of R.D. Werner Company on May 8, 1950. He remained as personnel director until September 04, 1951 when he was recalled to the Korean War. He was a World War II and Korean War veteran.
Davis, A2C Dariel Lane - Airman Davis was born April 24, 1933 in California, a son of Early J. Davis (1892-1974) and Lottie Elizabeth Gorham Davis (1905-1948). He married Tawannah Jo "T.J." Lollar Guest (1934-2019). His siblings were Paul G. Davis, Eugene Howe "Gene" Davis (1925-2014), and Loretta Dean Davis Cantwell (1927-2018). His half siblings were Tarzan Jefferson Davis (1915-1968), Barbara Beatrice Davis Scott (1918-1938) and Sgt. Paul Grisham Davis (1920-1953).
Hall, 2Lt. Harlan Porter - Lieutenant Hall was born May 28, 1918 in Illinois, a son of Harry Ogden Hall (1879-1947) and Pearle E. Porter Hall (1881-1939). He was married to Mollie Sneed Hall (1919-2017) (later Mrs. Jerry Olson) and they had one daughter. Lieutenant Hall's siblings were Helen Hall Brennan and Dr. Hal Hall.
In the early morning hours of January 13, 1953, a B-26B Invader (tail number 43-22447-A) departed Kunsan (K-8) Air Base, Korea, with a crew of three aviators. The briefed mission was a railroad reconnaissance operation targeting three main supply routes southeast of Pyongyang. Two hours into the mission, the crew requested a diversion to their secondary target; the reason for their request is unknown. Approximately 30 minutes later, the Invader suddenly disappeared from the radar scope near Hwagong. Prompt searches of both the primary and secondary target areas yielded no information on the missing aircraft or its crew.
Bailey, Capt. Stanley Warren (pilot) - Captain Bailey was born May 18, 1922, the son of Benj T. and Jessie Bailey. He was the recipient of a Distinguished Flying Cross and Air Medal. He was from New Mexico.
Fuller, A2C Richard Carrell (tail-gunner) - Airman Fuller was born March 27, 1934. He was the older brother of Peggy Fuller Kelley and the father of children Vance, Don and Robin Fuller. Airman Fuller was the recipient of a Distinguished Flying Cross.
Tanner, 1Lt. Marlin Arthur (navigator) - Lieutenant Tanner was born March 27, 1924 in Joseph City, Arizona, a son of Arthur Tanner (1892-1976) and Roberta Turley Tanner (1898-1972). Lieutenant Tanner married Anna Lee Eastman (later Matthews (1924-1994) in 1945. His siblings were Genevieve Tanner Bushman (1918-2001), Fontella Tanner Randall (1919-1986), Ilene Tanner Brimhall (1928-1996), Kenneth Turley Tanner (1930-2017) and half sister Marna Tanner Mealy (1922-1993).
During maneuvers off the USS Midway, this Banshee crashed into the sea near Minorca in the Mediterranean Sea. Killed was Lt. William James Leonard. Lieutenant Leonard was born in 1928, the son of Lowell Austin Leonard (1895-1981) and Margaret McDougal Leonard (1900-1999). Lieutenant Leonard married Nancy Natalia Roberts (1931-2010) in 1951, and they had a daughter, Patti A. Leonard (Atkins).
Captain William Augustus Higgins was the pilot of a F9F-2 Pantherjet fighter with Marine Fighter Squadron 115, Marine Air Group 33, 1st Marine Air Wing. On January 15, 1953, while on a combat mission, his aircraft received a direct hit by anti-aircraft fire and ditched at sea southwest of Pyongyang, North Korea three miles north of Sok-do. Captain Higgins was born May 29, 1923, in Dendron, Virginia, the son of Obed Paul Higgins (1876-1950) and Rose Marie Higgins (Ragland) (1947-1988). He was married to Erna Ingram (Rogers) (1924-2015) and they had children William Augustus Higgins Jr. and Pamela Higgins Stone. His half siblings were Martha Coulbourn (1913-1995), Obed Paul Higgins Jr. (1918-1989) and Horace Rogers Higgins (1921-2005). Captain Higgins was the recipient of an Air Medal.
This jet did not return to its base (Wheelus Field, Libya) in North Africa from target practice over the Mediterranean Sea. Lost was 1Lt. Robert Biscamp. Lieutenant Biscamp was born on February 04, 1927, a son of Emmette E. Biscamp (1901-1980) and Pauline McCabe Biscamp (Wilson) (1904-1998). His siblings were Marie Agatha Wackym (1923-2007), Roy Gene (1924-2015), and Delores Annette Vernon (1929-2022).
While approaching Harmon Air Force Base near Stephenville, this C-54 crashed at 7:37 p.m. on a routine flight from Fort Pepperell base near St. Johns. Fourteen men died in rough terrain crash. All were United States servicemen except one Canadian soldier.
Fatalities:
Hill, Capt. Sidney C. - son of Mrs. Grace F. Hill
Kenney, A1C Everett Nowell - Airman Kenney was born on November 19, 1928, in Slaton, Texas, a son of Elmer James Kenney (1906-1990) and Icie Ola Nowell Kenney (11907-2007). His wife was Mary Janet "Jan" Kenney. Airman Kenney was studying ministry at Phillips University in Enid, Oklahoma before enlisting in August of 1950. He is buried in Resthaven Memorial Park, Lubbock, Texas.
Sigrist, Capt. Donald W. (pilot) - Captain Sigrist was born in 1918, in Illinois. He married Marian Jinette Hansen (later Petters) (1919-2010), and they had a daughter. Captain Sigrist is buried in Saint Joseph Catholic Cemetery, River Grove, Illinois.
Weikel, Maj. Paul W. - Major Weikel was born on December22, 1913, in Gowen City, Pennsylvania, a son of Ellsworth Weikel (1871-1953) and Cora Ellen Dunkelberger Weikel (1876-1957). He was married to Doris E. Latsha Madara (1922-1967). She was the widow of James M. Madara, who died of wounds in France in 1944. Their son was Barry Madara. Major Weikel and his wife Doris had daughters Patricia (Patty) and Candace. His siblings were Lester Henry (1895-1974), Grace Elizabeth Latsha (1896-1979), Harvey S. (1898-1941), Stanley Ellsworth (1901-1993), Helen Elizabeth Fertig (1903-1982), Elwood Theodore (1906-1984), Orville (1908-1983), Guy A. (1911-1977) and Glenn L. (1917-2002). Major Weikel graduated from Shamokin High School (Pennsylvania). He attended Millersville State Teachers College and Columbia University. He enlisted in 1940 and served in England during World War II. He is buried in St. Paul's Reformed Church Cemetery, Gowen City, Pennsylvania.
The KWE is still searching for the names of the other fatalities.
On 17 January 1953, a F-94B Starfire fighter with the 319th Fighter Interceptor Squadron, 5th Air Force crashed about 13 miles southwest of Suwon Air Base (K-13), South Korea.
Fatalities:
DiNapoli, 2Lt. Michael Frederick - Lieutenant DiNapoli was born January 29, 1923, the son of Nicholas DiNapoli. He is buried in Arlington National Cemetery.
Mason, 2Lt. Charles - Lieutenant Mason was born June 16, 1928. He is buried in the same casket with Lieutenant DiNapoli in Arlington National Cemetery.
Holland native Gerard M.J. Adang lost his life when his aircraft crashed after it was pulling out of a normal air-to-ground gunnery mission. He was flying No. 3 position in a flight of three jets at the time. Gerard Adang was the son of M.J.V. Adang and M.G. Herpers Adang. He was from Eindhoven, Netherlands, and was training at Phoenix, Arizona, under provision of NATO. He is buried in Cedarlawn Cemetery, Jackson, Mississippi.
On January 18, 1953, while on a reconnaissance mission over enemy territory, an OE-1 Cessna observation aircraft (#133806) with Headquarters Battery, 11th Marines, 1st Marine Division. was shot down. One parachute was seen.
Missing in Action:
Allen, 1Lt. Glen Allen (MIA) - Lieutenant Allen was born October 25, 1929, in Park Rapids, Minnesota, the son of John M. Allen (1880-1962) and Zelda L. Gitchel Allen (1900-1981). He was married.
Returned to Command:
Spence, Capt. Kenneth L. - Captain Spence was returned to US command.
A U.S. Navy Lockheed P2V-5 Neptune (127744), attached to the Navy Patrol Squadron VP-22, was based at Okinawa. It was engaged in a mission to photograph communist anti-aircraft artillery on China's southeastern coast. The aircraft was struck by ground fire, causing a fire in the no.1 engine and left-hand wing. The fire could not be contained and the aircraft was ditched about 15 minutes later in the Formosa Strait. All 13 on board were able to evacuate the aircraft, but the story doesn't end there. See PBM Mariner #84738.
Crew of #127744:
Ballenger, AD1 Daniel J. (plane captain)
Brown, AO3 Cecil (1st ordnanceman)
French, AL1 Robert L. (1st radioman)
Ludena, AOAN Roy (2nd ordnanceman)
MacDonald, AFC Wallace L. (1st photographer)
McClure, PH1 William F. (2nd photographer) (missing in action)
Prouhet, Lt. Clement R. (pilot)
Smith, AD2 Lloyd Jr. (2nd machanic) (missing in action)
Varney, Lt. Vearl V. (co-pilot)
A U.S. Coast Guard Martin PBM-5G Mariner (84738) air detachment at U.S. Naval Station Sangley Point, Republic of the Philippines, was dispatched to rescue the crew of Neptune 127744 with the following crew onboard: Lt. John Vukic, Pilot; Lt.j.g. Gerald W. Stuart, copilot; and crew members ADC Joseph M. Miller, Jr., ALC Winfield J. Hammond, AL1 Carl R. Tornell, AO1 Joseph R. Bridge, AD3 Tracy W. Miller, and AM3 Robert F. Hewitt. Eleven crewmen from the Neptune were rescued, but two remained missing. The Mariner pilot eventually decided to depart, but the aircraft crashed on takeoff. In this accident five of the eight Mariner crew were killed. Four of the eleven Neptune crewmen were also killed. Some of the Neptune crew were reportedly captured and executed by the Chinese. The survivors were eventually rescued by the Navy destroyer USS Halsey Powell later that night after f.loating in the water over seven hours. The entire crew of the PBM-5G 84738 earned the Gold Lifesaving Medal. While they were attempting the rescue they were being continuously fired upon by Chinese shore batteries. The five that died in the line of duty earned the medal posthumously.
Coast Guard Fatalities
Bridge, AO1 Joseph Richard "Dick" - Airman Bridge was born on July 7, 1920 in Salt Lake City, Utah, a son of John James Kirkman Bridge (1886-1930) and Nellie Josephine Johnson Bridge (1890-1982). His sibling was John Johnson Bridge (924-1924). He was a World War II and Korean War veteran.
Hammond, A1C Winfield James - Airman Hammond was born September 15, 1920 in Mankato, Minnesota. He served in the military 1941 to 1953.
Miller, AD3 Tracy Wesley - Airman Miller was born June 08, 1929.
Stuart, Ltjg. Gerald William - Lieutenant Stuart was born May 5, 1922 in Marinett County, Wisconsin, the son of William Frederick Stuart (1901-199) and Margaret Edna Trippler Stuart (1904-1939). His sister was Bonnie Jean Stuart (1924-1986). Lieutenant Junior Grade Stuart was the co-pilot of a rescue patrol bomber stationed at the Coast Guard Air Detachment, Sangley Point, Philippines. On January 18, 1953, after rescuing survivors from a Naval P2V Neptune patrol aircraft off Swatow, China, his aircraft crashed on takeoff. He was listed as Missing in Action and was presumed dead on September 15, 1955. There is mention of Gerald and his Coast Guard service on the back of his father's tombstone. There is also a military marker for this World War II and Korean War veteran in the VFW section of Forest Home Cemetery, Marinette, Wisconsin.
Tornell, A1C Carl Raymond - Carl was born in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, the son of Carl Johan Nilsson Tornell (1882-1964) and Hulda Albertina Sundellin Tornell (1884-1962).
Neptune Missing in Action:
Angell, Ens. Dwight Clark - Ensign Angell was born August 17, 1928, in Lamar, Colorado, a son of Otis Holmes Angell Sr. (1899-1981) and Audrey B. Clark Angell (1905-1979). His twin brother was Otis Holmes Angell Jr. (1928-2012).
Beahm, PO3 Ronald Andrew - PO3 Beahm was born September 28, 1932, a son of Andrew Jackson Beahm (1901-1981) and Belle Morrison McClenahan Beahm (1901-1981). His siblings were Marshall S. Beahm (1926-1936) and Stanley Gilbert Beahm (1928-2003).
Byars, AT3 Clifford Ray - AT3 Byars was born December 08, 1931, in Nacogdoches County, Texas, the son of Henry Harold Byars (1903-1963) and Nellie Mae Reed Byars (1904-1990). His siblings were May Evelyn Byars Oliver (1938-1962) and Nina Kathryn Byars (1942-1944).
McClure, PO1 William Freeman Jr. - PO1 McClure was born April 12, 1929, the son of William Freeman McClure Sr. and Madeline McClure.
Morley, Aviation Electronics Technician 2C Paul Alan - 2c Morley was born June 08, 1932, in California, the son of Thomas Herbert Morley (1905-1976).
Smith, AD1 Lloyd Jr. - AD1 Smith was born August 21, 1922, the son of Lloyd Smith Sr. and Mable Smith. He was married and had two daughters.
On January 17, 1953, an F-94B Starfire fighter with the 319th Fighter Interceptor Squadron, 5th Air Force, crashed about 13 miles southwest of Suwon Air Base (K-13), South Korea, killing the crew of two.
Fatalities:
DiNapoli, 2Lt. Michael Frederick (radar operator) - Lieutenant DiNapoli was born on January 29, 1923.
Mason, 2Lt. Richard Charles (pilot) - Lieutenant Mason was born on June 16, 1928, a son of G.L. Mason, LaGrange, Illinois. He is interred in the same casket with radar operator 2nd Lieutenant Michael F. DiNapoli.
Captain Hershel Frederick Herbert was the pilot of a F9F-4 Grumman Panther fighter with Marine Fighter Squadron 115, Marine Air Group 33, 1st Marine Air Wing. On January 19, 1953, while on a combat mission, his aircraft received a direct hit by anti-aircraft fire, lost its right wing and crashed. Captain Herbert was born on October 08, 1924, in Fort Worth, Texas. He was married to Betty Ruth Tallman (1926-1973). Captain Herbert was the recipient of an Air Medal with three Gold Stars.
During a routine mission this aircraft crashed 37 miles west northwest of Las Vegas, Nevada and Nellis Air Force Base, killing the pilot. 2Lt. Richard Custer Jocylen was born on July 13, 1930, the son of Reginald Melvin Jocylen (1896-1967) and Marion Blanche Custer Jocylen (1899-1985). He is buried in Arlington Cemetery, Drexel Hill, Pennsylvania.
This F-85 crashed in a wooded area 15 miles from Fort Dix, killing 1Lt. Fred Allen Walters. Lieutenant Walters was born on April 28, 1927, a son of Clinton Robert Walters Sr. (1893-1957) and Ruba Etta Johnson Walters (1899-1987). His siblings were Clinton Robert Walters Jr. (1923-2013) and Anderson Johnson "Andy" Walters (1924-2011). Lieutenant Walters graduated from Waco High School in 1944 and served in the Navy during World War II. He attended Texas A&M, graduating in June of 1950, and then joined the Air Force in October 1950. On the day of the crash his parachute failed to open. Lieutenant Walters is buried in Waco Memorial Park, Robinson, Texas.
Lt. John Bernard Arburn died in a plane crash 5.5 miles from Lowell, Vermont. He was born on October 14, 1920, in Akron, Ohio, a son of James Emery Arburn (1892-1935) and Ruth M. Garrity Arburn (1886-1976). His siblings were Mary Martha Arburn (1917-1996), James Joseph Arburn (1919-1996), and David Arburn. Lieutenant Arburn is buried in Holy Cross Cemetery, Akron, Ohio.
Lt. Frank Elliott Walker Jr. died when this aircraft crashed 25 miles northeast of Plaster Rock, Canada. Lieutenant Walker was born on August 19, 1928, a son of Frank Elliott Walker Sr. (1901-1983) and Bertie Murrhee Walker (1906-1995). His siblings were Lily Walker Gibson (1925-2015) and Hampton James Walker (1931-2008). Lieutenant Walker is buried in Oakland Cemetery, Waycross, Georgia.
Two men lost their life in a training plane crash in a plowed field five miles southwest of Millerview, Texas.
Fatalities:
Davis, 2Lt. Frederic "Fritz" Cornell - Lieutenant Davis was born on July 25, 1930, in Lincoln, Nebraska, a son of Herbert Perry Davis Sr. (1889-1981) and Esther Gertrude Greiner Davis (1885-1962). He married Joan Grace Shickley (later Lee) (1928-2004). His siblings were Carolyn L. McKittrick (1918-2012) and Herbert Perry Davis Jr. (1922-1937). Lieutenant Davis was a graduate of Northeast High School and attended the University of Nebraska. He was on the Navy football team 1949-1951. He is buried in Wyuka Cemetery, Lincoln, Nebraska.
Evans, Capt. Wesley Melton - Captain Evans was born on March 28, 1922, in Muskogee, Oklahoma, a son of Luther and Ora Ethel Weddell Evans (later Mortin) (1905-1992). He was married to Christine Virgie Patterson Evans (1923-1944) and Sudie Mary Jackson Floyd (1924-1997). His son was Wesley Lawrence "Larry" Evans (1949-2012) and Carol Sue Evans. His siblings were Elwyn H. (1927-2011), Ida Helen Reeves Dunn (1929-1963), Rex (1931-2021) and George Evans. Captain Evans joined the Army Air Corps in 1939. He is buried in Mexia City Cemetery, Mexia, Texas.
On January 13, 1952, while on a night interdiction mission over the Anju/Sinaju area of North Korea, a B-26B Invader bomber (#44-34600) with the 8th Bomber Squadron, 3rd Bomber Group. was shot down. Two of the crew were captured.
Downes, 1LT Harold Webb Jr. (bombardier) - Lieutenant Downes was born on September 09, 1925 in Massachusetts, the son of Harold Webb Downes Sr. (1895-1972) and Alfreda Renfree Downes (1896-1934). His sisters were Marjorie, Pauline and Barbara and his brother was Richard Ellison Downes (1927-1929).
Campbell, A2C Reynold G.
Enoch, 1Lt. Kenneth I.
Quinn, 1Lt. John S.
AVN Cadet Berlin Anthony "Tony" Nagel lost his life in a solo training flight plane crash eleven miles east northeast of Red Rock, Arizona. He was born on December 04, 1931, the son of Emil Adolph Nagel Jr. (1904-1992) and Berniece Boyd Nagel (1909-1938. He was survived by a brother and half-sister Susan Nagel DuBose. He was engaged to marry his childhood sweetheart, Patty Culhane. He is buried in Calvary Cemetery, Winnebago, Illinois.
Commander Denny Powell Phillips was the pilot of a F2H-2 Banshee jet fighter and Commanding Officer of Fighter Squadron 11 aboard the aircraft carrier, USS Kearsarge (CV-34). On January 23, 1953, while on a reconnaissance mission along the main supply route north of Wonsan, North Korea, his aircraft was struck by anti-aircraft fire and crashed. He was listed as Missing in Action and was presumed dead on June 14, 1954. Commander Phillips was born on August 30, 1918, in Hawaii, the son of Oscar James Phillips (1883-1974) and Marguerite D. Denny Phillips (1887-1970). He was married to Helen Elizabeth Alida Forsyth Case Maxwell (later Dunlap) (1918-1985). They were married on December 14, 1947. Commander Phillips was the recipient of a Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star, and Air Medal.
2Lt. George Sidney Hinkle lost his life in an F-86A crash 19 miles northeast of Indian Springs, Nevada. He was born on June 26, 1930, and is buried in Glen Haven Memorial Park, Sylmar, California. Other Hinkles are buried in the same cemetery.
2Lt. Bill James Stauffer was the pilot of a F-86E Sabrejet fighter bomber (#51-2796) with the 336th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron, 4th Fighter-Interceptor Group. On January 26, 1953, while on a combat mission, his flight of four F-86s was attacked by six MiGs. His aircraft crashed inverted. He was listed as Missing in Action and was presumed dead on January 27, 1954. Lieutenant Stauffer was born January 10, 1929. He was the recipient of an Air Medal. Lieutenant Stauffer was born January 10, 1929, in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, a son of John W. Stauffer (1894-1984) and Ruby Lee Elliott Stauffer (1905-1977). He was married to Lydia Ross in August of 1952. His brother was John Wesley Stauffer (1923-1923) and his sister was Mrs. Henry Hooker. Lieutenant Stauffer attemded Pine Bluff High School. He then attended Arkansas Tech and Arkansas State College before joining the Air Force in 1 951. He arrived in Korea on December 22, 1952. He was the recipient of an Air Medal.
Maj. Oliver Clyde Carscadden Jr. died when his Starfire collided with another F-94 and crashed. The second plane limped back to the base with a crumpled wing. There was one survivor of Starfire #50-987.
Fatality:
Carscadden, Maj. Oliver Clyde Jr. was born on June 12, 1918, in Greenville, South Carolina, a son of Oliver Clyde Carscadden Sr. (1891-1974) and Ovia Blackwell Carscaden (1892-1984). He was married to Doris Lee Cockerill, and they had a two-month-old daughter Olivia. Major Carscadden's siblings were Harold Leonard (1912-1974), William Enver (1914-2013), Nancy Carscaddon (1916-1918), Wesley Irl (1921-1982), Henry Bruce (1924-1944) (killed in action in Italy during World War II), and Alan (1929-2014). Major Carscadden was a graduate of Haw Creek High School. He attended Wake Forest College and joined the Army Air Corps. He received a Silver Star, Distinguished Flying Cross, and Air Medal with four Oak Leaf Clusters. Major Carscadden is buried in Ivy Hill Cemetery, Alexandria, Virginia.
Survivor:
Bochette, Lt. Liston D. Jr.
Fleet Officer Francis Henry Gifford Booth lost his life while serving as a member of the RAAF Iwakuni Force in Korea. He was born January 26, 1924.
Two crew members (possibly three, name unknown) lost their life in this plane crash near San Marcos Air Force Base in Texas. The RAF pilots were stationed at the air base under the Mutual Defense Assistance Program.
Bishop, Colin D. - Lieutenant Bishop was born May 30, 1932. He is buried in San Marco Cemetery, San Marcos, Texas.
Wood, Lt. Michael Anthony - Lieutenant Wood was born on January 23, 1930, in England. It was an English traditional that the bodies would not be returned to their homeland. He is buried in San Marco Cemetery, San Marcos, Texas.
DPAA: On January 28, 1953, an AD-4N Skyraider (bureau number 125709) with a crew of two took off from the USS Kearsarge (CVA 33) on a "night heckler" (nighttime airfield attack) mission over eastern North Korea. The pilot's last radio communication indicated that he was over the town of Sinp'o, but the Skyraider failed to return to the aircraft carrier. A search-and-rescue mission was initiated; however, they failed to find a crash site or any sign of the crew.
Anderson, Lt. Francis Coleman (pilot) - Lieutenant Anderson was born May 02, 1923, in Sisseton, South Dakota, the son of Arthur "Doc" Anderson and Esther Victoria Palm Anderson. He graduated from Sisseton High School and then State College with an engineer degree. He attended the University of Iowa and participated in the Iowa City Navy Pilot Program. He worked for the US Corps of Engineers in Alaska. He enlisted on October 30, 1942 and then joined the Naval Reserve after World War II. He was recalled to active duty on April 15, 1951.
Schmid, AT3 John Robert "Jack" (radio operator) - Airman Schmid was born June 15, 1931, a son of Stanley Stephen Schmid (1859-1940) and Martha M. Dubsky Schmid (1904-1990). His siblings were Erma M. Schmid Molacek (1924-2015) and Don S. Schmid (1927-2007).
On the evening on January 28, 1953, a B-29 Superfortress (tail number 42-65357A) (a/k/a Shady Lady/Double or Nuthin') with a crew of fourteen departed Kadena Air Base in a flight of four. The briefed mission was a night bombing operation targeting the Kompo-Dong supply yard south of Pyongyang, North Korea. Shortly after releasing its payload, the B-29 was attacked by enemy MiG-15 fighters. Just after midnight, the aircraft commander made a distress call and ordered the crew to bail out. A few minutes later, witnesses reported the Superfortress caught fire and exploded in midair near Hungsu-ri. It is believed that five airmen were still aboard the aircraft when it exploded. The nine surviving crew members were captured by the North Koreans; three of them were returned to U.S. custody following the war, and one is known to have died at the Pike's Peak prisoner interrogation center. While being moved in a convoy to a holding site, the remaining five prisoners were "liberated" by a group of Korean irregulars, believed to be North Koreans masquerading as South Korean guerrillas. Later that day, the B-29's Aircraft Commander (Captain Gilbert Ashley) was allowed to contact United Nations Forces. On April 24, U.S. forces attempted to rescue the five men, but the rescue aircraft was fired upon during the attempt and the efforts were abandoned. Later reporting revealed the loyalty of the guerrilla unit and the probability that it had used the prisoners as bait. The five prisoners became known as the "Ashley 5," after the Aircraft Commander, and all five of them remain unaccounted-for, along with the five who were believed to be aboard the plane when it exploded and the one who died at the Pike's Peak center.
Abrahamson, A2/C Gerald Dean - POW, repatriated during Big Switch - Airman Abrahamson was born December 09, 1926, in Minot, North Dakota. He died July 18, 2015 in Indianapolis, Indiana. He is buried in Rosehill Memorial Park, Minot, North Dakota.
Ashley, 1Lt. Gilbert Lamour (aircraft commander, POW - "Ashley Five"/"71 List". His affectionate nickname was "Coogs.") - Born in Baltimore, Maryland on May 03, 1922, hometown Rock Hall, Maryland, he was the son off Gilbert L. Ashley Sr. and Bessie Freeman Ashley of Rock Hall. He attended Rock Hall High School and the University of Maryland for three years studying zoology. He attended military school at: Kelly Field, Texas (preflight pilot, April 1942), Parks Air College, St. Louis, Missouri (primary flight, July 1942); Enid, Oklahoma (basic pilot, September 1942); Lubbock, Texas (advanced twin engine, November 1942). His previous occupation was aircraft sheet metal worker, Glenn L. Martin Company. He was not married.
Henry, 1Lt. Dewey Rosenhall - POW/"71 List" - Lieutenant Henry was born June 13, 1921 in Sharpeburg, Georgia, son of Zebedee Foreman and Sally A. Henry. He attended high school in Warick, Georgia, and attended the University of Georgia, where he got a B.S. in analytical chemistry and agronomy. His post-graduate studies were in chemistry and botany. His wife was Ellen Miller Henry and his daughter was Cheri Ann Henry of Decatur, Georgia. Prior to military service he was an analytical chemist for the U.S. Public Health Service, Chambles, Georgia.
Ishida, A2/C Hidemaro Saito (right gunner, POW - "Ashley Five"/"71 List") - Born August 19, 1932, he was from San Francisco, California and was the eldest of seven children. His brother Fred was a B-29 gunner, sent home from Korea after the loss of his brother's aircraft.
Miller, SSgt. Lee H. - POW, repatriated during Big Switch
Olsen, 1Lt. Arthur Robert - POW - "Ashley Five"/"71 List" - Born September 19, 1919, he was from Blytheville, Arkansas.
O'Meara, A2/C James Joseph Jr. (first mission as ECM operator, POW - "71 List") - Airman O'Meara was born December 31, 1929, in Detroit, Michigan, the son of James Henry O'Meara and Nora Ella Hopkins O"Meara.
Pope, A2/C James Dean - POW/"71 List" - Born November 30, 1931, in Cherryville, North Carolina, he was a son of James Alvin Pope (1909-1983) and Iva Mae Dellinger Pope (1910-1974). His siblings were Grady Newell Pope (1934-2023) and Dorothy Pope Lingerfelt.
Schwab, A2/C Edward Anthony - POW/"71 List" - Born March 26, 1932, in Warsaw, New York, he was a graduate of Attic High School, Attic, New York.
Shaddick, 2Lt. John Phillip III - POW - "Ashley Five"/"71 List" - He was born October 17, 1927, Birmingham, Alabama, the son of Richard H. Shaddick and Anna Louise Spencer Shaddick.
Stevenson, A2/C Frank James - POW/"71 List" - Born February 26, 1934, he was from Camden, New Jersey.
Stopa, 2Lt. Dewey - died on March 3, 1953, in a POW camp - POW who was badly beaten. His shoes were taken away and replaced by flimsy tennis shoes, resulting in severe frostbite. He died on March 3, 1953 while POW and was buried on the side of a mountain seven miles north of Pyongyang. Lieutenant Stopa was born July 16, 1925, the son of Yugoslavian immigrant Ljubomir "Louie" J. and Mary A. Gerkovich Stopa. Lieutenant Stopa was the recipient of a Bronze Star and Air Medal with four Oak Leaf Clusters.
Turner, 1Lt. Harold Peter - POW - "Ashley Five"/"71 List" - Lieutenant Turner was born December 02, 1917 in Sodus, New York, the son of Benjamin Briggs and Elizabeth May Turner.
Weinbrandt, A2/C Robert Lee - POW, repatriated - Born June 01, 1933, Airman Weinbrandt died November 27, 1985. He is buried in Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery, San Diego, California.
On this date a Lockheed P2V-5 Neptune was on a routine mission when it went missing out of Naha Air Base, Okianwa. When it didn't return to base an extensive search for the crew's three officers and eight enlisted men was conducted. The wreckage was found on a mountainside at the northeast end of Okinawa.
Fatalities:
Baltazar, AL2 Luis - AL2 Baltazar was born June 07, 1924, the son of Alfonso Baltazar and Catarina Baltazar. He was married to Maria Paloma Baltazar. He is buried in Golden Gate Cemetery, San Bruno, California.
Ellis, AOAN Hurshell James - AOAN Ellis was born November 05, 1931, in Plaska, Texas, a son of Charlie Glen Ellis (1904-1986) and Alma L. Jeffers Ellis (1905-1978). His brother was Marshall Leon Ellis, twin sisters Earline and Ilene Ellis, and Billy Gene Ellis Tate. He is buried in North Fairview Cemetery, Memphis, Texas.
Franks, AOAN James Harold - AOAN Franks was born November 21, 1933 in Stamford, Texas, a son of Erin Ray Franks (1907-1971) and Mildred Estelle Lusk Franks (1906-1940). His brother was Dr. Edwin Ray Franks (1929-2019). He had lived with his grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. J.H. Lusk since he was six years old. He graduated from Wylie High School in 1950 and joined the Naval Air Service on August 09, 1951. He is buried in Spring Creek Cemetery, Avoca, Texas.
Helms, AD1 Robert John - AD1 Helms was born February 21, 1918. His wife was Edith Frances Penson Helms (1917-2001) and they had children Robert Francis "Bobby" Helms III (1948-2015), Jane Helms Haulk and Marty Helms McCraw. AD1 Helms is buried in Cool Springs Cemetery, Forest City, North Carolina.
Johnson, AD3 Kenneth Earle (2nd mechanic) - AD3 Johnson was born October 10, 1932, in St. Louis County, Minnesota, the son of Henry Herman Johnson (1904-1972) and Alpha Maye Rutter Johnson (Corrigan) (1903-1966). His baby sister Johnson was born and died in 1930. He entered the Air Force on November 29, 1950 and served overseas since September 1951. He is buried in Forest Hill Cemetery, Eau Claire, Wisconsin.
Knochel, ATAN Glenn Alden (2nd radarman) - ATAN Knochel was born September 14, 1931, in Carpenter, Indiana, a son of Gustav A. "Gus" Knochel (1887-1969) and Eunice E. Nussbaum Knochel (1888-1980). His siblings were Raymond Knochel (1910–1983), Lucile Knochel (1912–1956), Helen Knochel (1914–1914), Fern Lowell Knochel (1916–1997), Allen Loy Knochel (1918–1982), Luella Lenore Knochel Glick (1920–2024), Maurice Leroy Knochel (1921–1994), Arthur Benjamin "Art" Knochel (1923–2020), Dorothy Iola Knochel Keifer (1925–2008), Marjorie Ellen Knochel King (1929–2004), and Richard Lee "Dick" Knochel (1933–1989). ATAN Knochel graduated from Remington High School in 1949 and joined the Navy on May 28, 1951. He is buried in Apostolic Christian Church Cemetery, Fowler, Indiana.
Kreeting, Ltjg. J.L. (co-pilot) - No information found.
Norris, AT2 Jerry Dean (radar observer) - AT2 Norris was born April 26, 1932 in Kern County, California. He is buried in Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery, San Diego, California.
Oliver, ENS Charles Dean Sr. - Ensign Oliver was born October 27, 1929, in San Francisco, California, the son of James Boyd Oliver Sr. ( 1888-1961) and Rose Isaacs Oliver (1895-1966). Ensign Oliver is buried in Golden Gate Cemetery, San Bruno, California.
Russell, Ltjg. David Ervin - Lieutenant Russell was born November 14, 1926, in Washington, the son of Ervin James Russell ( 1893-1957) and Marion Follansbee Russell (1906-1996). He is buried in Golden Gate Cemetery, San Bruno, California.
Sanderson, AL2 Allan Glenn (2nd radioman) - AL2 Sanderson was born June 22, 1924, the son of Ulmont Sanderson (1901-1957). He is buried in Poughkeepsie Rural Cemetery, Poughkeepsie, New York.
On January 31, 1953, Maj. Hampton Edward Boggs and three other fighter pilots were forced to bail out of their Sabre jets in a blinding snow storm as their jets ran out of fuel. His parachute failed to open and his snow-covered body was found by a farmer’s wife on a Wisconsin hillside near Truax Field, Wisconsin. Major Boggs was born August 17, 1921, in Garvin, Oklahoma, the son of William Hampton Boggs (1880-1946) and Catherine B. Pendergast (Oneal) (1899-1997). He was married in New York to 16-year-old Melba Thompson (later Leatherbee) (1926-2023), and they had one son Bill, born in 1947. Major Boggs had one sister, Mary Blanche Boggs Callahan (1924-2016). Major Boggs was a World War II flying acre who received a Distinguished Service Cross, Distinguished Flying Cross, and Silver Star. He is buried in Denison Cemetery, Idabel, Oklahoma.
Ltjg. Guy Thomas Thrower was training a novice pilot when the novice tipped his wing and caused Thrower's jet to crash into the Mediterranean Sea. Lieutenant Thrower was born on August 18, 1928, in Mangum, Oklahoma, a son of Guy Otto Thrower (1903-1983) and Minnie Harriet Thomas Thrower (1908-1962). His siblings were Donald Rodney Thrower (1930-1990) and Edward Allen Thrower (1931-1992). Lieutenant Thrower graduated from Classen High School and was studying petroleum engineering at the University of Oklahoma under the Navy V-5 program. He had served on active duty in the Navy for five years and this was his third Mediterranean cruise.
Ltjg. Houston Conant Hayward was the novice pilot that crashed into the Mediterranean Sea just off the USS Midway after colliding with #125558. Lieutenant Hayward was born on May 01, 1928, a son of Harold Eugene Hayward (1897-1980) and Ernestine Smith Hayward (1900-1947). His siblings were Winchell T. Hayward (1926-2012) and Stearns Lyman Hayward (1935-1966).
Commander John Carl Micheel was a veteran of World War II. In Korea, he was the pilot of an AD-3 Skyraider dive bomber and the Commanding Officer of Attack Squadron 125 (923) aboard the USS Oriskany (CVA-34). On February 1, 1953, while leading an attack on an enemy bridge in the "Punchbowl" area of North Korea, his aircraft was struck by enemy anti-aircraft fire, lost its wing and crashed. Through his skill and courage, he destroyed a major section of the bridge before crashing to the ground. His remains were not recovered. Commander Micheel was born on April 05, 1916, in Cavour, South Dakota, the son of August Micheel (1870-1971). Commander Micheel was a 1940 graduate of the USNA and the recipient of a Distinguished Flying Cross.
A B-29 Superfortress bomber with the 301st Bomber Squadron, 352nd Bomber Wing based in Upper Hayford Air Base, England, crashed after taking off from Wheelus Field, Tripoli, Lybia on February 2, 1953. The plane was taking off on a training mission. Cause of the crash was not immediately determined. Fifteen crew members were killed. Fourteen of them were from the 301st Bomber Wing, formerly stationed at Barksdale AFB and temporarily assigned to duty in England. The list of crash fatalities was sent to the KWE by Art Lajeunesse of New York.
Armstrong, 1LT Lonzo Preston, Pilot - Bossier City, Louisiana. Born April 21, 1926, he was a son of John S. Armstrong (1899-1990) and Hazel E. Dunham Armstrong (1898-1985). His sibling was Milton L. Armstrong (1932-2017). Service Number 21552A. Lonzo is buried in Highland Cemetery, Okemah, Oklahoma.
Bellotte, Airman Harold D., Passenger [KWE research provided by Shannon M. Sakshaug via Findagrave: Harold David Bellotte was born on April 25, 1932, son of William David Bellotte (1889-1935) and Eula Lee Colson Bellotte (1893-1935). His sibling was Euna Kathalene Bellotte (1924-1931). Harold is buried in Orange Hill Cemetery, Williston, Florida.
Bolstad, T/SGT David W., Aero/Medical Specialist [KWE research: Born October 30, 1930, he is buried in Willamette National Cemetery, Portland, Oregon.] [Findagrave: He was a son of Otto D. Bolstad (1901-1989) and stepson of Helen Agnes Moser Falkenberg Bolstad (1906-1992). His siblings included Dan Bolstad, Helen Bolstad Campbell, Jean Bolstad Cassins, Ralph Bolstad, Lois Bolstad Olson, Joan Bolstad Ward, and one more sister (deceased).]
Corvelli, 1LT Daniel D., Navigator - Bossier City, LA. His wife was Betty Gene Corvelli.
Eley, Capt. Charles Wayne, Commander of the Aircraft. He was born in Bossier Parish, Louisiana on November 18, 1918. Service Number AO760606. His wife was Rose Marie Eley (1920-2016). The couple is buried in DeAnn Cemetery, Prescott, Arizona.
Grant, M/SGT William H., Medical/specialist - Bossier City, LA
Hackbarth, 1LT John T., Bombardier - Bossier City, LA
Jones, S/SGT Frederick Joe, Passenger [KWE research: Frederick was born April 10, 1925 and is buried in Oakland Cemetery Poteau, Oklahoma.] His wife was Hazel Jones.
Kloster, A/1C Talmadge L., Gunner [KWE research: Airman Kloster was born May 02, 1929 in Clearwater County, Minnesota, a son of Jacob N. Kloster (1894-1989) and Gertrude Kloster (1901-1997). His siblings were Orvis Neil (1924-2004), Morris O. (1926-1991) and Donald Larry (1944-2012). Talmadge is buried in Bethlehem Lutheran Cemetery, Fosston, Minnesota.]
Lovvorn, Airman Frank James, Radio operator [KWE research: Airman Lovvorn was born April 05, 1930 and is buried in Gethsemane Cemetery and Crematory, Detroit, Michigan]
McDowell, A/1C James Clark, Passenger [KWE research: James was born January 26, 1933 and is buried in Park Cemetery, Bridgeport, Connecticut.] He was the son of Willard A. McDowell (1904-1971) and Lillian A. McDowell (1912-2006).
Willis, Airman Ray Oden, Passenger [KWE research: Ray was born September 2, 1931, son of Dexter Oden Willis (1891-1973) and Marie Munch Willis (1899-1951). A 1950 graduate of Norview High School in Norfolk, Ray is buried in Riverside Memorial lPark, Norfolk, Virginia
Wilson, A/1C Donald V. , Gunner [Findagrave: Born in 1929 in Fulton, Missouri, he was a son of Allie B. Wilson (1896-1972) and Anna Gertrude Simms Wilson (1896-1971). His siblings were Arthur James Wilson (1921-1968), Helen Wilson Tyree, Faye Wilson Bell, and Norman Wilson. Donald is buried in Callaway Memorial Gardens and Mausoleum, Fulton, Missouri.]
Young, 2LT Frederick, Radio observer [KWE research: He is buried in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, East Hanover, New Jersey] He was the son of William Frank Young, New Jersey.
Yuvan, A1C James A., Gunner - Hutchinson, PA. James was born August 27, 1932, son of Frank Yuvan (1915-1974) and Dorothy Jane Roebuck Yuvan (1915-2009). James is buried in West Newton Cemetery, West Newton, Pennsylvania.
DPAA: On February 4, 1953, a B-26 Invader (tail number 44-34345, call sign "Yard 62") with a crew of three departed Pusan East Air Base on a night reconnaissance mission against rail lines along the main supply route in the Hungnam area of North Korea. During the mission the pilot radioed that his aircraft was in difficulty; the right engine was feathered and the right landing gear was stuck in the down position. He stated that he was going to try to fly the aircraft to the nearest friendly air base, Kangnung, and that he was taking the coastal route. Several minutes later the pilot ordered his crew to bail out of the aircraft. All three men bailed out of the stricken aircraft and were captured shortly after landing. The pilot reportedly was killed by his captors while trying to escape, but the gunner and the navigator survived and were returned to U.S. custody during Operation Big Switch. According to reports received at 34thBS HQ, Carmody was found floating in Wonsan harbor by the Navy picket vessel, dead of exposure. Apparently the B-26 had been damaged inland and was trying to make it out to sea.
Carmody, Capt. Francis - Captain Carmody was born May 04, 1923, in Dallas, Texas, the son of William N. Carmody. He was married to Nora Carmody. A participant in the Berlin Airlift during World War II, he was the recipient of a Distinguished Flying Cross and an Air Medal. He was reportedly killed by his captors in Korea.
Brekke, A2C Charles F.
Shapiro, Capt. Aaron
Lt. Marvin Edward "Jake" Hale lost his life when his Panther jet crashed while landing on the USS Bon Homme Richard. Lieutenant Hale was born January 03, 1923, the son of Vernon Olen Hale (1895-1958) and Nila Fern Van Pelt Hale (1894-1997). His sister was Ruth Irene Hale (1925-1941). Lieutenant Hale is buried in Osborne Cemetery, Osborne, Kansas.
First Lieutenant Bill Gray Fain, who joined the U.S. Air Force from Florida, was a member of the 430th Fighter-Bomber Squadron, 474th Fighter-Bomber Group. On September 18, 1952, he departed Kunsan Air Base, South Korea, in an F-84 Thunderjet (tail number 51-509) on a night intruder reconnaissance mission along the Main Supply Route between Sinanju and Chongju. He completed the mission without incident and reported that he was returning to Kunsan as expected. As 1st Lt Fain was preparing for his final approach to Kunsan, his aircraft crashed for unknown reasons. Sea-Air Rescue immediately searched for the aircraft and pilot. The wreckage was found several months later, south of Kunsan, but a thorough search of the crash site found no sign of 1st Lt Fain. No returning POWs mentioned having contact with 1st Lt Fain, 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 remains unaccounted for. Lieutenant Fain was born September 12, 1929, in Tallahassee, Florida, a son of Llewellyn Donalson "L.D." Fain (2888-1984) and Louise Stayner Clark Fain (1893-1990). His siblings were Nelle Fain Bridges (1919–2008), Llewellyn Donalson Fain (1920–1995), Martha Amelia Louise "Angel" Fain Brooks (1923–2012), and John Donalson "Joh" Fain (1931–1999). Lieutenant Fain graduated from Leon High School and then attended Florida State University before joining the air Force. He had been in Korea for five months.
First Lieutenant William Wayne Graham was the pilot of a F-84E Thunderjet fighter (#51-690) with the 430th Fighter-Bomber Squadron, 474th Fighter- Bomber Group. On February 8, 1953, while on a training mission, his engine failed and his aircraft crashed. Lieutenant Graham was born October 21, 1923, in Loris, South Carolina, a son of George Jerry Graham (1887-1947) and Flossie Harrelson Graham (1895-1932). His siblings were Thaddeus Wales Graham (1921-1924) and Betty Graham Keith (1927-2010). Lieutenant Graham is buried in Westview Cemetery, Atlanta, Georgia.
DPAA report: Lieutenant Junior Grade Donald Hugo Hagge, who joined the U.S. Navy from California, was a member of Attack Squadron 702, embarked aboard the USS Kearsarge (CVA 33). On February 8, 1953, he took off from the Kearsarge in a single-seat AD-4 Skyraider (bureau number 123871) as part of a tactical air support mission targeting enemy forces and supply points in Wonsan and Hamhung, North Korea. Lieutenant Junior Grade Hagge's Skyraider was hit by anti-aircraft fire while attacking enemy positions. Other pilots on the mission reported seeing a parachute emerge from the aircraft before it crashed and exploded near Wonsan; however, they could not confirm that it had fully deployed, or that LTJG Hagge was attached to it. An aerial search of the area found no sign of LTJG Hagge, and he remains unaccounted for. Lieutenant Hagge was born September 19, 1928 in Nebraska, the son of Emil Hagge (1903-1929) and Frieda Koenig Hagge. His stepfather was Chester E. Davis. Lieutenant Hagge was the recipient of a Distinguished Flying Cross and Air Medal with Gold Star.
This jet crash took place in swamplands 3.7 miles north of Bayboro, North Carolina. Killed was Capt. Junius Leo Alldredge. Captain Alldredge was born on February 19, 1923, in Mesa, Arizona, a son of Leo Alldredge (1889-1949) and Ida Romney Alldredge (1891-1943). In 1949 he married Velma Bates and they had an 18-month-old son Steven Leo "Steve" Alldredge at the time of the accident. Captain Alldredge's siblings were Vonda Olive Crismon (1912-2003), Leona Ethel "Billie" Willard (1914-2007), Leroy Romney (1917-2010), Miles Isaac (1918-2015), Nelda Crockett (1920-2006) Gerald (1925-1925) and David Evans (1928-1986). Captain Alldredge is buried in the City of Mesa Cemetery, Mesa, Arizona.
1Lt. Albert Weldon Beerwinkle was the pilot of a F-86F Sabrejet fighter bomber (#51-12975) with the 335th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron, 4th Fighter- Interceptor Group. On February 11, 1953, while returning from a combat mission and making a final approach to the runway, his aircraft crashed killing him.Lieutenant Beerwinkle was born October 28, 1929, a son of Henry Fred Beerwinkle Jr. (1889-1964) and Hanna Sophia Schmidt Beerwinkle (1891-1985). He was married to Martha Ann Wright (later Fulbright) (1930-2016). His siblings were Ruben Henry Beerwinkle (1912-1996), Esther Beerwinkle Haas (1913-1993), Pearl Beerwinkle Haas (1916-1987), Marvin Arthur Beerwinkle (1919-1977), and Ewaldine Beerwinkle (1920-2009). Lieutenant Beerwinkle is buried in Moody-Leon Cemetery, Bell County, Texas.
DPAA report: First Lieutenant Paul Joseph Jacobson, who entered the U.S. Air Force from Minnesota, served with the 335th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron, 4th Fighter-Interceptor Group. On February 12, 1953, he took off from K-14 Kimpo airbase, South Korea, he was the pilot of an F-86 Sabre (serial number 51-12938) on a combat escort mission for an RF-80 reconnaissance aircraft over North Korea. As the RF-80 made its pass over the town of Sinuiju, enemy MiG fighters approached and aerial combat ensued. During the engagement, other friendly pilots lost visual contact with 1st LT Jacobson's aircraft. Afterward, he did not rejoin the flight and the other pilots could not establish radio or visual contact with him. They searched the area but saw no sign of a crash site, wreckage, a parachute, or any other indication of 1st LT Jacobson's fate. No returning POWs mentioned having contact with 1st Lt Jacobson, 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. Lieutenant Jacobson was born April 30, 1929, the son of Rev. Hiram Edward Jacobson (1900-1977) and Marjorie Kate Peterson Jacobson (1903-1988). Findagrave has two birthplaces for him: Elmore, Minnesota and Williams, Iowa. Lieutenant Jacobson attended Waldorf College in Forest City and entered the Air Force in 1950. He was the recipient of a Distinguished Flying Cross and an Air Medal.
On February 12, 1953, during a rendezvous with an aircraft carrier 25 miles south of Pusan, South Korea, a Sikorsky HRS-1 (#127798) helicopter crashed into the ocean. Its crew members were about 25 miles south of Pusan on their way to rendezvous with an aircraft carrier that was to take them to Japan, when their helicopter crashed into the water. Mechanical trouble was believed to have been the cause; neither the bodies nor the aircraft were ever recovered."
Fatalities:
Brand, Joseph Lycurgus "Joe" Jr. - Tech Sergeant Brand was born September 03, 1924 in Orlando, Florida, a son of Joseph Lycurgus Brand Sr. (1900-1946) and Odessa E. Dye Brand (1899-1987). His siblings were Carolyn Brand Smith (1932-2023), Roy Croft Brand (1936-2018) and Dorothy E. Brand Respess. Sergeant Brand was the recipient of an Air Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster.
Ruggles, Allen Ward - Captain Ruggles was the pilot. He was born on December 13, 1920 in Concord, Massachusetts. He was the recipient of an Air Medal.
Lieutenant Junior Grade Hubert Tilison Evans joined the U.S. Navy from Ohio and was a member of Fighter Squadron 93. On February 16, 1953, he took off from the aircraft carrier USS Philippine Sea (CVA-47) piloting an F9F-2 Panther (bureau number 123440) on a combat flight over enemy territory. After the mission, as the Panther made its approach to return to the Philippine Sea, it crashed into the water. The Panther quickly sank, and there was no indication that LTJG Evans escaped the aircraft before it went under the water. Search and rescue efforts failed to recover LTJG Evans, and he has not been associated with any remains returned to U.S. custody after the war. Lieutenant Evans was born on August 06, 1926, in Ohio, a son of Huston Tilison Evans (1896-1976) and Esfa Sexton Evans (Massie) (1896-1983). His siblings were John A. (1924-1989), Albert John "Al" (1924-1974), Billy Eugene "Billy" (1929-2023), Lucille, Loa, and Donna Bell Evans. Lieutenant Evans graduated from high school in Jamestown and had served in the Navy for eight years prior to being missing in action. He was a graduate of USNA on June 02, 1950, and a recipient of a Distinguished Flying Cross.
DPAA: Just before midnight on February 23, 1953, a B-26B Invader (tail number 44-34570, call sign "Dutchboy 94") departed Pusan East (K-9) Air Base, Korea, with three crew of three. The briefed mission was a night intruder operation targeting the enemy supply line known as Black 16, which ran between Songjin and Chongjin. After making a series of very low altitude bomb runs on an enemy train operating above northeast Hungnam, the Invader disappeared for unknown reasons. No trace of "Dutchboy 94" could be found and all efforts to establish radio contact with the crew were unsuccessful. The missing aviators were listed as missing in action and were not seen again.
Culbertson, Capt. Gene Alan (pilot) - Captain Culbertson was born October 28, 1920, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He was on his 47th mission when the aircraft disappeared. He was the recipient of a Distinguished Flying Cross and Air Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters. Captain Culbertson is on the Nielsen-Henderson List of POWs.
King, 1Lt. Alfred Holowell - (co-pilot) Lieutenant King was born November 06, 1926 in Fauquier County, Virginia. In 1947 he was married to Elizabeth Lee "Betty" King (1925-1987). He was on his 46th mission when the aircraft disappeared.
St. Mary, A1C Robert "Bob" Ronald (tailgunner) - Airman St. Mary was born on September 04, 1933, a son of Edward St. Mary (1885-1962) and Mary Ellen Hilbert St. Mary (1890-1978). His siblings were Raymond Oliver (1909-1990), Floyd Howard (1912-2005), John, Richard, Mrs. Henry (Mae) Seefeld (1914-2010) and Mrs. Herman (Alice Irene) Wagner (1924-2006). A 1950 graduate of Campbellsport High School in Campbellsport, Wisconsin, Airman St. Mary was the recipient of an Air Medal.
Immediately after take off, a B-26B Invader bomber (#44-35680) with the 37th Bomber Squadron, 17th Bomber Wing, stationed at Pusan East Airfield (K-9), South Korea crashed at Kyongsong near Yongdung-po, South Korea.
Foglietta, A2C Ronald J. - Airman Foglietta was born April 09, 1932 in Lynn, Massachusetts, a son of Renato Roberto "Rupert" Foglietta (1906-1980) and Lillian E. Lancaster Foglietta (1909-1987). The oldest of seven children, Airman Foglietta had only been in Korea two weeks. His siblings were Loretta Rose Foglietta Gibbons (1933-2023), Ronetta Jean Foglietta Munroe (1937-2019), Donald Foglietta, Robert Foglietta, Loretta Foglietta, and Rupert Foglietta. Airman Foglietta is buried in Willow Cemetery, Lynnfield, Massachuetts.
Jackson, 1Lt. Charles Perry - Lieutenant Jackson was born June 05, 1928, in Lodge, Tennessee, a son of Greene Perry Jackson Jr. (1902-1961) and Martha Beene Cole (1903-1991). He was married to Charlotte Neva Davis (later Smith) (1927-2006). His brother was William Rudolph Jackson (1933-2005). He was a 1945 graduate of Decatur High School. Lieutenant Jackson is buried in Bean-Roulston Graveyard, South Pittsburg, Tennessee.
Bond, Capt. Francis S.
Ltjg. Howard Maurice Davenport Jr. was the pilot of an AD-4 Skyraider dive bomber with Fighter Squadron 54, aboard the aircraft carrier USS Valley Forge (CVA-45). On March 4, 1953, while on a combat mission northwest of Wonsan, North Korea, his aircraft was struck by anti-aircraft fire and set on fire. He tried to land on an air strip but lost control and crashed into the sea at high speed two miles southwest of Yo-do, North Korea. His remains were not recovered. Lieutenant Davenport was born August 19, 19 26, the son of Howard Maurice Davenport Sr. (1903-1962) and Rhoda Phyllis Guttromsen (1904-1981). He was married to Charlotte Isabel Parrish. His sister was Ingrid Davenport O'Hearne (1933-2017). LIeutenant Davenport was the recipient of a Distinguished Flying Cross.
Lieutenant Benjamin Franklin Harrison Jr. was the pilot of a F-84G Thunderjet fighter (#50-1203) with the 428th Fighter-Bomber Squadron, 474th Fighter-Bomber Group. On March 5, 1953, while on a training mission, his aircraft crashed near Chong, South Korea. Lieutenant Harrison was born on January 02, 1927, in Stroud, Oklahoma, a son of Benjamin Franklin Harrison Sr. (1893-1983) and Myrtle Ruby Harrison (1892-1981). His siblings were Nancy Harrison, Charles F. Harrison, and Robert Earl Harrison. Lieutenant Harrison graduated from Pleasant grove High School in Dallas, Texas. After entering the service he served for two years in Germany with occupation forces. He is buried in Mount Olivet Cemetery, Hugo, Oklahoma.
Capt. Taek-sun Im was the pilot of an F-51 Mustang (#45-11599) when it was downed by AAA fire near Goseong, South Korea. Captain Im Taek-sun, a member of the Republic of Korea Air Force, was killed.
Squadron Leader Donald Hillier, O4425/437295, was born in Medindie, South Australia, on 23 November 1923. He attended Adelaide High School until Jun 1938. Prior to enlistment, he was employed as a warehouse salesman and as a metal machinist with General Motors Holden SA. He enlisted in RAAF on 9 December 1942, in Adelaide as trainee Pilot and was awarded his wings on 15 December 1943. During WW2, he served with No 75 and 80 Sqn throughout Papua New Guinea and SouthWest Pacific Area during 1944. He returned to Australia in February 1945 and commenced Flight instructional duties until 1950 when he was posted to No 3 Squadron this was followed by a posting to No 77 Squadron Korea on 25 Aug 1952 to fly meteors. He was listed MIA believed killed on 8 March 1953, aged 29. He was married to Linda Maurine. Mission Summary - Squadron Leader Donald Hillier, Service No: O4425, DoB: 23 November 1923, MIA 8 March 1953, LKP Tokyo GRID BT 7834, latitude and longitude 38 13 00N 126 29 00E last seen tracking SE from BT 7834. On 08 March 1953, SQNLDR Hillier was Number One of a 4 meteor aircraft formation tasked to conduct armed reconnaissance in the Nanchooryou-Hampo-ri-Yangdok area. At around 1303 -1305 SQNLDR Hillier and his wingman Sergeant Martin conducted a rocket attack on a tracked vehicle believed to be an AFV. After his pass, SQNLDR Hillier was seen to be tracking SE at 1000ft straight and level. SGT Martin completed his pass and was unable to locate SQNLDR Hillier and received no response to his radio calls. Despite, the three remaining crew conducting searches of the target area, there was no further sighting of SQNLDR Hillier. LKP is assessed as TOKYO GRID BT 7834, latitude and longitude 38 13 00N 126 29 00E last seen tracking SE from BT 7834. [Source: Virtual War Memorial Australia website] Squad Leader Hillier and his wife were parents of a daughter, Wendy.
USNA Class of 1950, Lieutenant Junior Grade Kendall Courtney Gedney was the pilot of a F9F-5 Pantherjet fighter with Fighter Squadron 51, aboard the aircraft carrier USS Valley Forge (CV-45). On March 9, 1953, while on a combat mission of bombing enemy targets south of Wonsan, North Korea, his aircraft was struck by anti-aircraft fire and crashed. His remains were not recovered. Lieutenant Gedney was born July 06, 1927, in Takoma Park, Maryland, the only child of Kendall Blunt Gedney (1899-1970) and Florence Nelle Hutchins Gedney (1905-1976). He graduated from Gulfcourt Military Academy, Gulfport, Mississippi and attended Yale University for three semesters before entering the Navy V-5 college program.
On a routine night training flight on March 09, 1953, a pilot and radar operator were killed when their F3D-2 Skyknight crashed into the Santa Ana Mountains of Orange County, California. Factors in the crash included darkness, stratus clouds, and a weak radio, possibly affected by the mountainous terrain.
Fatalities:
Mallory, Capt. Cameron Augustus (pilot) - Captain Mallory was born August 03, 1921, in Seattle, Washington, a son of Augustus Mallory and Josephine Ruth Mallory. He was married to May L. Bignell (1928-2017). His siblings were Elizabeth Ellen Mallory (1922-1995) and David Stephen Mallory (1927-1997). He is buried in Golden Gate National Cemetery.
Woodard, Sgt. Frank R. (radar operator) - Sergeant Woodard was born December 29, 1930, in Illinois, a son of Jessie Harold Woodard (1898-1956) and Helen Opal Stewart Woodard (1900-1987). His sisters were Norma Mae Woodard Wiseman (1924-2015), Doris Ann Woodard Eden (1935-2014), Jack Edward Woodard (1929-1987) and Loren Harold Woodard (1926-2003). Sergeant Woodard had been in the Marine Corps for 17 months. He is buried in Robinson New Cemetery, Robinson, Illinois.
First Lieutenant Robert Gray Burnett, who joined the U.S. Air Force from Florida, served with the 7th Fighter-Bomber Squadron, 49th Fighter-Bomber Group. On March 9, 1953, he was the pilot of an F-84 Thunderjet (tail number 51-10369) that took off from Taegu Airbase, South Korea, as the second in a flight of four on a rail bridge bombing mission south of Huichon, North Korea. As he made his first pass over the target, his aircraft was hit by groundfire causing the aircraft to roll until it hit the ground and exploded. The pilot was not observed to eject before the crash, and there was no sign of his survival. He has not been associated with any remains returned to U.S. custody after the ceasefire, and he is still unaccounted-for. Lieutenant Burnett was born June 09, 1930, the son of Charles E. Burnett. He was the recipient of a Distinguished Flying Cross and Air Medal. He and his brother attended Georgia Military College.
1Lt. Richard Merlin "Dick" Cowden was the pilot of a F-86E Sabrejet fighter bomber (#51-2897) with the 16th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron, 51st Fighter-Interceptor Group. On March 9, 1953, while on a combat mission, his flight of three F-86s engaged two MiG-15s. His aircraft was hit, crashed and burst into flames. His remains were not recovered. Lieutenant Cowden was born July 22, 1928, a son of Louis Merlin Cowden (1896-1971) and Sarah Mabel Harp Cowden (1898-1990). His siblings were Lydia A., Webster T., Frank, and James Harp Cowden. Lieutenant Cowden was the recipient of a Distinguished Flying Cross and an Air Medal with one Oak Leaf Cluster. His name appears in the publication, "The Transfer of U.S. Korean War POW's to the Soviet Union" published in 1993.
This F-86 hit the terrain on a roll, killing its pilot, Capt. Raymond William Allison of the 78th Fighter Squadron. He was born on March 04, 1920, in Spokane, Washington, a son of George Edward Allison (1895-1964) and Olive Emma Zinkgraf Allison (Godsey) (1896-1959). He was married in 1938 to Erna Louise "Nurnie" Kukuk (later Diemert) (1923-2009_). Their only child was George Edward "Georgie: Allison (1938-1940). Captain Allison's siblings were Robert Edward (1917-1977), Carlene "Ma" O'Rourke (1918-1988), and Ralph Douglas (1924-2012). He is buried in Greeenwood Memorial Terrace, Spokane, Washington.
Euston, Lt. Thomas James Jr. - Lieutenant Euston served with the Marine Observation Squadron 6 attached from the Navy. He was Killed in Action while on a recon mission over enemy territory on March 10, 1953. His remains were not recovered. Captain Dee E. Ezell, USMC, survived as a POW and returned in Operation Big Switch. Lieutenant Euston was born November 21, 1919, the son of Thomas James Euston Sr. (1881-1956) and Mabel Lucretia Chisholm Euston (1882-1973). He was married to Susan M. Euston (1922-2003) in 1945. They had a son, Thomas James Euston III (1949-1959). His siblings were an infant brother (1908-1908) and John Hamilton Euston (1910-2003).
On the morning of March 10, 1953, a LT-6G Texan (serial number 49-3576A, call sign “Acme One”), also known as a “Mosquito,” carrying two crew members took off from Chunchon Air Base (K-47), South Korea, on a forward air control reconnaissance mission of enemy targets north of Hwachon, Korea. Shortly after “Acme One” acknowledged a routine weather report, a ground controller at Flash Outpost Two observed a single engine aircraft taking enemy machine gun fire, followed by the aircraft bursting into flames and crashing near Chombang-ni, North Korea. Flash Outpost Two reported this information to the 6148th Tactical Control Squadron Headquarters, followed by ground controllers attempting to contact the missing aircraft without success. Several LT-6s were diverted to the area; however, poor weather that day hampered search efforts. An aerial search the following day also failed to locate the missing aircraft and its crew. A ground search was not possible because the crash occurred several miles behind enemy lines.
Missing in Action:
Darakis, Lt. Peter Manuel "Pete" - Lieutenant Darakis was born on June 28, 1928, in Ohio, a son of John A. Darakis (1895-1967) and Phyllis A. Darakis (1906-1987). His siblings were Arthur A. Darakis (1922-1990) and James Darakis (1925-1956).
Price, MSgt. Forrest Lee - Sergeant Price was a member of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division. On March 10, 1953, he was the observer on a LT- 6G Mosquito control aircraft from the 6148th Tactical Air Control Squadron, 6147 Tactical Air Control Group. While on a combat mission, his aircraft received a direct hit by anti-aircraft fire, crashed and exploded. He was listed as Missing in Action and was presumed dead on March 11, 1954. Master Sergeant Price was born on August 27, 1930, in Wayne County, North Carolina. He was the recipient of a Distinguished Flying Cross.
F-86E-6 (#52-2879) of the 4th FIW, 336th FIS, was shot down by a MiG-15 of the 224th IAP(32th IAD) flown by Kapt Grigorii N.Berelizde. An unsuccessful bailout caused Squad Leader Graham Hulse to be missing in action. Hulse's F-86 was the first victory of the future ace Berelizde. Squad Leader Hulse was born in Cheshire, England on April 11, l920. He joined the RAF in January of 1936 and was one of only 49 RAF pilots who were attached to the United States Air Force in Korea.
First Lieutenant David Alan Forrest was the pilot of a F-84E Thunderjet fighter with the 428th Fighter-Bomber Squadron, 474th Fighter-Bomber Group. On March 14, 1953, while on a combat mission and after completing a bomb run, his plane was last seen entering a cloud bank. He was listed as Missing in Action and was presumed dead on March 15, 1954. Lieutenant Forrest was born May 07, 1928, in Cleveland, Ohio, the son of David and Edna Forrest.
Captain Jasper Newton Owens Jr. was the pilot of a F-84E Thunderjet fighter (#51-510) with the 9th Fighter- Bomber Squadron, 49th Fighter-Bomber Group. On March 16, 1952, while on a combat mission, his aircraft received a direct hit by anti-aircraft fire, burst into flames and crashed. His remains were not recovered. Captain Owens was born November 03, 1926, the son of Jasper N. Owens Sr. His wife was Grace C. Owens and his sister was Mrs. Frank Ballentine.
Ensign Joseph Spencer Hall was the pilot of a F9F-5 Pantherjet fighter with Fighter Squadron 163 aboard the aircraft carrier USS Princeton (CVA-37). On March 17, 1953, while on a combat mission north of Trachon, North Korea, his aircraft received a direct hit by anti-aircraft fire, crashed and burst into flames ten miles southwest of Songjong, North Korea. His remains were not recovered. Ensign Hall was born on January 07, 1929.
Lieutenant Colonel Barnette J. Robinson Sr. was a pilot of an AD-3 Skyraider fighter with Marine Attack Squadron 121, Marine Air Group 12, 1st Marine Air Wing. On 17 March 1953, he was returning from a combat mission when his aircraft developed engine trouble. His bailout was unsuccessful. Lieutenant Colonel Robinson was born on January 25, 1914, in Prairie Grove, Arkansas, a son of Walter Stephen Robinson (1877-1958) and Delnora E. "Della" Barnett Robinson (1878-1960). He was married to (1) Opal Ray Booth (1909-1984) (1933), (2) Frances Dudley Smith (1916-1994) (1938), and Martha Katherine Pittenger (1911-1983) (11/25/1948, El Paso, Texas. His children were Billie Sherlyn Robinson (1934-2016) and Barnette J. Robinson Jr. His siblings were Rita Dodson (1905-1988) and John G. (1917-1995). A veteran of World War II and Korea, Lieutenant Colonel Robinson is buried in Golden Gate National Cemetery.
During a low-altitude flight over the Atlantic Ocean, RB-36 (#51-13721), an all-weather bomber, struck an 896-foot tall ridge near Nut Grove (Burgoyne's Cove), Newfoundland, Canada, on March 18, 1953 at an altitude of 800 feet. The pilots were off-course and had misjudged speed, arriving at the coast of Newfoundland 1.5 hrs. early. The plane exploded on impact, killing all 23 aboard.
That same night, a SAR aircraft (Boeing SB-29-70-BW Superfortress, #44-69982) of the 52d ARS, 6th ARG, based at Harmon AFB, Newfoundland, was sent out to assist the search for the crashed RB-36 and went missing shortly before landing, apparently crashing into St. Georges Bay and killing the crew of 11. The victims were: Capt. Francis Xavier Quinn, Dorchester, Massachusetts; Capt. William A. Roy, San Antonio, Texas; First Lt. Rodger D. Null, Venice, California; First Lt. Robert W. Errico, Bronx, New York; S/Sgt. David E. Kimbrough, Roswell, New Mexico; Cpl. David E. Rash, Beaverton, Oregon; A/1c Robert J. Montgomery, Mountain Grove, Missouri; A/3c Michael Kerr, Jr., Chisholm, Minnesota; A/3c Sammy O. Jones, Akron, Ohio; and A/3c James E. Coggins, Allston, Massachusetts.
[KWE Note: Source of the next two paragraphs: www.reddit.com.]
"Brig. Gen. Richard E. Ellsworth, commander of the 28th Strategic Reconnaissance Wing was co-piloting on a 25-hour journey as part of a simulated combat mission flying from Lajes Airdrome in the Azores back to Rapid City Air Force Base, South Dakota. As part of the exercise, the bomber was observing radio silence and had switched off their radar guidance, flying via celestial navigation. They had planned to fly low over the ocean, steadily increasing to higher altitudes before reaching the mountainous countryside of Newfoundland. Late into the night, the aircraft struck bad weather and went off course, reaching Newfoundland 90 minutes earlier than planned.
"At 0410 hrs. at a hill near Burgoyne's Cove, inland from Nut Cove, Trinity Bay, Newfoundland, with sleet, fog, freezing drizzle, and visibility estimated at less than 1⁄8-mile (0.20 km), the plane struck an 896-foot (273 m) hill at 800 feet (240 m) with a ground speed of 202 knots (374 km/h). The aircraft's propellers severed the tops of pine trees while the plane's left wing hit the ground, tore off, and spilled fuel. The rest of the plane impacted some thousand feet further. The impact and subsequent fire from the plane's fuel tanks scorched an 8-foot-deep (2.4 m) trench in the countryside. Loggers on a nearby hill spotted the fireball and alerted rescuers, but all 23 on board were killed on impact. Much of the wreckage remains at the crash site."
[KWE Note: The following information was found on the "Hidden Newfoundland" website.]
"In order to test North America's defense systems, multiple RB-36H Peacemaker reconnaissance aircraft from the 28th Reconnaissance Wing out of Rapid City Air Force Base in South Dakota took off from the Canary Islands and attempt to enter the continent undetected. The planes were set to maintain a 500 foot altitude to avoid detection and once they entered the continental US they would climb to 40,000 feet and proceed to designated targets. On the night of March 17, 1953, these aircraft took off in 15 minute intervals en route to North America. The mission commander, General Richard E. Ellsworth was in the first plane to leave and was the only person in the air force who knew when the mission started. In order to navigate to the United States in total secrecy, the pilots would use sextons, a navigation instrument, and would have to rely on weather forecasts which meant they weren’t able to be given updates if anything changed."
Beard, SSgt. Ira Vester - gunner - Sergeant Beard was born April 15, 1927, and was from Sentinel, Oklahoma. His wife was Charlotte Grace Wood Ebeling (1931-2007). They married in 1951. Ira is buried in Sentinel Cemetery, Sentinel, Oklahoma.
Bransdor, Lt. Clifford Walter - ECM/observer - Lieutenant Bransdor was born September 22, 1920 and was from Cook County, Illinois. He was the son of Walter and Ebba Bransdor. His one sibling was Jacquline Bransdor. [KWE Note: Her first name might be spelled incorrectly.] Clifford was a World War II veteran, serving with the Boucek Crew of the 753rd Squadron. He was later transferred to the 755th Squadron. From 1944-1945 he flew 34 combat missions over Germany.
Clark, Capt. Orion F. - pilot - Orion was from Rapid City, South Dakota. His widow died in December of 2010. They had two children, a son, age 3 and a daughter, age 6.
Ellsworth, Brig. Gen. Richard E. - co-pilot and commander - B.G. Ellsworth was born July 18, 1911, in Erie, Eerie County, Pennsylvania, the son of John Elmer Ellsworth (1872-1932) and Edna M. Ellsworth (1872-1945). His wife was Mary Anne Thornton Ellsworth (later Borglum) (1917-1985). Richard is buried in Black Hills National Cemetery, Sturgis, South Dakota. United States Army Brigadier General. His military career began in 1929 when he joined the Pennsylvania National Guard. Two years later he was accepted to the U.S. Military Academy and then went on to pilot training in Texas. He received a master's degree in meteorology from the California Institute of Technology. In 1943 he participated in the Pacific war offensives flying more than 400 combat missions in the China-Burma-India Theater. He logged more than 780 hours of flying. He received battle stars for 8 campaigns, earned the Legion of Merit, two Distinguished Flying Crosses, three Air Medals and received the Chinese Air Force Wings. After the war he returned to the United States and took over the responsibilities of Chief of Operations and Training for the Air Weather Service in Washington D.C. In September 1952, he was promoted to Brigadier General. During the early 1950's he assisted the filming of the movie, "Battles of Chief Pontiac" starring Lex Barker, Helen Westcott and Lon Chaney Jr. General Ellsworth allowed military personnel from the Air Force Base to perform as extras in the movie and he also provided water trucks for the movie crews. In the Spring of 1953 he was co-piloting a bomber on a 25-hour simulated combat mission flying from the Azores to Rapid City, South Dakota. Part of the simulation included observation of radio silence and use of no radar guidance. Celestial navigation was part of the training. Late in the night they encountered bad weather and went off course. At about 4:10 AM, near Burgoyne's Cove in Newfoundland, the bomber struck an 896 foot hill while traveling at 202 knots. At the time, visibility was reported to be about 1/8 of a mile. General Ellsworth and 22 of the crew were killed on impact. On June 13, 1953, President Dwight D. Eisenhower went to the Rapid City Air Force Base and re-named it Ellsworth Air Force Base in honor of the General.
Fauhl, Capt. Stuart Gerard - navigator/observer - Born on June 16, 1925, Stuart was from Bessemer, Michigan. His wife was Wanda Cook Fauhl (1928-1989) and they had one son, Alan Fauhl, who had just turned three years old. Stuart was an only child. Wanda later married Lt. Col. Junius Chadwick.
Hoppens, A2C Keith Edward - gunner. Keith was born September 9, 1928, a son of Edward August Hoppens (1903-2978) and Martha Frieda Arp Hoppens (1906-1989). His wife was Shirley Ann Nuss Hoppens (1932-2009). The couple married in 1951. They had two children, Vickie Hoppens (vanHall) and Kenneth Hoppens. Keith's siblings were Robert LaVerne Hoppens (1927-2013), Dean Raymond Hoppens (1934-2004) and JoAnn Hoppens Pettyjohn. Keith is buried in Harvard Cemetery, Harvard, Nebraska. There is a cenotaph in his honor in Sutton Cemetery, Sutton, Nebraska.
Kuzik, A1C Theodore J. - gunner - Theodore was born in 1930, son of Peter Kuzik (1890-1964) and Helen Kuzik (1890-1962). His siblings were Paul Kuzik (1925-1946), William "Bill" Kuzik (1919-2008), Doris Kuzik (died 2009), Anne Kuzik Heaton, Thomas Kuzik, Xenia Olga Moran (Mrs. Stephen J. Moran Jr. (1922-2008), John Kuzik, and Peter Kuzik. Theodore is buried in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, East Hanover, Morris County, New Jersey.
Maher, Capt. William Patrick "Bill" - radar observer - Born on October 19, 1915, in Manchester, New Hampshire, William was working for the Manchester City Street Railway Company as a bus repairer in 1940. He enlisted in April 1942 and was sent overseas. Assigned to the 303rd Bomb Group/358th Bomb Squadron in England. Shot down over France in B-17 42-29635 'Augerhead' on the 31 August 1943 mission to bomb the Amiens/Glisy airfield, France. After bailing out, he landed just South of Abbeville, France. Helped by French patriots and the Belgian Comet evasion network, he crossed into Spain on 22 September 1943, reached Gibraltar on 1 October and was back in England on 5 October 1943. Maher was a member of the William Monahan crew, which usually flew B-17F #41-24577 'Hell's Angels'. After WWII, William Maher returned to the US and stayed in the Air Force, serving last as a Navigator/ Observer on RB-36 aircraft out of Rapid City. He is buried in Saint Joseph Cemetery, Manchester, Hillsborough County, New Hampshire.
Maltsberger, TSgt. Jack Highlander - crew chief - Jack was born on September 17, 1928, a son of John Nelson Maltsberger (1892-1980) and Ethel Belle Frey Maltsberger (1891-1971). He married Marian L. Talley (1930-2016) in 1950 and they had two sons, John and Jim. John later joined the US Navy and Jim joined the US Air Force. Jack had three siblings: John Otho Maltsberger (1917-1983), Raynard W. (Beanie) Maltsberger, and Marian Maltsberger (Mrs. Dale W. Swaney 1923-2014). Jack is buried in Cypress Lawn Memorial Park, Everett, Washington.
Mancos, A2c Phillip Jr. - gunner - Phillip was born August 17, 1931, son of Phillip T. Mancos (1899-1975) and Lydia K. Mancos (1901-1997). He is buried in Sunset Memorial Park and Mausoleum in Chester, Virginia.
Meader, 1Lt. Edwin James - flight engineer - Edwin was born January 25, 1920 in Iowa, a son of Harry Lawrence Meader (1893-2954) and Eunice Frances Christopher Meader (1895-1970). He married Ila Mae Meyer (1926-2017) in 1945. They had five children, the youngest being six months old. Edwin's siblings were Ethel Meader Smith (1916-2009), Levi Howard Meader (1918-1967), William R. Meader (1923-1966), and Marvin D. Meader (1935-1953). Edwin is buried in Pine View Cemetery, Delaware, Delaware County, Iowa.
Murray, Maj. John Francis - ECM - John was born June 13, 1917 and was a World War II veteran from Wisconsin. He was a reservist who was called back into active duty in 1950. His widow was Marion L. Jaeger Murray (1917-2010). John is buried in Holy Cross Cemetery and Mausoleum, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nall, A2c Robert H. - observer - Bobby Nall was born December 21, 1932, a son of John VanBuren Nall Sr. (1896-1969) and Winnie Helveston Nall (1900-1976). His siblings were John VanBuren Jr. (1921-1944), William N. "Bill" Nall (1936-2005) and Mrs. Bill (Margaret Nall) Netterville. Bobby's brother John died in a mid-air plane collision. Robert Nall is buried in Highland Cemetery, Hatiesburg, Forrest County, Mississippi.
Pace, 1Lt. James E. - flight engineer - Born October 4, 1918. James's wife was Ethel Deming Pace (1897-1989). They adopted a son, Charles William "Bill" Pace (1945-1989). James is buried in Grove Hill Memorial Park, Dallas, Dallas County, Texas.
Plonski, TSgt. Walter A. - radio operator - Born December 24, 1925, Walter was the son of Wladyslaw "Walter" Plonski (1889-1963) and Laura Hermonowski Ponski (1905-1982). His brother was Anthony W. Plonski (1932-2009), and his sisters were Ciel Plonski and Pearl Plonski. Walter is buried in Saints Peter and Paul Cemetery, Taylor, Lackawanna, Pennsylvania.
Powell, 1Lt. James A. Jr. - ECM/observer - James Jr. was born on August 21, 1921, the son of James Alfred Powell Sr. and Myrtle Amy Burkett Powell (1894-1978). He had one sister, Anita Louise Powell (1915-1998). James Jr. is buried in Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia.
Pruett, Capt. Jacob Henry Jr. - aircraft commander - Jacob was born on November 30, 1922. He married Helen Olivia French (1923-2001) in 1944 in Kanawha County, West Virginia. They had two children, Jacob Pruett III, age 9 months, and Linda Pruett (now Bauer), who was almost two at the time of Captain Pruett's death. In 1955, Jacob's widow married Frank Benjamin Higginbotham. Jacob Pruett Jr. is buried in Sunset Memorial Park, South Charleston, Kanawha County, West Virginia.
Rogers, A2c Morris Henry - photographer - Morris was born November 22, 1932, in Idaho. He is buried in Washington Heights Memorial Park, Ogden, Weber County, Utah.
Smith, Capt. Harold George - photo navigator - Harold was born December 07, 1923, in Pennsylvania, son of Harold Smith and Phyllis A. Reinhart Smith (1898-1968). Captain Smith had one siblings, his sister Jean R. Smith Benyi (1921-1950). He is buried in Mount Laurel Memorial Park, Hazleton, Pennsylvania.
Ullom, SSgt. Robert E. - gunner - Born March 23, 1932, Robert was a son of Harry Elmer Ullom and Josephine Marie Smart Ullom (1900-1985). His siblings were Harry Herbert Ullom (1923-2002), Martha Ullom Barnard, and Mary Ullom Strayer. Robert's brother Harry H., was a World War II POW whose B-17 was shot down over Germany. Robert is buried in Glen Haven Memorial Gardens, New Carlisle, Clark County, Ohio.
Vaughn, A1c Burse Jones - radio operator - Burse Jr. was born on April 6, 1932, in Clay, Webster County, Kentucky, son of Burse J. Vaughn Sr. (1904-1972) and Hazel M. Vaughn (1906-2003). He was a 1950 graduate of an Evansville (Indiana) high school. He enlisted in the Air Force July 17, 1951 and after completion of basic training at Sampson Air Force Base, New York, he was assigned to Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi. On May 14, 1952 he was assigned to Rapid City Air Force Base, South Dakota, as a radio operator. Survivors besides the parents are his wife, Barbara, a sister, Mrs. Ray Cannan (1930-2003); and a brother, Billy Vaughn, Evansville; and his grandmother, Mrs. J. T. Sights, Clay. Airman Vaughn is buried in Locust Hill cemetery, Evansville, Indiana.
Winegardner, MSgt.Jack S. - photographer - Jack was born March 20, 1924. His wife was Katherine Winegardner (1930-1979). He is buried in Golden Gate National Cemetery, San Bruno, California.
Wright, Maj. Frank C. - Frank was born August 16, 1916. His widow was Evelyn Ruth Wright (1920-2007). Major Wright received the Distinguished Flying Cross for valor while serving with the crew of the B-24D "Angie the Ox" during World War II. Frank and Evelyn are buried in Black Hills National Cemetery, Sturgis, South Dakota. His hometown was Parade, South Dakota.
This Superfortress with a crew of ten was sent to search for the RB-36H (#51-13721) that was missing in Newfoundland. The plane crashed and it and its crew was never found.
Fatalities:
Coggins, A3C James E. - Airman Coggins was born on September 18, 1935, in Middlesex County, Massachusetts.
Errico, 1Lt. Robert William - Lieutenant Errico was born on December 24, 1920, in New York, New York.
Jones, A3C Sammy O. - Airman Jones was born on September 06, 1931, the son of Rev. Samuel O. Jones (died 1994) and Gladys Henderson Jones (1913-2014).
Kerr, A3C Michael Jr. - Airman Kerr was born in 1931, a son of Michael Kerr Sr. His brother was Frank Kerr and his sisters were Mrs. Robert Monte and Mrs. John Kochevar. Airman Kerr graduated from Chisholm High School in 1948 and enlisted in January of 1951.
Kimbrough, SSgt. David E. - Sergeant Kimbrough was born in 1926, in Oklahoma, the son of Jones Cleveland Kimbrough (1892-1975).
Montgomery, A1C Robert James - Airman Montgomery was born on December 06, 1931, in Astoria, Missouri, a son of Faye E. Montgomery (1913-1985) and Addie M. Fletcher Montgomery (1909-1964). His siblings were June Roxie Herndon (1925-2008), Betty Jean Barnes-Cleaver (1929-2011), and Bill Max Mongomery (1933-2025).
Null, 1Lt. Rodger D. - Lieutenant Null was born on December 25, 1916, in Toledo, Ohio, the son of Claude Elmo Null (1892-1935) and Corral Post Null (1893-1967). His wife was Eleanor Mary Null (1921-1995).
Quinn, Capt. Francis Xavier (pilot) - Captain Quinn was born on July 25, 1923, in Boston, Massachusetts, the son of James A. Quinn (born 1887) and Josephine St. George Quinn (born 1899).
Rash, Cpl. David Elton - Corporal Rash was born on October 12, 1929, in Scottsbluff, Nebraska.
Roy, Capt. William A. - Captain Roy was born on May 23, 1920, in Bexar County, Texas, the son of William Roy (1866-1935) and Annie McDermott Roy (1878-1929). Captain Roy's wife was Marie Roy (1919-2008).
On March 20, 1953, a Douglas DC-4 (#N88942) was enroute from Roswell, New Mexico to Oakland, California, when it crashed in a field near Alvarado, California, killing all 35 occupants, including the crew of five. An investigation of the crash was inconclusive, but evidence at the crash site indicated that an accumulation of ice was a factor in the crash. The crash site was near the east shore of San Francisco Bay about a half mile north of Alvarado.
Crew Fatalities:
Chapman, Stewardess Lucille Munro - Mrs. Chapman was born June 02, 1909 in Albuquerque, New Mexico, the daughter of George Hugh Munro (1877-1943) and Juanita Gutierrez Munro (1881-1941). She married Franklin E. Chapman on July 27, 1937, in Bernalillo, New Mexico. She had been employed by Transocean Air Lines. She is buried in Evergreen Cemetery, El Paso, Texas.
Hum, Capt. Herman Edward (10,656 flying hours) - Captain Hum was born May 09, 1911, the son of George Hum (1871-1960) and Anna Katherine Reis Hum (1879-1948). He is buried in Golden Gate National Cemetery, San Bruno, California.
Patchett, Frederick William (2,866 flying hours) - Frederick was born on January 08, 1916, the son of Charles Henry and Bessie Gwendolyn Bird Patchett. He had four siblings, including Dorothy Florence Grant (1903-1947). He had been employed by Transocean Air Lines since September 17, 1947.
Rogers, Capt. Harvey Woodrow (8,312 flying hours) - Captain Rogers was born July 10, 1911, in Watonga, Oklahoma, a son of Lucian Bonapart Rogers (1865-1947) and Sarah Emily Farmer Rogers (1874-1969). His siblings were Hattie L. Rogers Danielson (1894-1988); Octa Annis Rogers Edsall (1896-1996); Rena Estella Rogers Lewis (1899-1980); Eda May Rogers (1901-1963); Fern Margaret Rogers Strabel (1904-1999); Lucian Brad Rogers Sr. (1907-1999); Alta Rogers Shahan (1909-1986); SSgt. James Frank "Jimmy" Rogers (1914-2004); and Kenneth Carl "Pooh" Rogers Sr. (1917-2003).
Sandridge, Stewardess Velma I. - No further information found other than she was 27 years old and was from Oakland, California.
Passenger Fatalities - 509th Armament & Electronics Squadron:
Blair, A2C George - Airman Blair was born December 26, 1932, the son of David C. Blair. He is buried in Evergreen Washelli Memorial Park, Seattle, Washington.
Carini, A1C Patrick A. - Airman Carini was born October 02, 1933, in Fairport, New York, a son of Giovanni "John" Carini (1888-1966) and Concetta "Jenny" Benfonte Carini (1903-2001). His siblings were Josephine Carini Schooping, Rosia "Rose" Carini Miner (1926-2024), Louis Carini, Sam Carini, Jean Carini Powell, Paul Carini, and Pauline Carinia Governale. Airman Carnini is buried in White Haven Memorial Park, Pittsford, New York.
Granger, A1C Eugene George - Airman Granger was born November 24, 1930, the son of George Granger. He is buried in Baltimore National Cemetery, Baltimore, Maryland.
Matlock, A1C Troy - Airman Matlock was born March 13, 1931, a son of Orlen David Matlock (1908-1973) and Marie Avis Ethridge Matlock (1911-2004). His siblings were Carl David Matlock (1934-2017), Alton Ray Matlock Sr. (1938-2024), Virginia Matlock Fugett, Shirley Matlock Yarberro, Joyce Matlock McGehee, and Jimmy Matlock. Airman Matlock is buried in Blackjack Cemetery, Blackjack, Oklahoma.
Moore, A2C Paul Gale - Airman Moore was born September 05, 1 931, a son of Percy Elliott Moore (1904-1974) and Zona Anna Gale Moore (1910-2006). His siblings were Pauline "Polly" Williams and Elizabeth M. Wilshusen (1940-2007). Airman Moore is buried in Rolla Cemetery, Rolla, Missouri.
Passenger Fatalities - 509th Field Maintenance Squadron:
Bush, SSgt. Anthony -
Candelaria, A3C Roman - Airman Candelaria was born March 07, 1933, one of twleve children born to Olimpio Candelaria (1909-1987) and Antonina Rael Candelaria. One of his five brothers was Ernest U. Candelaria (1928-2013). Airman Candelaria is buried in San Antonito Cemetery, San Antonito, New Mexico.
Coomer, A1C James Clarence - Airman Coomer was born May 28, 1930, in Etoile, Kentucky, the son of Chester Coomer (1906-1949) and Blanche Jones Coomer (1909-2002). Airman Coomer is buried in Caney Fork Church Cemetery, Etoile, Kentucky.
Larkins, A2C Eldridge J. - Airman Larkins was born January 05, 1933, son of Mr. and Mrs. Lyle M. Ewen. He is buried in Blue Ridge Cemetery, Raub, Indiana.
Mabbitt, A2C Bennie Coral - Airman Mabbitt was born October 12, 1930, in Clear Creek Township, Indiana, a son of Coral Clay Mabbitt (1894-1959) and Lillian F. Lantz Mabbitt (1902-1981). His siblings were Gwendavere May "Gwen" Mabbitt Richardson (1920–2015), James William Mabbitt (1922–1977), Wilma Geneva Mabbitt Turner (1924–2001), and Wavel Loretta Mabbitt Thomas (1926–2019). Airman Mabbitt is buried in Saint Joseph's Cemetery, Kentland, Indiana.
Passenger Fatalities: 830th Bombardment Squadron:
Clinton, 2C Daniel Fred - Airman Clinton was born August 16, 1932, in Arkansas, a son of Aaron Augusta Clinton Sr. (1905-1987) and Lilla Fannie Smith Clinton (1904-1993). His siblings were Mary Elizabeth Clinton Lively (1928-2021), Darline Clinton Pace (1941-1988), Jerry Lee Clinton (1947-1998), Arlene Clinton, Janet Clinton Worsham, Alvin Clinton, Aaron Clinton Jr., and Henry Clinton. Airman Clinton is buried in Turlock Memorial Park, Turlock, California.
Cope, A2C William Green - Airman Cope was born October 08, 1931, in Michigan, the son of Harris Alexander Cope (1900-1969) and Thelma R. Cope (1904-1993). Airman Cope is buried in Elmwood Cemetery and Mausoleum, Birmingham, Alabama.
Malady, SSgt. Robert P. - Sergeant Malady was born March 02, 1929. He was the husband of Barbara Malady. Sergeant Malady is buried in South Park Cemetery, Roswell, New Mexico.
Oliver, A3C Kenneth Eugene - Airman Oliver was born December 09, 1931, in Florida, the son of Yorick Oliver (1906-1977) and Maude Oliver Moncur. He was a 1950 graduate of Dorsey High School and then joined the Air Force in October of 1951. He is buried in Lincoln Memorial Park, Allapattah, Florida.
Smart, A1C William Marian - Airman Smart was born August 29, 1928, in Kansas, a son of William H. Smart (1899-1993) and Ruth Mae Smith Smart (1907-1984). His siblings were Helen Smart Beshlin (1930-2020), Patricia Ann Smart Becko (1932-2007) and Thomas Franklin Smart (1945-1968). Airman Smart is buried in Agnew Cemetery, Keefton, Oklahoma.
Passenger Fatalities: 812th Air Police Squadron:
Dobbs, A3C Joseph Louis - Airman Dobbs was born September 2 7 , 1933, a son of Leonard Lowell Dobbs Sr. (1905-1958) amd Willa Belle Hayworth Dobbs (1907-1982). His siblings were Leonard Dobbs Jr. (1926-1973), Iris Dobbs (1928-1983), Irene Dobbs (1930-1983), Deloris Dobbs (1935-2016), and Joann Dobbs Farmer (1938-1992). Airman Dobbs is buried in Stanaford Cemetery, Stanaford, West Virginia.
Hall, A2C Jasper Wallace - Airman Hall was born March 21, 1932, in Fitzgerald, Georgia, a son of William J. Hall Sr. and Lula M. Griffin Hall. He was married to Marjory Marie Poston Hall (later Whittle) and they had a daughter, Judith Marie Hall Haines (1952-2012). His siblings were Wiliam J. Hall Jr., Howard C. Hall, James T. Hall, Aubrey Hall, Harold Hall, Sharon L. Hall, and half-brother, Robert C. Boone. Airman is buried in Riverview Memorial Park, North Charleston, South Carolina.
Hitchcock, A1C Robert Charles - Airman Hitchcock was born August 08, 1930, in West Virginia, a son of George William Hancock Sr. (1885-1966) and Freda Ricka McGee Hitchcock (1892-1949). His siblings were an infant sister (1912-1912), George William Hitchcock Jr. (1920-2008) and Martha Louisee Hitchcock (1928-1929). Airman Hitchcock is buried in Greenwood Cemetery, Wheeling, West Virginia.
Johnson, A1C Wayne A. -
Jordan, A3C Samuel J. - Airman Jordan wasd born December 06, 1932, in St. Marys, Georgia, a son of Samuel J. Jordan Sr. and Marian Elouise Elbert Harris Jordan (1909-1073). His siblings were John Lee Jordan Sr. (1940-1997), Salina Jordan, Isaac Jordan, and a half-brother, James Elbert (1928-1966). Airman Jordan is buried in Pinehurst Cemetery, Saint Augustine, Florida.
Madigan, A3C Joseph William - Airman Madigan was born July 01, 1931, a son of Joseph Patrick Madigan (1898-1959) and Madeline E. Madigan (1899-1979). He had two brothers, one of whom was Thomas John Madigan. Airman Madigan is buried in Nativity Cemetery, Orchard Park, New York.
McClanahan, A1C James Edward - Airman McClanahan was born April 21, 1930, a son of Glen Franklin McClanahan Sr. (1907-1981) and Volena Rose Hudgens McClanahan (1912-2002). His siblings were Glen Franklin McClanahan Jr. (1939-2002) and Thomas Larry McClanahan (1941-2014). Airman McClanahan is buried in Witt Baptist Church Cemetery, Witt, Tennessee.
Maloy, A1C Harold Lee - Airman Maloy was the son of Jacob M. Maloy (1898-1983)and Anna E. Craig Maloy Senft. He was born July 10, 1931 in Tuscarawas County, Ohio. His sister was Mrs. Ernest Dale (Gladys Lucille Maloy) Love (19 24-1979). Airman Maloy is buried in West Lawn Cemetery, Shady Bend, Ohio.
Michael, A2C William Claude Jr. - Airman Michael was born July 15, 1931, the son of William Claude Michael Sr. (1904-1999) and Frances Higgins Michael (1912-1992). He is buried in Ridgecrest Cemetery, Jackson, Tennessee.
Placker, A2C Ammya Basil Jr. - Airman Placker was born October 08, 1931, a son of Ammya Basil Placker Sr. (1903-1978) and Jennetta A. Armstrong Placker (born 1908). His siblings were twin Placker infants (1927-1927) and Jesse Almer Placker (1936-2006). Airman Placker is buried in Monte Vista Cemetery, Alamogordo, New Mexico.
Rogers, A3C Robert G. - No information found.
Rolle, A1C Bernard Joseph.- Airman Rolle was born November 09, 1929, a son of Arthur F. Rolle Sr. (1901-1951) and Anna A. Shanahan Rolle (1897-1986). His siblings were Arthur F. Rolle Jr., Charles S. Rolle, Francis J. Rolle, Raymond G. Rolle Sr., Earl F. Rolle Sr., and Anne C. Rolle. Airman Rolle is buried in Most Holy Redeemer Cemetery, Baltimore, Maryland.
Shapiro, SSGT Kenneth Bernard - Sergeant Shapiro was born July 17, 1931, in New York, the son of Nathan Shapiro (died 1973) and Freida Horn Shapiro (died 1966). Sergeant Shapiro was married to JoAnn Shapiro and they had a son, Stephen Shapiro (Harris). Sergant Shapiro is buried in Crescent Memorial Park, Pennsauken, New Jersey.
Wichser, A1C Veldon LeRoy - Airman Wichser was born May 21, 1932, in Berne, Minnesota, a son of Walter "Walt" Wichser Sr. (1908-1985) and Rose M. Robinson Wichser (1910-2015). His brother was Walter "Bud" Wichser Jr. (born 1941). Airman Wichser joined the Air Force on January 05, 1951. He is buried in Berne Cemetery, Berne, Minnesota.
Wilson, A2C Norman Eugene - Airman Wilson was born in 1931, the son of Jackson WIlson Sr. (1907-1973). Airman Wilson is buried in Sunset Gardens of Memory, Millstadt, Illinois. His brother was Jackson Wilson Jr.
Captain Don R. Remsnyder was the pilot of a F-84G Thunderjet fighter (#51-10427) with the 69th Fighter-Bomber Squadron, 58th Fighter-Bomber Group. On March 21, 1953, while on a training mission, his aircraft crashed into the mud flats off Sinjonpo, Korea. His remains were not recovered. Captain Remsnyder was born December 10, 1921, a son of Thomas J. Remsnyder (1896-1956) and Nellie Greenaway Remsnyder (1900-1988). He was married to Nancy Waterloo Remsnyder and they were parents of two children. His siblings were Orin Frank Remsnyderr (1923-2014) and Veda Remsnyder Meade (1920-2002). Captain Remsnyder graduated from Wadsworth High School in Wadsworth, Ohio in 1941. He was a student for one year at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas, before enlisting in the Army Air Corps in January of 1942. From 1943 to 1 945 he was a test pilot with Air Technical Service Command at Kelly Field, San Antonio, Texas. From 1945 to 1946 he was operations officer at South Plain AFB, Lubbock, Texas. He was recalled to active duty in January of 1951 and was assigned to the European Command in Weisbaden, Germany in August of 1951. He was on a 60-day training mission under battle conditions in Korea when his airplane crashed.
Ltjg. Ralph Nelson Mew was the pilot of a F9F-5 Pantherjet fighter with Fighter Squadron 122 (783) aboard the carrier USS Oriskany (CVA-34). On March 22, 1953, after catapulting from the carrier on a combat mission, his aircraft dove into the ocean exploding upon contact. He was listed as Missing in Action. Lieutenant Mew was born October 04, 1930 in California.
An Army liaison-type plane crashed five miles southwest of Pontiac, South Carolina, due to structural failure. There were four fatalities, but the KWE has not found the name of the fourth one.
Coleman, 2Lt. Alfred R. - Lieutenant Coleman was born on May 12, 1927, in Kings County, New York, the son of Albert R. Coleman. He was never married. Edna Coleman signed the application for a cemetery marker for him. He is buried in The Evergreens Cemetery, Brooklyn, New York.
Katzenback, A3C Francis R. - Airman Katzenback was born on May 13, 1931, in Newark, New Jersey, a son of John F. Katzenback (died 1968) and Nona Katzenback (died 1964). Although the KWE has not confirmed this, his brother was likely Richard T. Katzenback (1923-2000). The Katzenbacks are buried in Gate of Heaven Cemetery and Mausoleum, East Hanover, New Jersey.
Silberman,1Lt. Milton Harold (pilot) - Lieutenant Silberman was born on October 31, 1925. The World War II veteran is buried in Cypress Hills National Cemetery, Brooklyn, New York.
On March 25, 1953, during a test flight from Ascom City, Korea, a HRS-2 Sikorski Helicopter with Marine Helicopter Transportation Squadron 161, 1st Marine Air Wing crashed and burned killing its crew of three.
Caudle, MSgt. Gilbert Nelson Jr. - Sergeant Caudle was born on July 22, 1924, in Memphis, Tennessee, a son of Gilbert Nelson Caudle Sr. (1885-1961) and Virgie Birzie Nesmith Caudle (1891-1957). He was married to World War II USMC veteran Mary P.H. Henry (1918-2007). His siblings were Mildred Virginia Holt (1913-1998), William Thomas Caudle (1919-1972), Martha J. Wright (1928-1996) and Mary Ellen Watkins (1928-2008). Sergeant and Mrs. Caudle are buried in Arlington National Cemetery.
Parsell, Sgt. Richard Stinson - Sergeant Parsell was born on May 24, 1932, in Springfield, Ohio, a son of Andrew Miller Parsell (1890-1981) and Minnie Pearl Stinson Parsell (1886-1963). His siblings were Clyde Miller Parsell (1920-2004), Alma Pearl Uptegraph (1922-2013), Ralph Lee Parsell (1925-1994), Emma Barbara Estep (1928-2008), and William Wren Parsell (1930-2014). Sergeant Parsell is buried in Glen Haven Memorial Gardens, New Carlisle, Ohio.
Stitzel, Maj. Doil Ray - Major Stitzel was born on December 11, 1918, in San Francisco, California, the son of Samuel Stitzel (1891-1942) and Ava N. Stitzel (1894-1988). Major Stitzel is buried in Golden Gate National Cemetery.
A witness on the ground said that he saw the plane "pull up, turn sideways, and hit the ground with a roar." The crash happened at Cessna Airfield, a half mile north of Wichita Air Force Base's runway. There were three fatalities.
Fatalities:
Marx, Maj. Eugene Joseph (student pilot) - Major Marx was born on July 04, 1921, a son of Norbert John Marx (1878-1967) and Julia Ann Janousek Marx (1889-1964). In 1945 he married Harriet Carolyn Yurkovich (1925-2008), and they had three sons: Joey (age 7), Jimmy (age 5), and Jerry (age 1 1/2) at the time of the crash. Jerome Michael "Jerry" Marx was born in 1951 and 1992. Major Marx's siblings were Norbert, Michael, Louis, Jack, and Mary Parrish. Major Marx attended Ellensburg High School, Lourdes Academy, and Central Washington College. He enlisted in the Army Air Corps in1941 and served in the South Pacific flying B-24 bombers. He flew B-29s in Korea and was awarded the Air Medal and Distinguished Flying Cross. Major Marx is buried in Holy Cross Cemetery, Ellensburg, Washington.
Tiller, Capt. William Wallace (instructor pilot) - Captain Tiller was born on October 26, 1921, in Asheville, North Carolina, a son of Clair Timothy Tiller (1894-1964) and Emma Grace Cunningham Tiller (1889-1975). In 1945 he was married to Harriet Elizabeth Groetsch (later Kirchner) (1917-1984). His siblings were Harry James (1915-1932), Peggy Marie King Roper (1925-1988), Gene, and Tim. Captain Tiller is buried in Wichita Park Cemetery and Mausoleum, Wichita, Kansas.
Tucker, Maj. Stanley Eugene (student co-pilot) - Major Tucker was born on June 11, 1921, in Louisville, Kentucky, a son of David H. Tucker (1899-1970) and Lenora E. Read Tucker (1901-1996). He was married to Margaret McGinnis, and they had sons Stanley Eugene Jr. and David Thomas. Major Tucker's brother was Norman W. Tucker (1926-1996). Major Tucker served in the Pacific during World War II and flew 39 combat missions in the Korean War. He is b uried in Resthaven Memorial Cemetery, Louisville, Kentucky.
PO Peter Botley Chalmers was born in East Malvern Melbourne 08 Jul 1926. He completed schooling at Geelong High school in 1942, and employment listed as Clerk with Auctioneers and Salesman, residing in Geelong. He enlisted RAAF in Melbourne on 19 Sept 1944 as a trainee aircrew but re-mustered to a Meteorological Assistant and served in Madang New Guinea in Mar 1946 before discharging 07 Aug 1946 as part of the RAAF Demobilisation. Pilot Officer Chalmers re-enlisted into the RAAF on 26 Feb 1951 as trainee Pilot, and was awarded his wings on 30 Jul 1952. He was posted to 77 Squadron in Korea on 16 Nov 1952, and was MIA 26 Mar 1953, aged 26. Mission Summary - Pilot Officer Peter Botley Chalmers, Service No: O35079, DoB: 8 July 1926, MIA 26 March 1953, LKP TOKYO GRID CU7528 latitude and longitude 39 05 55.41N 127 33 07.75E. On 26 Mar 1953, PLTOFF Chalmers was Number 3 of a 4 Meteor aircraft flight tasked to conduct armed reconnaissance of the Wonsan–Singosan-Kumsong communications routes. PLTOFF Chalmers and his wingman (SGT Collings) commence their task from Wonsan. Almost immediately, PLTOFF Chalmers and Collings commenced a strafing run on vehicle south of Wonsan. After his pass, PLTOFF Chalmers was seen by SGT Collings to be streaming white smoke or fuel, shortly after PLTOFF Chalmers levelled at 200 AGL when his left wing dropped and his aircraft continued to the port descending and crashing into a hill. The aircraft exploded on impact and SGT Collings received no response from PLTOFF Chalmers after his strafing run. No ejection was seen and given the altitude, it is unlikely PLTOFF Chalmers could have executed a successful ejection. LKP is assessed as TOKYO GRID CU7528 latitude and longitude 39 05 55.41N 127 33 07.75E. [Source: Virtual War Museum Australia website]
Second Lieutenant James Nelson Dorland was a fire control officer with Headquarters Battery, 92nd Armored Field Artillery Battalion, IX Corps. On March 26, 1953, he was the artillery observer in a L-19 Bird Dog observation aircraft. His aircraft received a direct hit by anti-aircraft fire and crashed. His remains were not recovered. Lieutenasnt Dorland was born in 1928 in Morris County, New Jersey.
Returned to Custody:
Reid, 1Lt. Landon J.
Ens. Donald R. Quinn was the pilot of this Pantherjet that bounced over a barrier on landing on the USS Philippine Sea (CVA-47) in the Sea of Japan and crashed into parked aircraft. Ensign Quinn died in the crash. Also killed was deck crewman AA Robert Alan Frost.
Ship Crew Fatality:
Frost, AA Roger Alan - AA Frost was born on August 21, 1934, in Kansas, a son of Theodore Harvey Frost (1908-1991) and Ethel Oatman Frost (1915-1949). His siblings were Palmer Ted (1930-2023), Delmer Eugene (1932-1969), Linda Frost, and Joyce Frost Johnson. AA Roger Frost is buried in Woodland Cemetery, Woodland, California.
This aircraft was hit by ground fire, crashed and burned. Fleet Officer Arthur J. Rosser lost his life in this shoot-down.
DPAA report: Second Lieutenant John Marcus Chamberlain entered the U.S. Marine Corps from California and served with Marine Attack Squadron 121, Marine Air Group 12, 1st Marine Air Wing. On March 29, 1953, he was the pilot of a single-seat AD-3 Skyraider (bureau number 122800) that took off from K-6 Airfield, Pyongtaek, South Korea, as the number four aircraft in a twelve-ship strike mission against road bridges in southwestern North Korea. Following his run at the target, 2nd Lt Chamberlain failed to check in on the radio that he had cleared the target, nor did he respond to his flight leader's roll call. When it was determined that 2nd Lt Chamberlain did not rejoin the formation, the flight leader requested a search and rescue flight to the area. Because of darkness, none of the other flight members saw what happened to 2nd Lt Chamberlain's aircraft during its run at the target, nor could the rescue flight find any sign of him or his crash site. He did not appear on any shared prisoner of war lists, and he remains unaccounted for. Lieutenant Chamberlain was born on January 10, 1930, the son of Mark Chamberlain (1883-1944) and Ruth Roberts Chamberlain (1882-1957). His half-siblings were George Roberts Lowrey (1914-1971), Josephine Lowrey and Ruth Lowrey.
This B-29 was with the 375th Bomber Squadron, 308th Bomber Wing stationed at Hunter AFB, Georgia. On March 29, 1953, the B-29 departed from Lajes Field, Azores enroute to Hunter AFB. Shortly after takeoff it crashed near Praia, Terceira Island, Azores, killing six airmen.
Adcock, Maj. Hugh Smithson Jr. - CO of the 375th Bomber Squadron. Major Abcock was from St. Petersburg, Florida. Born February 24, 1916 in Pike County, Alabama, he was a veteran of World War II. Service Number AO-433443. He attended Millsap College, Jacksons, Mississippi. He was the son of Hugh Smithson Adcock Sr. (1892-1948) and Pura C. Whitehurst Adcock Tucker (1897-1961). His wife was Geraldine Wilson (1916-1990), whom he married in 1942. Their children were Sylvia J. Adcock Gilbreath (1944-2018) and Fred Dennis Adcock (1950-2013). Major Adcock is buried in Memorial Park Cemetery, St. Petersburg, Florida.
Bowen, Capt. Louis Carl - CO of B-29. He was from Atlanta, Georgia. Service Number AO-817622. He was born September 14, 1915 in Atlanta, a son of Louis Carl Bowen Sr. (1883-1926). He married Thelma Groover (1915-2009) in 1939 and they were parents of Carl Bowen, Louis Bowen III, and Mrs. Allen (Jane) Brinckerhoff. His brother was Robert Baker Bowen (1917-1987). Captain Bowen is buried in Westview Cemetery, Atlanta.
Cherry, A/1C Jimmy Dan - radio operator. He was from Blue Lake, California. Service Number AF19364210. Airman Cherry was born May 19, 1933 in Wood County, Texas, the son of George Clem Cherry (1908-1993) and Elvia Lee "Bing" Brooke Cherry (1910-1962). His sisters were Norma Jean "Jeanie" Reynolds (1940-2004) and Ruth Warren. Jimmy Dan is buried in Golden Gate National Cemetery.
Daniel, T/Sgt. Isaac Moye - flight engineer. He was from Macon, Georgia. Service Number AF14254655. Sergeant Daniel was born February 26, 1928 in Laurens County, Georgia, a son of Mr. Beverly Moye Daniel (1903-1948) and Sarepta T. Taylor Daniel (1907-1947). His brother was Beverly Taylor "Slim" Daniel (1926-2009. Sergeant Daniel is buried in Snow Hill Baptist Church Cemetery, Rentz, Georgia.
Devlin, S/Sgt. Wilmer Richard - passenger. He was from Stanaford, West Virginia. Service Number AF14364613. Sergeant Devil was born May 10, 1925. He is buried in Stanaford Cemetery, Stanaford, West Virginia.
Wallace, 1LT Roy Wesley - navigator. He was from Portland, Oregon. Service Number AO-1912300.
According to the Times Union newspaper (March 3, 1953)
1LT William R. Sundermann, Philadelphia, PA
1LT William J. Pederson, Oakland, CA
A2C Fred W. Maschner, Evansville, IN
A1C Charles M. Caillouett Jr., San Antonio, TX
A2C Daniel lL. Browder, Sibley, IA
1LT Thomas W. Minter, Chicago, IL
SSgt. Yulee Mickler, Jacksonville, FL
A2C Arthur L. Turk, Jr., Tifton, GA
A2C James F. Locklin, Franklin, MA
[Initial information about this crash was submitted to the KWE by Art Lajeunesse of Latham, New York, and the KWE followed up with more research.]
This Starfire jet departed from Elmendorf Air Force Base, never to return.
Missing in Action:
Grove, George A. (pilot) - George Grove was born on January 10, 1929. There is a marker for him in Rock Cave Cemetery, Rock Cave, West Virginia. Other Groves are buried in that cemetery.
1Lt. Allan Parker Hunt Jr. was the pilot of a F-86E Sabrejet fighter bomber (#52-2873) with the 25th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron, 51st Fighter-Interceptor Group. On 30 March 1953, while returning from a combat mission, his aircraft dove into a heavy cloud cover and crashed. Lieutenant Parker was born July 16, 1930 in Elberton, Georgia, a son of Allan Parker Hunt Sr. (1906-1957) and Grovia Louise Dockery Hunt (1905-1960). He was married to Janet McIntosh on December 24, 1951, in Miami Beach, Florida, and they had a daughter, Nancy Carolyn Hunt, who was born in 1953 just months before her father's death in Korea. Lieutenant Hunt had a brother Donald Hunt and sister, Mary Sue Hunt Moore (1941-1964). Lieutenant Hunt graduated with honors from Riverside Military Academy and entered West Point in 1947, finishing in 1951. He was killed on his 41st combat mission in Korea, and is buried in Elmhurst Cemetery, Elberton, Georgia.
On March 30, 1953, an L-19 Bird Dog observation aircraft was forced down in enemy territory near Tup Op-dong, Korea. The crew was listed as Missing in Action and was presumed dead on December 31, 1953.
Missing in Action:
Frederick, 1Lt. Autrey William - Lieutenant Frederick was born on March 06, 1928, in Nederland, Texas, the son of Charles William Frederick (1888-1988) and Junie Annie Morrison Frederick (1902-1987). His sister was Charlene Elisabeth Willey (1924-2006). Lieutenant Frederick was a forward observer with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 3rd Infantry Division, and the recipient of an Air Medal.
Gailly, Capt. Pierre Edmond Eugene - Captain Gailly (Belgium Army) was born on February 01, 1927, in Elsene/lxelles, Belgium, the son of Edmond Eugene Gailly and Elise Rosalie Adelaide Jacquet Gailly.
The pilot and radar operator were killed.
Fatalities:
Sheets, 1Lt. Thomas Lewellyn "Thom" (pilot) - Lieutenant Sheets was born March 29, 1927 in Red Oak, Iowa, the son of HOward Thomas Sheets (1900-1971) and Leona Pearl Shuey Sheets (1903-1996). His siblings were Dorothy Evelyn Sheets Melchert (1922-2007) and Margaret Helen Sheets (1924-1942). Lieutenant Sheets was a 1944 graduate of Red Oak High School and then attended the University of Alaska in Lincoln for one year beforfe joining the Army on June 21, 1945. He was a 1951 graduate of the US Military Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. He is buried in Evergreen Cemetery, Red Oak, Iowa.
? - radar operator
On April 1, 1953, while on a night intruder mission, B-26C Invader bomber (#44-3594) with Headquarters Squadron, 3rd Bomber Group based at Kunsan Air Force Base (K-8), Korea. was hit by anti-aircraft fire and it landed in a rice paddy.
Beaty, Col. Sherman Randolph Sr. (pilot) - Colonel Beaty was born October 17, 1916 in Hoquiam, Washington, the son of Sherman Randolph Beaty Jr. (1887-1941) and Letha Ann Garrison Beaty (1895-1988). He was the recipient of a Distinguished Flying Cross with t wo Oak Leaf Clusters, a Silver Star and Air Medal with ten Oak Leaf Clusters.
Bowman, 1Lt. Lloyd Pugmire (bombardier) - Lieutenant Bowman was born June 22, 1924 in Montpelier, Idaho, the only child of Ernest Joseph Bowman (1895-1982) and Cassie Verdell Pugmire Bowman (1895-1934). He was the recipient of a Distinguished Flying Cross and Air Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster.
Lambert, SSgt. Charles Arnold (tail gunner) - Sergeant Lambert was born June 01, 1932 in West Virginia, the son of Robert Mahlon Lambert (1903-1978) and Martha LouElla "Mattie" Pitsenberger Lambert (1905-1991). He was the recipient of a Distinguished Flying Cross and Air Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster.
Titus, Maj. Harold Jack (co-pilot) - Major Titus was born October 10, 1916 in Portsmouth, Ohio, the son of Arnold Alvie Titus (1896-1974) and Gladys Esther Harris Titus (1898-1993). His brothers were Thomas L., Leslie R.., and John. His sisters were Helen Titus Angel and Judy Titus Yeley. He was the recipient of a Distinguished Flying Cross and Air Medal.
This aircraft was hit by ground fire, crashed and burned. Fleet Officer Roger L. James lost his life in the shoot-down.
Letter from the Commanding Officer to the family of Raymond Krenek: "...On 7 April 1953, Ray took off on his first training flight, a T-33 flight of the local area to familiarize him with the surrounding landmarks and our instrument let down procedures. The T-33 was piloted by First Lieutenant Daniel J. Evans, Jr., one of our instructors, and a pilot with many combat missions to his credit. The aircraft took off at 1339 local time. When the aircraft did not return at its scheduled landing time, we became concerned and alerted all communications and rescue facilities. No contacts could be established. At approximately 1600 hours we received a report that an aircraft had crashed into the water some fifty miles northwest of this base, K-13. A helicopter and crash boat were on the scene attempting to locate the aircraft and its occupants. We pass[ed] the night of the 7th with no further news as rescue crews combed the area. On 9 April 1953, a Korean diver recovered a piece of an aircraft which was brought to us for examination. At the same time, it was reported that a reliable Korean had witnessed, from some distance, an aircraft plunge into the water and disappear. The location and time coincided with previous reports of the crash. Although we are not at this time positive, we feel fairly certain that the piece of aircraft recovered was one of the tip tanks from the T-33. The intensive search continued for five days, during which no word was heard from the pilots, no further reports of crashes received, and no further traces have been found of the aircraft or occupants. We can only surmise that due to some trouble encountered in flight , the aircraft has crashed, and to date we cannot locate it or the pilots......"
Missing in Action:
Evans, 1Lt. Daniel J. Jr.- Lieutenant Evans was born on June 04, 1930, in Bonham, Texas. He was the son of Mr. and Mrs. D.J.Evans.
Krenek, 2Lt. Raymond Sylvester - Lieutenant Krenek was born December 31, 1930, in Markham, Texas, a son of Ernest Felix Krenek (1902-1981) and Antonie Marie Skuco Krenek (1902-1988). His siblings were Clarence N. Krenek Sr. (1927-1991), Ernest J. Krenek, Joan Krenek Svatek, and Betty Krenek Dorotik.
DPAA: First Lieutenant Leslie Lee Garrow, who entered the U.S. Air Force from Michigan, served in the 8th Fighter-Bomber Squadron, 49th Fighter-Bomber Group. On April 8, 1953, he was the pilot of an F-84E Thunderjet (serial number 51-539A) that took off from K-8 Kunsan airbase, South Korea, on an attack mission against an enemy railroad bridge in North Korea. After bombing the bridge, the flight identified and attacked a group of enemy trucks. Other pilots had radio contact with 1st Lt Garrow during the attack on the trucks, but he failed to rejoin the flight. The other pilots on the flight returned to the area and searched for 1st Lt Garrow but found no trace of him or his aircraft. No returning POWs mentioned having contact with 1st Lt Garrow, nor was he seen at any known holding point, interrogation center, hospital, or permanent POW camp. He remains unaccounted-for. Lieutenant Garrow was born December 11,1928, in Fulton County, Ohio, a son of William Robert Garrow (1902-1977) and Mildred Gertrude Bourn Garrow (1904-1978). His brother was James Robert Garrow (1925-1994).
This was one of two Pantherjets whose pilots were killed during takeoff during this week. Ens. James Allan Walker was born on July 08, 1931, in Santa Barbara County, California, a son of John H. Walker of Inglewood, California. The wings of his jet folded during takeoff, causing the accident.
This was one of two Pantherjets whose pilot were killed during takeoff during this week. Lt. William Joseph "Bill" Von Ohlen's jet crashed into the sea on takeoff. Lieutenant Von Ohlen was born on July 10, 1922, a son of Earl Edward Von Ohlen (1898-1981) and Jessie Bryant (Rumer) (1901-1990). His siblings were Burton W. Von Ohlen (1920-2012) and Helen Jean Duy (1924-2005).
Captain James Washington Wills Jr. was the pilot of a F-84E Thunderjet fighter (#51-485) with Headquarters Squadron, 49th Fighter-Bomber Group. On April 12, 1953, while on a combat mission, after completing a bomb run, his aircraft crashed. His remains were not recovered. Captain Wills was born June 24, 1927, a son of James Washington Wills Sr. (1898-1957) and Julia Swann Blacklock Wills (later Lorimer) (1905-1968). His brother was Julian Blacklock "Blackie" Wills Sr. (1933-2010). Captain Wills graduated from Georgetown Preo School, Garrett Park, Maryland and attended Bullis Prep School. He graduated from the United States Naval Academy. He was the recipient of a Distinguished Flying Cross and and Air Medal.
Lt. Leonard Owen de Luna was the pilot of an F-84 aircraft which departed Kunsan Air Base, Korea. 1951 hours, 12 April 1953, on an interdiction mission over North Korea. The target was a bridge north of Sinanju and was apparently reached without incident. Lieutenant de Luna was last contacted by a ground controller at approximately 2040 hours when he was furnished instructions for bombing the target and was also advised to leave the area after dropping his bombs as there was enemy aircraft present. Approximately two minutes later, his aircraft faded from the rader scope and repeated attempts to re-establish contact with him were unavailing. Two bomb explosions were observed in the target area at this time and a flash and ground fire were seen approximately five miles south of the target but whether these sightings were associated with Lieutenant de Luna's aircraft could not be determined. No search could be conducted due to enemy activity in the area where the plane disappeared. Lieutenant de Luna was born January 11l, 1931, in Prince George's County, Maryland, a son of Jose Carlos Maximo de Luna (1896-1986) and Ruth Ingeborg Oyer de Luna (1905-2005). His siblings were Rudolph Carlos De Luna (1926–2013), Frederick Adolph De Luna (1928–2014), Ruth Antoinnette de Luna Arnold (1933–2010), Carlos Allen deLuna (1935–1993), Franklin Edward De Luna (1938–2024), and Patricia Alberta De Luna Quinn (1943–1987).
First Lieutenant Robert Frank Niemann, who joined the U.S. Air Force from Minnesota, was assigned to 334th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron. Just before noon on April 12, 1953, he departed Kimpo Air Base flying an F-86E Sabre jet (tail number 52-2891, call sign “Charlie 4”). 1st Lt. Niemen was the number four pilot in a flight for four. The briefed mission was a fighter escort for a reconnaissance flight southwest of Kanggye, Korea. Bad weather over the target area forced the reconnaissance aircraft to return to base and Charlie Flight’s mission was changed to a fighter sweep operation over the Sui-Ho Reservoir. While patrolling the reservoir area, the flight encountered a group of MiG-15s and split into two elements. As the two F-86s rolled out heading south in a shallow dive, the enemy aircraft move into firing position. During the last seconds of the ensuing action 1st Lt. Niemen was heard to say, “Here he comes again.” Then both Charlie 4 and the MiG-15 slid from the wingman’s view. All attempts to locate him or his aircraft were unsuccessful. No returning POWs mentioned contact with 1st Lt. Niemen, nor was he seen at any known holding point, interrogation center, hospital, or permanent POW camp. He remains unaccounted-for. Lieutenant Niemann was born March 20, 1928 in New Ulm, Minneosta, the son of Frank Herman Niemann (1896-1989) and Laura Wilhelmina Oswald Niemann (1903-1997). His wife was Thelma Ann Muesing (Dahlen) (1928-2013). Lieutenant Niemann and wife were parents of a daughter Ann, age 11 months, and Robert "Bobby" (born two months after his father's disappearance). Lieutenant Niemann graduated from the U.S. Military Academy in 1 951 and was the recipient of an Air Medal.
Lt. Roy Taylor was the pilot of a F9F-5 Pantherjet fighter with Fighter Squadron 122 (783) aboard the carrier USS Oriskany (CVA-34). On April 13, 1953, while returning from a photographic escort mission, his plane experienced a flame out and crashed into the sea. He was listed as Missing in Action. Lieutenant Taylor was born August 22, 1929, in California.
First Lieutenant Melvin M. Montie was the pilot of a RF-80C Shooting Star reconnaissance aircraft with the 15th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron, 67th Tactical Reconnaissance Wing. On April 15, 1953, while on a combat mission, his aircraft disappeared into a cloud cover. He was listed as Missing in Action and was presumed dead on April 16, 1954. Lieutenant Montie was born June 19, 1927, in Columbiaville, Michigan, a son of Michael Montie (1902-1967) and Zelma Norma Ross Montie (1908-1996). His siblings were Madeline M. Martin (1928-2008) and Myron Montie (1930-2022). Lieutenant Montie was the recipient of a Silver Star and an Air Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster.
The aircraft of Lt. David Charles Clements (#51-1022) crashed in Japan on April 16, 1953, 12 miles north of Obuchi, Japan, Misawa Air Base, Japan. The Lieutenant's remains were recovered on June 29, 1992. He was reported to have been on a routine training mission of four aircraft when a malfunction led to ejection. His remains were recovered by farmers forty years later. His remains were found in the ejection seat in the area of Eboshi-Dake near Mutsu Bay and Mount Aomori, aka Eboshi-Dake.
Clements, Lt. David Charles - Lieutenant Clements was a member of the 468th Strategic Fighter Squadron of the United States Air Force. Born January 29, 1936, in Auburndale, Florida, he was a son of Daniel C. Clements (1893-1976) and Hazel E. Clements (1897-1986). He graduated from Auburndale High School in 1944 and then enlisted in the Army Air Corps. During World War II he was a tailgunner on a B-29. Upon returning to civilian life he entered the University of Florida, where he received a law degree and then became a lawyer in Lakeland, Florida. He was engaged to be married. Remaining in the Air Force Reserve, he was recalled to active duty in February of 1953. His remains were located and returned to the United States in 1992 and they are buried in Glen Abbey Memorial Gardens, Auburndale, Florida. Lieutenant Clements' siblings were Daniel Clements Jr. (now deceased) and Philip Archer Clements.
On April 20, 1953, U.S. Navy Ensign Randolph Taylor Scoggan was assigned to Fighter Squadron 121 (VF-121) "Pacemakers". He departed the Essex-class aircraft carrier USS Oriskany (CVA-34) at the controls of a single-seat Grumman F-9F5 Panther jet fighter aircraft (#125461) on a combat mission against enemy troops and supplies at Hamhŭng, South Hamgyŏng, DPRK. In flight, the plane suffered damage to its powerplant, a single Pratt & Whitney J48-P-6A turbojet, most likely from accurate enemy anti-aircraft artillery (AAA) fire. Not yet at the point of total engine failure, pilot Scoggan radioed his flight leader of his intention to bail out over coastal waters where he stood the best chance of being picked up by a rescue boat. The flight leader then watched the disabled jet impact the water 10 miles east of Hodo-Pando Peninsula but never saw any parachute that would've indicated that the pilot had actually bailed out. Ensign Scoggan was born August 31, 1931, in Oregon, the son of Leslie Woodford Scoggan (1899-1961) and Helen E. Laskewitz Scoggan (later Murphey) (1904-1980).
While on a combat mission, an LT-6G Mosquito control aircraft from the 6148th Tactical Air Control Squadron, 6147 Tactical Air Control Group. received a direct hit by anti-aircraft fire, crashed and burst into flames. The remains of the crew were not recovered.
Missing in Action:
O'Connell, Sfc. Paul H. (observer) - Sergeant First Class O'Connell was a member of Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division. He was born on June 29, 1927, the son of Paul Harold O'Connell and Gertrude O'Halloran O'Connell. He was the recipient of a Distinguished Service Cross.
Taddeo, 2Lt. Joseph Anthony Jr. - Lieutenant Taddeo was born on May 26, 1930, in Roselle, New Jersey, the son of Joseph Anthony Taddeo Sr. (1903-2002) and Martha Washington McGuirk Tadeo (1905-1986). He was married to Margaret Horror Taddeo, who gave birth to their only son, Joseph Anthony Taddeo III, two days before Lieutenant Taddeo died. The lieutenant's sister was Patricia Anne Taddeo Hinsenkamp (1932-2023). He was a graduate of Holy Trinity High School and attended Seton Hall University. Lieutenant Taddeo was the recipient of a Distinguished Flying Cross.
Lieutenant Anderson Mitchell Clemmons Jr. was the pilot of a F9F-5 Pantherjet fighter with Fighter Squadron 154 aboard the aircraft carrier USS Princeton (CVA-37). On April 23, 1953, while on a reconnaissance mission south of Tanchon, North Korea, his aircraft was struck by anti-aircraft fire and crashed into the side of a mountain. His remains were not recovered. Lieutenant Clemmons was born on September 24, 1930, in Beaumont, Texas, the son of Anderson Mitchell Clemmons Sr. and Syble Youngblood Clemmons. Lieutenant Clemmons was the recipient of an Air Medal.
First Lieutenant Joseph Patrick "Joe" Zeigler, who joined the U.S. Air Force from Illinois, served with the 8th Fighter-Bomber Squadron, 49th Fighter-Bomber Group. On April 23, 1953, he was the pilot of an F-84 Thunderjet (serial number 51-865) that departed Kunsan airbase, South Korea, as the second in a flight of four aircraft on a road reconnaissance mission between Suan and Pyongyang, North Korea. During the mission, 1st Lt Zeigler's Thunderjet was hit by enemy anti-aircraft fire at low altitude and caught fire, forcing him to bail out. Other pilots observed his parachute open and saw him land. He picked up the parachute, walked to a group of trees, and disappeared from sight. 1st Lt Zeigler attempted to contact the pilots in his flight using his radio but was unsuccessful. Search and rescue teams could neither locate or contact 1st Lt Zeigler. No returning POWs mentioned having contact with 1st Lt Zeigler, 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. He was listed as Missing in Action and was presumed dead on April 24, 1954. Lieutenant Zeigler was born August 03, 1929, in Indianapolis, Indiana, a son of Roscoe Glen Zeigler (1891-1970) amd Evelyn A. Barton Zeigler (1908-1990). He was married to Patsy Zeigler. His siblings were David Lee Zeigler (1934-1963) and Patricia Ann Zeigler (1936-2023). Lieutenant Zeigler attended Springfield (Illinois) High School and attended St. Ambrose College in Davenport, Iowa for two years. He was the recipient of an Air Medal.
On 24 April 1953, a coupling and fully-towed flight was accomplished using the right-handed EF-84B #48-641 (piloted by Maj. John M. Davis), but no electrical power was received from the B-29. The right hand fighter (piloted by Maj. Clarence E. "Bud" Anderson) uncoupled and the left hand fighter coupled with the B-29 and was retracted in the fully-locked towing position. The cockpit panel light indicated that electrical power was available from the B-29, and as soon as everything was trimmed and stabilized and the automatic flight control system was activated momentarily from the fighter. This resulted in a violent pitching motion of the EF-84B causing it to flip up and inward into the B-29. The B-29 outer wing panel crumpled and struck the main B-29 wing spar, shearing off the F-84 nose section before the two aircraft separated.
As Bud Anderson flew in formation on the right side of the Superfortress, John Davis brought the left-hand EF-84D into position and linked wingtips with the EB-29A. He transmitted, "Autopilot coming on" and then switched the autopilot on. It commanded hard nose-up elevator. Davis' Thunderjet rolled rapidly to the right onto the outer wing panel of the Superfortress. As the fighter rotated about the wing tip of the bomber, the explosive bolts fired to jettison the Thunderjet, but not in time to prevent the collision between the planes.
The left wing of the EB-29A failed outboard of the engines. The nose of the EF-84D broke away from the rest of the airplane. The B-29 went into a steep spiral and crashed into Peconic Bay, Long Island, NY and the F-84 crashed shortly thereafter. John Davis and five crew members aboard the EB-29A were killed in the accident. The other fighter, having unhooked, presumably landed safely. The project 'Tip Tow' was immediately cancelled.
EF-84D #48-641 Fatality:
Davis, Maj. John McArthur - Major Davis was born December 05, 1921 in Richland, Texas, the son of Charles Jester Davis (1893-1969) and Marjorie Howar McArthur Davis (1896-1979). He was married to Betty Davis and they had children Nancy Ferguson Davis (age 4) and John McArthur Davis Jr. Major Davis was a 1939 graduate of Coraleana High School and attended Texas A&M for one year. He was a 1943 graduate of West Point and was a test flier from the Dayton development center. He is buried in Oakwood Cemetery, Corsicana, Texas.
B-29 #44-62093 fatalities:
Clarkson, TSgt. John R. - Sergeant Clarkson was born August 30, 1921. His wife was Margie Marie Wagner Clarkson (1921-2007) in 1943.
McClanahan, Capt. Herbert Charles Jr. - Captain McClanahan was born May 05, 1913 in Virginia, the son of Herbert Charles McClanahan and Bradford Whiting McClanahan.
Schemp, MSgt. Claud - Sergeant Schemp was born in 1919, a son of Claude Desault Schemp (1880-1967) and Amy Jane Dew Schemp (1880-1967). His siblings were Virginia Schemp Wild, Elizabeth Jane Schemp Secrest (1911-1976), Herbert A. Schemp (1914-1916), and Cleo Alfred "Teke" Schemp (1923-2004).
Shaffer, MSgt. Don D. - Sergeant Shaffer was born December 29, 1919. He was married to Helen Louise Hay Shaffer (1919-2005) in 1937.
Vapenick, Capt. James J. (pilot) - Captain Vapenick was born January 01, 1925.
Lieutenant Junior Grade Lawrence Laverne Quiel (USNR) was the pilot of a F9F-5 Pantherjet fighter with Fighter Squadron 153 aboard the USS Princeton (CVA-37). On April 25, 1953, as his aircraft was launched it crashed into the ocean and sank. He was listed as Missing in Action. Lieutenant Quiel was born on December 08, 1928, in Sherman, Iowa, a son of Gustav Julius Quiel (1898-1986) and Nora Millage QWuiel (1903-1986). His siblings were Norwald R. "Dick" (1922-2013), Marvin Gerhard (1925-2012), Raymond V. (1927-2017), Gordon Eugene (1930-2005), and Robert Arnold Quiel (1932-2024). Lieutenant Quiel was the recipient of a Distinguished Flying Cross and an Air Medal.
First Lieutenant Ralph Bernard Miller Jr. was the pilot of a F-84G Thunderjet fighter (#51-10356) with the 429th Fighter-Bomber Squadron, 474th Fighter-Bomber Group. On April 25, 1953, while on a combat mission, his aircraft was last seen making a bomb run on a target. He was listed as Missing in Action and was presumed dead on April 26, 1954. Lieutenant Miller was born September 10, 1929, in Oklahoma, the son of Ralph Bernard Miller Sr. (1907-1957) and Melba Riley Miller (Allen) (1911-1989). His sister was Joyce Miller Marshall. Lieutenant Miller was a graduate of Texas Tech. He was on his first mission in Korea when his plane was lost.
On April 25, 1953, while on a night intruder mission, a B-26B Invader bomber (#43-22449) with the 95th Bomber Squadron, 17th Bomber Wing, was hit by anti-aircraft fire and crashed.
Doolittle, Capt. Kenneth Leon (pilot) - Captain Doolittle was born October 11, 1922 in Massachusetts, the son of Leon and Mary Doolittle. He was the recipient of a Distinguished Flying Cross and Air Medal with four Oak Leaf Clusters.
Hall, 1Lt. Roger Clifford Sr. (co-pilot) - Lieutenant Hall was born July 06, 1919 in Tampa, Florida, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Hall of New York. His wife was Barabara Berens Hall. Lieutenant Hall was the recipient of the Distinguished Flying Cross and an Air Medal with one Oak Leaf Cluster.
Jones, A2C Gerald Dewey (crewman) - Airman Jones was born February 05, 1932. He joined the Air Force on October 22, 1951. He was married to Ada Jones and they had daughters Janice Jones Blackwell and Geraldine Jones Solar. Airman Jones was the recipient of the Distinguished Service Cross.
Lieutenant Junior Grade Russell Jackson "Rusty" Lear was the pilot of a F9F-5 Pantherjet fighter aircraft with Fighter Squadron 154 aboard the carrier USS Princeton (CVA-37). On April 28, 1953, while on a combat mission over Hodo Pan-do, Korea, his aircraft was struck by anti-aircraft fire, exploded, crashed and burst into flames. His remains were not recovered. Lieutenant Lear was born on March 16, 1926, in Rule, Texas, a son of Andrew Harrison Cox (born1888) and Ruby Grace Whinery Cox (1897-1968). When his mother divorced and later was married to Johnny Lee Lear, Rusty changed his name from Cox to Lear. His siblings were Henry Walter Cox (1916-1996) and Agnes Ernest Cox Herren (1915-2008). Lieutenant Lear was the recipient of a Distinguished Flying Cross and an Air Medal with two Gold Stars.
First Lieutenant Charles Abbott Harker Jr. was the pilot of a F-84D Thunderjet fighter (#51-10416) with the 311th Fighter-Bomber Squadron, 58th Fighter-Bomber Group. On May 3, 1953, while on a night intruder mission between Sinanju and Nansi-dong, his aircraft disappeared from the radar screen. Lieutenant Harker was born September 01, 1930, in Bayonne, New Jersey, a son of Charles Abbott Harker Sr. (1909-1978) and Mildred Emma Harker (1913-2000). His siblings were Allen J. Harker (1950-2008) and Robert Charles Harker. Lieutenant Harker attended Cranford High School in Cranford, New Jersey. He was the recipient of an Air Medal.
2Lt. Max Harvey Collins was the pilot of a F-86E Sabrejet fighter bomber (#52-2840) with the 335th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron, 4th Fighter-Interceptor Group. On May 4, 1953, while starting combat mission, his aircraft crashed on take-off. LIeutenant Collins was born January 26, 1929 in Nevada, Iowa, a son of Harvey John Collins (19903-1987) and Leota Peterson Collins (1905-1998). His siblings were Richard John Collins (1931-2017) and Robert Collins. Lieutenant Collins is buried in Nevada Municipal Cemetery, Nevada, Iowa.
On May 4, 1953, an F-94 Starfire with a crew of two departed Suwon Air Base on a combat air patrol mission over North Korea. When the aircraft was forty miles northwest of Pyongyang, ground control ordered it to intercept a slow-moving enemy aircraft off the western coast of North Korea. In his last radio transmission, the pilot of the F-94 radioed that he was closing on the enemy and asked permission to fire. Permission was given, and the ground controller then saw the two aircrafts' radar signatures merge together on his screen before the F-94's pilot reported that he had successfully eliminated the target. Following this message, all contact with the F-94 was lost, and the aircraft did not return to base. An extensive aerial search of the area where the F-94 disappeared failed to locate the aircraft or its crew.
Missing in Action:
Goldberg, 2Lt. Irwin Louis - Lieutenant Goldberg was born September 21, 1928.
Wilcox, 2Lt. Stanton Granville - Lieutenant Wilcox was born November 21, 1928. He was survived by his wife, Carleen Robinson (later Ellis) (1929-2023).
This F9F-5 was attached to MAG-33 and crashed from fuel starvation due to bad weather near K-3 (Pohang). The fatality was Capt. Joe Dean Bailes. From the Castro County Museum Facebook page: "Born to Porter Marcellus Bailes Sr. and Sarah Button Bailes in Greer, South Carolina, November 12, 1922. He had one older brother. The boys grew up in the Baptist parsonage in Tyler, Texas where their father was the pastor of the First Baptist Church for 30 years. The boys attended Baylor University in Waco. Joe was a freshman in Baylor in 1941 when Pearl Harbor brought the USA into WW II. Joe joined the Navy Air Reserves and was trained in Kerville, Texas, Norman, Oklahoma and Pensacola, Florida where he received his wings in the Marine Air Corps in 1945. Joe met Jane Kirkpatrick at Baylor and they fell in love. After a wartime courtship they were married in Lakewood Belmont Baptist Church in Dallas. They began married life at Laguna Beach, CA where Joe was stationed at Eltoro Marine Air Station in Orange Couty. He was soon transferred to Cherry Point, NC where he was trained for the Pacific Theater of War being sent overseas only a few days after the bombing of Hiroshima which ended WW II. Joe served nine months on Midway Island flying the fighter plane, Corsair. He was given separation with the rank of Captain and the Purple Heart. He remained in the reserves and went back to Baylor for a bachelor degree in Business Administration in 1950. They came back to Dimmitt to be the sales manager of the W.E. Kirkpatrick Sales Company. He was called back to active duty as a Marine pilot after training in jets at Sand Point Naval Air Station in Seattle, WA. He was sent to Korea on March 13, 1953. Joe Dean Bailes was killed in action flying missions over North Korea May 6, 1953. His body was returned for burial six weeks later. A memorial service with full Marine Honor Guard was held in First Baptist Church Dimmitt where he was an active member. The body was taken to Tyler, TX for interment in the Rose Hill Cemetery in the Bailes Family burial plot.
Ens. Francis Edward "Bobo" Painter stationed with Fighter Squadron 193 aboard the USS Princeton (CVA-37). He was piloting an F9F-5 type aircraft on 6 May 1953 on a routine combat mission twenty miles north of Tanchon, Korea when the aircraft was struck by enemy fire. Remains were not recovered. Ensign Painter was born May 10, 1929, in Los Angeles County, California, a son of Richard Elisha Painter (1887-1953) and Germaine Marie LeSecq Painter (1894-1987). His siblings were John Harold Sr. (1920-2002), Nell Mary Sikorra (1922-2011), Ruth Marguerite Wingerter (1923-2003) and Hilda Rose (1927-1936). Ensign Painter was the recipient of a Distinguished Flying Cross and Air Medal with Gold Star.
This Guardian crashed in thick fog twenty minutes after leaving Quonset Point NAS in Rhode Island on a routine flight to Grosse Isle, Michigan. There were four fatalities, possibly due to an exhaust leak into the crew compartment.
Fatalities:
Camp, ATAN Gary Leon (radar operator) - ATN Camp was born on June 20, 1932, in Illinois, the son of John H. Camp (born 1911) and Geraldine G. Waltrip Camp (1908-1999). Lieutenant Coleman was a member of the 118th Fighter Squadron, 103d Fight Group, based at Bradley Field, Windsor Locks, CT. He had been on active duty since about July 1, towing targets for Anti-Aircraft gunners on Cape Cod. Twenty-year-old Radar Operator, Gary Leon Camp, was on his way home to be with his mother on Mother’s Day when he lost his life. He was born in Alton, Illinois on June 20, 1932, the son of John H. and Geraldine Griffin Camp. He lived at 2020 Country Club Drive, in Alton. He graduated from Alton High School in January of 1951, and entered the Navy less than three months later on April 16, 1951. After training to become a radar operator, he was sent to Quonset Point NAS, in Rhode Island. In Alton, he had worked at the Square Deal Radio Shop as a television repairman, and was active in the Godfrey Methodist Church. When he finished his hitch in the Navy, he planned to go to college to study chemistry. His funeral, with full military honors, was held Tuesday, May 12th, at the Godfrey Methodist Church, and interment took place at Valhalla Memorial Park, in Godfrey Township, Illinois.
Donohue, Lee Lincoln (aviation machinistmate 3C) - The youngest man aboard the plane was Aviation Machinist Mate 3c Lee Lincoln Donohue, who had been in the Navy for three years stationed aboard an aircraft carrier that took part in combat operations in the Korean War. He was born in Neodesha, Kansas, February 12, 1932, and graduated Fredonia High School in Fredonia, Kansas, in 1949. He was survived by his mother, M. Charlotte Donohue, his brother Joe, and many other relatives. His father Lloyd had passed away two years earlier. He is buried in Maple Grove Cemetery in Roper, Kansas.
Johnston, Ens. Donald Richard (pilot) - Ensign Johnston was born on November 13, 1928, in Cape Girardeau, the son of Martin P. and Anna V. Johnson. He was educated in local schools and graduated from Central High School in 1946. After high school he went on to attend State College and enrolled in the United States Naval Reserve. Eleven months after of the outbreak of the Korean War, Ensign Johnston was called to active service and reported for duty on May 10, 1951. He was sent to Pensacola, Florida, for flight training, which he successfully completed in September of 1952. After receiving his Navy pilot’s wings, and a commission as an Ensign, he went to Corpus Christi, Texas, for advanced flight training which he completed by December 1952. On Christmas day 1952, he arrived in Norfolk, Virginia, and remained there briefly until being ordered to Quonset Point, Rhode Island, on January 1, 1953, where he was assigned to Anti-submarine Squadron 39. (VS-39). He was a member of the Centenary Methodist Church, and taught Sunday school until entering the Navy. He was also an officer in the Wesley Foundation, a Methodist student ministry organization at State College. He was also active in other college organizations such as the Mark Twain Society, dramatics, and the College Social Life Committee. Ensign Johnston worked his way through college by finding employment at the Midwest Dairy Company. Besides his mother and stepfather, he was survived by three brothers, the Rev. Kenneth Johnston, pastor of the Methodist Church at California, Missouri; Harold Johnston, of Gulmon, Oklahoma; and Martin Johnston, of Daytona Beach, Florida. His Father, Martin P. Johnston died in 1942. Ensign Johnston is buried in Lorimar Cemetery in Cape Girardeau.
Lovett, Personnel Man 3C Edgar Lee "Cotton" - Personnel Man Lovett was born on December 07, 1930, in Murray, Kentucky, a son of James E. and Thelma E. Lovett. When he was three, the family moved to Paducah, where he attended Whittier Grade School, Washington Junior High School, and graduated from Tilghman High School in June of 1948. After high school, he went on to attend Murray State College. While attending college, he earned money by working for a dry cleaners and a grocery store. He enlisted in the Navy May 17, 1951, and received basic training at Great Lakes Naval Training Station. Afterwards, he was sent to serve in Guam, where he remained until October of 1952, when he was sent to Fort Slocum, New York to attend Personnel School. From Fort Slocum he went to serve at the Brooklyn Navy Yard. He was eventually assigned to an aircraft carrier that conducted operations in the Korean Theatre during the Korean War. He had arrived at Quonset Navy Base in Rhode Island for re-assignment shortly before his death. Besides his parents, he was survived by a brother, James T. Lovett, of Louisville, KY., his grandparents, and several aunts and uncles. His funeral was held at the Immanuel Baptist Church in Paducah, and burial took place at Maple Lawn Cemetery in Murray, Kentucky.
Official DPAA report: First Lieutenant James Franklin Davis, who joined the U.S. Air Force from South Carolina, served with the 8th Fighter-Bomber Squadron, 49th Fighter-Bomber Group. On May 10, 1953, he was the pilot of an F-84 Thunderjet (tail number 51-10444, call sign "Mike 2") when it took off from Kunsan airbase, South Korea, as the second in a flight of four on a combat mission to North Korea. Prior to reaching the target area, the flight was asked to rendezvous with an F-86 Sabre experiencing engine trouble and escort it to Chodo Island. The flight established visual contact with the F-86 and the flight leader and 1st Lt Davis accompanied it on its flight to Chodo. Exceptionally heavy overcast over the island caused the pilots to lose sight of one another, and 1Lieutenant Davis radioed his flight leader that he had lost visual contact and would return to the number three and four pilots in the initial flight. The flight leader continued his escort of the F-86 to Chodo and then returned to the rest of his flight but discovered that 1Lieutenant Davis was missing. Two searches for 1Lieutenant Davis and his missing aircraft were unsuccessful. No returning POWs mentioned having contact with 1st Lieutenant Davis, 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. Lieutenant Davis was born February 22, 1930, in California, the son of Benjamin Franklin Davis and Mary Sadie Kuykendall Davis. He was a member of the Class of 1951 at The Citadel.
Lt. John Thomas Lyons Jr. lost his life while attempting to approach the aircraft carrier USS Tarawa. The jet engaged the jet barrier and went over the port side. Lieutenant Lyons was born on February 07, 1925, in McComb, Mississippi, a son of John Thomas Lyons Sr. (1899-1970) and Jimmie Lou Turner Lyons (1900-1996). His siblings were Louis Turner (1926-1991), William Barry Lyons (1928-2022) and sister Jimmie Lou Lyons. Lieutenant Lyons was engaged to marry Miss Patricia Stancliff of Hartford, Connecticut, and the couple was to be married when he returned from the Med cruise. Lieutenant Lyons graduated from McComb High School in 1942 and attended one year at Georgia Institute of Technology. He graduated from the US Naval Academy in 1946. He spent two years in the Pacific aboard the USS Princeton.
A Boeing B-50A-5-BO Superfortress (#46-011), modified to carry a Bell X-2 supersonic research rocketplane, was engaged in a captive test flight at 30,000 feet (9,144 meters) over Lake Ontario, between Canada and the United States. The number two X-2, 46-675, was in the bomb bay. The bomber was equipped with a system to keep the X-2’s liquid oxygen tank filled as the cryogenic oxidizer boiled off. With Bell’s Chief of Flight Research, test pilot Jean Leroy (“Skip”) Ziegler, in the bomb bay above the X-2, the system operation was being tested. There was an explosion. The X-2 fell from the bomber and dropped into Lake Ontario, between Trenton, Ontario, Canada, and Rochester, New York, U.S.A. Skip Ziegler and an engineer aboard the bomber, Frank Wolko, were both lost. A technician, Robert F. Walters, who was in the aft section of the B-50 with Wolko, was badly burned and suffered an injured eye. The B-50’s pilots, William J. Leyshon and David Howe, made an emergency landing at the Bell Aircraft Corporation factory airport at Wheatfield, New York (now, the Niagara Falls International Airport, IAG). The bomber was so heavily damaged that it never flew again. Heavy fog over the lake hampered search efforts. Neither the bodies of Ziegler and Wolko or the wreckage of the X-2 were ever found.
Fatalities:
Wolko, Frank (Bell flight engineer) - He was born in 1920 in New York, a son of Stephan Wolko (1888-1961) and Nellie Barna Wolko (born 1896). His siblings were Anne Wolko (1921-2013) and Michael Wolko (1922-1999). He was a World War II veteran.
Ziegler, Jean Leroy "Skip" (Bell test pilot) - He was born January 01, 1920, in Endeavor, Pennsylvania. He served in the Army Air Corps during World War II and was discharged in 1942. He lived the rest of his life as a test pilot. In 1943 he was married to Flora Mae Thompson Bouvier (later Thompson) (1921-2009).
Survivor:
Walters, Robert F.
On May 12, 1953, a pilotless target drone plane went out of control, crashed into a catwalk on the USS Wright CVL-49, and exploded. Three servicemen were killed and four were injured. The USS Wright was on a training cruise en route to the Gulf of Mexico when the accident happened. The 14,500 ton aircraft carrier was 300 miles off Key West, Florida at the time. The drone plane had been hit by anti-aircraft fire at 1500 feet and again at 600 feet, causing it to go out of control. The carrier's catwalk ended along the sides of the flight deck.
Anderson, Seaman Apprentice Herman Lee - Born October 02, 1934, he was the son of Enoch Herman Anderson (1892-1941) and Eva Lee Gillenwater Anderson, West Virginia. He is buried in Woodlawn Memorial Park, Bluefield, West Virginia.
Johnston, Hospital Corpsman 2C Orval Dewayne - Born November 28, 1927 in Jay County, Indiana, he was the son of Luther Johnston and Emma Ellen Brock Johnston. He was the husband of Mrs. Shirley Estelle Haywood Johnston (later Farmer), Maryus, Virginia. They were married June 26, 1952 in Gloucester County, Virginia. Orval is buried in Union Baptist Church Cemetery, Achilles, Virginia.
McNeal, Stewardsman Robert Leslie Jr. - He was the son of Robert and Louella McNeal (died 1964), Smithfield, Virginia. His sisters were Rosa McNeal and Louella McNeal.
USNA Class of 1949, Lieutenant Junior Grade Richard Cedric Clinite was the pilot of a F9F-5 Pantherjet fighter with Fighter Squadron 153 aboard the aircraft carrier USS Princeton (CVA-37). On May 13, 1953, while on a reconnaissance mission south of Wonsan, North Korea, his aircraft was struck by anti-aircraft fire. He successfully ejected but became entangled in the parachute shrouds and drowned in Wonsan Harbor. Lieutenant Clinite was born May 29, 1926, in Kirkwood, Missouri, the son of Wendell Bonner Allen Clinite (1899-1951) and Sidney Clinite. On June 09, 1949, Lieutenant Clinite married Camilla Smith (1928-2014) in Saint Louis, Missouri. Camilla later married a Hill. Lieutenant Clinite and Camilla are buried in Golden Gate National Cemetery.
Seven airmen were killed on May 15, 1953, when two C-119 Flying Boxcars and an F-84 Thunderjet collided 40 miles south of Frankfurt. The Boxcars were flying at an altitude of 5,000 feet. The F-84 (tail number 51-628) broke into a formation of C-119 Boxcars, rammed into C119 (tail number 51-8241), and tore the wing off C119 (tail number 51-8235). The F-84 pilot (Lt. James W. Chilton) and three crewmen from the Flying Boxcars ejected and parachuted to safety. Two other transports were damaged.
Clement, Capt. Wesley Yeo (aircraft observer on C119 #51-8235) Born January 11, 1919, he was a son of Moses Baker Clement (1888-1971) and Edith Pitts Clement (1886-1974) of Gorham, Maine. Captain Clement married Rebecca "Re" Lippincott Robins, daughter of Harrison and Ethel Rhoads Robins, in May 1945 at the Country Club of Maryland. They were parents of four children: Dr. Deborah Peerce "Deb" Clement (1953-2017), Anne Clement Dugan, Harrison R. Clement, and John R. Clement. His siblings were George Carlisle Clement (1917-1978), Lawrence "Larry" S. Clement (1929-2015), and Robert C. Clement. His name is included on a marker in Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, St. Louis County, Missouri.
Dahl, Lt. Edwin Eugene - (co-pilot of C119 #51-8241) - Lieutenant Dahl was born January 11, 1924, the son of John Dahl and Edith Dahl (later Kitchen). He was married to Doris Irene Crowley (1926-2018) and they were parents of daughters Susanne Irene Dahl and Linda Lee Dahl (1946-2014). His sister was Betty Dahl Kraemer. Lieutenant Dahl graduated from Stadium High School and joined the Army Air Corps in 1942. There is a marker for him in Mountain View Memorial Park, Lakewood, Washington.
Osborn, Lt. Col. John William (flight commander for C119 #51-8235) - John W. Osborn was born on November 19, 1916, near Lincoln, Nebraska, to Emment Osborn (1885-1969) and Nora Estelle Jacobs Osborn (1890-1995). In 1938, he married Sally Marjorie Peltier (1915-1990) and he and his first wife had two sons, John William Osborn II and Charles Ray Osborn. He served in World War II, stationed at Ellsworth Air Force Base, and was discharged in 1945, at which time he made Rapid City, South Dakota, his permanent home. After his discharge, he was self-employed as a farmer and rancher near Pactola. In 1951, he remarried in Rapid City; his wife’s name was Dorcus (Carlson), daughter of Clarence and Blanche Carlson, who moved from Philip to Rapid City in 1946. Lt. Colonel Osborn was recalled to active duty on April 11, 1951, at Ellsworth Air Force Base. He was sent overseas as Commander of the 60th Troop Carrier Group in Rheim, Mein, Germany. Mrs. Osborn accompanied her husband to Germany. There is a marker for him in Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, St. Louis County, Missouri.
Ray, Maj. Joseph H. (co-pilot of C119 #51-8235) - Major Ray was born on February 07, 1920, the son of Velie Amby Ray (1893-1932). There is a marker for him in Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, St. Louis, Missouri.
Sohns, SSgt. Dean Oscar (radio operator on C119 51-8235) - Sergeant Sohns was born September 11, 1921, the son of Oscar A. Sohns (1898-1956) and Ruth Klaus Sohns (1905-1966). There is a marker for him in Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, St. Louis, Missouri.
Thompson, Capt. Carl Jacob (navigator on C119 #51-8235) - Captain Thompson was born September 05, 1920, a son of Ernest Earl Thompson (1881-1965) and Laura Augusta "Gussie" Wise Thompson (1885-1929). On July 20, 1945, he married Evelyn Laura Coffman (1925-2009). His siblings were Leonard James Thompson (1904–1930), Wanda Louise Thompson Kennedy (1905–1971), Romayne Anora "Nane" Thompson Gardner (1909–1991), Lloyd Earl Thompson (1911–1947), Margaret Leah Thompson Grimes (1912–1975), William Lawrence Thompson (1914–1945), Jessie Tracy "Tracie" Thompson Lovell (1917–2000), Jack Pershing Thompson (1918–2003) and George Ernest "GE" Thompson (1922–2000). There is a marker for him in Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, St. Louis, Missouri.
Wells, Maj. Williston G. "Bill" (pilot of C119 #51-8241) - A World War II pilot, Major Wells was born June 27, 1922, a son of Clifford Howard Wells (1899-1976) and Bessie L. Garner Wellss (1900-1987). He was married to Barbara W. "Babs" Perkins (later Suter) (1923-2022). There is a marker for him in Tabor Cemetery, Mills County, Iowa.
Battiste, A1C Michael (engineer on C-119 #51-8241) - Born December 19, 1929, he was from Pennsylvania. There is a marker for him at Beverly National Cemetery, Beverly, New Jersey.
Chilton, Lt. James W. - pilot of the F-84
First Lieutenant Grady Loyd Hinson was the pilot of an F-84G Thunderjet fighter (#51-10449) with the 430th Fighter-Bomber Squadron, 474th Fighter-Bomber Group. On May 16, 1953, while on a combat mission, his aircraft received a direct hit by anti-aircraft fire, burst into flames and crashed. His remains were not recovered. Lieutenant Hinson was born August 18, 1927, in Little Rock, Arkansas, the son of Bedford Grady Hinson (1892-1971) and Virginia Louise Bumpass Hinson (1901-1983). His sisters were Mary Louise Hinson Burrow (1925-2014) and Carol Anne Hinson (1946-2011). Lieutenant Hinson was the recipient of a Silver Star and an Air Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster.
Missing on Ground Attack Mission Korea 17/05/53 (Aircraft Status card has this as 18/05/53), approximately 10 miles north of Haeju, South Hwanghae Province, North Korea. The 77 Squadron RAAF Operations Record Book states: "17 May 1953: Interdiction Rocket Strike – patrol of 16 Meteors, of which Flying Officer George P. Doolittle was #12. Doolittle was an attached RAF officer. Result: Contacted Controller, the flight were assigned to another attack on the target at YC497239 which was attacked earlier this day by Meteors. The flight proceeded to this area and expended 115 Napalm rockets into the area destroying nine buildings. Aircraft A77-856 Flying Officer George P Doolittle failed to return from this mission.”
DPAA: In the evening of May 17, 1953, a B-26C Invader (tail number 44-35882) departed Kunasn Air Base with a crew of four aviators. The briefed mission was a night interdiction operation targeting the main supply routes known as Red 3, 5 and 6. The flight plan would cover routes from Pyongyang to Chaeryong, to Sinwon-ni, to Pyongsa, to Hungsu-ri, to Kaesong. Approximately one hour before midnight, the Invader was diverted to north of Sinmak, targeting several enemy trucks in the area. Once in target area, the aircraft was hit by anti-aircraft artillery in the right engine. The pilot jettisoned the bomb load as smoke filled the cockpit. After seeing that the engine burn off and the wing was stating to bend from the heat, the pilot ordered the crew to bail out. As the pilot and navigator descended, they observed the aircraft crash and burst into flames. On May 18, the pilot and the navigator were rescued, but all efforts to locate the gunner and the bombardier were unsuccessful. Following their rescue, the pilot and navigator stated that they did not see any signs two missing men. Both men remain unaccounted-for.
Karpowicz, A1C Jerome (tailgunner) - Airman Karpowicz was born August 28, 1931, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He was orphaned and then raised by his aunt, Mrs. Pauline Karpowicz. Airman Karpowicz was a graduate of Crivitz High School in Crivitz, Wisconsin. He was the recipient of an Air Medal.
Selman, 1Lt. Clifford Gene (navigator) - Lieutenant Selman was born May 03, 1927 in Lafayette, Indiana, a son of Lester E. Selman (1900-1966) and Helen Mio Povlock Selman (1903-1990). His brother was Donald Selman. He graduated from high school in Gary, Indiana. Lieutenant Selman was married at the time his aircraft was hit.
Quesnell, Capt. Raymond William (pilot) (1920-1959)
Walseth, Capt. John Einer Jr. (navigator) (1921-2004). He was the recipient of a Distinguished Flying Cross with two Oak Leaf Clusters and an Air Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters.
A1c Ronald Arlo Ganoung was killed on May 18, 1953, in a plane crash shortly after takeoff in South Korea. He served in the 8th Fighter-Bomber Group as an Airman First Class and Test Pilot of a T-33 Shooting Star reconnaissance aircraft during the Korean War. Airman Ganoung was born June 15, 1932, in Tucson, Arizona, the son of Rogene Archel Ganoung (1903-1961) and Emily Lois McCulley Ganoung (1904-1962). Airman Ganoung was engaged to marry Miss Belva Nuttall. He is buried in South Lawn Memorial Cemetery, Tucson, Arizona.
While on a night intruder mission, a B-26C (#44-35618) with the 8th Bomber Squadron, 3rd Bomber Group based at Kunsan Air Force Base (K-8), Korea, became iced and crashed near airfield K- 47.
Engelbreit, Capt. Joseph James - Captain Engelbreit was born February 13, 1928, the son of William F. Engelbreit (1892-1944) and Elizabeth T. Kiernan Engelbreit (1892-1968). Captain Engelbreit was a flight surgeon who graduated from St. Louis University Medical School.
Missing in Action
Kienitz, Capt. Hugh Lewis - Captain Lewis was born September 07, 1919, the son of Walter Grego Kienitz (1895-1963) and Edyth Mary Grayson Kienitz (1899-1986). He was married to Doris Mae Richards (1922-2007) in 1943. His brother was Donald Francis Kienitz (1923-2004). The recipient of a Distinguished Flying Cross and Air Medal with seven Gold Stars, he is buried in Acacia Memorial Park, Modesto, California.
Rescued
Kipperer, A2C Richard F.
McFadden, 1Lt. John F.
This aircraft flamed out and ditched into the sea off Cho-do, North Korea. Killed was 2Lt. Marvin Edgar Lantz. Lieutenant Lantz was born on April 05, 1929, in West Virginia, the son of G.B. Lantz and Georgia Bodkins Lantz. In 1952 he was married to Shirley Lee Judy (later Innes) (1932-2021). Lieutenant Lantz is memorialized in Heavner Cemetery, Buckhannon, West Virginia.
Second Lieutenant Harold Gene Wilkie Jr. was the pilot of a F-84G Thunderjet fighter with the 311th Fighter-Bomber Squadron, 58th Fighter-Bomber Group. while on a training mission, as he made a strafing run, his aircraft crashed into the ground. Lieutenant Wilkie was born March 30, 1930, in Concordia, Kansas, the son of Julius Harold Wilkie (1906-1957) and Mildred Opal Wilkie (1907-1989). His sister was Shirley Ann Wilkie Sager (1931-2021). Lieutenant Wilkie is buried in Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Concordia, Kansas.
Captain Frank Edward Miller Jr. was the pilot of a F-86E Sabrejet fighter bomber with the 16th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron, 51st Fighter-Interceptor Group, U.S. Air Force. On May 27, 1953, while on a combat mission, his aircraft suffered an internal explosion, and it crashed into the sea and exploded. His remains were not recovered. Captain Miller was born October 24, 1921, the son of Frank Edward Miller Sr. (1895-1974) and Adeline Elizabeth "Addie" Ray Miller (1894-1977). Captain Miller was a World War II veteran.
First Lieutenant James Arthur Van Veen the pilot of a F-84E Thunderjet fighter with the 310th Fighter-Bomber Squadron, 58th Fighter-Bomber Group. On May 27, 1953, while on his 35th combat mission, his aircraft received a direct hit by anti-aircraft fire, crashed and burst into flames. Lieutenant Van Veen was born April 15, 1929, the son of George c. Van Veen. He graduated from South Shore High School and the University of Michigan. He was the recipient of a Distinguished Flying Cross.
On May 30, 1953, while returning from escorting B-29's on a night mission near the mouth of the Yalu River, North Korea, contact with a Douglas F3D-2 Skynight fighter with the Marine All Weather Fighter Squadron 513, Marine Air Group 12, 1st Marine Air Wing. was lost after requesting landing instructions from airfield K-8.
Missing in Action:
Brown, Capt. James Benjamin - Captain Brown was born June 11, 1921 in Naches, Washington. He was the husband of Dorothy Rumple Brown (died January 12, 2015), and the father of two daughters, S. Jean Brown and R. Jo Brown. His siblings were Cleo Brown, Garland Brown, and Ruth Brown Shelton.
Harrell, Sgt. James Vaughn (radar operator) - Sergeant Harrell was listed as Missing in Action and was presumed dead on June 1, 1954. His remains were recovered on July 30, 2001. His remains were returned and his funeral was held February 1, 2002, at Arlington National Cemetery. Sergeant Harrell was born November 09, 1931, in Louisiana, the son of Charles and Oma Harrell. Sergeant Harrell was the recipient of an Air Medal with two Gold Stars.
First Lieutenant Weldon Danforth "Duck" Gardner was the pilot of a F- 84G Thunderjet fighter (#51-716) with the 7th Fighter- Bomber Squadron, 49th Fighter-Bomber Group. On May 30, 1953, while on an operational mission, his aircraft crashed near Anyang-ni, South Korea. Lieutenant Gardner was born June 06, 1929, in Waco, Texas, a son of Leonard Melburne Gardner Sr. (1891-1948) and Minnie Florence Givens Gardner (1893-1973). He was married to Beverly Jane Fike of Mart, Texas. His siblings were Leonard Melburne "Judge" Jr. )1915-1978), Harry Eugene "Red" Gardner (1922-2007), William C. "Pete" Gardner, and Jeannette Gardner Vaughn. Lieutenant Gardner graduated from Waco High School in 1947 and then Texas A&M in 1951. He joined the Air Force and was sent to Korea in February of 1953. He was on his eighth mission when his aircraft crashed. He is buried in Rosemound Cemetery, Waco, Texas.
While returning from a combat mission, this Mustang crashed, killing the pilot Capt. Walter Charles Beneke Jr. Captain Beneke was born on October 04, 1921, a son of Walter Charles A. Beneke Sr. (1881-1959) and Nell Simmons Beneke (1886-1959). He was married to Eleanor H. Schnitzer, and they had a daughter, Carol Ann Beneke. Captain Beneke's siblings were Joseph Simmons Beneke (1924-2003) and Pearce Beneke. Captain Beneke served in the South Pacific during World War II, receiving a Silver Star and Air Medal. He also received a Distinguished Flying Cross and another Air Medal. He is buried in Fort Sam Houston Cemetery, San Antonio, Texas.
1Lt. Marion Kent Smotherman was the pilot of a F-86F Sabrejet fighter bomber (#52-4362) with the 12th Fighter Bomber Squadron, 18th Fighter Bomber Wing. On May 31, 1953, while on an operational mission, his aircraft crashed killing him. Lieutenant Smotherman was born January 18, 1929, a son of Riley Beauford Smotherman (1893-1959) and Gladys Irene White Smotherman (1901-1986). His siblings were Faye Nell Smotherman Worde (1923-2000), Beauford Mack Smotherman (1925-2010), Doris Ann Smotherman Griffith-Hise (1930-2012) and John Ross Smotherman (1933-2015).
This aircraft crash-landed at Kangnung Air Base, killing its pilot, Ltjg. G.F. Chambers.
During a routine takeoff, the pilot was unable to gain altitude and crashed into heavy equipment working at the end of the runway. The pilot, 1Lt. Elliott Bland "Jack" Sartain Jr., lost his life. Lieutenant Sartain was born September 01, 1928, in Shelby County, Tennessee, the son of Elliott Bland Sartain Sr. (1902-1986) and Audley Hardin Sartain (1906-1986). In 1952, he married Sarah Langston (1928-2021) (later Sarah Moore). Lieutenant Sartain graduated from Osceola High School and then attended the University of Arkansas. He is buried in Ermen Cemetery, Osceola, Arkansas.
This F-86 was separated from the flight in bad weather and there was no radio contact. It is possible the aircraft was shot down by a MiG. The pilot, Flight Leader John E.Y. King of the Royal Air Force was declared missing in action.
While on a combat mission, an LT-6G Mosquito control aircraft with the 6148th Tactical Control Squadron, 6147 Tactical Control Group received a direct hit by anti-aircraft fire and crashed. The crew was listed as Missing in Action and was presumed dead on June 6, 1954.
Missing in Action:
Arms, 1Lt. John Walter (pilot) - Lieutenant Arms was born December 14, 1928, in Ohio, a son of George Moses Arms (1907-1978) and Lockie Mae Berry Arms (1906-1985). His siblings were Dolores Jean "Dodie" Lightner (1930-2019), Janice Virginia Tomlin (1938-2023), Lenore Williams, and Paul Arms. Lieutenant Arms graduated from high school in Portsmouth in 1949 and joined the Navy for two years. After discharge he attended Ohio University Portsmouth Branch for three years before being recalled to active duty.
Buxman, 1Lt. Roger Fredrick (co-pilot) - Lieutenant Buxman was born on September 01, 1924, a son of Charles Louis Raymond Buxman (1889-1947) and Ella Ann Bruenger Buxton (1890-1978). His siblings were Howard George "Jack" (1914-1966), Erma Louise Neece (1917-1992), June M. Schreacke (1922-190) and Charles Raymond (1927-1948). First Lieutenant Buxman was a member of Company D, 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division. Lieutenant Buxman was the recipient of a Distinguished Flying Cross and an Air Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster.
1Lt. John Edward Southerland was the pilot of a F-86F Sabrejet fighter bomber (#52-4421) with the 35th Fighter-Bomber Squadron, 8th Fighter-Bomber Group. On June 6, 1953, while on a combat mission, his aircraft received a direct hit by anti-aircraft fire. He bailed out safely. He was listed as Missing in Action and was presumed dead on June 7, 1954. His remains were not recovered. Lieutenant Southerland was born September 14, 1929 in Americus, Georgia. He attended Union High School in Leslie, Georgia, and then Georgia Souhwestern College 1946-1949. Hewas the recipient of an Air Medal.
Ens. Harold William McMillan was killed when his jet crashed in a rainstorm three miles northeast of Washburn, Texas. Ensign McMillan was born on November 07, 1914, a son of Ray E. McMillan (1889-1969) and Cora E. McMillan (1892-1958). His siblings were Richard W. McMillan (1922-2001) and an infant sister who was born and died in 1924. Ensign McMillan is buried in Balch Cemetery, Formoso, Kansas.
Due to fuel exhaustion, this F9F crashed near the USS Coral Sea located near Tunisia. Killed was Ltjg. Robert Hughes Wade. Lieutenant Wade was born on September 11, 1925, a son of William Clarence Wade Sr. (1895-1974) and Sarah "Sally" Hughes Wade (1898-1986). His brother was William Clarence Wade Jr. (1922-1969).
First Lieutenant Stewart Gordon Held was the pilot of a F-84G Thunderjet fighter (351-10385) with the 310th Fighter-Bomber Squadron, 58th Fighter-Bomber Group. On June 10, 1953, while on a night armed reconnaissance, contact with his plane was lost. He was listed as Missing in Action and was presumed dead on June 11, 1954. Lieutenant Held was born May 23, 1930, in New York, the son of Sampson Held (died 1948) and Anna P. Held (died 1971). He attended the University of California at Berkeley before entering the Air Force. He was the recipient of a Distinguished Flying Cross and Air Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster.
Sgt. Desmond Thomas Nolan (RAAF) served in Korea with the 77 Squadron. His aircraft broke up on a training flight near Kimpo. His aircraft disintegrated whilst recovering from a barrel roll and dive. Sergeant Nolan was born on June 28, 1927 in Geelong, Victoria, Australia.
On June 11, 1953, while piloting his aircraft in North Korea, the F-86F experienced an internal explosion, an engine flameout, and it crashed. The pilot, Capt. Floyd Wheeler Salze, ejected safely and parachuted into the Yellow Sea, but drowned before he could be rescued. He is now buried in the Elmwood Cemetery and Mausoleum, Birmingham, Jefferson County, Alabama, USA. Floyd Wheeler Salze was born on February 10, 1925, in Birmingham, Jefferson County, Alabama. He was the son of Leonce Benjamin Salze (1902-1963) and Mollie Simmons Salze (1906-1968). His brothers were James A. "Freddy" Salze (1939-2017) and Charles "Chink" Salze. Captain Salze served in the 25th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron, 51st Fighter-Interceptor Group, as a Captain and Pilot of the F-86F Sabrejet Fighter-Bomber #51-2938 during the Korean War. He is buried in Elmwood Cemetery and Mausoleum, Birmingham, Alabama.
On 12 June 1953, while flying a night combat mission over water, an F-94 Starfire (#51-5503) with the 319th Fighter Interceptor Squadron, Fifth Air Force, U.S. Air Force. Deployed to Suwon Air Base, South Korea, the F-94 failed to return to base and its crew was listed as Missing in Action.
Missing in Action:
Hoster, Capt. Samuel Jr. - Captain Hoster was born December 24, 1922 inMohnton, Pennsylvania, the son of Samuel Hoster (1901-1989) and Anna E. Hoster (born 1905). He was married in 1944 to Selma Lee Darnall (1921-1995). Captain Hoster was the recipient of a Distingusihed Flying Cross with Oak Leaf Cluster and an Air Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster.
McHale, Lt. Col. Robert Vincent - Lieutenant Colonel was born August 17, 1916 in Alameda County, California, the son of Vincent Richard McHale (1892-1957) and Helen Constance Smith McHale (1892-1985). He was married in 1942 to Sarah Geraldine Trichel McHale (1918-1963). Their children were Robert Vincent McHale Jr., Betty McHale, Anne McHale, and William Richard "Bill" McHale (1952-2012).
Capt. Hyeon Kim II was the pilot of an F-51 Mustang (#44-73096) when it was hit by AAA fire and crashed near Goseong, South Korea. Captain Kim, a member of the Republic of Korea Air Force, was killed.
Second Lieutenant William Thomas Haines Jr. was the pilot of a F-84E Thunderjet fighter (51-844) with the 430th Fighter-Bomber Squadron, 474th Fighter-Bomber Group. On June 15, 1953, while on a combat mission, his aircraft received a direct hit by anti-aircraft fire, crashed and burst into flames. Lieutenant Haines was born September 07, 1929, the son of William Thomas Haines Sr. He is buried in Westlawn Memorial Park, East Hanover, New Jersey.
First Lieutenant Marce Presnell "Dixie" Dunn was the pilot of a F-84D Thunderjet fighter (#51-727) with the 69th Fighter Bomber Squadron, 58th Fighter Bomber Group. On June 15, 1953, while on a combat mission, his aircraft failed to pull out of a strafing run due to mechanical failure. He was listed as Missing in Action and was presumed dead on April 30, 1954. Lieutenant Dunn was born July 27, 1928, in Paducah, Kentucky, a son of Charles Malcolm Dunn Sr. (1899-1995) and Anna Hunter Presnell Dunn (1901-1980). His brothers were Ted Dunn and Charles Malcomb Dunn Jr. (1926-2002). Lieutenant Dunn was a 1946 graduate of Tilghman High School. He had flewn nearly 100 combat missions in Korea when his plane crashed. He was the recipient of a Distinguished Flying Cross and Air Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters.
1Lt. Chadwick Boyd Smith was the pilot of an F-86F Sabrejet fighter bomber (# 52-4380) with the 12th Fighter Bomber Squadron, 18th Fighter Bomber Wing, 5th Air Force at Osan-ni AB, South Korea (K-55). On 15 June 1953, while on a night combat mission, after diving at a target, his aircraft failed to pull up and crashed. He was listed as Missing in Action and was presumed dead on 15 June 1954. He is listed as killed in action near Sin Gosan, Korea. Lieutenant Smith was born June 13, 1929 in Minnesota, the son of Chadwick Buford Smith (1905-1931) and Nettie Ingebray Boyd Smith (James) (1902-1989). Lieutenant Smith attended Iowa State University 1947-1948 before joining the Air Force. Lieutenant Smith was the recipient of a Silver Star and an Air Medal.
On June 15, 1953, navy pilot, Ens. John Ruskin Noble Jr. (24), of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was killed while taking off in a TBM Avenger, (Bu. No. 53730), at the Quonset Point Naval Air Station. As he was becoming airborne the plane suddenly lost power and crashed into Narragansett Bay at the end of the runway. [Source: New England Aviation History website] Ensign Noble was born on March 20, 1929, the son of John R. Noble Sr. (1900-1968) and Nora N. Noble (1902-1987). Ensign Noble enlisted on October 11, 1950. He is buried in Allegheny County Memorial Park, Allison Park, Pennsylvania.
DPAA report: First Lieutenant Peter Bowen Richardson, who joined the U.S. Air Force from Connecticut, served with the 7th Fighter-Bomber Squadron. On June 16, 1953, he was the pilot of an F-84 Thunderjet (serial number 50-1190) that took off from Kunsan airbase, South Korea, as the lead aircraft in a flight of four on an armed reconnaissance mission over North Korea. The flight dropped its bombs on a string of railroad cars and then continued to two other groups of railroad cars thirty miles to the north. While descending to strafe these targets, 1st Lt Richardson radioed his aircraft was hit. One of the pilots told him that his aircraft was on fire but before 1st Lt Richardson could bail out, his plane flipped and went into a spin, and crashed into a hill and exploded on impact. The rest of the flight circled the crash site but saw no parachute and no signs of survival. Further searches could not be conducted because the crash site was in enemy territory. No returning POWs mentioned having contact with 1st Lt Richardson, nor was he seen at any known holding point, interrogation center, hospital, or permanent POW camp. He remains unaccounted-for. Lieutenant Richardson was born March 25, 1928, in Athens, Greece, the son of Gardner Aspinwall Richardson (1884-1972) and Dorothea sopie Davies Richardson (1894-1981). His sister was Katharine Richardson. Lieutenant Richardson was a graduate of Andover Academy and Gunnery School. He attended the University of Connecticut for three years before joining the Air Force. He was the recipient of an Air Medal.
First Lieutenant Vincent Francisco "Vinny" Lombardo was the pilot of a F-84G Thunderjet fighter (#51-10443) with the 311th Fighter-Bomber Squadron, 58th Fighter-Bomber Group. On June 16, 1953, he was flying his 29th mission, conducting armed reconnaissance over North Korea. During a bomb run, his aircraft suddenly dove, crashed on the ground and exploded. His remains were not recovered. Lieutenant Lombardo was born July 20, 1928, in Brooklyn, New York, the son of Vincent Lombardo and Elsie A. Lombardo (1906-1978). His sister was Mary Lombardo Vetere. Vinny Lombardo was a talented artist, wrote poetry, created humorous caricatures of his family and friends, and sang in Barbershop Quartets. He was the recipient of an Air Medal.
DPAA - Second Lieutenant James Hartford Allston, who joined the U.S. Air Force in New York, served in the 12th Fighter-Bomber Squadron, 18th Fighter-Bomber Group. Just before 17:00 (Korea time) on June 16, 1953, he piloted a single-seat F-86F Sabre (tail number 52-4323A) as the number two in a flight of four aircraft on an armed reconnaissance operation over an enemy supply route known as "Green 6." While searching for targets of opportunity, the number three pilot observed an enemy truck near what appeared to be an inactive enemy airstrip north of Pyonggang. The lead aircraft engaged the truck, followed closely by his wingman, 2nd Lt Allston. A few seconds later, flight-leader felt a slight shock in the aircraft (probably from a near miss anti-aircraft artillery round) resulting in a gun-sight failure. After the flight-leader pulled away from the target, 2nd Lt Allston continued to press his attack on the truck. Reaching the bottom of his run, 2nd Lt Allston failed to pull-up, crashing his Sabrejet ground which exploded on impact. None of the other pilots in the area reported witnessing any indication that 2nd Lt Allston had exited the aircraft before it crashed. All attempts to locate 2nd Lt Allston following the incident were unsuccessful.
Allston, 2Lt. James Hartford - Lieutenant Allston was born January 29, 1929, in Ilion, New York, the son of James W. "Bounce" Allston (1902-1998) and Marcelline Carney Allston (1903-1972). He was married to Marjorie "Marj" Loss (later Wild) (1931-2019). His brother was Edward C. Allston (1933-2009). Lieutenant Allston was the recipient of a Silver Star.
DPAA report: Second Lieutenant William John Hummer, who entered the U.S. Air Force from Oklahoma, was a member of the 80th Fighter Bombardment Squadron, 8th Fighter Bombardment Group. On June 16, 1953, he was the pilot of an F-86 Sabre (tail number 52-4486A) that took off second in a flight of two on an armed reconnaissance mission against enemy targets in North Korea. When the flight reached the target, the leader initiated a bombing run. 2d Lt Hummer followed but his aircraft failed to pull out of its run, and crashed and exploded upon impact with the ground. There were no indications that 2d Lt Hummer jettisoned his canopy or ejected prior to the crash. The flight leader made several low passes over the crash site but saw no sign of the downed pilot. The active enemy presence prevented any ground search efforts. No returning POWs mentioned having contact with 2d Lt Hummer, nor was he seen at any known holding point, interrogation center, hospital, or permanent POW camp. He remains unaccounted-for. Lieutenant Hummer was born July 02, 1928 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, the son of Robert Benjamin Franklin Hummer Sr. (1886-1949) and Edith McKay Hummer (1883-1936). His half-siblings were Jesse Shivers Montgomery (1907-1995), Ruth Ann Hummer Newby (1920-2015) and Robert Benjamin Franklin "Bob" Hummer Jr. (1923-2008). Lieutenant Hummer was a graduate of Stanford University and was the recipient of an Air Medal.
Ltjg. Robert Elroy Berger was killed on June 17, 1953 for action that resulted in the following citation: "The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal (Posthumously) to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Robert E. Berger (NSN: 0-374578), United States Navy, for heroism in the face of great danger. Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Berger, attached to Composite Squadron FOUR (VC-4), Detachment SIX, embarked in U.S.S. Coral Sea (CVA-43) on 17 June 1953, maneuvered his aircraft after it failed to engage the carrier arresting gear to avoid a group of about thirty men and four aircraft which were in his flight path. Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Berger successfully avoided these personnel and crashed instead into two aircraft parked in the bow. All three aircraft were carried over the bow and his body was not recovered. His reactions in this emergency and his selflessness in the face of danger to his shipmates constitute performance of duty above normal expectations and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service." Lieutenant Berger was born May 02, 1929 in Colorado, the son of Henry Rudolph Berger Jr. (1901-1952) and Lois E. Rule Berger (1902-1984). He was married to Beverly Lundgren. His sister was Beatrice Emilie Berger Loving Varney (1924-2019). Lieutenant Berger was a graduate of Eagle High School in Colorado.
Captain Charles William "Charlie" Gunther Jr. was the pilot of a F-86F Sabrejet fighter bomber with the 35th Fighter-Bomber Squadron, 8th Fighter-Bomber Group. On June 19, 1953, while on a combat mission, his aircraft received a direct hit by anti-aircraft fire, exploded in mid-air and crashed. His remains were not recovered. Captain Gunther was born March 02, 1928, in Wapakoneta, Ohio, the son of Charles William Gunther Sr. (1873-1942) and Mae R. Gunther (1889-1977). His siblings were Mary Ellen and Catherine Ann Gunther and stepbrother Edward Ruppert. Captain Gunther was the recipient of a Distinguished Flying Cross and an Air Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster.
Ltjg. Donald Edward Brewer was the pilot of an AD-4N Skyraider night dive bomber with Attack Squadron 45 aboard carrier USS Lake Champlain (CVA-39). June 19, 1953, while on a combat mission over North Korea, his aircraft was struck by anti-aircraft fire and crashed. He was killed instantly while trying to eject at a low altitude. Lieutenant Brewer was born January 26, 1931 in Cincinnati, Ohio, a son of Hollis Edward Brewer (1907-1993). His sister was Betty Charlotte Brewer Denton (1928-2011). He was married with a small son. Lieutenant Brewer is buried in Barrancas National Cemetery, Pensacola, Florida.
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Donald Edward Brewer (NSN: 0-394429), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as Pilot of an attack plane of Attack Squadron Forty-Five (VA-45), attached to the U.S.S. Lake Champlain (CVA-39), while flying a close air support mission against Communist-held positions on the central Korean front on 19 June 1953. Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Brewer pressed home his bombing attack against enemy front line troops, despite the fact that his plane was seriously damaged by 37-mm. anti-aircraft fire. Although hit at the beginning of his attack, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Brewer continued his dive, dissipating life-saving altitude, until he was assured of a good hit. He was personally credited with the destruction of 150 yards of trenches containing enemy troops firing at friendly forces. Upon the completion of his attack, he bailed out of his now-disabled aircraft. However, too much altitude had been lost and his parachute did not have time to open. His disregard for personal safety and extraordinary heroism in action contributed materially to the mission of the United Nations in Korea, at the cost of his life. His devotion to duty was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
DPAA report: First Lieutenant Jimmy Louis Escalle, who joined the U.S. Air Force from California, served with the 36th Fighter-Bomber Squadron, 8th Fighter-Bomber Group. On June 19, 1953, he was the pilot of an F-86 Sabre (tail number 52-4367, call sign "Mike 3") that took off from Suwon airbase, South Korea, as third in a flight of four on an armed reconnaissance mission over North Korea. The flight bombed the initial target successfully and then began reconnaissance along a major supply route where 2d Lt Escalle and his wingman identified camouflaged enemy trucks and went in to strafe them. After his second strafing pass, 2nd Lt Escalle could not be reached by radio and his aircraft disappeared. Aerial searches eventually found 2nd Lt Escalle's aircraft wreckage but no signs of the pilot or a parachute were found. No returning POWs mentioned having contact with 2d Lt Escalle, nor was he seen at any known holding point, interrogation center, hospital, or permanent POW camp. Lieutenant Escalle was born November 17, 1929, a son of Frank Louis Escalle (1910-1977) and Andrey Edness "Edna" Rhoads Escalle (Witt) (1912-2002). His sibling was Robert Frank "Bobby" Escalle (1931-2012). Lieutenant Escalle was the recipient of a Soldier's Medal and an Air Medal. Lieutenant Escalle's name appears on the publication, "The Transfer of U.S. Korean War POW's to the Soviet Union" dated September 1993.
2Lt. Allan Keith Rudolph was the pilot of a F-86E Sabrejet fighter bomber (#52-2855) with the 39th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron, 51st Fighter-Interceptor Group. On June 19, 1953, while on a combat mission, his aircraft developed engine problems and crashed about four miles north-east of Namsi-Dong, North Korea. He was listed as Missing in Action and was presumed dead on June 20, 1954. His remains were never recovered. Lieutenant Rudolph was born April 01, 1930, in Chicago, Illinois, a son of Edward Wellington "Ned" Rudolph (1894-19 69 ) and Lorine Leona Hansford Rudolph ( 1899-1983). His siblings were Madalyn Frances Rudolph VanLandingham (1919-2003) and Richard Hansford Rudolph (1922-2009). Lieutenant Rudolph was the recipient of an Air Medal.
While approaching the runway at Fairfax Field, F-94 Starfire (#50-969) struck a dike short of the runway. The radar operator was killed instantly. The pilot died of injuries in a hospital in Leavenworth, Kansas, on June 22, 1953.
Fatalities:
Sharp, William Carmen - He was born June 01, 1919, the son of William C. Sharp and Leora Sharp. He was married to Laura Gile Sharp (1922-2012) and they had children Vicki, William Jr., and Jeffrey Sharp. His sisters were Mrs. Don Ireland and Mrs. John Horner. Captain Sharp had served ten years in the Air Force. He was stationed in Germany from 1949 until about a year before his death. He is buried in Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery, San Diego, California.
Tucker, 1Lt. Ray Perry - Lieutenant Tucker was born on December 16, 1921, in Tipton, Indiana, a son of John Earl Tucker (1898-1968) and Vera Agnes Adair Tucker (1898-1986). He was married to Jane Ann Tucker, and their children were Jimmy (age 7) and Kathy (age 6). His siblings were Anita Daurice Goins (1924-2002), Lex Adair (1927-1991), Victor Earl (1929-1932), and Vern S. (1932-2007). Lieutenant Tucker is buried in Fairview Cemetery, Tipton, Indiana.
On June 23, 1953, a C-119 Flying Boxcar (serial number 49-161) with a crew of four departed Ashiya Air Base in Japan carrying four passengers, a 3/4-ton truck and a 105mm Howitizer to Korea. Shortly after take-off, the pilot radioed Ashiya and reported that the aircraft was experiencing mechanical difficulties. He requested permission to return to Ashiya. Permission was granted, and the aircraft began turning back to base; however, it soon disappeared from the radar screen. Nothing more was heard from the crew. Search and rescue efforts were unsuccessful and no sign of the aircraft was ever found. One month later, the body of the pilot, still in his parachute, was recovered by Japanese fishermen approximately six miles from Honshu, Japan. The bodies of the rest of the crew and the four passengers have not been recovered.
Fatalities:
Cernosek, Capt. Bernard D. - Captain Cernosek was born on November 21, 1919, in Ammannsville, Texas, a son of John F. Cernosek (1879-1923) and Johanna Lednicky (Chudej) (1879-1957). He was married to Lenora Cernosek. His siblings were Jaroslav C. Cernosek (1902-1926), Agnes Stanislav (1906-1952), John Frank Cernosek (1907-1972), Ivan R. Cernosek (1913-1984), and Benjamin Jerry Cernosek (1919-2003). Captain Cernosek graduated from West High School in 1939 and attended Texas A&M for three years. He joined the Army in 1942 and during World War II he served two tours in Alaska and one in Canada. He is memorialized in Saint Mary's Catholic Cemetery, West, Texas.
Coco, Sfc. John Fred - Sergeant Coco was born on August 05, 1930, in Lawrence, Massachusetts, a son of Salvatore and Lucia "Lucy" Sciuto Coco. His siblings were Anthony, Stephen, William, Nancy and Grace Coco.
Hensley, SSgt. Brown - Sergeant Hensley was born on February 17, 1922, in Kentucky, a son of William H. "Willie" Hensley (1883-1958) and Nancy Smith Hensley (1884-1926). He was married to Eula Francis Smith (later Murray-Emond) (1921-2005). His siblings were Rosa Hensley Browning (1907-1959), Sol Hensley Sr. (1911-1991), Ann Hensley Kindred (1918-2009), and Lillian "Mattie" Hensley Parker (1919-1979). Sergent Hensley's half-brothers were Cecil Hensley (1933-2020) and Joe Hensley (1937-2003).
Kalepa, A2c Llewellyn Kalikookalani - Airman Kalepa was born on October 23, 1923, in Hawaii, a son of Richard Kalikookalani Kalepa (1903-1982) and Margaret Kaipopuha Kalepa (1899-1966). His brother was Richard Ka'aleonaona Kalepa (1939-1999). Airman Kalepa was a member of the 815th Troop Carrier Squadron, 483rd Troop Carrier Group.
Metz, 2Lt. Wallace Ray - Lieutenant Metz was born on October 30, 1929, in Fairbury, Illinois, a son of Daniel R. Metz (1900-1996) and Nellie C. Baker Metz (1902-1994). His siblings were Vivian C. Metz Hubbard (1922-2018) and Eugene William Metz (1922-2003).
Morris, Sgt. Norman Fitzalon - Sergeant Morris entered the military from New York. He was a medic with the Medical Detachment, 674th Airborne Field Artillery Battalion, 187th Airborne Regimental Combat Team.
Santesse, Pfc. Ernest "Elvie" Salvadore Sr. - Private Santesse was born on February 06, 1930, in Pennsylvania, the son of Salvador and Matilda Santesse. In 1951 he married Lois Patterson (Hagan) (1930-1988) and they had one son, Ernest Salvadore "Ernie Jumper" Santesse Jr. (1952-2007).
Williams, Pfc. Delmont - Private Williams was born on September 03, 1930, in Ohio, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Louis Williams. He attended Twinsburg High School before joining the military. His sisters were Daphne, Carlene, Marlene, and Freddy Marie Williams.
On this date an F-94 Starfire (#51-5384) with the 319th Fighter-Intercepter Squadron of the 5th Air Force crashed at Tunjon-ni, Korea, located 12 miles east of Suwon Air Field (K-13). There were two fatalities.
Fatalities:
Aylward, 1Lt. James Frances - Lieutenant Aylward was born March 24, 1930. He is buried in Fort Snelling National Cemetery, Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Leyshon, 1Lt. David Edward "Dave" - Lieutenant Leyshon was born January 20, 1927, in Pennsylvania, the son of Edward Swinton Leyshon (1894-1963) and Miriam Elizabeth Clark Leyshon (Wagner) (1902-1998). He married Doris H. "Dorie" Zoll and they had one childn, Laurie Lee Leyshon. His siblings were Frances Emma Leyshon Johnson (1922-2002), Lucille Miriam Leyshon Macmullan (1923-1993) and Dorothy E. Leyshon Williams (1924-2014). Lieutenant Leyshon entered the Army Air Corps during World War II and then graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1951. He left for Korea in January of 1953 and was on his 26th mission when he was killed. He is buried in the USMA Post Cemetery, West Point.
On this date, two F2H Banshees collided in mid-air during a night training mission. The nose portion of Banshee #126384 was torn away by the impact and its pilot was killed and was found two days later still strapped in his ejection seat in a wooded area in West Greenwich. The pilot of F2H #126411, LTJG James J. Schollian, parachuted to safety.
Snipes, LTJG Jack Oliver - Born October 01, 1928, in Greensboro, North Carolina, he was the son of Ransom Oliver Snipes (1902-1956) and Martha Eliza Hodges Snipes (1903-1988). He left high school in his senior year to enlist in the Navy on February 18, 1947. He later received his GED from East High school in 1948. He was the recipient of an Air Medal for heroism during the Korean War. The citation reads:
For meritorious achievement while participating in aerial flight as a pilot of a jet fighter plane attached to Fighter Squadron Seventy One, during operations against enemy Communist Forces in North Korea on 23 June 1952, Ensign Snipes bravely and skillfully executed two bombing and strafing runs against Fusen number two hydro-electric power plant obtaining hits in the target area. He inflicted serious damage to the installation in the face of enemy anti-aircraft fire and contributed materially in the complete destruction of this vital plant. His outstanding courage and skillful airmanship were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Lieutenant Snipes completed 20 combat missions over North Korea from September 22, 1952, to December 12, 1952. He is buried in Prospect Free Will Baptist Church Cemetery, Dunn, North Carolina.
1Lt. Maxwell Jonah Shipp was the pilot of a F-86F Sabrejet fighter bomber (tail number unknown) with the 67th Fighter Bomber Squadron, 18th Fighter Bomber Group. On June 25, 1953, while on a combat mission, his aircraft's engine flamed out and the plane stalled and crashed. He tried to eject but was not successful. Lieutenant Shipp was born May 22, 1930, in Tuscaloosa County, Alabama, a son of Ezra Jonah Shipp (1897-1985) and Norah L. Earnest Shipp (1898-1942). In 1952 he married Sara Frances Bell (Lewis) (1930-2005). His siblings were Lucile Shipp (1925-1925) and Dr. Joseph Calvin Shipp (born 1927).
2Lt. Joseph Michael Quagley was the pilot of an F-86 Sabrejet (#52-4457) with the 80th Fighter Bomber Squadron, 8th Fighter Bomber Group. On 30 June 1953, while on a combat mission of strafing enemy positions, his aircraft received a direct hit by anti-aircraft fire. The jet failed to pull up and crashed. Lieutenant Quagley was born March 10, 1930 in Gates Center, New York, the son of Sam Thomas Quagley (1908-1992) and Eleanor M. Quagley (1904-2002). Lieutenant Quagley is buried in Woodlawn National Cemetery, Elmira, New York.
Captain James Hoff "Jimmy" Howell Jr. was the pilot of a RF-80C Shooting Star reconnaissance aircraft with the 15th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron, 67th Tactical Reconnaissance Wing. On July 1, 1953, while on a combat mission, his aircraft received intense gunfire, its wing caught fire and folded over and the plane crashed. His remains were not recovered. Captain Howell was born on October 27, 1929, in Ohio, the son of James Hoff Howell Sr. He was the recipient of a Distinguished Flying Cross and an Air Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters.
DPAA: On June 30, 1953, a B-26 Invader (tail number 44-35355A) with a crew of four took off from Kunsan Air Base, South Korea, on an armed reconnaissance mission along main supply routes in North Korea. During an attack on railroad facilities in the vicinity of Ch'innanp'o, North Korea, the Invader was hit and severely damaged by hostile ground fire. After establishing contact with a forward ground controller, the pilot turned south toward Ch'o-do, an island in the Yellow Sea, off the west coast of Korea. Upon reaching the island's coast, the crew bailed out due to a spreading fire on the plane. Three crew members successfully parachuted from the aircraft before it crashed into Korea Bay, and all three were rescued from the water and returned to duty. The fourth crew member was not located following the incident.
Conner, Airman B.N.
Kittleson, Lieutenant
LeBrun, Lieutenant C.R.
Allen, Capt. Jack Victor (pilot) - Captain Allen was born May 20, 1920, in Lennox, South Dakota. He was the husband of Margaret Eva Rowland Allen, and the father of Leslie and Robert Evan Allen. A 1938 graduate of Santa Ana High School, Captain Allen's name is on the Nielson-Henderson POW list. Captain Allen was the recipient of a Silver Star, Distinguished Flying Cross, and Air Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters.
DPAA: A couple hours after midnight on July 1, 1953, a B-26 Invader (tail number 44-35210) departed Kunsan Air Base, Korea, with a crew of three. The briefed mission was single-ship night intruder operation targeting three main supply routes known as Red 1, 2 and 3. The target emphasis was Pyongyang to Chinampo, Sariwon to Haeju and Pyongyang to Sariwon. Approximately 40 minutes after takeoff, as this B-26 was approaching Taeyong Island, the pilot checked in with the forward air control station, reporting that he was inbound to the target area. This was the last contact with the aircraft. All attempts to locate the crash site or the missing aviators were unsuccessful.
Cherrington, A1C George Lee - Airman Cherrington was born February 22, 1932 in Galesburg, Illinois, a son of Irvin Clarence Cherrington Sr. (1892-1988) and Pansy Marie Dawson Cherrington (1895-1991). He was the husband of Mary Ann Frambles Cherrington. His siblings were Evelyn Marita Cherrington Riggs (1917-2002), Lila Fern Cherrington Armstrong (1919-2000), Isal Lavon Cherrington Franseen (19 22-2014), Verna Lorene Cherrington Sopher (1924-2002), Irvin Clarence Cherrington Jr. (192 6-2008), Bruce Cherrington and Elvin Cherrington.
Roberts, Maj. John Edward - Major Roberts was born August 11, 1917, the son of Edward B. Roberts and Gertrude Gonska Roberts. A graduate of the US Military Academy in 1943, the World War II veteran married Kathryn E. "Kitty" Noonan in the USMA chapel on January 21, 1943. The couple had two sons, John Edward Roberts Jr. and William Roberts. Kitty never remarried and died in 2008.
Sydnor, Maj. Robert Austin - Major Sydnor was born January 03, 1918, the son of Charles Coleman Sydnor and Nancy Martha Corder Syndor (1892-1974). His siblings were Maj. James W. "Bill" Sydnor (1920-2011) and Maj. Charles Barrett Sydnor (1924-2013).
While on a 90-day rotation to RAF Fairford, this Stratojet stalled on the turn to the final and crashed and burned at RAF Upper Heyford, UK. Four crew members died.
Russell, Maj. Thomas Pitkin II - Major Russell was born on January 03, 1922, in Illinois, the son of Willard Pitkin Russell (1898-1970) and Sue Reid Slack Russell (1901-1965). He was married to Gene Margot Sweeny (1921-2005). Major Russell was a World War II veteran decorated with a Distinguished Flying Cross and an Air Medal with five Oak Leaf Clusters. He is buried in Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in Missouri.
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Lieutenant Junior Grade Robert Sterling Bick was the pilot of a Douglas F3D-2 Skyknight fighter with Detachment 44, Composite Squadron 4 aboard the carrier USS Lake Champlain (CVA-39) and based at Pyongtaek Airfield (K-6). On July 2, 1953, while on patrol 12 miles north of Cho-do Island, this F3D-2 Skyknight encountered four enemy fighters. After shooting down one enemy fighter the plane was lost. The crew was listed as Missing in Action and presumed dead on August 5, 1954.
Missing in Action:
Bick, Ltjg. Robert Sterling (pilot) - Lieutenant Bick was born on May 23, 1929, in Queens County, New York.
Smith, ATC Linton Calton Jr. (radar operator) - Airman Smith was born on October 07, 1924, in Texas, the son of Linton Calton Smith Sr. (1894-1953) and Faye Y. Randall Smith (later Hillyer) (1899-1982). Airman Smith's sisters were Helen Irene Pruitt (1917-2006), Sarah Ethel Holtzclaw (1919-1995) and Cecielle Evans.
On July 4, 1953, an F3D-2 Skyknight (bureau number 124636) carrying two crew members took off from Pyongtaek Airbase, South Korea, on a night mission to fly top cover for other aircraft operating in the area or returning from missions. After its departure, the aircraft's route was toward the North Korean lowlands, south of Pyongyang. The crew made its last radio contact shortly after taking off and while near the mouth of the Taedong River, but ground control stations were unable to make any further contact after this point. Other aircraft flying in the same area attempted to raise the pilot on the radio but had no success. It was estimated that the missing Skyknight's fuel would have depleted early on July 5. When it failed to return to base, search efforts were launched but failed to locate the missing Skyknight or its crew.
DPAA: On July 5, 1953, an AD4N Skyraider (bureau number 126944) with a crew of three departed the USS Boxer (CVA 21) for a combat mission off the east coast of North Korea. The aircraft suffered a power failure immediately after take-off, forcing the pilot to ditch the plane in the sea. The pilot and one crew member managed to escape the sinking aircraft and were picked up by rescuers; however, the third crew member (A01 Martin J. Wright) went down with the aircraft before he could be rescued. The other crew members were Lt. C.R. Johnson and ACAN D.G. Kennedy, both rescued by the USS Sumner DD692. A01 Wright was born September 12, 1921. His mother was Mary Wright.
A naval training helicopter crashed at Lakehurst Naval Air Station, New Jersey, killing one and injuring another. The pilot, Lt. Todd Elsworth Harden, was rushed to Philadelphia Naval Hospital but died three hours later. Aviation Machinists' Mate Bernard Cohan suffered a broken nose and facial cuts. Lieutenant Harden was born on May 06, 1922, a son of Harold E. Harden (1887-1969) and Minnie Pearl Hicks Harden (1889-1973). He was survived by his wife June and their three-year-old son, Todd Samuel Harden. Lieutenant Harden's brother was Edward K. Harden. Lieutenant Harden graduated from Central High School and received his wings in November of 1943. He is buried in St. Joseph Memorial Park, St. Joseph, Missouri.
An F-94 Starfire (#51-5389) from the Fifth Air Force. Squadron, 319th Ftr-Int Squadron crashed 1.5 miles west of K-13 (Suwon) near Kosaeng-ni, Korea. There were two fatalities.
Fatalities:
Gilles, 1Lt. Walter Peter - Lieutenant Giles was born May 10, 1923, in Glenbeulah, a son of Joseph Gilles (1890-1964) and Laurinda Victoria Kohlmann Gilles (1896-1994). He was married to Francis Lillian Rice (later Urban) (1928-1993) in 1947. His siblings were Robert John Gilles (1925-1977), Mary Catherine Gilles Carey (1921-2017), and Ruth Ann Gilles Patrick (1930-1986). Lieutenant Gilles was a 1941 graduate of Glenbeulah High School and enlisted in the Army Air Corps on August 07, 1943. He had been stationed in Korea since February of 1953 and had just completed his 36th combat mission. He is buried in Arlington National Cemetery.
Knight, Capt. Jack Arthur - Captain Knight was born March 03, 1920, in Cleveland, Ohio, a son of Arthur John Knight (1898-1973) and Mildred H. Hoban Knight (1899-1989). He was married to rosemary Kernan (later Browning) (1921-1998) on November 23, 1940 and they had two daughters: Karren Kernan Knight Hotchkiss (1943-1969) and Randall Joan "Randy" Knight Shandle (1945-2024). His brother was Robert Thomas Knight (1927-1993). Captain Knight was an Army flier in World War II and re-enlisted in 1948. He is buried in Arlington National Cemetery.
This LT-6G was first destroyed during landing at Pyeongtaek AFB (K-6) in Korea on January 25, 1952. It was repaired and returned to service in Korea. On July 09, 1953, it was destroyed a second time, resulting in a fatality when it crashed in thick fog.
Fatality:
Helm, 1Lt. John Francis - Lieutenant Helm was born on October 07, 1926, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, the son of Dr. Fred Power Helm (1897-1977) and Zoe Klein Helm (1899-1978). Lieutenant Helm attended Texas A&M in 1943. He is buried in Rose Hill Burial Park, Oklahoma City Oklahoma.
Survivor:
Gage, 2Lt. Robert B.
First Lieutenant Robert Phillip Gaude Jr. was the pilot of a F-84E Thunderjet fighter (#51-711) with the 430th Fighter-Bomber Squadron, 474th Fighter-Bomber Group. On July 10, 1953, while on a combat mission, his aircraft received a direct hit by anti-aircraft fire, crashed and exploded. His remains were not recovered. Lieutenant Gaude was born September 08, 1930 in Mississippi, a son of Robert Phillip Gaude Sr. 1903-1963tense "Tonsie" Lapeyrouse Gaude (1903-2007). His sister was Shirley Gaude (2926-1940) and he had an infant brother who died. Lieutenant Gaude attended Sacred Heart Academy in Biloxi, and graduated from Georgia Institute of Technology. He flew 38 combat missions in Korea and was the recipient of a Distiguished Flying Cross and Air Medal with one Oak Leaf Cluster. Gaude Lanes Bowling Center at Keesler Air Force Base was named in his honor.
DPAA: Midmorning on July 11, 1953, a flight of four F-86 Sabres departed Kimpo Air Base, Korea. The briefed mission was airborne alert operation patrolling from a point two miles north of Kaechon to a point 10 miles northwest of Ochon. Approximately 45 minutes after takeoff, the flight was alerted to an unidentified aircraft in their operational area. While maneuvering to intercept and identify the unknown aircraft, the number two Sabre (tail number 52-2836) and number three Sabre (tail number 51-12972) collided. The number two aircraft, severely damaged, began to spin out of control. The number three aircraft wobbled from side to side for about 15 seconds, rolled to the left and then began a 30 degree downward descent. Both F-86s crashed in the Korea Bay about 40 miles off the coast, east of Pyongyang. Weather conditions in the area prevented witnesses from maintaining continuous visual contact as they descended. Searches of the area were unsuccessful in locating either pilot.
Aldridge, 1LT Eugene Gilbert (pilot) - Lieutenant Aldridge was born November 03, 1927 in Tampa, Florida, the son of Mrs. Florence King. He was the husband of Billie Ruth Bodine Aldridge (born 1928), San Augustine, Texas.
Cox, 1LT Albert - Lieutenant Cox was born October 06, 1929, the son if Theddie Crawford (T.E.) Cox (1890-1956) and Mary Rebecca Weaver Cox (1893-1983). His siblings were William Franklin Cox (1916-2001), Mary Crawford Cox Fairey (1918-1995) and Josephine Cox Watson Doyle (1921-2013). Lieutenant Cox was a graduate of Denmark, South Carolina high school. He attended Riverside Academy in Georgia for one year, two years at Clemon, and two years at the University of South Carolina. He flew 90 combat missions prior to the collision.
During Operation Tailwind, a tactical operation for United States and Canadian air defense units, two jets collided in flight 10 miles north of Quilcene, Washington over the Olympic Mountains. The pilot of F-86D #51-6111 was Maj. Charles Vincent Garino (1919-1973). He parachuted to safety. The pilot of F-94A #49-2558 was Cordell Lester Summers. He was killed. Summers was born on February 13, 1922, in Fresno County, California, the son of Lester W. Summers and Mildred "Millie" L. Nygren Summers (died 1953). His wife was Silvia Mugnolo Summers (1923-1976). They were parents of a son, Cordell L. Summers (1945-2004). Cordell Summers Sr. was the recipient of an Air Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters. He is buried in Calvary Cemetery, Madera, California.
DPAA: Lieutenant Junior Grade Jacob Louis Pawer Jr. entered the U.S. Navy from Wisconsin and was assigned to Carrier Division 3, embarked aboard the USS Princeton (CV-37). On July 12, 1953, he piloted a single-seat AD-4N Skyraider (bureau number 125757) that launched from the Princeton, positioned off the east coast of Korea in the Sea of Japan, to conduct over-water live-fire weapons delivery practice. The Skyraider belonged to Fighter Squadron 155, and it is thought that LTJG Pawer had borrowed this aircraft from the fighter squadron to fly this training mission. During his flight, LTJG Pawer took the aircraft into a dive to make a firing pass, but for unknown reasons he never pulled up and crashed into the water. The impact destroyed the aircraft. There was no evidence indicating he survived the crash, and his remains could not be located following the incident. Lieutenant Pawer was born September 12, 1923 in Appleton, Wisconsin, the son of Jacob Louis Pawer Sr. (1889-1968) and Anna W. Winkler Pawer (1889-1986). He married a Wilterding and they had one son. His sister was Eyvonne P. Pawer Geise (1929-2015). Lieutenant Pawer was the recipient of a Bronze Star.
While engaged in anti-submarine training tactics, a Navy patrol bomber crashed in the ocean 25 miles east of Cape Henry. Four survivors on a raft were picked up by the destroyer McNair, two bodies were recovered, and five remained missing.
Fatalities Recovered:
Kuzma, Aviation Electronics Man 1C Theodore - AE Kuzma was born on June 26, 1923. He was from Fife Lake, Michigan. He is buried in Baltimore National Cemetery, Baltimore, Maryland.
Peddie, Aviation Machinists Mate Delma Clell - AMM Peddie was born on February 25, 1920, in Florida, a son of George W. and Lessie M. Peddie. He was married to Anne Louise Edgell (1923-1959) and they had a son Phillip Christoper Peddie (1946-2009). His siblings were George N., Gynnell, and Byrnnell Peddie. Delma Peddie enlisted on July 30, 1941 and he is buried in Union Cemetery, Columbus, Ohio.
Missing:
Earnhart, Aviation Electronicsman 2C John W. (radio operator) - AE Earnhart was born on September 23, 1923, in Arkansas, a son of Eric Oscar Earnhart (1894-1974) and Annie E. Morgan Earnhart (1898-1940). He was married and the father of three children. His siblings were Dwight, Milburn Wayne "Pete" (1920-1989), Harrell Gene (1928-20-15), Russell, Bobby, Erkle Mae Lloyd (1918-1985), Elizabeth Ann Powell (1934-2011), and Gayle Earnhart.
Greene, Aviation Electronics Technician 3C J.B. - AE Greene was born in 1929, a son of John G. Greene (1885-1945) and Gladys B. Burwood Greene (1896-1982). His brother was William A. "Bill" Greene (1932-2024). Greene was from Skowhegan, Maine.
Justice, Aviation Ordnanceman 1C W.H. - Cowen, West Virginia
Sowers, Aviation Machinists Mate 3C H.L. - Wharton, West Virginia
Stewart, Aviation Electronics Technician 3C R.E. - Dupo, Illinois
Survivors:
Malone, Ltjg. D.E. - Dallas, Texas
Nuget, Lt. W.S. - Watervliet, New York
Tileston, Ens. T.N. - Middletown, Kentucky
Sears, Ltjg. W.B. - Wyoming, Iowa
An AD-4N Skyraider night dive bomber (#125738) with Composite Squadron 35 was stationed aboard the USS Boxer (CVA-21). On July 14, 1953, while on a night combat air patrol, radio contact with the aircraft was lost. Both crew members are listed as missing in action.
Missing in Action:
Guyn, AEAN Thomas H. - AEAN Guyn was born June 28, 1932, the son of Betty M. Guyn, Detroit, Michigan.
Kennedy, AEAN Jack Spencer - AEAN Kennedy was born November 01, 1933 in Bakersfield, California, the son of Neal Kennedy. He was the recipient of an Air Medal.
Smith, Lt. Ralph Arthur Jr. - Lieutenant Smith was born March 16, 1921 in Salina, Kansas, the son of Ralph Arthur Smith Sr. (1882-1960) and Elizabeth Allan Smith (1883-1977). He married Babette Hartzell "Babs" Stiefel (later Freeman) (1929-2009) on September 07, 1946 in Salina, Kansas. They were parents of Eric Jay Smith (1947-1947) and Gary Stiefel Smith Freeman (1950-2004). Lieutenant Smith was the recipient of a Navy Cross, Silver Star, Distinguished Flying Cross, and Air Medal with four Gold Stars.
On July 14, 1953, while on a night intruder mission, contact with a B-26C Invader (#44-35817) with the 13th Bomber Squadron, 3rd Bomber Group at Kunsan Airfield (K-8), South Korea was lost between Sinanju and Pyongyang, North Korea.
Atkinson, 1Lt. Fred Franklin Jr. (navigator) - Lieutenant Atkinson was born May 07, 1925 in El Paso, Texas, a son of Fred Franklin Atkinson Sr. (1891-1953) and Hazel Margarette Wiley Atkinson (1901-1978). His siblings were George Wiley Atkinson (1923-2008), Martha Kate Atkinson Dryden (1926-2012), Carl Thomas Atkinson (1929-1930), Sally Frances Atkinson (1934-1934) and James Robert Atkinson (1936-1978). Lieutenant Atkinson graduated from New Mexico A&M College 1951.
Croshaw, A1C Howard Lamont (tailgunner) - Airman Croshaw was born November 26, 1934 in San Joaquin County, California, the son of Howard Fisher Croshaw (1911-1974) and Rosa Clark Croshaw (1914-1990). He was the recipient of a Distinguished Flying Cross and Air Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster.
Haladyna, Capt. Stanley Bernard (pilot) - Captain Haladyna was born April 30, 1924 in Clarksville, Pennsylvania, a son of Samuel S. Haladyna (1886-1961) and Mary Victoria Czernik Haladyna (1887-1960). He was married to Shirley Louise Hanson Hiladyna (1929-2022), who never remarried. His siblings were Caroline Mary Haladyna Denis (1906-1993), Victoria M. Haladyna Kaneir (1909-1970), Frank Samuel Haladyna (1911-1948), John Jacob Haladyna (1913-1984), Mary Anne Haladyna Mischick (1915-1999), Walter John Haladyna (1917-1992), and Pauline Haladyna Foster (1919-1999). Captain Haladyna was the recipient of an Air Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters.
Story, A3C Glen Frederick "Sonny" (flight engineer) - Airman Story was born May 16, 1933 in Todd County, South Dakota, the eighth of ten children born to Joseph Daniel "Joe" Story (1886-1937( and Bertha Georgiann Totton Story Beauchamp (1898-1984). His siblings were Melba Lucille Story Schilling (1915-2016), William Joseph "Bill" Story (1918-2003, Jasper Richard Story (1922-2001), Dorothy Elizabeth Story Kahler (1924-2007), Ruby Bernice Story Ingram (1926-1993), Earnest George Story, Edith Verabelle "Vera" Story Maier (1928-2015) and Joyce Gladys Story Songer (1937-2016). He was the recipient of an Air Medal.
This top secret experimental record-breaking Convair was lost on its 42nd flight during high-speed classified testing by pilot Capt. Donald Pound Germeraad over the Pacific near San Diego, California. He was asked to test the limits of the plane, pushing it to 340 miles per hour. The aircraft shuddered and the instruments failed. He told his crew of nine to parachute out and they were all rescued by the Coast Guard. Captain Germeraad bailed out too late. He was born on July 18, 1921, in Yellowstone County, Montana, the son of John Henry Germeraad Sr. (1883-1966) and Jane Holland Blake Germeraad (1889-1971). He was married to former World War II Nurses Corps veteran Esther Pietrina "Pete" Aspesi (1921-2021) in 1946. They were parents of Paul Germeraad and Ann Germeraad Cline. His siblings were John Henry Germeraad Jr. (1918-2006), William Leggat "Bill" Germeraad (1927-1997) and Joy Germeraad Serrette (1929-2022).
Major Vernon Ellifritz was the pilot of a F-84D Thunderjet fighter (#51-1116) with the 69th Fighter-Bomber Squadron, 58th Fighter-Bomber Group. On July 15, 1953, while on a combat mission, his aircraft crashed into a hill near Chongchon-dong, North Korea. Major Ellifritz was born March 23, 1917, in Mineral County, West Virginia, a son of Noah Ellifritz (1875-1952) and Lucy Banes Ellifritz (1873-1937). In 1945 Major Ellifritz married Army Nurse Corps veteran of World War II, Marie Knowles (1922-1985) and they had a son Kipp (1949-2012), who died in a farm accident. Their daughters were Gail Ellifritz and Diane Ellifritz Hayes. His brothers were Daniel Brady Ellifritz Sr. (1908-2003) and Leo Ellifritz (1910-2001). His sister was Elizabeth Ellifritz Smith. The recipient of a Distinguished Flying Cross, Major Ellifritz is buried in Centenary United Methodist Church Cemetery, Reeses Mill, West Virginia.
Attached to the Royal Navy's HMS Ocean, this aircraft crashed in an accident, killing its crew of two.
Fatalities:
Evans, Lt. Albert John D. -
Thomas, Lt. Kenneth M. -
First Lieutenant William Anthony Voss was the pilot of a F-84G Thunderjet fighter (#51-10399) with the 429th Fighter-Bomber Squadron, 474th Fighter-Bomber Group. On July 16, 1953, while on a combat mission near Kujang-dong, Sinanju-Anju, North Korea, his aircraft received a direct hit by anti-aircraft fire and crashed. He was listed as Missing in Action and was presumed dead on July 17, 1954. Lieutenant Voss was born August 09, 1930. In 1952 he married Lois O'Hara (later Riley) (1930-2020) and they had a daughter, Marybeth Voss Guy. Lieutenant Voss was the recipient of an Air Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster.
This Meteor crashed immediately after takeoff from K-14, Kimpo, South Korea, killing its pilot.
Fatality:
McGlinchey, Squad Leader Leonard Thomas - Squad Leader McGlinchey was born on May 08, 1924, in Gumeracha, South Australia, Australia. He was serving with the 91st Composite Wing.
1Lt. Frank Lawrence Keck Jr. was a pilot of an F9-F-5 Pantherjet assigned to Marine Fighter Squadron 311, Marine Air Group 33, 1st Marine Air Wing. On July 17, 1953, Keck was a combat mission, when his "aircraft failed." He bailed out off the coast of Pusan, South Korea. Rescue efforts were unsuccessful. His remains were not recovered. During his career Keck had been awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for Valor, Air Medal with 3 Gold Stars & the Purple Heart. His name is inscribed on the Courts of the Missing. Lieutenant Keck was born on May 27, 1928, in Pennsylvania, the son of Frank Lawrence Keck Sr. (1903-1987) and Mary Elizabeth "May: Kane Keck (1907-1999). His sister was Florence T. Keck (1939-1954).
Captain Robert Iver Nordell was the pilot of a F9F-5 Pantherjet fighter with Marine Fighter Squadron 311, Marine Air Group 33, 1st Marine Air Wing. On July 17, 1953, while on a combat mission, his aircraft failed and he bailed out over the Sea of Japan near Pusan, South Korea. Rescue efforts were unsuccessful. His remains were not recovered. Captain Nordell was born on April 20, 1922, a son of Iver Elmer Nordell (1886-1969) and Carry Kathleen Carson Nordell (1897-1962). His siblings were Warren Elmer Nordell (1921-1979), Mary Evelyn Woods (1923-1986), Calvin Carson Nordell (1926-2009), Keith C. Nordell (1926-1989) and Wayne Franklin Nordell (1934-2020). Captain Nordell was a World War II veteran with a Distinguished Flying Cross and Air Medal with four Gold Stars.
DPAA report: First Lieutenant Thomas Lee Potter, who entered the U.S. Air Force from California, served in the 7th Fighter-Bomber Squadron, 49th Fighter-Bomber Group. On July 17, 1953, he was the pilot of an F-84G Thunderjet (tail number 51-796) that took off from Kunsan airbase, South Korea, as the third of four aircraft on a close air support mission to targets north of the village of Kumwha in North Korea. At some point, the flight was directed to a new target in an area just north of the present-day Demilitarized Zone. After checking in with the tactical air controller, the flight proceeded to the new target where during 1st Lt Potter's run, he received a target correction and was seen to adjust his dive but never pulled out of it. His Thunderjet subsequently crashed near the target and exploded after it hit the ground, and none of the other pilots on the mission observed any evidence that 1st Lt Potter survived the crash. He remains unaccounted-for. Lieutenant Potter was born November 17, 1930, in California, the son of Henry G. Potter and Velma Fern Bateman Potter. His sister was Edwina Potter Partain. He was the recipient of an Air Medal..
Young college students, all Navy midshipmen, many of whom were teenagers, were injured or lost their lives in a fiery plane crash near Milton, Florida on July 17, 1953. There were 41 casualties among the passengers and crew. The midshipmen victims had just completed a three-week familiarization course in naval aviation at NAS, Cabaniss Field and NAAS Kingsville. For many of them, it was their first time in an airplane. There were 40 Naval ROTC men and six Marine crewmen aboard the R4Q Fairchild Packet plane (the Marine version of the C119 Flying Boxcar) which was regularly attached to the 2nd Marine Air Wing based at Cherry Point, North Carolina. All the ROTC men were college students, in their sophomore and junior years and from many states. As part of their reserve work they are required to take six weeks summer training at naval installations in Corpus Christi and Norfolk. Altogether, 1,600 ROTC men are taking part in this summer's program, half of them at Corpus Christi and half at Norfolk.
At the end of three weeks, the 800 at Norfolk and 800 at Corpus Christi swapped bases for the final three weeks. The group which had stopped at Whiting was half of the 800 being flown to Norfolk. Part of a flight of five transports ferrying the NROTC men from Corpus Christi, Texas to Norfolk, Virginia, for another phase of their six-week summer training program, the cargo plane had left from a refueling stop at Whiting Field minutes before it crashed on a farm near Pensacola and burst into flames. It crashed into a group of trees 0.75 miles past the runway end, hit three parked cars, and then plowed into a barn on the Ray Allen farm. Navy rescue teams found six survivors, but one died en-route to a hospital.
Three others died a few days later. A message on the internet by T.G. Lilly stated: "Three of the initial five survivors died several days later in the Pensacola Naval Hospital: Dale E. Scott, a student at the University of Oklahoma, died on Wednesday, July 22, 1953; Captain C. E. Graff died the following day; and Thomas F. Maggard, a student at the University of Utah, died on Sunday, July 26, 1953. The only survivors were Corporal Jerome Tuttle, navigator, and midshipman Jay B. Weidler, Jr., of Rice Institute."
The ten NROTC midshipmen from Rice Institute were honored with a plaque in the Rice Memorial Center in 2005. The plaque was designed by classmate and architect John Joiner. Further information and photographs of the Rice midshipmen can be found in the Volume II, No. 3, Fall 2006 issue of The Cornerstone newsletter of the Rice Historical Society. The article was written by Mary S. Dix.
Tuttle, Cpl. J.P. - USMC, son of Jerome W. Tuttle, Chaumont, New York, crew member (serious condition)/Buried in Peoples Cemetery, Woodward, Iowa. He died September 14, 1994.
Weidler, Jay Benoir, Jr. - NROTC, student, son of Jay B. Weidler, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, student at Rice Institute (serious condition). Jay Benoir Weidler, Jr., 86, of Brenham, Texas died on November 17, 2019. He was born May 27, 1933, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to Emma Dorothy (Stalker) Weidler and Jay Benoir Weidler, Sr. (b. 3-8-1901; d. 6-22-1969 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania).
Jay grew up in Philadelphia, attended Central High School (196th graduating class), and left for Rice Institute in Houston, Texas in 1951. He joined the Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (N.R.O.T.C.) and tragically was one of the only survivors of a plane crash occurring shortly after midnight on July 17, 1953, in Pensacola, Florida as part of midshipman amphibious training.
After recovering from his injuries at home in Philadelphia, he returned to college for his junior year. He graduated from Rice Institute in 1956 with a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering. He then served in the Marine Corps, as an Engineering Officer ending with a rank of First Lieutenant. He was honorably discharged from the Marine Corps in 1959 and from the reserves in 1964.
He returned to Rice in 1959 for graduate school, earning a Masters in Science in 1961 and a Doctor of Philosophy in 1965 in civil engineering, followed by postdoctoral work at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island from 1965 to 1968. He left academia and returned to Houston in 1969 to join Brown & Root, Inc. and rose to Senior Vice President, Chief Marine Engineer and Director of Technology, semi-retiring in 2000, and fully retiring in 2004 after consulting part-time.
Dr. Weidler had over 45 years of engineering experience in the military, academic, and industrial fields. He authored or co-authored 26 technical papers and held five patents. Weidler's accomplishments included the design, fabrication and installation of the Louisiana Offshore Oil Port, which received the ASCE Outstanding Civil Engineering Achievement Award in 1982. In 1995, Jay was the Offshore Technology Conference recipient of the Distinguished Achievement Award for Individuals for significant leadership in the application of structural engineering concepts and approaches that allowed the safe and economic development in challenging offshore areas worldwide, including the Gulf of Mexico, North Slope and Cook Inlet, Alaska, and the North Sea. Also in 1995, he was awarded the American Society of Civil Engineers John G. Moffatt-Frank E. Nichol Harbor and Coastal Engineering Award. He was inducted in 1998 to the Offshore Pioneers Hall Fame as a charter member at the Offshore Energy Center in Galveston, Texas. Dr. Weidler was a two-term member of the Rice University Alumni Board, an initial Chairman of Industry Advisory Board for the University of Texas/ Texas A&M University for the establishment of the Offshore Technology Research Center, 1988-1990. Jay was also on the Board of Trustees of the Southwest Research Institute, served as Brown & Root representative to the American Petroleum Institute Committee Two, Committee for Standardization of Offshore Structures and was active on numerous subcommittees, work groups as a member and/ or chairman for over twenty-five years.
Jay married Mary Hughston "Mary Hugh" Patrick in 1961 in Houston, Texas. Jay is survived by: his wife, Mary, his daughters, Teresa Weidler and Julia Hall Weidler; his son and daughter-in-law, John Benoir Weidler and Christine Elizabeth Edwards; his grandchildren, Jodie Olivia Tokumoto; Sean Mareo Tokumoto; Joseph Thomas Weidler; and Elise Catherine Weidler; Jay's younger sister, Phyllis Jane (Weidler) Gilbert; and his three nephews and their wives: Samuel Vanderpoel Gilbert IV (wife Kristine), Jay Benoir Gilbert (wife Marti), and Geoffrey Calderwood Gilbert (wife Jennifer), and their children .
Jay was preceded in death by: his parents, his grandchild, Corinne Elizabeth Weidler; his brother-in-law, Samuel Vanderpoel Gilbert III; his aunts, Phyllis Edith Stalker; Jessie Apoline (Weidler) Oberholtzer; Jane Groff (Weidler) Blizzard; his uncles, Robert Dobson Stalker; William John Stalker, Jr.; Edward Dale Stalker; Joseph Grier Weidler; John Alford Weidler; James Theodore Weidler; Grier Lud Orth Weidler, Jr.; and his grandparents, Grier Lud Orth Weidler, Sr.; Jessie Apoline (Bennor) Weidler; William John Stalker, Sr.; Emma Dorothy (Hall) Stalker; his father-in-law, William Lester Patrick; and mother-in-law, Julia Emma (Taylor) Patrick.
A funeral service at St. Peter's Episcopal Church in Brenham, Texas. Memorial Oaks Chapel - Brenham had charge of arrangements.
[Source: Findagrave]
Bailey, Edward Lee Jr. - son of Maggie J. Nicol (1905-1993), Webster, Texas, student at Rice Institute. His goal was to become a chaplain. He was a passenger.
Bates, Eldred Donor Jr. - Born June 24, 1933, he was the son of Eldred Donor Bates Sr. and Mrs. Augusta Bates Meyer, Norman, Oklahoma. He was a student at the University of Oklahoma. He was a passenger. He is buried in the IOOF Cemetery, Norman.
Biles, William R. "Billy" - son of William Ray Biles (1906-1982) and Irene L. Biles (1911-2003), Springfield, Missouri, student at University of Missouri. He was a passenger. Born July 2, 1931, Bill is buried in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens Cemetery, Springfield, Missouri.
Caldwell, Frank McFaden - son of Lawrence C. Caldwell, Richmond, Virginia, student at Rice Institute. He was a member of the Rice golf team and had just graduated with a major in physics. He was a passenger.
Clayton, Edward R. - son of Arthur E. Clayton, Park Ridge, Illinois, student at Rice Institute. He was an economics major and a passenger.
Coyle, George W. Jr. - son of George W. Coyle Sr. (1903-1981) and Lucile K. "Lucy" Kline Coyle (1907-1994), Maplewood, Louisiana, student at Rice Institute. George Jr. was born in 1932 and is buried in Fairview Cemetery, Coffeyville, Kansas. He was in his junior year in business administration.
Daniel, Raymond Archie - son of Archie Washington Daniel (1991-1940) and Amy Lorena Mosley Daniel (1908-1994), Houston, student at Rice Institute. He was a passenger. Born July 08, 1931 in Waco, Texas, he is buried in Forest Park Cemetery, Houston, Texas. It is possible that Raymond had a sister named Mary Elizabeth Ann Daniel, but the KWE has not confirmed this. He was a graduate of Houston's John H. Reagan High School, had already received his ensign's commission, and planned to return to Rice for a master's in electrical engineering before his Navy duty.
Dickson, Robert Kay Marshall - son of Robert Charles Dickson, El Paso, student at Rice Institute. Born August 20, 1934, he is buried in Fort Bliss National Cemetery, El Paso, Texas. He was a junior in electrical engineering and a passenger.
Elston, Wallis C. - son of Herbert Elston, Houston, student at Rice Institute. His family moved to Houston when he was a teenager. He wanted to enter medical school. He was a passenger.
Fahrenkamp, Emil Edmund - son of Emil Edmund and Thelma Mann Fahrenkamp, Fort Worth, University of Oklahoma. He was born April 28, 1934 in Big Spring, Texas and was the Fahrenkamp's only child. He was a passenger. He is buried in Greenwood Memorial Park and Mausoleum, Fort Worth, Texas.
Farley, TSgt. Jerome L. - husband of Shirley J. Farley, Fort Macon Village, North Carolina/Died July 17, 1953/Buried in St. Jerome's Cemetery, Columbus, Wisconsin.
Graff, Capt. Charles E. - pilot, Morehead City, North Carolina (critical condition). He died July 18, 1953 and is buried in Crescent Cemetery, Crescent, Oklahoma.
Heddleson, Charles Stewart - son of Warren Floyd Heddleson (1913-1976) and Fanchon Stewart Heddleson (1912-2002), Oklahoma City, student at University of Oklahoma. He was a passenger. Born May 17, 1933, he is buried in Memorial Park Cemetery, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. His sister was Margaret Nell Heddleson Harvey (1938-1990).
Hughes, John Paul - son of W. T. Hughes, Oklahoma City, student at University of Oklahoma. He was a passenger. Born February 23, 1933, he is buried in Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens Cemetery, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
Kingen, James J. - brother of John H. Kingen (?), Tarrytown, New York, student at University of Oklahoma. He was a passenger. James was born June 18, 1932, a son of James Joseph Kingen II (1898-1923) and Grace Nolan Kingen (1898-1932). He is buried in Sleepy Hollow Cemetery, Sleepy Hollow, New York.
Lulow, Roy Verl Jr. - son of Roy Verl Lulow Sr., Tulsa, Oklahoma. A student at University of Oklahoma, he was born May 5, 1932. He was a passenger. He is buried in Memorial Park Cemetery, Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Lyons, Sgt. Ned Joseph - husband of Shirley M. Lyons, Kokomo, Indiana/Buried in Sunset Memory Garden, Kokomo, Indiana. Died July 17, 1953. Born August 1, 1930 in Kokomo, Indiana, he was a son of Mr. and Mrs. Herbert Lyons. His wife was Shirley M. Downhour Lyons (1930-2002). They were married in 1948. Ned joined the United States Marine Corps on January 17, 1951. His brother was Larry Lyons.
Maggard, Thomas F. - Navy ROTC, son of Mrs. Frank Maggard, Kansas City, Missouri, student at the University of Utah (critical condition). He died July 26, 1953.
Mills, Billy Everette - son of Mrs. Everett Mills, Wayne, Oklahoma. He was a passenger. A student at University of Oklahoma, he was born March 12, 1933. He is buried in Hillside Cemetery, Purcell, Oklahoma.
Munkres, James L. - son of Ray Riley Munkres (1901-1988) and Ethel Butcher Munkes (1905-1991), Enid, Oklahoma. A student at University of Oklahoma, he was born September 30, 1932. He was a passenger. He is buried in Memorial Park Cemetery, Enid.
Phillips, Ted G. - son of Harold E. Phillips (1908-1972) and Rebecca C. Phillips (1909-1998), Oklahoma City, student at University of Oklahoma. He was a passenger. Born July 29, 1929, Ted is buried in Rosemound Cemetery, Medford, Oklahoma.
Prentiss, George Henry Jr. - son of George Henry Prentiss Sr. (1895-1959) and Martha K. Prentiss (1895-1973), Muskogee, Oklahoma. He was a passenger. A student at University of Oklahoma, he was born January 18, 1934. He is buried in Memorial Park Cemetery, Muskogee, Oklahoma.
Raibourn, James Paul - son of Claude Raibourn (1895-1987), Sarasota, Florida, student at University of Oklahoma. James' brother was Gerald Robert Raibourn (1935-1994). He was a passenger. James Paul was born June 06, 1933 and is buried in Barrancas National Cemetery, Pensacola, Florida.
Rhyne, Robert E. - son of Mrs. Marvel F. (Martha M. Hogan) Rhyne, Fort Smith, Arkansas, student at University of Oklahoma. He was a passenger. Marvel Rhyne was born 1897 and died in 1972. Martha Rhyne was born in 1906 and died in 1990.
Richardson, Robert Eugene - son of Howard Eugene Richardson (1908-1977) and Maud Dare Richardson (1914-2013), Brookhaven, Mississippi, student at University of Oklahoma. He was a passenger. Robert was born on August 10, 1933 and is buried in Rose Hill Cemetery, Brookhaven, Mississippi.
Rushing, John Blair - son of Mrs. Mabel Elisabeth Hill Rushing (1911-1999), Chandler, Oklahoma, student at University of Oklahoma. He was a passenger. He was survived by his mother and his sister, Mrs. L.P. (JoAnn) Melton Jr. (1929-2006). Born September 1, 1933 in Oklahoma, John is buried in Oak Park Cemetery, Chandler, Oklahoma.
Sabel, MSgt. David L. - husband of Anita Sabel, 535-B Marine Corps Air Station, Cherry Point, North Carolina/buried in Ft. Rosecrans National Cemetery, Section P, Site 1734, San Diego, California. Died July 18, 1953.
Schleiff, Richard Wesley - son of Mrs. W. T. Schleiff, Fort Smith, Arkansas, student at University of Oklahoma. He was a passenger. Born August 7, 1931, he is buried in Fort Smith National Cemetery, Fort Smith, Arkansas.
Schwaebe, George F. - son of George E. Schwaebe (1903-1982) and Marie H. Thieme Schwaebe (1904-1992), St. Louis, Missouri, student at University of Missouri. He was a passenger. George F. was also survived by his sister Mollyanne Marie (Mrs. William C. Love) (1934-2015).
Scott, Dale E. - NROTC, serious, son of Col. C. D. Scott, East Lansing, Michigan, student at University of Oklahoma (serious condition). He died July 22, 1953.
Sheets, Dennis M. - son of Mrs. Orville V. Sheets, Portland, Oregon, student at University of Oregon. He was a passenger.
Smith, David R. - son of Kathleen Phillips, Blanchard, Oklahoma, student at University of Oklahoma. He was a passenger.
Smith, Gordon Hedley - son of Hedley F. Smith (1898-1977), Tulsa, Oklahoma, student at University of Oklahoma. He was a passenger. He was born March 21, 1933 and is buried in Rose Hill Memorial Park, Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Smith, Lee Wayne - son of Laurence M. Smith, Oklahoma City, student at University of Oklahoma. He was a passenger. He was born August 22, 1933 and is buried in Memorial Park Cemetery, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
Smith, Lloyd Mozley - son of Myles Frederick Smith (1890-1986) and Grace Drabek Smith (1896-1986), Oklahoma City, student at University of Oklahoma. He was a passenger. Born January 29, 1933, Lloyd was the brother of Mrs. Cleta John (Mary Myles Smith) Rogers. He is buried in Memorial Park Cemetery, Oklahoma City.
Stafford, James Collins Jr. - son of James Collins Stafford Sr. (1909-1964) and Ernestine May Stafford (1912-1996), Oklahoma City, student at University of Oklahoma. He was a passenger. He was born February 3, 1933 and is buried in Greenhill Cemetery, Muskogee, Oklahoma.
Starr, Kenneth Ray - son of Eldridge R. Starr, Hobart, Oklahoma, student at University of Oklahoma. He was a passenger. He was born in 1931 and is buried in Hobart Rose Cemetery, Hobart.
Stricklin, Darrell E. - son of O. M. Stricklin, Norman, Oklahoma, student at University of Oklahoma. He was a passenger. He was born April 12, 1933 and is buried in the IOOF Cemetery, Norman.
Russell, Jerald Robin - son of J. A. Russell, Orland, California, student at Oregon State College. He was a passenger. He was born August 24, 1932 and is buried in Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia.
Tracy, Elwood A. - son of Mr. Charles Harrison Tracy (1915-1997) and Mrs. C.H. Tracy, Klamath Falls, Oregon, student at Oregon State College. He was a passenger. His fiancee was Darlene Gortmaker, who later married Gerald Edward Dwight in 1957. Born in Klamath Falls (Oregon) on July 24, 1932, Elwood Tracy became a scholarship honor student at Klamath Union High School. As a senior majoring in engineering at Oregon State College, he was in the Reserve Officers Training Corp rated as a midshipman. Tracy was taking part in an ROTC summer training course in Florida when he lost his life in the crash of a marine cargo plane. The plane crashed shortly after takeoff from Whiting Field, near Milton, Fla. He was among 41 reservists and crewmen killed in the crash. He was 20 at the time of his death. His parents, Mr. and Mrs. Charles H. Tracy, of Klamath Falls, were informed of their son's death. He was also survived by two brothers, one sister, and his fiancee, Darlene Gortmaker. He was buried with full military honors at Willamette National Cemetery, Portland. [KWE Note: Source - Klamath County, Oregon website]
Wilson, Bowden W. Jr. - son of Bowden W. Wilson, Sr. (1902-1976) and Evelyn Genevieve Conrads Wilson (1899-1976), San Antonio, student at Rice Institute. Born July 12, 1933, Bowden Jr. is buried in Mission Burial Park South, San Antonio, Texas. He was a junior in chemical engineering. He was a passenger.
Wohn, William W. - son of Bill and Francis J. Wohn, Houston, student at Rice Institute. The press described him as "pint-sized basketball guard". He was a passenger. He had been on Lamar High School's 1951 championship team and continued to star at Rice. He planned to make the naval air arm his career.
Wright, Allen L. - Born March 18, 1933, he was the son of Allen P. Wright, Sweetwater, Tennessee. A student at Rice, he was expected to transfer to Georgia Tech at the beginning of his junior year. He was a passenger. That year Rice had an outstanding basketball team that ended the season at play-offs in Madison Square Garden in New York City. He is buried in Lynnhurst Cemetery, Knoxville, Tennessee.
Yoder, Capt. Grady L. - co-pilot, husband of Martha L. Yoder, Havelock, North Carolina/Buried in Grace Lutheran Cemetery, Newton, North Carolina. Died July 18, 1953.
The crew of B-50A (#46-049) was performing a local training flight from Williams Air Force base. En route, the heavy bomber collided with a second USAF B-50 (#47-101). Following the collision, the crew of 47-101 was able to land safely while 46-049 went into a dive. Four crew members parachuted to safety, one was killed in the parachute attempt, and seven were unable to bail out and were killed when the plane crashed in the San Juan Mountains, southeast of Chandler. The exact circumstances of the collision remains unclear. The pilot of #46049 was Roy B. Martin. The pilot of #47-101 was Edgar C. Fowler.
Fatalities
Survivors
Frease, 1Lt. Wilson A. - First Lieutenant Frease was a member of Battery D, 2nd Battalion, 11th Marines, 1st Marine Division. He was Killed in Action while fighting the enemy in Korea on July 18, 1953. Reports show he was an artillery forward observer in a VMO-6 Cessna OE-1 aircraft when it was hit by anti-aircraft fire and crashed. Lieutenant Frease was born December 22, 1929, a son of Homer Andrew and Dorothy Roberts Frease. He was married to Helen K. Probst on August 09, 1952. His siblings were Jerry, Steve and Janis. Lieutenant Frease was a 1947 graduate of MTHS, and he is buried in Odd Fellows Cemetery, McLeansboro, Illinois.
Marino, Lt. Charles - Lieutenant Marino was born June of 1925 in Youngstown, Ohio, the son of Andrew Tierno Marino and Amelia Rose Del Bene Marino. He attended Ursuline High School and graduated from Staunton Military Academy. He served in World War II and then attended Cornell University where he was studying law when recalled to military service. He was on his 65th mission in Korea. Lieutenant Marino is buried in Calvary Cemetery, Youngstown, Ohio.
Official DPAA Report: First Lieutenant Everett Lee "Buddy" Shields Jr., who entered the U.S. Air Force from Mississippi, served in the 428th Fighter-Bomber Squadron, 474th Fighter-Bomber Group. On July 19, 1953, he was the pilot of an F-84E Thunderjet (tail number 51-10336A) that took off from Taegu airbase, South Korea, as the third of four aircraft on a close support mission targeting enemy anti-aircraft artillery positions west of Kumsong, North Korea. As 1st Lt Shields approached the target, and just before dropping his payload, 1st Lt Shields radioed his wingman, "I am hit, buddy." He completed his bomb run with his aircraft visibly damaged and trailing smoke, and eventually, it burst into flames and crashed. His flight flew over the crash site but saw no indication that 1st Lt Shields had survived. No returning POWs mentioned having contact with 1st Lt Shields, 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. Lieutenant Shields was born June 28, 1929, in Shaw, Mississippi, the son of Everett Lee Shields Sr. He was the recipient of a Distinguished Service Cross.
At 06:15 local time, the RB-50G 'Little Red Ass', temporarily attached to the 91st SRS, was intercepted by two MiG-15 of the 88 GvIAP in 42°38'3"N, 132°20'9"E at 20,000 feet over the Sea of Japan after it had violated the Soviet air space near Cape Gamov. What happened next is disputed, according to Soviet reports the fighter pilots instructed the aircraft to land but the gunners opened fire and hit the MiG flown by 1st Lt. Aleksandr D. Rybakov, who subsequently attacked the RB-50 together with his wingman 1st Lt. Yuri M. Yablonskiy and shot it down with cannon fire. US reports claim that the interceptors opened fire first, disabling the #1 engine and the gunners then only returned fire in self-defense, but could not prevent another attack that set #4 engine on fire. The RB-50 went in a sharp dive, but parts of the damaged right wing and tail assembly tore off and the aircraft disintegrated and crashed into the sea about two minutes after being fired upon. At least seven crew members succeeded in bailing out, but only the copilot was rescued after 22 hours by the US destroyer USS Picking (DD 685) from a liferaft that had been dropped for him by a SB-29 about 12 hours after the crash. The destroyer also recovered the body of the pilot who had died of injuries and exposure and the body of a flight engineer was later located on the coast of Japan, while the remaining 13 were reported missing in action. It was suspected that at least some of them were taken prisoner by Soviet PT boats observed to be operating in the area, but it is not known if this was actually the case.
Brown, MSgt. Francis Luther (flight engineer) - Sergeant Brown was born November 19, 1916, in Culbertson Township, Nebraska. He was the husband of Geneva Irene Gray Brown (1918-1997). His body was found by Japanese fishermen and is now buried in the Golden Gate National Cemetery, San Bruno, California.
O'Kelley, Capt. Stanley Keith (pilot) - Captain O'Kelley was born on October 02, 1922, in Dallas, Oregon, the son of Robert Nimrod O'Kelley (1991-1967) and Julia May Richards O'Kelley (1887-1982). He was married to Margaret Katherine "Jean" Casey (1924-2012). Captain and Mrs. O'Kelley are buried in San Francisco National Cemetery, San Francisco, California.
Beyer, 1Lt. Frank Ernest (navigator) - Lieutenant Beyer was the son of Pearl Lethia Beyer of Seadrift, Texas.
Gabree, SSgt. Donald Wayne - Sergeant Gabree was born October 07, 1924, Montpelier, Vermont, a son of Fred A. Grabree (1873-1949) and Clara A. Farnsworth Gabree (1882-1931). His wife was Constance E. Gabree. His siblings were Howard Stanley (1899-1917), Harley Ewing (1901-1976), Hazel Lorraine Gabree Kelley (1903-1979), Leonard E. (1906-1936) and Rodney Lloyd Gabree (1910-1997).
Goulet, A1C Roland Edgar - Airman Goulet was born in New Jersey in 1933, a son of Mr. and Mrs. Albert Goulet. His brothers were Robert (in the Army in Korea) and Raymond (in the Air Force on furlough before being shipped to Korea). Airman Goulet enlisted in the Air Force after graduating from Mount Holly High School and was stationed in Puerto Rico for eleven months before reassignment to the Far East.
Hill, SSgt. Donald George - Sergeant Hill was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Harry Hill, Kellogg, Idaho.
Joseph, 1Lt. Edmund (navigator)
Keith, 1Lt. James Gordon (navigator) - His wife was Farris Keith of Yuba City, California.
Radlein, A2C Earl Wilbur Jr. - Airman Radlein was born August 10, 1930, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Earl Wilbur Radlein Sr. of Chattanooga, Tennessee.
Russell, A2C Charles Joseph Jr. - Airman Russell was born August 25, 1932 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, a son of Charles Joseph Russell Sr. His siblings were Sister Marie St. Anthony, Kathleen (age 19), Mary Ann (age 14) and Robert (age 17). Airman Russell graduated from West Catholic High School in June of 1950. He worked briefly for Struthers-Dunn Inc. before joining the Air Force in January 1951.
Sanderson, 1Lt. Warren John - Lieutenant Sanderson was born December 27, 1923 in Polk County, Minnesota, a son of Fred J. Sanderson (1890-1961) and Estelle Alvilda "Stella" Berg Sanderson (1898-1974). He was married to Gloria Anderson Sanderson (later Overboe) (1926-2023). They were parents of two sons, John Sanderson (1951-2018) and Bruce Warren Sanderson (1953-2017).
Stalnaker, 1Lt. Robert Elbon- Lieutenant Stalnaker was born March 04, 1922, the youngest son of Randall H. Stalnaker (died 1934) and Lula Elbon Stalnaker (later Wilkinson) (died 1966). Robert's siblings were Mary Stalnaker Childers and Randall Harold Stalnaker (died 1939). Lieutenant Stalnaker enlisted in the Army Air Corps on January 07, 1942, and served in England with the 8th Air Force in June 1944. On July 12, 1944, his plane was shot down and he was taken prisoner of war in Germany. He and other prisoners were rescued by German partisans and helped across the French border. After a leave he returned to England and finished out his time in the war. After World War II he attended Marshall University, reenlisting in the Air Force in January 1948. He was married on December 19, 1951 in Pikeville, Kentucky, to Betty James Frazier. At the time of the B-50 loss he had a stepson, James Frazier. Lieutenant Stalnaker was an electronics specialist on the RB-50.
Tejeda, Maj. Francisco Joseph - Major Tejeda was born June 10, 1916 in Los Angeles, California, the son of Francisco Tejeda (1887-1974) and Elisa Elizabeth Kramis Tejeda (1883-1971). He was married to Elizabeth "Bess" Litsinger (1919-2005) on July 4, 1943 in Los Angeles. They were parents of three chlidren. Major Tejeda served in the military 1941-1953 and was an electronics officer on the B-50 that was shot down in 1953.
Ward, Capt. John Cyrus - Captain Ward was born June 14, 1912 in Marietta, Ohio, a son of Dr. Cyrus Alvin Ward and Ermina Isabelle Ward. His wife was Ruthanne Ward. His siblings were Edith Ruth Dana, Lois Eliza Rempy, Samuel Thaddeus Ward, and Patricia Jane Palmer McDonald. His half-siblings were Eva Ward, Juanita Alice Ward Anderson, Grace Elizabeth Talbot and Ethel Marie Ogle.
Wiggins, 1Lt. Lloyd Clayton - Lieutenant Wiggins was born January 10, 1922 in Watertown, South Dakota, a son of Rev. Harry Levi Wiggins (1888-1941) and Laura Huffman Wiggins (1890-1960). His brother was Donald Lee Wiggins (1923-1948). Lieutenant Wiggins was married to his first wife on September 13, 1941 in Betheny, West Virginia. He married his second wife, Juanita Elizabeth Bordelon (later Moberly) (1927-2011) in 1947. Lieutenant Wiggins was the father of two sons.
Woods, A2C James Edwin (tail gunner) - He was from Buchannon, West Virginia.
Roche, Capt. John Ernst (copilot) - Captain Roche died of natural causes at age 78 in December 2002. After the crash Captain Roche was rescued after spending eleven hours on a life raft dropped by an American rescue plane.
First Lieutenant William Clark Gordon was the pilot of a F-84G Thunderjet fighter (#51-10332) with the 311th Fighter-Bomber Squadron, 58th Fighter-Bomber Group. On July 19, 1953, while on a combat mission, his aircraft received a direct hit by anti-aircraft fire, burst into flames and crashed. He was listed as Missing in Action and was presumed dead on July 13, 1954. Lieutenant Gordon was born January 15, 1929, in Park Ridge, Illinois, a son of Mr. and Mrs. William Gordon. His brother was Richard Gordon. Lieutenant Gordon was a 1947 graduate of Park Ridge, Illinois High School.
DPAA report: Captain Jerry Dean Voelm, who joined the U.S. Air Force from Texas, served with the 429th Fighter Bomber Squadron, 474th Fighter Bomber Group. On July 19, 1953, he was the pilot of an F-84 Thunderjet (serial number unknown) that took off from Taegu airbase, South Korea, as the lead in a flight of four on an interdiction mission over North Korea. When the flight reached its target, Capt Voelm radioed his wingman that he was going in on a dry run but while pulling away from the target with his bombs still attached to his aircraft, he flew southwest at a low altitude and disappeared from sight. An immediate aerial search by others on the flight did not locate Capt Voelm or a crash site, and further searches could not be conducted over enemy territory. No returning POWs mentioned having contact with Capt Voelm, 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. Captain Voelm was born December 10, 1928, in Texas, the son of Jay George "Whitey" Voelm (1903-1985) and Thelma June Marshall Voelm (1905-1966). He was married to Charlotte E. Voelm and they had an infant son who was born and died in 1951. Captain Voelm's half-sister was Patricka "Patty" Voelm Caldera. Captain Voelm was the recipient of a Silver Star, Distinguished Service Cross with two Oak Leaf clusters and an Air Medal with six Oak Leaf Clusters.
2Lt. Gerald Wesley Knott was the pilot of a F-86E Sabrejet fighter bomber with the 16th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron, 51st Fighter-Interceptor Group. On July 20, 1953, while on a mission of providing a combat air patrol over a downed comrade, his aircraft crashed for unknown reasons. His remains were not recovered. Lieutenant Knott was born June 12, 1928 in Franklin County, North Carolina, a son of John Wesley Knott (1903-1973) and Allie Marie Pruitt Knott (1900-1993). His siblings were Louise Knott Daniel (1924-2004) and Robert Stanley Knott (1927-1961). Lieutenant Knott was the recipient of a Bronze Star and an Air Medal.
On July 20, 1953, Maj. Thomas Milford Sellers was an exchange pilot of a F-86F Sabrejet fighter bomber (#51-12973) with the 336th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron, 4th Fighter-Interceptor Group. He destroyed two MiG-15s before his aircraft was hit, loosing both wings. Major Sllers was born August 29, 1924. He was the recipient of a Distinguished Flyhing Cross with Gold Star and an Air Medal with five Oak Leaf Clusters.
1Lt. John Francis "Jack" Thees served with the 35th Fighter-Bomber Squadron, 8th Fighter-Bomber Group. He piloted an F-86F Sabrejet fighter (#5204469) that was hit by anti-aircraft fire, crashed and burst into flames. He was listed as Missing in Action and was presumed dead on July 21, 1954. Lieutenant Thees was born May 04, 1930. He was the recipient of an Air Medal.
Lieutenant Commander Charles Moye Jones, who joined the U.S. Navy from Maryland, served with Carrier Air Group 15 embarked aboard the USS Princeton (CV-23). On July 20, 1953, piloting an F9F Panther (bureau number 12557), he took off from the Princeton on a combat mission over North Korea. During the mission, his aircraft crashed for unknown reasons. No parachute was observed by the other pilots who witnessed the incident, and the crash was believed to be non-survivable. An immediate search was not conducted because the crash occurred in enemy territory. Lieutenant Commander Jones' remains were not identified among those returned to U.S. custody after the ceasefire. Today, Lieutenant Commander Jones is memorialized on the Courts of the Missing at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific. His name is also inscribed on the Korean War Veterans Memorial Wall in Washington, DC, which was updated in 2022 to include the names of the fallen. Commander Jones was born October 29, 1918, in Cumberland, Maryland. He was the recipient of a Distinguished Flying Cross and an Air Medal.
Official NDPP report: Lieutenant Daniel Richard Paul, who joined the U.S. Navy from New Jersey, was a decorated veteran of World War II who served in Korea in Composite Squadron 61 aboard the USS Boxer (CV-21). On July 23, 1953, Lieutenant Paul was the pilot of a single-seat F2H-2P Banshee fighter (serial number unknown) and was returning from a reconnaissance mission over enemy territory in Korea. He was in the landing pattern to recover aboard the Boxer when the wing tip touched the water and the plane crashed into the water for unknown reasons and sank. The plane and the lieutenant's remains were not recovered. Lieutenant Paul was born on February 06, 1923, in New Jersey, a son of Dominick "Frank" Paul (1888-1977) and Mary Marrazzo Paul (1892-1983). His siblings were Alfred A. Paul (1910-1976) and Edward H. Paul (1917-2012). This World War II veteran was the recipient of a Distinguished Flying Cross and an Air Medal with six Gold Stars.
On July 23, 1953, during the launching from the deck, this Banshee fighter with Fighter Squadron 22 aboard the USS Lake Champlain (CV-39) lost its left wing-tip fuel tank, spun, landed upside down in the water and sank in seven seconds. The pilot's remains were never recovered.
Fatality:
Wallace, Ens. Henry Knox - Ensign Wallace was born on September 05, 1927. He is memorialized in Cook-Walden Capital Parks Cemetery and Mausoleum in Pflugerville, Texas. He was the recipient of a Distinguished Flying Cross and an Air Medal.
A jet piloted by Lt. William Reynolds Austin crashed into the Caribbean Sea 300 yards from the USS Wasp after takeoff. The ship was 45 miles from Guantanamo Bay, Cuba at the time. Lieutenant Austin was born on June 13, 1922, the son of Wilbur E. Austin (1888-1970) and Sibyl Reynolds Austin (1895-1972). He married Anne Bishop Meinershagen (later Moore) (1922-2022) and they had children Dave (age 6) and Ellen (age 3). Lieutenant Austin graduated from Trenton, New Jersey High School in 1940. He graduated as ensign from the US Naval Academy in 1945. His remains were not recovered from the accident.
On a routine flight from Albuquerque, New Mexico to Miramar, California, this jet encountered heavy, ice-laden clouds. The jet went into an uncontrollable spin and the pilot, Lt. Winton D. Horn, bailed out. He was found more than 12 hours later, dangling from a tree. He had chest and spinal injuries that lead to his death on August 02, 1953, in Prescott, Arizona. Lieutenant Horn was born on November 23, 1920, in Sweetwater County, Wyoming, a son of Thomas Horn Sr. (1882-1970) and Mattie Harris Horn (1881-1963). He married Rosalie Marie Cuback in 1945, and they had three daughters, Suzanne, Teresa, and Nancy. Lieutenant Horn graduated from Rock Springs High School and served in the Navy during World War II.
When the right wing of this aircraft touched the ground, causing it to spin and crash. The crew of three were killed.
Broemmelsiek, Maj. Eugene Virgel - Major Broemmelsiek was born on May 28, 1915, in St. Louis, Missouri. He was married in 1940 to Florence Burdette (1918-1997) and their children were Gene, Paul and Deborah (Vega). Major Broemmelsiek is buried in Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, Missouri.
Childs, Maj. John Swasey "Jack" Jr. - Major Childs was born on September 14, 1923, in Lewiston, Maine, the son of John Swasey Childs Sr. (1889-1958) and Mildred L. Cobb Childs (1900-1988). In 1950 he married Josephine Ludmila (Forman) (1924-1989). Major Childs had a sister Jean Childs. He is buried in Riverside Cemetery, Lewiston, Maine.
Skiff, Capt. Melvin F. - Captain Skiff was born on July 31, 1923, in Blue Ash, Ohio, a son of Roland C. Skiff (1897-1974) and Matilda Elizabeth Kostermann Skiff (1896-1980). He was married to Blanche Isabel Fairbanks Skiff (1924-2012). His brother was Ronnie Lee Skiff (1945-2017). Captain Skiff is buried in Spring Grove Cemetery, Cincinnati, Ohio.
Piloted by LTJG Jack W. Ingram, this jet was hit by anti-aircraft fire and ditched four miles south of Tanchon. The pilot was killed.
Fatality:
Ingram, LTJG Jack William Jr. - Lieutenant Ingram was born January 10, 1928, in Grand Prairie, Texas, a son of Jack William Ingram Sr. His brother was John Ingram, and his half-brother was Wallace Moore Ingram. Lieutenant Ingram graduated from Sunset High School in Dallas, Texas, in 1945. He attended Arlington State College for one semester before joining the Navy. He received a discharge from the Navy in 149 and then attended the University of Texas before being recalled into the Navy in November 1952. Posthumously he received the Silver Star and the citation is located on the Korean War Educator. Lieutenant Ingram's remains were recovered and buried in Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, San Antonio, Texas.
The pilot of this jet ditched forward of the carrier USS Boxer. His body was not recovered.
Fatality:
Ledford, Ens. Thomas Franklin "Corky" - Ensign Ledford was born April 14, 1929 in California, the son of Eugene "Gene" Ledford (1905-1939) and Vynola Franklin Ledford (later Limerick) (1901-1985). He was the recipient of an Air Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters.
Attached to 6147th Tactical Control Group, 6148th Tactical Control Squadron, USAF, this aircraft was written off (destroyed) on July 26, 1953 when it crashed on take-off from Chuncheon AB (K-47), Yeongseo, Gwandong, South Korea. The pilot was killed.
Fatality:
Stair, Maj. Calvert Loraine - Major Stair was born on December 06, 1920, in Wibaux, Montana, a son of Emory B. Stair (1879-1955) and Dora A. Stair (1881-1962). His siblings were Lillian Laura Himes (1912-2002), Lottie Eisenhart, Stewart Lee Stair (1904-1981), and Banner Stair. Major Stair was married and had a son. He enlisted in the Air Corps in October of 1942 and served in Italy and Germany. Major Stair is buried in Custer National Cemetery, Crow Agency, Montana.
Ensign Edwin Nash Broyles Jr. was the pilot of a F2H-2 Banshee fighter with Fighter Squadron 22 aboard the aircraft carrier USS Lake Champlain (CV-39). On July 26, 1953, after striking Hoeryong Airfield, North Korea, he failed to rendezvous with his flight. He was presumed dead on August 20, 1954. Ensign Broyles was born on July 18, 1926, in Baltimore, Maryland, the son of Dr. Edwin Nash Broyles Sr. (1894-1977) and Eleanor Custis Whiteley Broyles (1896-1984). His sister was Henrietta Frances Hemingway (1929-1963). Ensign Broyles was the recipient of a Distinguished Flying Cross and an Air Medal with Gold Star.
Captain John Kyler "Jack" Rhoads was the pilot of a RF-80A Lockheed Shooting Star photo reconnaissance aircraft with the 45th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron, 67th Tactical Reconnaissance Wing. On July 27, 1953, while on a combat mission near Taejon Airfield (K-5), South Korea, his aircraft received a direct hit by anti-aircraft fire, burst into flames destroying the tail section and crashed. His remains were not recovered. His name is inscribed on the Courts of the Missing at the Honolulu Memorial. For his leadership and valor, Captain Rhoads was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, the Distinguished Flying Cross with Oak Leaf Cluster the Air Medal with 19 Oak Leaf Clusters, the Purple Heart with Oak Leaf Cluster, the Korean Service Medal, the United Nations Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Korean Presidential Unit Citation and the Republic of Korea War Service Medal. During a return flight from a mission near the Yalu River over North Korea his plane was hit by ground fire, and it was reported he had radio contact with other pilots in the area, and they advised he bail out of his plane. Captain Rhodes' response was he thought he could make it to the ocean where he could ditch the plane and save the pictures. Shortly after this radio contact his plane exploded. Captain Rhoads was born on February 28, 1921, in Taylorville, Illinois, the son of Charles Orville Rhoads (1898-1945) and Edna G. Bell Rhoads (Thomsen) (1900-1984). His sister was Jean L. Rhoads Achenbach ()1923-2021). Captain Rhoads graduated from Branson High School in 1939 and joined the Army Air Corps in 1940. He flew 91 combat missions and was a Distinguished Flying Cross.
Attached to 6147th Tactical Control Group, this aircraft was hit by shells from exploding train during bombing run, hit power lines, and crashed at Sonyu-ri, Imjin-myun, Paju-gun, Korea. Wreckage was sighted ten miles northwest of Seoul. The pilot was killed.
Fatality:
Tircuit, Lt. Charles Rayford - Lieutenant Tircuit was born on December 31, 1929, in Port Allen, Louisiana, the son of Walter J. Tircuit (1894-1965) and Van Era Nixon Tircuit (1904-2001). His sister was Evelyn Anita Rivault-Hill (1923-2009). Lieutenant Tircuit was a graduate of Port Allen High School and attended Louisiana State University before service. He is buried in Roselawn Memorial Park and Mausoleum, Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He was the recipient of a Distinguished Flying Cross.
This Cougar crashed upon takeoff from NAS Jacksonville, Florida, killing the pilot, Frank Holingsworth Sheffield. Captain Sheffield was born November 21, 1926, in Harris County, Texas, the son of Frank Herman Sheffield (1893-1972) and Helen Margaret White Sheffield (1895-1983). He was married in 1950 to Gladyce Fletcher Tyldsley (later Miller) (1924-2014). They had a daughter Holly Sheffield Fredman (1953-2016). His siblings were Cynthia White Sheffield (1919-1999) and Jean White Sheffield (1923-1986). Captain Sheffield is buried in Beverly Farms Cemetery, Beverly, Massachusetts.
The central rotor blade of H-19 (#51-3896) came loose in flight and struck the rear rotor, causing the helicopter to crash. Six personnel on the Sikorsky lost their lives.
Eddy, A2 Donald E. - Airman Eddy was born July 26, 1930, the son of Raymond Hill Eddy (1900-1960) and Della V. Tennant Eddy (1905-1961). Airman Eddy and his parents are buried in Clarington Cemetery, Clarington, Ohio.
Gasque, Lt. Francis Lamar (co-pilot) - Lieutenant Gasque was born March 03, 1928, the son of Archie Maston Gasque (1897-1960) and Margaret Stroman Oliver Gasque (1893-1987). Lieutenant Gasque is buried in Union Methodist Church Cemetery, Conway, South Carolina.
Ide, Sgt. Robert Elmer (crew chief) - Sergeant Ide was born March 26, 1928 in Pennsylvania, a son of William Arthur Ide (1882-1967) and Florence Frances Helfrich Ide (1896-1983). His siblings were Florence Frances (1922-1977), Victor A. (1924-1948), William Joseph (1930-1999), Betty Ide Thurman, Mary Ide Weave, Barbara Ide Fairchok, Berkeley J. Ide, Gerard E. Ide, and Edwin R. Ide. Sergeant Ide is buried in Sunnyside Cemetery, Tunkhannock, Pennsylvania.
Johnson, Capt. Charles A. - Captain Johnson was born April 16, 1921. He is buried in San Gabriel Cemetery, San Gabriel, California.
Loeser, Dr. Guenter (scientist) - Dr. Loeser was born in 1914. He was one of the directors of the Air Force lower atmosphere research project. He and his wife Ilse G. Reuter Loeser (1911-1988) are buried in Mount Auburn Cemetery, Cambridge, Massachusetts.
Mapes, A2C Francis "Jerry" - Airman Mapes was born July 25, 1931, the son of Joseph Calvin Mapes (1908-1968) and Viola Lillian Howell Mapes (1911-1989). Airman Mapes is buried in Evergreen Cemetery, Woodruff, Wisconsin.
A Navy Martin PBM-5S Mariner (#84760) ditched into the sea 60 miles off the west coast of Luzon Island. The crew was from the US Naval Station at Sangley Point. Five survivors were picked up and taken to Sangley Point. Search and Rescue missions took place for two days after the ditching, but ten crew members were never located
Albecz, AO2 Steve - Airman Albecz was born in Michigan in 1929, the son of Steve Albecz (1900-1984) and Elizabeth Albacz (1909-1992).
Fowler, LCDR Ormond Craig (pilot) - Commander Fowler was born March 06, 1918 in Los Angeles, California, the son of Edward Arthur Fowler (1892-1952) and Catherine Lioba Staab Fowler (1886-1940). He married Phyllis Marie Matthews (later Winter) (1924-2015) in 1943. They were parents of Ormond Craig Fowler Jr., Jeffrey B. Fowler, Melody Fowler Whittemore, Marianne Fowler Duthu, and Michelle Fowler Halstead. His sister was Mrs. Demoris Lioa Henry (1919-1991). Commander Fowler was a Manual Arts graduate who attended UCLA and Santa Barbara State College. He was a former Wave Publications carrier who earned his Navy wings one year after Pearl Harbor.
Hall, AD1 John L. (radioman) - Coronado, California
Kugler, AM3 John Harvey - Airman Kugler was born on October 03, 1930, a son of Wesley Lloyd Kugler (1904-1981) and Mavis Lucille Harvey Kugler (later Schroeder) (1903-2000). His siblings were Robert Wesley Kugler (1923-2018), Eleanor Jane Kugler (1925-2020), Eleanor Jane Kugler Hutchinson (1925-2020) and Phyllis Mae Kugler Paulsen (1926-2009).
McManus, Lt. Daniel Archibald - Lieutenant McManus was born June 03, 1922 in Macon, Georgia, son of Leonard Williams McManus Sr. (1886-1964) and Dora Elizabeth Dunwoody McManus (1892-1966). His sibling were Leonard Williams McManus Jr. (1917-1997), John Dunwoody McManus (1918-1995), Mrs. Norman (Dorothy McManus) Cooper (1920-2005) and Mrs. T.M. (Mary McManus) Demarest (1933-2012).
Meier, Lt. Walter Henry Jr. - Lieutenant Meier was born October 04, 1922 in Dallas County, Texas, a son of Walter Henery Ruebsam Meier (1886-1941) and Dorotha Nellie Hazeltine Meier (1893-1960). His sibings were Mary Louise Meier Basden (1917-1993), Alma Caroline Meier Wigzell (1920-2002), Ruth Meier Hollon (1925-2013), Warren Elliott Meier (1929-2003), John Mansfield Meier (1931-2008) and Dorotha Esther Meier Neikirk.
Spiert, AN Richard Emilo - Airman Spiert was born September 225, 1932 in Columbus, Ohio, a son of Anthony "Tony" Spiert (1899-1989) and Incoronata "Mary" Melfi Spiert (1901-1966). His brother was Vincent James Spiert (1927-2015)
Stewart, AD1 Charles C. - Emperial Beach, California
Whitaker, AT3 Ronald J. (USNR) - Brooklyn, New York
Zuba, AO3 Stanley R. Jr. - Airman Zuba was a son of Stanley R. Zuba (1906-1991) and Nellie R. Zuba (died 1998). His siblings were Beverly Zuba Walsh and Paul L. Zuba.
Black, AL1 Grant E. - Raleigh, Tennessee
Cremering, ENS Lawrence E. (USNR) (pilot) - Cincinnati, Ohio
Jenkins, AN George M. - Bancroft, Idaho
Larson, Ltjg. Edward J. (USNR) - Glendale, California
Stephens, ATAN Keith E. - Great Falls, Montana
Second Lieutenant John Joseph Di Pasqua served as a pilot with the U.S. Marine Corps in Korea. He was training at El Toro Air Base, California and was scheduled to return to Korea after training. While on a training mission on July 30, 1953, he was killed when his F9-5 Panther jet crashed about nine miles west of Mojave, California. Lieutenant Di Pasqua was born on March 04, 1929, in Worcester, Massachusetts, a son of Ignatio Di Pasqua. He was married to Claire M. Foley (later Eaton) (1933-2005). His siblings were Alphonso, Fred, and Phyllis Di Pasqua Thompson. Lieutenant Di Pasqua attended Stetson High School in Randolph, Massachusetts. He is buried in Saint Mary's Cemetery, Randolph, Massachusetts.
This Banshee crashed three miles north of NAS Leeward Point, killing its pilot Ens. Thomas Porter Wampler. Ensign Wampler was born on July 08, 1930, a son of William Penn Wampler Sr. (1891-1950) and Louise Porter Wampler (1891-1984). His siblings were an infant (1925-1925) and William Penn Wampler Jr. (1926-1974). Ensign Wampler is buried in Homewood Cemetery, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Ltjg. Lloyd Fredrick Trautman's F9F crashed five miles east of Brawley, California. Lieutenant Trautman was born on September 14, 1931, in California. He is buried in Forest Lawn Cemetery, Gresham, Oregon.
On this date two pilots lost their lives in a collision in France. Killed were Sgt. Jean Charles Flecyn (born 1923, Belgium) and Sgt. Michel Doucy. Sergeant Flecyn is buried in Morlanwelz Communal Cemetery, Belgium.
On this date B-50A (#47-116) was cruising at an altitude of 15,000 feet a few minutes after takeoff from Davis-Monthan Air Force Base when a sudden heavy fire broke out on the right wing. The captain ordered his crew to bail out and all 12 occupants parachuted out. The plane dove into the ground in a huge explosion on the slope of Picacho Peak. Ten crew members were injured and two were killed.
Bostick, Capt. Charles Dozier "Bud" - Captain Bostick was born September 22, 1919, in Marion, South Carolina, the son of Paul Bunyan Bostick (1876-1959) and Harriett Pernice Foxworth Bostick (1884-1968). He was married to Inez Jane Bostick and they had one daughter, Jeanette Bostick. Captain Bostick's siblings wewre Phillip Evans Bostick (1905-1985), Paul Irwin Bostick (1908-1966), Edgar Frank Bostick (1911-1992), lHelen Bostick Torri (1922-1990), Joseph Parker Bostick (1924-1967), and Mrs. Charles V. Moran of Kensington, Maryland. Captain Bostick is buried in Sunset Memorial Park, Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Emberton, SSgt. Herbert George - Sergeant Emberton was born March 03, 1925, in Springfield, Missouri, the son of Tim Worley Emberton (1904-1996) and Katherine Vangordon Law Emberton (1907-1963). He was married in 1947 to Clara McCoy (later Arana) (1929-1990). His sister was Susie Emberton. Sergeant Emberton is buried in Springfield National Cemetery, Springfield, Missouri.
Aubechon, Capt. Lee F.
Barnes, Capt. John A. (navigator)
Cooke, William P. (gunner)
Dickey, A1C Richard W. (gunner)
Fry, SSgt. David (radio operator)
Montgomery, 1Lt. William H. (copilot)
Reale, William (flight engineer)
Stewart, A3C Charles R. (gunner) (seriously injured)
Winters, Capt. John D. (pilot)
Ens. Louis Melvin Luna died when his Panther crashed five miles fom Murietta Hot Springs, California. He was born December 18, 1925. He is buried in Golden Gate National Cemetery, San Bruno, California.
The Panther crashed on the deck of the USS Wasp while landing. The pilot died in the crash. Herbert Grey Simon was born in 1928, the son of Herbert Grey Simon Sr. (1905-1981) and Willma Geraldine West Simon (1904-1965). His sister was Marjorie Roseana Simon (Williams). The Simons are buried in Forest Lawn Cemetery, Norfolk, Virginia.
It was reported that Lieutenant Louis Herbert "Lou" Sugg was flying at about 32,000 feet when he had oxygen trouble, blacked out and never regained consciousness. He was a test pilot off the USS Coral Sea in the Mediterranean when his aircraft crashed off the northeast coast of Spain. He was born on August 27, 1932, in Montana, a son of Andrew and Lila Sugg. He was married to Dosia Irene Cullen at the Naval Academy Chapel in July of 1943, and they had children Dale, Phillip, and Kathryn Leigh Sugg. His siblings were Margaret Belle, Howard, Ross, and Max (died 1948). Lieutenant Sugg graduated from Missoula High School in 1943 and the US Naval Academy Class of 1944. He was awarded a three-year Rhodes Scholarship to Oxford University in England. He was an officer on the Bream submarine during World War II.
A U.S. Navy Douglas AD-4 Skyraider crashes, explodes on impact, and burns on the middle of Owens Dry Lake near Olancha, ~60 miles N of Naval Ordnance Test Station Inyokern. The bodies of three crew were retrieved by afternoon. The bomber was on a routine training mission out of NAS North Island, California, but San Diego officials refused to identify the victims pending notification of the next of kin, however did say that one man was a local resident while two were out-of-state residents. Wreckage was strewn over a 200-yard radius. The pilot's body was recognizable but the two crew bodies were burned beyond recognition, security investigators from the Inyokern station said. "Occupants of a companion plane on the flight saw the plane crash and reported it to the Inyokern station, which dispatched a rescue team and security officers. The accident occurred at 11:38 a.m. Included in the security and rescue groups were Jack Leslie and Val Cummings, security policemen; Lt. Allen W. Lee, assistant security officer; Lt. Brooke Montgomery, flight officer; Edward Stanton, chief of the identification branch; Dr. Evans Spear, assistant medical officer; and Stanley Jackson, hospital corpsman."
Fatalities:
Peckenpaugh, AOM3C John Clay - Airman Peckenpaugh was born on July 17, 1932, in Kentucky, a son of Robert Andrew Peckenpaugh (1906-1976) and Mary Lee Sapp Peckenpaugh (1906-1946). His brothers were Robert Lee Peckenpaugh (1935-1986) (Korean War and Vietnam War veteran) and Joel Ray Peckenpaugh (1938-1974). Airman Peckenpaugh's memorial stone is located in Ivy Hill Cemetery, Hardinburg, Kentucky.
Pock, John D. - Airman Pock was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Paul Pock of Altamont, Illinois.
Stickney, Ens. Alan Randolph - Ensign Stickney was born on December 09, 1928, the son of Charles E. Stickney (1895-1978) and Erna Anna Wunderlich Stickney (1901-1986). He had a sister. Ensign Stickney graduated from North Hollywood High School and the College of Engineering at Stanford University. He also attended Pensacola Naval Pre-Flight School. His memorial stone is located in Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Hollywood Hills, California.
A T-33A Shooting Star attempted to land at San Fernando Valley Airport. It came down a half mile short and crashed into the home of John T. and Helen Chandler. Mrs. Phyllis O'Kray, Mrs. Chandler's mother, was killed while sleeping in the living room.
Fatality:
O'Kray, Mrs. Phyllis
Survivors:
Chandler, Candee (age 6, daughter of John and Helen Chandler)
Chandler, Helen (wife of John T. Chandler)
Chandler, John T. (home owner)
Fast, Capt. Samuel (pilot of T-33 who received only minor injuries)
Friay, Gary (age 8, neighbor boy)
While attempting to make a landing approach to runway 34 at Quonset Point NAS, Maine, this Skyraider crashed at the end of the runway, killing the pilot, LTCDR Richard Dale Bennett. Commander Bennett was born on September 27, 1919, in Presque Isle, Maine, a son of Lyman Bennett (1879-1970) and Alice Estelle Mills Bennett (1884-1963). He and his wife Janette were parents of three sons: Richard D., Robert D., and Donald C. Bennett. His siblings were Mary Elizabeth Sperrey (1907-1960), Philip Keith (1909-1977), Arthur Mills (1910-1976), Joyce A. Sperry (1912-1997), and Doris Harmon (1915-1998). Commander Bennett attended Aroostook State Normal before entering the navy. He served on the USS Wasp in the Pacific during World War II and was the receipt of a Distinguished Flying Cross and Air Medal with two clusters. He is buried in Fairmount Cemetery, Presque Isle, Maine.
A twin-engine C46 (Registration No. N66534) operated by Resort Airlines was chartered by the United States Army to help in the transfer of 140 soldiers from Camp Kilmer, New Jersey to Ft. Knox, Kentucky on September 28, 1953. The passengers were mostly from Puerto Rico, and many had seen combat duty in Korea. They were being flown to Louisville, Kentucky, for discharge from the Army and then Captain Wharton was to fly them on to Puerto Rico. There were 38 passengers and 3 crew members on this fated flight. There were five planes chartered to fly the 140 veterans to Louisville, and this flight was the second plane to take off that day. The first flight landed safely in Louisville. After the crash of N66534, the other three planes were rerouted to Godman AFB at Ft. Knox.
This C46 nearly touched the ground when trouble developed at Standiford Field, Louisville. The C46 pulled up to about 400 feet, the liner nosed down, and then crashed into a field near Louisville, Kentucky, with a terrific impact. Bodies were scattered as far as 100 feet, and some were decapitated. The plane broke into two parts and both engines burst into flames. It was the first fatal crash at Standiford Field since it opened in 1944. Of the 41 persons onboard, there were originally only 19 survivors. Fourteen of them were taken to St. Joseph's Infirmary; four were taken to General Hospital; and one was sent to St. Anthony's Hospital. In the interim, military police guards stood around the plane and the entire field was closed off to sightseers. Over the next few days the number of survivors dropped to 16. The cause of the accident was mechanical failure. Coverage of this tragedy appeared in LIFE magazine, October 1953.
The Aviation Safety Network stated: "The Curtiss was approaching Louisville Airport (SDF) runway 24 when it ballooned slightly during the flare out. Power was applied and the aircraft entered a steep climb. The angle of attack continued to increase until the aircraft stalled at an altitude of about 300 feet. The plane struck the ground with the nose and left wing, bursting into flames. Probable Cause: "Structural failure of the left elevator in flight, causing loss of control. The structural failure was brought about by the left outboard hinge bolt backing out of the assembly. The underlying cause was improper maintenance which resulted in the installation of hinge bolts and bearings not meeting specifications, and inadequate inspection which failed to detect this condition."
Moller, Wharton Emil "Stretch" (fatality) - Captain Moller was a son of the late Virgil E. Moller and Mrs. Gertrude Shaffner Moller (1896-1989) of Texas, and the brother of Mrs. Arthur David (Doris) Sherron and William Elmer "Bill" Moller of Texas City. He was married to Doris Marie "Dee" Pederson in 1942. She was a teacher in a Brownsville school at the time of his death. Captain Moller was a fighter pilot and member of the Masonic organization. The couple had one daughter, Cherie. She is now Mrs. James (Cherie Rash-Carrabba) Bright, of Crockett, Texas. Cherie was six years old at the time of the crash.
Pickel, John DeWitt (fatality) - From San Antonio, Texas, Captain Pickel was a son of Leonard S. Pickel (1875-1961) and Etta R. Pickel (1883-1960). He was born in 1921 and is buried in Hillside Cemetery, Scotch Plains, New Jersey. His brother, Robert Daniel "Pete" Pickel, returned home from Madrid, Spain to attend Captain Pickel's funeral. John graduated from Plainfield High School in New Jersey in June of 1939. He was awarded a scholarship to Cornell University, where he studied mechanical engineering and later aeronautical engineering. His brother Pete attended Cornell at the same time.
Bush, Dorothy Jean "Sue" (stewardess) - One of the 19 initial survivors of the crash, Miss Bush, age 22 of Miami, Florida (and a DuBois, Pennsylvania native) died the next day. Her leg was nearly severed in the crash. Her parents managed to get to the hospital prior to their daughter's passing, but she never regained consciousness. She was a daughter of Lewis Grant Bush (1900-1965) and Miriam Jeanette Reichert Bush (1902-1972), and the sister of Mrs. Charles Bert (Louise Bush) Davis of Bluefield, West Virginia. Dorothy Jean was known as "Sissy Sue" by her family. A member of the Presbyterian church of DuBois, she graduated from the high school in DuBois in 1949 and went to work for Resort Airlines out of Miami. She was engaged to be married at the time of her death. Sue and her parents are buried in McVille Union Cemetery, McVille, Pennsylvania.
[Incomplete list]
Baez, Santos Martinez (injured and taken to St. Joseph Infirmary)
Bonilla, S. Santiago (dead at VA Hospital)
Carmelo, Santiago Flores (dead at St. Joseph Infirmary)
Draves, Dorres (injured at St. Joseph Infirmary)
Francisco, Olivera (dead at St. Joseph Infirmary)
Gonzalez, Victor Manuel Marcial (dead at St. Joseph infirmary)
Irigarry-Pratts, Cpl. Carlos Manuel (dead at General Hospital)
Jordan, Antonio C. Ruiz, 20 (died at General Hospital)
Leandry, Searano, 25 (dead at General Hospital)
Lopez, Herrara Carlos (dead at General Hospital)
Lopez, Juan R. (dead at VA Hospital)
Lopez, Julio Rivera (dead at St. Joseph Infirmary)
Maldonado, Moraleo R. (dead at the VA Hospital)
Martinez, Juan F. (dead at General Hospital)
Nieves, Claudio (dead at General Hospital)
Perez, Domingo (survivor)
Quinomez-Kostyo, Sgt. Marlain, Puerto Rico (fatality)
Quinones, Mariano, 25 (dead at General Hospital)
Raul, Perez Perez (dead at St. Joseph Infirmary)
Rivera, Julian F. (dead at VA Hospital)
Rivera, Justino, 32 (survivor - served 8 months in Korea; Bronze Star recipient - thrown clear)
Rodriguez, Sgt. Angelo, 24 (dead at General Hospital)
Rodriguez, Felipe (dead at St. Joseph Infirmary)
Rodrigues, Ernest (dead at General Hospital)
Rosado, Santiago A., 24 (dead at General Hospital)
Santiago, Guillermo, 22 (survivor - served 6 months in Korea)
The flight was operating between North Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and Louisville. It departed North Philadelphia Airport at 1303 on a Visual Flight Rules flight plan. The crew consisted of Captain W. E. Moller, First Officer J. D. Pickel, and Stewardess D. J. Bush. At departure the gross weight of the aircraft was 44,940 pounds (allowable 45,300 pounds), with 775 gallons of fuel aboard. Distribution of the load was within prescribed center of gravity limitations. The trip between North Philadelphia and Louisville was normal and in good weather.
In the vicinity of Standiford Airport, the pilot requested landing instructions and was cleared for landing on Runway 24 by the tower. The clearance was acknowledged by the pilot. One of the three controllers on duty observed that the approach appeared normal until the flare-out when the aircraft "ballooned" slightly, power was applied, and about 500 feet farther on entered a steep climb. The aircraft then yawed to the left and climbed with a steadily increasing angle of attack. At this point he noticed that a portion of the left elevator was hanging down and immediately advised the aircraft but received no acknowledgement of his warning. The aircraft continued in a steep climbing left turn until it reached an altitude of about 300 feet, stalled, fell off to the left, and struck the ground on the nose and left wing. The fuselage burst open upon impact.
A number of the occupants were thrown free and emergency equipment immediately took survivors to nearby hospitals. Due to the severity of impact and the extent of damage, there was no organized evacuation by the occupants. Sixteen passengers were injured while 25 other occupants, among them all three crew members, were killed.
The Board determines that the probable cause of this accident was structural failure of the left elevator in flight, causing loss of control. This structural failure was brought about by the left outboard hinge bolt backing out of the assembly. The underlying cause was improper maintenance which resulted in the installation of hinge bolts and bearings not meeting specifications, and inadequate inspection which failed to detect this condition. The following findings were reported:
The flight between North Philadelphia and Standiford Airport, Louisville, was routine and in good weather. The aircraft crashed on Standiford Airport when the left elevator failed at No. 2 hinge station. The No. 1 hinge bolt worked free from the hinge fitting and thus resulted in the outboard third of the elevator being unsupported. The four hinge bolts in the left elevator were a non approved type for this installation, as were three of the four interposer ball bearings; the bolts and bearings in the right elevator were approved types. Major maintenance on Resort Airlines' aircraft was performed under contract by Slick Airways. The left and right elevators were removed by Slick Airways' personnel during a No. 3 inspection of N 66534 at San Antonio, July 8-11, 1953. Excessive wear and other deficiencies ware not noted in any inspection by Slick Airways, Airline Services, or the carrier's personnel curing the period between the No. 3 inspection and the day of the accident.
Four Kentucky Air National Guardsmen were cited for heroic efforts to rescue survivors from the wreckage and received the Medal for Valor. They were: Jess D. Brown, Walter Carter, Howard A. Curtis, and Charles W. Simmons. Significance of the Medal for Valor: "The Medal for Valor may be awarded to a member of the Kentucky National Guard who has distinguished himself conspicuously by gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while in the service of the State and/or United States. Additionally, it must have involved personal risk of life or a performance of more than ordinarily hazardous service, the omission of which would not justly subject the person to censure for shortcoming or failure in the performance of duty. No award of the Medal for Valor shall be made except upon clear and uncontested proof of at least one eyewitness or person having personal knowledge of the act or deed."
A/1C Jesse Danielson Brown, Jr. - On 28 September 1953, at Standiford Field, Louisville, Kentucky, A/1C Jesse D. Brown, Jr. (then in a civilian Air Technician capacity as a member of the Alert Crew of the 123rd Fighter Bomber Wing, Kentucky Air National Guard) distinguished himself as follows: At 1617 hours, this date, a civilian resort airline aircraft chartered to the Army, carrying a total of forty-one (41) soldiers and crewmen, most of whom were returning Korean veterans, crashed while landing. There is no fire fighting or crash rescue facilities at Standiford Field and A/1C Brown immediately manned the "155" fire fighting truck of the Air National Guard and rushed to the scene of the crash. The aircraft was burning severely when Airman Brown arrived and despite the imminent possibility of gasoline tank explosion, Airman Brown, without benefit of protective clothing, climbed on the burning wing of the aircraft and subdued the blazing wing and fuselage. Such heroic action undoubtedly saved the lives of at least ten severely injured soldiers who were unable to help themselves. Such actions reflect great credit on A/1C Brown, The Air National Guard, and the United States Air Force.
T/SGT Charles William Simmons - On 28 September 1953, at Standiford Field, Louisville, Kentucky, T/SGT Charles W. Simmons (then in a civilian Air Technician capacity as a member of the Alert Crew of the 123rd Fighter Bomber Wing, Kentucky Air National Guard) distinguished himself as follows: At 1617 hours, this date, a civilian resort airline aircraft chartered to the Army, carrying a total of forty-one (41) soldiers and crewmen, most of whom were returning Korean veterans, crashed while landing. There is no fire fighting or crash rescue facilities at Standiford Field and T/SGT Simmons immediately manned the "155" fire fighting truck of the Air National Guard and rushed to the scene of the crash. The aircraft was burning severely when T/SGT Simmons arrived and despite the imminent possibility of gasoline tank explosion, T/SGT Simmons, without benefit of protective clothing, climbed on the burning wing of the aircraft and subdued the blazing wing and fuselage. Such heroic action undoubtedly saved the lives of at least ten severely injured soldiers who were unable to help themselves. Such actions reflect great credit on T/SGT Simmons, The Air National Guard, and the United States Air Force.
T/SGT Walter Carter - On 28 September 1953, at Standiford Field, Louisville, Kentucky, T/SGT Walter Carter (then in a civilian Air Technician capacity as a member of the Alert Crew of the 123rd Fighter Bomber Wing, Kentucky Air National Guard) distinguished himself as follows: At 1617 hours, this date, a civilian resort airline aircraft chartered to the Army, carrying a total of forty-one (41) soldiers and crewmen, most of whom were returning Korean veterans, crashed while landing. There is no fire fighting or crash rescue facilities at Standiford Field and T/SGT Carter immediately manned the "155" fire fighting truck of the Air National Guard and rushed to the scene of the crash. The aircraft was burning severely when T/SGT Carter arrived and despite the imminent possibility of gasoline tank explosion, T/SGT Carter, without benefit of protective clothing, climbed on the burning wing of the aircraft and subdued the blazing wing and fuselage. Such heroic action undoubtedly saved the lives of at least ten severely injured soldiers who were unable to help themselves. Such actions reflect great credit on T/SGT Carter, The Air National Guard, and the United States Air Force.
T/SGT Howard Arthur Curtis - On 28 September 1953, at Standiford Field, Louisville, Kentucky, T/SGT Howard A. Curtis (then in a civilian Air Technician capacity as a member of the Alert Crew of the 123rd Fighter Bomber Wing, Kentucky Air National Guard) distinguished himself as follows: At 1617 hours, this date, a civilian resort airline aircraft chartered to the Army, carrying a total of forty-one (41) soldiers and crewmen, most of whom were returning Korean veterans, crashed while landing. T/SGT Curtis immediately manned the Air National Guard crash ambulance and rushed to the scene of the crash. The aircraft was burning severely upon his arrival, but despite the imminent possibility of explosion, T/SGT Curtis, without benefit of protective clothing, proceeded to assist in the rescue of injured and dying passengers. His quick action and disregard for personal safety were responsible for the saving of many lives. T/SGT Curtis' courage, initiative and devotion to duty reflect great credit upon himself, The Air National Guard, and the United States Air Force. [KWE Note: Howard Arthur Curtis died April 17, 1999.]
In fog and heavy overcast, thisTB-25 struck Dowdell's Knob near Warm Springs, Georgia. The bomber struck the 1,395-foot peak at the 1,340 level, killing five of six aboard the aircraft. The sole survivor was Richard Kendall Schmidt, 19, of Rumson, New Jersey, a Navy fireman that had hitched a ride on the aircraft.
Fatalities:
Clisham, Capt. Stephen A. (pilot) - Captain Clisham was born February 06, 1920, in Pittston Township, Pennsylvania, the son of Paul and Kathryn I. Carey Clisham of Naugatuck, Connecticut. He was married and his daughter is Monica Coffey. He had twelve siblings. Among them were Jon Ann Guiliano (1926-1993), Briday Elizabeth Carser (1929-2014), John (1932-2010), Mary Kathryn Martino (1934-2014), Dennis Edward "Ned" Sr. (1940-2019), Joseph Ronald "Ronnie" (1942-2022) and Thomas. He was a graduate of St. John's High School and then attended the University of Scranton. He enlisted in the Air Force in 1942. Captain Clisham is buried in Arlington National Cemetery.
Davidson, A3C Robert Wilson (passenger)- Airman Davidson was born on February 11, 1934, in Buffalo Village, Pennsylvania, a son of Alvin R. Davidson (died 1949) and Dorothy Wilson Davidson. His siblings included Margaret Stiffier, Helen, Gladys, Joan, Nancy, Carolyn, twins Wayne and Duane, and John. Airman Davidson attended Hickory schools. He spent three years in Mount Pleasant Township High School in Hickey. He graduated from Washington High School in 1952 and enlisted in the Air Force that year. Airman Davidson is buried in Washington Cemetery, North Franklin, Pennsylvania.
Harris, Capt. Virgil Grant (co-pilot) - Captain Harris was born on April 26, 1917, in Sasakwa, Oklahoma, a son of Virgil Washington Harris (1888-1980) and Annie L. Harris (1890-1942). In 1942 he married Velma Lorrieta "Lori" Hamilton (later Floyd) (1922-1992) and their sons were Jeffrey Lyndol (1943-1972), Larry Ray Harris (1946-2021) and Stanley Harris. Jeffrey was killed in the Vietnam War. The captain's brothers were Ralph Alexander Harris (1918-1994) and Raymond Monroe Harris (1923-1982). Captain Harris was a junior at East Central State College when he enlisted. During World War II he was a prisoner of war in Germany. He is now buried in Arlington National Cemetery.
Hoke, TSgt. Otheller B. (flight engineer) - Sergeant Hoke was born on November 08, 1910, in Texas, a son of William Burrell "Burl" Hoke (1881-1955) and Minnie Earl Barker Hoke (1882-1958). His siblings were David Walter (1903-1971), Jennie Corene Evans (1907-1970), Leonard Burl (1909-1982) and Theresa Inez Biggerstaff (1914-1959). Sergeant Hoke is buried in Eastview Memorial Park, Vernon, Texas.
Sheherd, A2C Benny Joe "Bennie" (passenger)- Airman Shepherd was born on September 07, 1932. He is buried in Pleasantview Cemetery, London, Kentucky. It's possible that his parents are buried in the same cemetery.
Second Lt. Gene Arlen Thomas, of the 18th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron, based at Saint Paul, Minnesota, departs from Yuma, Arizona, on a gunnery training flight, in an F-86A Sabre, but has an emergency and attempts to bail out. The pilot's body is found Wednesday 7 October, 25 miles south of the Mexican-American border. March AFB officials said that the downed fighter was located on Thursday, four miles north of the border. Lieutenant Thomas was born on March 12, 1931, in Grimes, Texas, a son of Henry Park Thomas (1896-1950) and Ethel Mae Mayers Thomas (1897-1981). His brother was Jack Park Thomas (1925-1986). Lieutenant Thomas is buried in New Bethlehem Cemetery, Cut and Shoot, Texas.
Three crew members lost their lives when this Tornado exploded in mid-air 15 miles southeawt of Riverside, California.
Fatalities:
Crowley, 1Lt. Craig Edward - Lieutenant Crowley was born on June 06, 1928, the only son of Edward Dupuis Crowley (1903-1942) and Hilda Elizabeth Saunders Crowley (Espe) (1903-1967). His stepfather was Carl F. Espe. Lieutenant Crowley is buried in Arlington National Cemetery.
Panther, Maj. Louis Burton - Major Panther was born on December 11, 1915, in Spokane Bridge, Washington, a son of Ben H. Panther (1887-1962) and Bessie Mae Fricks Panther (1894-1978). He was married to Dorothy Maureen Hildebrand (later Whitney) (1918-2008). Major Panther was a prisoner of war in Germany from 1944 to 1945, and he was the recipient of an Air Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters. Major Panther is buried in Pines Cemetery, Spokane Valley, Washington.
Ramsey, Mose Franklin Jr. - Franklin Ramsey was born on February 18, 1926, a son of Mose Franklin Ramsey Sr. (1897-1972) and Essie May Parker Ramsey (1902-1972). His siblings were Arnelda R. Taylor (1922-1985), Delores Ramsey Shurley (1924-1997), Bobby Ornett (1929-2022), and Monty Ramsey. Mose Ramsey Jr. is buried in Glenwood Cemetery, Yazoo City, Mississippi.
The pilot was waved off the aircraft carrier after cutting his engines. He was unable to get enough power for flight and went off the end of the ship. Unfortunately, witnesses stated, there was no reason for him to be waved off. The pilot, LCDR James Leonard Naftzger, was killed. He was born July 01, 1915, the son of Ernest Carter Naftzger (1895-1961) and Altha Hyacinth Jones Naftzger (1880-1963). He was married to Laura Virginia Lee on May 29, 1947, in Corpus Christi, Texas, and they were parents of Pamela Jo, Virginia Lee, and James Leonard Jr. His siblings were Sarah Elizabeth Will (1910-1982), Catherine Bertha Short (1911-1986), Edward Paul (1912-1981), Charles Ernest (1914-1986), Alzadie Altha "Zadie" (1916-1970), Areta May Kocher (1919-1988), and Calvin Alphoes Naftzger (1925-1970). Commander Naftzger served in the Pacific fleet from February 1942 to March 1945 during World War II.
This P-51 Mustang crashed in San Pablo Bay, California, killing its pilot, 1Lt. Frederick Hollister Reed. Lieutenant Reed was a Berkeley reserve pilot who was born on February 03, 1921. A World War II veteran, he was the recipient of a Distinguished Flying Cross and Air Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters. He is buried in Golden Gate National Cemetery, San Bruno, California.
An F-94C Starfire took off from Otis Air Force Base at 4:55 a.m. on October 12, 1953 to investigate an unidentified aircraft that appeared on air defense radar. The weather was rainy with thick upper clouds which affected radio communications and radar. Witnesses on the ground heard a loud boom and the aircraft was never seen again. It was speculated that the aircraft suffered a catastrophic malfunction, but there was no definitive conclusion. Search and rescue had negative results. The aircraft and its crew was assigned to the 437th Fighter Interceptor Squadron at Otis AFB.
Missing in Action:
Grollinger, 1Lt. Joseph F. - Lieutenant Grollinger was born February 21, 1928 in Chicago, Illinois, the son of Joseph Grollinger (1899-1968) and Margaret Stein Grollinger. His sister was Theresa Grollinger Klock.
Sebralla, 2Lt. Louis G. Jr. - Lieutenant Sebralla was born in 1928, the son of Louis Sebralla Sr. (1894-1963) and Catherine Peters Gardiner Sebralla (1906-1995).
Shortly after takeoff from March Air Force Base, the Stratojet crashed and exploded three miles northwest of the air base. Two officers were being instructed in touch and go landings, and crashed during the fourth touch and go.
Fatality:
Brosius, Capt. Charles William "Chuck" - Captain Brosius volunteered for this flight. He was born on March 25, 1925, in Kittanning, Pennsylvania, a son of Howard E. Brosius Sr. (1889-1974) and Helen Alfreda Kespelher Brosius (1889-1975). On November 16, 1946, he married Marion Cooper Burkhart (later Bifford) (1923-2014) in Shamokin, Pennsylvania. He and his wife had children Peter Charles (age 1) and Gretchen (2 months). His brother was Howard E. Brosius Jr. (1922-2018). A member of the USMC Class of 1946, he is buried in US Military Academy Post Cemetery, West Point.
Poytress, Capt. Earl Francis Sr. (observer) - Captain Poytress was born on February 24, 1923, in Oakland, California, the son of William F. Poytress (1891-1987) and Maude Horn Poytress (1898-1988). On June 16, 1946, he married Barbara Ruth Baker (later Guidera) (1929-1972) in Chickasha, Oklahoma. Their children were Earl Francis Poytress Jr. and Barbara "Suzy" Poytress Dallow (1948-2022). Captain Poytress is buried in US Military Academy Post Cemetery, West Point.
Steel, Capt. Byron M. - Captain Steel was born on July 23, 1920, in Missouri, a son of Mr. and Mrs. Tom Steel of Gilham, Arkansas. He was married to Geneva F. Flador Steel (1918-1998) and they had children Susan (age 5) and Tom (age 3). He had a brother and two sisters. During World War II Captain Steel served in Europe and Africa. He is buried in Sunset Memorial Park, Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Maj. Raymond Popson was the test pilot on his first flight with this secret experimental plane when it crashed into a mountain near Edwards Air Force Base, Muroc, California. Major Popson was born July 10, 1922, in New London, Connecticut, the son of Mr. and Mrs. John F. Popson. He and his wife Patricia were parents of a daughter Susan Rae, and they were expecting another child in the month following the plane crash. His sister was Barbara Popson Flick. Major Popson graduated from Bellfonte High School in 1939 and attended a military academy in New York. He joined the Air Corps in 1941 and served three years in the Pacific theatre. He completed 25 combat missions during World War II. Major Popson is buried in Arlington National Cemetery.
Three days after this crash the pilot, Capt. Carl Milton Crenshaw, died in Brooke Army Hospital after suffering 95 degree burns over his body. Captain Crenshaw was born on August 14, 1919, in Shreveport, Louisiana, a son of John Alexander Crenshaw (1889-1949) and Mittie A. Koonce Crenshaw (1891-1982). In 1940 he married Dorothy Louise "Dooley" Riopel (later Bissett) (1921-2006). Their three sons were Thomas Edward (1948-2006), John and Russell. His siblings were Josie Mae Bezanson (1910-2007), Thomas Glen (1922-1999), and Alice Nell Rasmussen (1926-2008). Captain Crenshaw is buried in Rose Hill Memorial Park, Whittier, California.
Capt. Richard Russell "Dick" Galt was assigned to Elgin Air Force Base in Florida where he was a project officer testing new planes and equipment. He became head of the F84-F jet fighter bomber project. On October 17, 1953, his plane experienced engine failure while taking off and ended his life. Captain Galt was born on February 03, 1924, in Cairo, Egypt, the son of Dr. Russell Galt (1889-1959) and Lois Knipe Galt (1895-1980). He married Marjorie Marie Carolin (later Bradford) on September 14, 1946, in Maricopa County, Arizona and they had daughters Susan, Peggy and Judy Galt. Captain Galt is buried in the US Military Academy Post Cemetery, West Point, New York.
This Neptune crashed in the Atlantic Ocean shortly after take-off from Keflafic Airport at Reykjavik, Iceland. The bodies were not recovered from the stormy sea.
Fatalities:
Bentz, Robert Joseph (electonics technician) - Robert Bentz was born August 09, 1931, a son of Nicholas Michael Bentz (1906-1976) and Mary Elizabeth Schlegel Bentz (1911-2008). His siblings were James Bentz (1933-2000) and John R. Bentz (1936-2009). He is buried in Gethsemane Cemetery, Laureldale, Pennsylvania.
Clements, James P. (chief machinists mate) - No information found.
Cook, Theodore W. (electronics technician) - He was from West Palm Beach, Florida.
Oordt, Ens. Donald Andrew (navigator) - Donald Oordt was born July 11, 1931, in Hospers, Iowa, the son of Mince Oordt (1900-1977) and Johanna Albertina "Josie" Reuvers Oordt (1904-2003). His sister was Catherine M. "Katy" Oordt DenHartog (1927-2019).
Hansen, Gerald L. (ordnanceman) - Gerald Hansen was born on February 02, 1932, a son of Pielgord Hansen (1906-2000) and Clara E. Karnes Hansen (1907-2003).
Krebsbach, Gerald Bernard (chief electronics man) - Gerald Krebsbach was born February 06, 1925, Mower County, Minnesota, the son of Aloysius Florian "Alois" Krebsbach (1891-1966) and Sadie Annette Haralson Krebsbach (1894-1977). He was married to Laverne V. Krebsbach (1920-1990). His siblings were Robert Florian Krebsbach (1915–2007), John Joseph Krebsbach (1918–1919), Vivian Mercedes Krebsbach Hall (1919–2017), James Vernon Krebsbach (1920–2001), Wilfred Mathias Krebsbach (1921–1974), Kathryn Aloysis Krebsbach Johnson (1923–1968), Donald Everett Krebsbach (1926–2010), Carl Joseph Krebsbach (1929–2016), Lawrence Frederick Krebsbach (1932–2011), Mary Lou Krebsbach Houle (1933–2016), and Richard Leo Krebsbach (1935–2005).
Maas, Douglas L. (electronics technician) - Douglas Maas was born July 22, 1932, in Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin, the son of Henry A. Maas (1906-1990) and Evelyn V. Schley Maas (1907-1998). He was married to Ina Mae Dasher (later Boggus) (1933-2013) in 1953.
Molusky, LtCdr. Carl Frederick (pilot) - Carl Molusky was born July 17, 1917 in New York, a son of George Frederick Molusky Sr. ( 1891-1977) and Clara Rinda Sparling Molusky (1893-1959). He was married to Catherine Molusky and they had two children. His siblings were Robert Molusky Bobst (1916-2004), George Irving Molusky (1924-2005), Donald Edward Molusky (1926-2005), Robert C. Molusky (1928-1981) and Vernon H. Molusky (1931-1995)
Rosemary, Lt. James F. (co-pilot) - James Rosemary was born May 15, 1921, in Hendricks County, Indiana, a son of Lee Rosemary (1886-1951) and Frances Admire Rosemary (1891-1965). He was married to Carrie Ellene Wilson (1915-2002) and they had daughters Lynne Ellene (1948-1987) and Stephanie Carol (1951-1977). His siblings were Francis Lee ( 1918-2001), Ralph A. (1924-2015) and Ruth E. Rosemary Edwards (1929-2009).
On this date H-5-H helicopter #49-1996A was on its second test flight following a change of the Main Transmission. The helicopter climbed to an altitude of 150 feet, started to roll to the left, and took a nose dive to the ground. The impact demolisted the aircraft forward of the engine compartment, killing the pilot and mechanic. THe fuel tank collapsed and the helicopter burst into flames following an explosion ignited by spilling fuel. The fatal accident took place at Maxwell Air Force Base. Two were killed. An investigation into the accident determined it was caused by improper safety procedures by maintenance personnel.
Francis, 1Lt. Buel Edward (pilot) - Lieutenant Francis was born March 18, 1925, in Belgrade, Missouri, the son of Charles Wintford Francis (1898-1956) and Dessie Myrtle Black Francis (later Smith and Powers) (1901-2001). His sisters were Olive Mildred Francis Lotz (1920-2011) and Lura Marie Francis Rhinehart (1922-2015). Lieutenant Francis is buried in White Chapel Memorial Gardens, Springfield, Missouri.
Grimes, Kenneth J. (mechanic)
This Panther crashed into San Francisco Bay after takeoff. The pilot was Ens. William Eugene Belknap.
Maj. Yancey Williams lost his life when his jet crashed after takeoff. He overshot the approach to Runway 36 at Scott Air Force Base, and the jet struck an electric transformer pole and exploded. Detail information about Major Williams can be found on the KWE's Black Contributions to the Korean War. Major Williams was born on February 01, 1916 in Louisiana and is buried in Arlington National Cemetery.
On a gunnery training mission this F86F crashed at Indian Springs Air Force Base, Nevada, killing three. The pilot, Clinton Gilbert Gillespie, survived but there were three fatalities.
Fatalities:
Breen, 1Lt. John J. - Lieutenant Breen was born on April 08, 1922. His wife was Delilah Belle Breen (1922-2007). A World War II veteran, Lieutenant Breen is buried in Fort Bliss National Cemetery, El Paso, Texas.
Dewhurst, A3C Clinton Clarke - Airman Dewhurst was born on June 23, 1933, in North Reading, Massachusetts. He was at the rear of this plane and could not bail out because he got entangled and could not parachute. His draft registration card, filled out on June 25, 1951, was signed by Mrs. Arthur Dewhurst.
Parsons, A1C Paul Alexander Jr. - Airman Parsons was born on April 24, 1931, in Pennsylvania, a son of Paul Alexander Parsons Sr. (1898-1954) and Mary Jane Lansberry Parsons (1907-1994). His siblings were Russell Erwin (1934-2011) and Shirley Jean McGinnis. Airman Parsons is buried in Longwood Cemetery, Kennett Square, Pennsylvania.
Immediately after takeoff, this F-9F suffered a catastrophic crash that claimed the life of Ens. Tyler Frazier "Buddy" Wirt Jr. Several reported that the wings suddenly folded. The jet plunged 400-500 feet to earth and exploded two and a half miles south southeast of NAS Cecil Field, Florida). Ensign Wirt was born on June 11, 1932, in Pulaski County, Virginia, the son of Tyler Frazier Wirt Sr. (1907-1952) and Ella Albert Wirt (1906-2003). He was married in 1953 to Frances Marie Ratcliffe (later Jackson) (1933-2012). His sister was Mrs. John "Peggy" Rollins. Ensign Wirt was a 1949 graduate of Pulaski High School. He then attended Emory and Henry College for two years before enlisting in the Navy Air Corps in 1951. Ensign Wirt is buried in Thornspring Methodist Church Cemetery, Pulaski County, Virginia.
On this date two F-94's were participating in a two-ship night radar training mission when Starjet #51-5522A caught fire in mid-air. The pilot, 2Lt. Arledge Wayne Suggs, was able to parachute to safety in a wooded rea near Falmouth, Massachusetts. His radar observer was not able to get out of the aircraft. Neither he nor the aircraft were ever found. The F-94 Starjet (#51-5585) was the second jet on the training mission. It was piloted by Lt. R.J. Cochi and the radar observer was Lt. H.W. Bradt. It landed safely.
Survivor:
Suggs, 2Lt. Arledge Wayne - He died a few years later on March 12, 1956, when the F-89 Scorpion jet crashed in Huron State Forest in Michigan.
Fatality:
Barckhoff, 2Lt. David Holmes - No further information found about him.
This Mariner went down in flames and was missing enroute to a Yellow Sea Patrol. Thirteen souls were never found. There was radio contact with the Mariner just before the crash. The SS Swordknot was the first ship on the scene, but no survivors were found. Four Navy destroyers also searched, but found no survivors.
Missing in Action:
Cobb, AN Harlan Paige - AN Cobb was born on March 28, 1934, in Hartford, Alabama, a son of Daniel Webster Cobb (1900-1992) and Onyx McLendon Cobb (1903-1992). His siblings were Ned Cobb (1929-2016) and Rex Neal Cobb (1939-1939).
Dacasto, Ltjg. Laurence John (pilot) - Lieutenant Dacasto was born January 27, 1923, in Morgan Hill. His foster mother was Caterina Pavia Boice, who reared him from childhood. Lieutenant Dacasto graduated from St. Ignatius High School. He attended the University of San Francisco, then left to serve in World War II. After the war he returned to college and graduated in 1949. He and his wife Joan had small children Laurence John Dacasto Jr. and Philip Dacasto.
Davis, ADAN Elton Raymond - Airman Davis was born on June 07, 1931, in California. He was the flight engineer on this aircraft because the regularly scheduled flight engineer was ill.
Dobrenz, AT3 Teddy Arthur - AT3 Dobrenz was born on September 29, 1928, in Gillette, Wyoming, a son of William Fredrick Dobrenz (1896-1981) and Hattie Mae Krubak Dobrenz (1898-1978). His siblings were Bessie Kelsey (1922-2006), Willie August (1923-2014), Charles William Richard (1925-1997), Violet May Anthony (1933-2021), Alfred Julius (1936-2000), Alfred Julius (1936-2000), Albert Krubak (1936-1993), William, and Milford.
Dudley, Ltjg. John Crawford - Lieutenant Dudley was born in Terre Haute, Indiana, a son of Bryan Crawford Dudley (1898-1953) and Ruth Naomie Crawford Dudley (1898-1939). He was married to Helen Sappington Dudley. His siblings were Mary Rebecca "Becky" Blair (1920-1994) and William C. Dudley.
Gauldin, AL3 Gilbert Fletcher - Aviation Electronics Man 3C Gauldin was born in 1925, in Rockingham County, North Carolina, a son of Hardin Nash Gauldin (1850-1928) and Sallie L. Hardy Gauldin (born 1888). He had a son Jeffery Gauldin. His siblings were Russell Gene (1920-1995), Thelma Lillian, Helen L., Harden Harvey, Della Mae, and Raymond Gauldin.
Goff, ATAN Kenneth Wilbur - ATAN Goff was born on July 30, 1932, in Portland, Maine, a son of Percy William Goff (1903-1974) and Celia M. "Nana" McDowell Goff (1907-1999). His siblings were Margaret Ida Bruns (1926-1986), Hazel R. Goff (1927-1943) and William Percy (1929-1989). He graduated from Deering High School in 1951.
Haney, AD2 Alvin Clair - Aviation Machinists Mate Haney was born on March 16, 1923, Libertyville, Iowa, a son of Carrol Albert Haney (1900-1980) and Margaret Henrietta Elder Haney (1899-1980). He was married to Hiawatha Tesebelle Hoage (later Emry) (1923-2005). His siblings were Robert Bruce (1925-1960), Marilyn Jane Stone (1933-2018), and John (1941-2023). Alvin Haney enlisted in the Navy in 1942.
Hendrick, PH1 Gerald Robert - PH1 Henrick, a photographer, was born December 09, 1929, a son of Paris Gratten Hendrick (1905-1956) and Norma Gladys Downey Hendrick (1903-2000). His siblings were Wanda Lee Kwasny (1934-2022) and Richard Hendrick.
Hill, AN James Mitchell - AN Hill was born on January 27, 1934, in Georgia, a son of Arthur James Hill (1896-1956) and Minnie Lee Rachel Hill (1909-1994). His siblings were Melvin LaDon "Don" Hill Sr. (1929-2012), Annie Lee Barnes (1931-2004), Betty Jo Salley (1932-2022), Dorothy Jean McQuaig (born 1937), and David Lamar (1947-2012).
Johnston, Ens. James Francis III - Ensign Johnston was born on January 01, 1929, the son of James Francis "Frank" Johnston Jr. (1909-1987) and Emma Myrtle Kemp Johnston (1910-1982). He was a graduate of the University of Florida and he was married.
Mee, AD1 Orvis Roger - Aviation Machinist 1C Mee was born February 10, 1923, in Wisconsin, a son of Archie Irwin Mee ()1890-1980) and Pauline K. Ludeking Mee (1892-1970). His siblings were Maurice Bernard (1913-2004), Beatrice Ellen Dupee (1914-2005), Spencer A. (1916-1984), Milton Ellis (1927-1992), and Herbert Hoover (1928-1970).
Nielsen, Lt. Paul Elvin (pilot) - Lieutenant Nielsen was born in 1919, the son of Paul E. and Metha P. Nielsen. He and his wife Thelma P. Nielsen had children Karen Christina and Anita Louise Nielsen.
Norton, AO3 Larry Eugene - Aviation Ordnance Man Norton was born on August 24, 1931, the son of Melvin Dewey Norton (1909-1990) and Julia Brannon Norton (1914-1992).
During a routine flight, this F9F crashed into a swamp north/northwest of Great Bridge, Virginia, at 11:15 a.m. on November 13, 1953. The pilot was killed. Lt. James Patrick Kelley was born June 16, 1927, in Mansfield, Ohio, a son of Patrick John Kelley Jr. (1877-1962) and Maude B. Dovey Kelley (1891-1967). His siblings were Robert Paul Sr. (1914-2005), John Lantry (1916-1961), Sr. Mary Timothy Kelley (1918-2017) and Juliann "Judy" Kelley (1922-2004). Lieutenant Kelley attended St. Peter's parochial school, Billis Prep School at Silver Springs, Maryland. He graduated from St. Joseph's Academy, Rensselaer, Indiana, and then the Naval Academy 1951. He is buried in Mansfield Catholic Cemetery, Mansfield, Ohio.
See the KWE's "Incomplete Listings Challenge" for further information.
On November 17, 1953, twelve C-119 aircraft participated in a training exercise with some 1,000 members of the Army's 82nd Airborne. C-119 #51-8163 left Pope Air Force Base in Fayetteville, North Carolina as part of the paratrooper dropping exercise. The aircraft was attached to the 764th Squadron of the 4566th Troop Carrier Wing, Charlestown, South Carolina. While in flight over Holland Drop Zone, this aircraft's engine failed. One account states that, piloted by 1Lt. Leo Burr Clark, the C-119 clipped C-119F #51-8122 (piloted by James A. Rowe) as it dove into the ground and scrub brush. The C-119 was flying at 1,200 feet when it went into the dive. Some 38 paratroopers in the plane jumped after the plane began to fall. Eleven paratroopers were hit by the disabled plane and were killed during the crash, and four crew members and one doctor onboard #51-8163 lost their lives. Some paratroopers who had dropped from planes ahead of the disabled C-119 died in the accident, while others died when suction from the falling aircraft collapsed parachutes. Others died while making 'short jumps' as the pilot of the C-119 tried to veer from the jump zone. The jumpmaster of #51-8163 was Sgt. Jesse Arrington of Newport News, Virginia. He survived. The following list of survivors and fatalities is incomplete.
[Incomplete list]
Arrington, Sgt. Jesse
Sluss, Sfc. Hubert - Bristol, Virginia
Arbogast, Chester - Chester was born April 26, 1934 in West Virginia, son of Pendleton Arbogast (1911-1967) and Mabel May Morral Hedrick (1915-1993). His half siblings were Clara Mae Arbogast Frantz (1935-2020) and Robert Thomas Arbogast (1937-2013). Chester is buried in Biby Cemetery, Pendleton County, West Virginia.
Baker, Arnold L. - Arnold was born August 24, 1934 and is buried in Greenwood Cemetery, Greenwood, Indiana.
Glover, George Washington - Born February 22, 1923 in Summerville, South Carolina, he is buried in Arlington Memorial Park, Kearny, New Jersey.
Johnson, Clarence C. - Clarence was born April 17, 1935, the son of Clarence C. Johnson (1904-1968) and Angeline A. Orzechowski Johnson (1909-1956). His sibling was Mrs. Richard (Mable "Jonnie" Johnson) Ingram. Private Johnson is buried in Clayfield Catholic Cemetery, Ellsworth, Wisconsin.
Mallory, Charlie - Information not yet found.
Meister, Adam George Jr. - "George" was born August 06, 1925. He attended Southern Junior College and then Loma Linda University. He met his future wife and nurse, Edwina Smith, at Loma Linda. After he received his doctor's degree the couple moved to Sarasota, Florida, where he was a physician. He entered the Army during the Korean War. George and Edwina had children Joan, Jane, Jeannie, Adam and Bob. Dr. Meister is buried in Memorial Park Cemetery, Saint Petersburg, Florida. Edwina later married Donald L. West Sr.
Montrose, Leroy Neal - Leroy was born June 28, 1930, a son of William Allen Montrose (1908-1976) and Lorena Carmon Montrose (1909-2002). His wife was Lottie Bramlett Montrose. His siblings were Frances M. (1927-1929), William Allen (born 1928), Mrs. William Norman (Minnie Montrose) Woodson (1941-2019), Ida Montrose Edmonds, Betty Montrose Green, Mickey Montrose, and Brenda Montrose Windham. Leroy is buried in Mount Hope Cemetery, Florence, South Carolina.
Risen, Edward G. - Edward was born on January 30, 1926, a son of Eugene A. Risen (1901-2001) and Grace E. Risen (1908-1992), Oregon City, Oregon. His siblings were Donald E. Risen, Edith E. Risen, Dorothy S. Risen, Carolyn Joy Risen, Charles R. Risen, and Ruth Risen Warmuth. Edward attended Oregon City High School and was a member of Oregon City unit of the Oregon National Guard. H entered the service on January 30, 1953 and had been at Ft. Bragg three months prior to the accident. He is buried in Willamette National Cemetery, Portland, Oregon.
Shadof, Kenneth R. - Kenneth was the son of Julius A. Shadof (1883-1969) and the brother of Lydia Elizabeth Shadof Scheelk (1910-1985), Irene Shadof Greene, Ethel Shadof Weber, Delores Shadof Yanke, Grace M. Shadof Erickson (1930-2015), Jerry Shadof, Leonard P. Shadof (1916-1985), Clarence Elmer Shadof (1923-2009, and Walter E. Shadof (1927-2020). Kenneth is buried in Highland Memorial Park, New Berlin, Wisconsin.
Sosa, Ramiro Hernandez - Ramiro was the 17-year old son of Mexico natives Ramiro Hernandez Sosa, Sr. (1908-1974) and Belen Rodriguez Sosa (1908-1995) of El Paso, El Paso Co., Texas. He was born December 01, 1935 in El Paso. His siblings were Belia Rodriguez Sosa (1932-1934) and Eduardo Rodriguez Sosa (1937-1974). Edward entered the U.S. Army on January 23, 1953. He is buried in Mount Carmel Cemetery, El Paso, Texas.
Taylor, Jerry -
Clark, Leo Burr - Leo was born April 18, 1927, in Maine, the son of Leo Vincent Clark (1890-1972) and Blanche Emily DeLisle Clark (1896-1981) of Millinocket, Maine. Lieutenant Clark's wife was Elizabeth A. Clark of Charleston Heights, South Carolina.
McCaig, Stanley R. - Stanley was born October 16, 1928 in Yakima County, Washington, the son of Robert Stanley McCaig (1889-1974) and Mary M. Zimmerman McCaig (1889-1985). Stanley is buried in Terrace Heights Memorial Park, Yakima, Washington.
Pace, Richard Gene - Richard was born January 09, 1931 in Buncombe County, North Carolina, the son of Lawrence Justice Pace (1896-1976) and Ethel Stepp Ewell Pace (2905-1962). Lieutenant Pace is buried in Oakdale Cemetery, Hendersonville, North Carolina.
Perrine, Carlton Lee "Corky" - Corky was born August 25, 1931 in Mansfield, Ohio, a son of Johnathon Rose Perrine (1903-1969) and Orpha Miriam Smeltzer Perrine (1902-1986). His siblings were David Ross Perrine (1925-1925) and Mrs. Harold Dean (Dolores Jean Perrine) Detrow (1927-2017). Airman Perrine is buried in Mansfield Cemetery, Mansfield, Ohio.
Singleton, Daniel G. - Daniel was born August 07, 1932 in Avalon, Missouri, a son of Stanley F. Singleton (1908-1985) and Frances Figg Singleton (1915-2014). His siblings were Stanley Dale Singleton (1931-1998) and Grace Singleton Thompson. Daniel is buried in Avolon Cemetery, Avalon, Missouri.
Due to trouble with one rotor, YH-21 #50-1240 crashed at Thule Air Force Base while in the final stages of an operational durability test under Arctic conditions. Four were killed. The aircraft was part of an Air Rescue Squad.
Burkes, Capt. Edward E.
Danner, TSgt. Clay Henry - Sergeant Danner was born November 02, 1917 in Watauga County, North Carolina, a son of Troy Thomas Danner (1892-1983) and Vertie Eliza Hayes Danner (1894-1987). He was married to Lillian Rebekah Beauchamp (later Prescott) (1923-2003). His siblings were Blanche Hazel Danner Earp (1913-1987), Bernice Ethal Danner Minton (1915-2003), Essie Ruth Danner Anderson (1916-1989), Gertrude Vada Danner Earp (1919-1945), Ronald Billy "Rom" Danner (1926-1990), Jack Troy Danner (1930-1999), and Tommy Danner (1936-2024). Sergeant Danner is buried in the Danner Cemetery, Watauga, North Carolina.
Gottfried, Capt. Raymond C., 30, Brooklyn, NY
Moore, SSgt. Philip Earle - Sergeant Moore was born February 13, 1929, the son of Earle Clifford Moore (1903-1987). He is buried in West Brattleboro Cemetery, West Brattleboro, Vermont.
This F9F crashed 30 miles south of Toulon, France in the Mediterranean Sea, killing the pilot. Ens. Lowell I. Whitaker was killed in this accident.
Crashed in flight from the USS Midway in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, the pilot was lost at sea. Ensign John Edward DeValk was born in 1930, a son of Henry J. DeValk (1907-1976) and Zelma DeMoss Robertson DeValk (1910-2008). His brother was David DeValk. Ensign DeValk graduated from Kenwood High School in 1947 and then attended the University of Maryland for two years. He was commissioned on April 08, 1947.
On November 23, 1953, radar picked up blips on its screen that were unidentified. Two crew members went up in F-89C Scorpion (#51-5811) to investigate the unidentified object. The F-89 suddenly disappeared off the screen and plunged into mud in a marshy area near Lake Wingra and the two crew members were killed. Government investigators believed that the crew was attempting to avoid hitting a Canadian airliner that was 30 miles off its course. The Truax plane was a member of the 433rd Fighter Interceptor Squadron.
Fatalities:
Collins, Capt. Glen Moore Jr. - Captain Collins was born February 23, 1923, in Indianapolis, Indiana, the son of Glen Moore Collins Sr. (1904-1955) and Helen Loise Huffman (Ross) (1904-1990). He was married to Lilly Margaret Newman Collins (Shea) (1922-1997), and they had daughters Vicki (age 8) and Glenda (age 8 months). Captain Collins enlisted in the Army Air Corps in October of 1942 and served in the Pacific during World War II. He is buried in Medmorial Park Cemetery, Indianapolis, Indiana.
Schmidt, 1Lt. John William - Lieutenant Schmidt was born May 09, 1925. At the time of the crash his wife was pregnant with their second child. His other son was John W. Schmidt Jr. (20 months old). Lieutenant Schmidt served in the Pacific during World War II. He is buried in Forest Park Lawndale Cemetery, Houston, Texas.
A Douglas F-89 Scorpion jet (#51-5853) disappeared on a flight over Lake Superior on this date. Radar indicated that the jet crashed into something. No trace of the pilots or jet was ever found. The cenotaph for pilot Gene Moncla states: "Disappeared November 23, 1953, intercepting an UFO over Canadian Border as pilot of a Northrup F-89 jet plane." This loss is commonly known as the "Kinross Incident". The nearest land where it is said the plane might have crashed is Keweesawa Point, Michigan.
Moncla, 1Lt. Felix Eugene "Gene" Jr. (pilot) - Born October 21, 1926, in Mansura, Louisiana, Felix was the son of Felix Eugene Moncla Sr. (1894-1957) and Marie Yvonne Beridon Moncla (1900-1961). He was married to Bobbie Jean Coleman (later Nabors) (1929-2013) in 1951. They were parents of children Sharon Yvonne Moncla (later Matthews) and David Carl Moncla. Gene's sisters were Mrs. Leo (Leonie Moncla) Shannon and Muriel Ann Moncla (1925-2002). Gene was a 1943 graduate of Moreauville High School. He received a Bachelor of Science degree from Southwestern Louisiana Institute. In July 1952 he was assigned to Truax Field, Madison, Wisconsin. He was on replacement duty at the time of the plane's disappearance.
Wilson, Lt. Robert L. (radar operator) - Robert was born November 16, 1931, the son of Renne Otto Wilson (1900-1969) of Ponca City, Oklahoma, and Leonara R. Davis Wilson (1900-1969). His sister was Madelyn Wilson (1924-1997). Robert was not married. He was a graduate of Ponca City High School and then attended Northern Oklahoma Junior College at Tonkawa and the University of Oklahoma. There is a memorial marker for him in the Odd Fellows Cemetery, Ponca City.
During a routine flying mission from Tyndall Air Force Base in Florida, this Sabre crashed near Greenwood and Marianna, Florida. The pilot was 2Lt. John Willis Feyrer. He ejected but his parachute failed. Lieutenant Feyrer was born February 25, 1929, in Warsaw, New York, a son of Rev. Joseph Feyrer (1893-1972) and Nellie Mae Montgomery Feyrer (1895-1935). His siblings were Jean T. Feyrer Weaver (1931-2016), Joseph Feyrer and James Feyrer. Lieutenant Feyrer graduated from Woodhull High School in 1946. He graduated with honors from West Point in 1952. He is buried in Wayne Village Cemetery, Wayne Village, New York.
The crew was performing a ferry flight from Dover, Delaware, to Frankfurt-Main Airbase with intermediate stops in Lajes, Azores Islands, and Paris-Orly. On final approach, the airplane went out of control and crashed in flames in Choisy-le-Roi, less than four km from the runway threshold. All six occupants were killed. The bodies of five men were pulled from the charred wreckage. A sixth crewmen was found dead in a clump of trees after he had tried unsuccessfully to bail out from about 700 feet. His partially-opened parachute was tangled in branches 40 yards from the crash site. Probable cause: It is believed that the loss of control may have been caused by the loss of the rear clam shell door which detached on final approach and struck the horizontal stabilizer, causing the failure of the empennage and the subsequent crash of the airplane.
Fatalities:
Almond, A1C Grant M. - Airman Almond was born on August 31, 1931, in Downey, Idaho, a son of Burton Moroni Almond (1903-1989) and Lottie Edna Nordby Almond (1906-1990). His siblings were Allan Lamar (1926-2006), Dean Gordon (1928-2013), James (1929-1929), Lyle Norby (1935-1968), Larry, Louise Seamons, Marge Small, and Ann Crapo. Airman Almond is buried in Downey Cemetery, Downey, Idaho.
Dawson, 1Lt. Richard E. - Lieutenant Dawson was born on August 14, 1929. The recipient of a Distinguished Flying Cross and Air Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, he is buried in Woodlawn Park North Cemetery and Mausoleum, Miami, Florida.
Gagnon, Sgt. Louis Henry "Louie" - Sergeant Gagnon was born on July 30, 1921. The World War II veteran was the recipient of an Air Medal with six Oak Leaf Clusters. He is buried in Saint Mary's Cemetery, Augusta, Maine.
Harker, 1Lt. William B. - Lieutenant Harker was born on May 01, 1928, in Peoria, Illinois, the son of Donald E. Harker (1902-1932) and Virginia White Harker (1903-1996). The lieutenant was a 1946 graduate of Peoria (Illinois) High School and a 1950 graduate of Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois. He was commissioned in December of 1951. He is buried in Springdale Cemetery and Mausoleum, Peoria, Illinois.
Salem, Samuel J. (pilot) -
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Major Frank Kent Reilly Jr. was leading a formation of four Panther Jets from Masters Field near Miami when the accident occurred, according to information released by authorities at the air base. Fellow pilots said he went into a dive at 10,000 feet and was rolling out at about 500 miles an hour when he radioed that he was in trouble and was going to bail out. The other pilots said he did not have time to jump before the plane hit the jungle. The crashed plane was located by Coast Guard helicopter, and his body was recovered from the wreckage. A graduate of Robert E. Lee senior high school in 1939, he studied at Texas A and M and entered the Marine Corps in 1943 as a flying cadet. He remained in the flight training section until the end of World War II when he was commissioned as a regular Marine Corps pilot. At the beginning of the Korean war, he was sent to the Far East and assigned as a Corsair pilot. He flew more than 100 combat missions during the year that he was in Korea and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross with six stars. After completing the record number of missions as a fighter pilot, he was assigned to fly the wounded from combat areas to hospitals behind the lines. He returned to the States in July 1951. Major Reilly was born on April 29, 1922, a son of Frank Kent Reilly Sr. He was married to Blanche Parks Reilly (1922-1990) and their children were Guyton Allen Reilly (1948-1948(, Frank Kent Reilly III (age 8), Janet Lynne Reilly (age 3) and David Churchill Adams Reilly. Major Reilly's brother was Rodney Reilly. Major Reilly is buried in Arlington National Cemetery.
This A2F crashed 50 miles at sea from Long Beach, California. Killed was 1Lt. Dean John Converse. Lieutenant Converse was born on October 09, 1921, in Red Lake County, Minnesota, the son of Milton Amasa Converse (1877-1936) and Mary Ann Keifenheim Converse (1887-1968). In 1949 he married Joanne Therese Velz (later Hart) (1927-2018). They were parents of two sons. The half-siblings of Lieutenant Converse were Vera Davis (1902-1967) and Amasa Buse Converse (1906-1994).
This T-33 crashed at Bosqueville, Texas, about five miles from James Connally Air Force Base, Waco, Texas. The pilot, 2Lt. Orrin William Vail, was killed. Lieutenant Vail was born on July 07, 1932, the son of John Clarman Vail and Margaret May Hamilton. He is buried in Olivewood Cemetery, Riverside, California.
Boeing B-47E-60-BW Stratojet, 51-2440, of the 303rd Bomb Wing, was on a training flight explodes in flight late Thursday, December 03, when it crashed into mountainous terrain (Spud Rock) northeast of Tucson, Arizona, killing the crew. A ground crew dispatched to the scene recovered all four bodies from the blackened wreckage.
Fatalities:
Bratcher, Lt. Col. Douglas Howard (pilot) - Lieutenant Colonel Bratcher was born on May 19, 1918, in Nocona, Texas, a son of Benjamin Clay Bratcher (1869-1918) and Mary Hanlin Griner Bratcher (1880-1927). His siblings were Mabel Katherine "Kate" Wells (1903-1976), Anna Laura Hall (1905-1992), Benjamin Coe (1908-1983), James Rowland (1910-1986), and 2Lt. Carey E. Batcher (lost at sea, World War II) (1915-1943). His half-siblings were Thomas Mathew (1891-1959), Mary Elizabeth Timberlake (1892-1982), Wilton William (1897-1982), Otis Andrew (1898-1978), and Nancy Pearl "Nannie" Williams (1900-1964). Lieutenant Colonel Bratcher is buried in Arlington National Cemetery.
Child, A1C William Lloyd (crew chief) - Airman Child was born on June 01, 1929, in Oskaloosa, Iowa, the son of Lloyd Clifford Child (1900-1976) and Ann Lucy Cutter Child (1899-1972). In 1951 he married Mildred Irene Long (later Golay) (1930-2017). His sisters were Barbara McCord (1925-2000) and Marjorie Lucy Tschirgi (1926-2002). Airman Child is buried in Nevada Municipal Cemetery, Nevada, Iowa.
McEver, Maj. Hayward W. (pilot) - Major McEver was born on February 13, 1923, in Georgia, a son of Lester Lee McEver (1893-1963) and Fannie Luveda Luther McEver (1895-1986). His siblings were William Horace (1916-1998) and Margaret Catherine Hodgson (1920-1952). Major McEver was married. He enlisted in the Army Air Corps on March 25, 1942. Major McEver is buried in Alma Knight Allen Memorial Park, Monroe, Georgia.
Williams, Capt. Jesse Grady (pilot) - Captain Williams was born on March 14, 1922. He was married to Lucy B. Burkett (later Braun) (1922-1984). The World War II veteran is buried in Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, San Antonio, Texas.
This Sabrejet stalled and crashed at Ash Village, three miles west of Sandwich, Kent, England), killing the pilot, Lt. John Andrew Huerter. Lieutenant Huerter was born on February 09, 1929, in Omaha, Nebraska, a son of Andrew Philip Huerter (1906-1990) and Helen Marie Houlton Huerter (1904-1994). His siblings were Richard Wendell "Dick" (1930-2012), Sarah L. McGrath (1933-2015), and Lawrence W. "Larry" (1939-2020). Lieutenant Huerter is buried in Mount Calvary Cemetery, Topeka, Kansas.
In spite of intense searches, this silver jet trainer was never found after it went missing off of Cherry Point, North Carolina.
Missing Crew Members:
Barclay, Capt. John Henry - Captain Barclay was born on January 17, 1919, a son of Harry Pennoyer Barclay (1897-1950) and Margaret Ashworth Erickson Barclay (1901-1941). His siblings were William Frank Barclay (1921-2001) and Robert Ashworth Barclay (1923-1965).
Williams, 1Lt. Duke Jr. - Lieutenant Williams was a prisoner of war in Korea from May 16, 1952 to August 31, 1953. He was the recipient of a Distinguished Flying Cross. He was from Yazoo City, Mississippi.
F-86 Sabre 51-3509 was landing at Manston, England's Aerodome when it went into a dive and crashed in a field 300 yards from the end of the Aerodome main runway. By the time firefighters got to the scene the pilot, Capt. Lee Franklin Barrows Jr., was dead. Captain Barrows was assigned to the 514th FBS, 406th FBG, USAF in England. Originally in the regular army, he was serving in Pearl Harbor when it was attacked by the Japanese in 1941. A graduate of Charleston High School, he transferred to the Army Air Corps in 1941. During World War II he was captured in Germany while a member of the 306 BG and bombardier in a B-17. He was imprisoned at Camp Barth on the Baltic coast, but released a year later. At the time of the crash in England, his wife Joyce Floyd Barrows and son John were living in England. Captain Barrows was from St. Albans, West Virginia. Born circa 1918, he formerly worked at Viscose plant at Nitro. Captain Barrows is buried in Cunningham Memorial Park, St. Albans.
During a weekend instrument flight, four F-84's with the 116th Fighter Bomber Wing, 128th Fighter Bomber Squadron, crashed into a pine thicket while on a shallow dive. The crash site was four miles west of Lawrenceville, Georgia and 25 miles northeast of Atlanta. A book entitled, Four Down on Old Peachetree Road by Ben Cole provides details about the tragedy. All four pilots lost their life. Three of the pilots – Kent, Dixon and Tennent – made up a stunt team specializing in close formation and acrobatic flying. Hodge and Kent were veterans of World War II and Hodge was a combat pilot in Korea. One of the jets crashed into the home of Ernest Brooks, but fortunately no family member was at home at the time.
F-84 #48-775 Fatality:
Dixon, 1Lt. Samuel Peyton Jr. - Lieutenant Dixon was born on August 29, 1922, in Florida, the son of Samuel and Nancy Edwards Dixon. His wife was Mary Bunch. Lieutenant Dixon enlisted in the Army on May 07, 1942, and was the recipient of an Air Medal with one Oak Leaf Cluster. He was to graduate from the Georgia Institute of Technology in 1954 with a degree in aeronautical engineering. He is buried in Marietta National Cemetery.
F-84 #48-644 Fatality:
Hodge, Capt. Idon Marion Jr. - Captain Hodge was born on May 16, 1923, the son of Idon and Ruby Rust Hodge (1896-1944). He married Quincy Alexander (1924-2022) in 1949, and they had children Nancy and Bill. His sister was Martha Abagail Hodge (1933-1934). Captain Hodge enlisted in the US Army Medical Administration Corps on May 20, 1942, and served in the Pacific during World War II. He is buried in Arlington, Virginia.
F-84 #48-771 Fatality:
Kent, 1Lt. Elwood Campbell - Lieutenant Kent was born on June 16, 1925, in Memphis, Tennessee, a son of Minnie Hannah Haas Kent (1900-1964). In 1949 he married June McDaniel. His brother was Kenneth Kent. He was an honor student at Tech High School and then graduated in 1949 from Georgia Institute of Technology with a degree in civil engineering. He is buried in Westview Cemetery, Atlanta, Georgia.
F-84 #48-643 Fatality:
Tennent, 2Lt. William Alston - Lieutenant Tennent was born in 1928, in Augusta, Georgia, a son of Henry A. Tennent (1890-1932) and Attie Tennent (died 1983). His brother was Henry Densler Tennent (1923-1997). Lieutenant Tennent graduated from the Georgia Institute of Technology in 1951 with a degree in industrial management.
This aircraft experienced an electrical fire in flight, crashed and exploded in a wooded area 1.5 miles south of Newton Falls, Ohio. The pilot parachuted out, was injured, but survived. The co-pilot and a crew member were killed.
Fatalities:
Mayer, 2Lt. Ronald L. - Lieutenant Mayer was born July 12, 1930. He was a member of the 313 Troop Carrier Group. He is buried in Stillman Valley Cemetery, Stillman, Illinois.
Springer, A2c Julius William - Airman Springer was born on December 08, 1932. He was a member of the 43 Troop Carrier Group. He is buried in Beverly National Cemetery, Beverly, New Jersey.
Survivor:
Ferndorf, 2Lt. Thomas H.
The B-36 crashed into the Franklin Mountains in El Paso, Texas during conditions of light snow and low ceilings while attempting to land at Biggs Air Force Base. All eight of the crew were killed, as well as one passenger. [KWE Note: On February 7 of this same year, Lt. Colonel Gerick, Major Miner and Airman Silvestri had parachuted to safety in a missed approach crash of B-36H 51-5719 in the Nethermore Woods of Wiltshire County, England.]
Fatalities:
Fant, 1Lt. Cary Buckner Jr. (flight engineer) - Lieutenant Fant was born on May 25, 19190, in Cass County, Texas, a son of Cary Buckner Fant Sr. (1880-1958) and Mary Tallulah Burns Fant (1876-1959). He married Mary Elizabeth "Beth" McGilvray (later Phillips) (1926-1996) and they had children Rodney Odin Fant (1951-2020), Mary Angela Fant (1949-1949) and Anita Jane Fant Barker (1954-1979). His siblings were J. Morris Fant (1904-1926), William Curtis Fant (1906-1976), Pearl S. Fant Womack (1907-1983), Infant Fant (1909-1909), Thomas Edward Fant (1911-1987), Mary Lou Fant Fuller (1913-1982), Lorene Fant Shaw (1914-1966) and Alene Fant Hoyt (1914-1970). Lieutenant Fant is buried in Saint William Catholic Cemetery, Red Hill, Texas.
Freeman, MSgt. Royal (radio operator) - Sergeant Freeman was born on August 17, 1927, in Texas, a son of Roger Henry Freeman (1903-1966) and Rosa Myrtle Royal Freeman (later Ash) (1903-1992). He was married to Edith Quick Freeman. His brothers were Ronald Minsfield Freeman and Roger Henry Freeman (1930-1930). Sergeant Freeman graduated from Crozier Technical High School and enlisted in the Navy at age 17. He then joined the Air Force four years before the plane crash. He is buried in Crown Hill Memorial Park, Dallas, Texas.
Gerick, Lt. Col. Herman Victor (aircraft commander) - Lieutenant Colonel was born December 02, 1918, in Cameron, Texas, a son of Joseph Libor "Joe" Gerick (1885-1955) and Frances Cecilia "Fannie" Kubish Gerick (1889-1980). He and his wife Lucille F. Gerick had children Stephanie and Garry Lee. The children were seven and ten years old at the time of the crash. Colonel Gerick's siblings were Matilda Zarosky (1912-2014), Albina Anna Schiller (1913-2003), Joseph Paul "Joe" Jr. (1915-1995), Mary Ann Koranek (1917-2005), Alfred Frank "Pat" (1921-2007), Albert Robert (1925-2007), Otto George (1926-2001), Albin Joseph (1928-2015), and Louis. Colonel Gerick was a star football and basketball player in Yoe High School. He entered the Air Corps in 1941 after Pearl Harbor. He is buried in Saint Monica's Cemetery, Cameron, Texas.
Harvey, 1Lt. James Marshall Jr. (492nd Bomb Squadron Staff Flight Engineer) - Lieutenant Harvey was born on May 29, 1917, the son of James M. Harvey (1883-1954) and Addie Lou Thompson Harvey (1891-1964). He married Anita R. Roberts (later Dreikorn) (1922-1980), and they had children Judy Darlene Harvey Ducker (1944-2024) and James Harvey. Lieutenant Harvey's sister was Minie Lena Harvey Cowden (1920-1986). Lieutenant Harvey is buried in Laurel Land-Rose Hill Memorial Park, Fort Worth, Texas.
Howe, A1C Edwin David (gunner) - Airman Howe was born on May 19, 1931, in Jordan, New York, the son of Harold Gorham "Tommy" Howe (1891-1966) and Estella May "Stella" Barker Howe (1894-1967). Airman Howe and his wife Diana L. Howe had a five-month0old son, Donald. Airman Howe is buried in Cedar Memorial Park, Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
Miner, Maj. Douglas Pearce (navigator) - Major Miner was born April 18,1919, in Attleboro, Massachusetts, the son of Percy Harold Miner (1893-1962) and Grace Irma Smith Miner (1892-1978). He married Jane Smith Isbill (later Browne) (1925-2004), and they had children Stephen Grady Miner (1949-1955) and Kathleen "Kathy" Miner. His sister was Patricia Miner Bowen. Major Miner enlisted in the Army Air Corps on October 10, 1941, after graduating from Attleboro High School. He served in the China-Burma-India theater during World War II and was the recipient of a Distinguished Flying Cross and Silver Stars. He is buried in Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, SanAntonio, Texas.
Morford, Maj. George Clayton (pilot) - Major Morford was born on February 21, 1920, in Verona, Pennsylvania, the son of Robert John Morford and Margaret A. Mackey Kauffman Morford (1898-1996). Margaret was married to James Milliard "Jack" Kauffman (1900-1963), but she is buried next to Robert John Morford. Major Morford married Carolyn Belle "Nan" Shade (later Richardson) (1922-2015). Their children were George C. Morford Jr. (age 8), Sharon Lee Morford (age 6) and Jeffrey W. (age 4). His siblings were Wayne Mackey Kauffman (1921-1922), Ruth Jacqueline Kauffman Riddile (1923-1975) and Beverly Claire Kauffman Boring (1933-2012). Major Morford is buried in Arlington National Cemetery.
Silvestri, A2C Frank (gunner) - Airman Silvestri was born December 05, 1929, a son of Nicola Silvestri (1903-1980) and Margaret Silvestri (1907-1974). His brother was Raymond Joseph Silvestri (1936-2012). Airman Silvestri was not married. He is buried in Most Holy Redeemer Cemetery, Baltimore, Maryland.
Taliaferro, 1Sgt. Dewey (passenger)- Sergeant Taliaferro was born on December 25, 1920, a son of Dewey Taliaferro (1898-1947) and Phena Thompson Taliaferro (1901-1929). He married June Anita Pegues on September 18, 1942, in Ft. Worth, Texas, and they had children Linda Kay (Kuhn), Travis Wayne and Rebecca Jean (King). Rebecca arrived after her father's death. His siblings were Jack (1922-2012) and Billy Charles (1923-1980). Sergeant Taliaferro is buried in Dido Cemetery, Dido, Texas.
VJ1 Squadron at Naval Air Station Agana sent out one of their six PB4Y-2S's to track Typhoon Doris. PB4Y-2S #59716 disappeared without a trace while penetrating the eye wall of the typhoon. There was a nine-day search to try to locate the crew of nine with no positive result.
Barnett, AL1 Fredrick Raymond - Fredrick was born September 26, 1925, in Kokomo, Indiana, the son of Clarence Alonzo Barnett (1904-1968) and Ida Frances McNall Barnett. His full and half siblings included Howard F. Barnett, Robert Barnett, George Barnett, Donald Alonzo Barnett (1928-1974) and Janice Lorraine Barnett Cook (later Mrs. Edward G. Moeller 1934-2015). The KWE has not confirmed the names of all of Fredrick's siblings. There is a memorial stone in his honor in Kokomo Memorial Park Cemetery, Kokomo, Indiana.
Clark, AD1 J.N. - No information yet found.
Marsden, Lt. Stephen Bryant (co-pilot) - Stephen was born November 16, 1924 in Lykens, Pennsylvania, a son of Alfred W. Marsden (1894-1932) and Isabell R. Ritchie Marsden (Berry) (1893-1957). He was married to Billie M. Bennett (1928-1968). His brother was Wesley Alfred "Al" Marsden (1917-1992) and half sibling Mrs. Mike (Barbara Lee Berry) Elisoff (1927-1972). He is listed as Lost at Sea.
Myer, AD3 Edwin Lloyd - Edwin was born February 12, 1933 in Detroit, Michigan, the son of Forest Edwin "Buck" Myer (1907-1987) and Amelia Mary Suppes Myer (1909-2000). His siblings were Donald Forest Myer (1930-2005) and Mrs. Robert Neil (Marian Elaine Myer) Simmons Sr. (1931-2010) and his half siblings were Patricia Ann Myer Conner (1940-2015) and Richard Glenn Myer (1946-2003). He was listed as Lost at Sea.
Newhall, CDR James William - James was born February 13, 1914 in Johannesburg, South Africa. He entered active service via the pre-war Aviation Cadet program and was commissioned a Navy officer after World War II. James is listed as Lost at Sea.
Stephens, AL2 Norman Jan - Norman was born August 12, 1930, a son of Leon Isadore Stephens (1905-1999) and Okie Earl Massey Stephens (1905-1968). His siblings were Mrs. Edgar W. (Betty Lee Stephens) Brown (1927-2013) and Donald Leon Stephens (1933-2022). There is a memorial marker for Norman in Evans Landing Presbyterian Cemetery, Evans Landing, Indiana.
Stott, AO3 Arthur J. Jr. - Arthur was born April of 1930. There is a marker for him at Laurel Hill Memorial Park, Cle Elum, Washington.
Troescher, LTJG Fred - Fred was born May 16, 1927, the son of Fred Z. Troescher (1898-1986) and Gladys Mae Rioddle Troescher (1901-1994). A graduate of Navy Academy Class of 1949, he was married to Carolin Colby (later Carolin Janzen) (1926-2015) in 1950 and they had sons Scott Troescher and David Troescher. Fred is listed as Lost at Sea.
Zimmerman, LTCD Donald Jr. - Donald was born June 16, 1918 in Flint, Michigan, the son of Donald S. Zimmerman Sr. (1893-1970) and Getrude Farwell Zimmerman (1896-1990). His siblings were Opal Zimmerman Batson Splitt (1915-1975) and Carol Jean Zimmerman Herington (1919-2014). Donald is listed as Lost at Sea.
This Panther disappeared over the sea off San Diego, California. The pilot was lost.
Missing:
Levisee, Ltjg. Donald Bergman - Lieutenant Levisee was born on July 18, 1929, a son of Aaron Burton Levisee (1894-1962) and Marguerite B. Levisee (1896-1969). His siblings were Robert Charles "Bob" Levisee (1927-2022), Marion and Suzanne. Lieutenant Levisee was a Naval Academy graduate in the Class of 1951.
F9F-6 #128142 crashed into a walnut orchard near Gustin, California, after failing to pull out of a power dive. The pilot died during an unsuccessful bailout. Ens. Bruce Raymond Cameron was born on February 11, 1929, in Detroit, Michigan, a son of Allan Kenzie Cameron Sr. (1895-1969) and Gertrude E. Marks Cameron (1902-1991). His siblings were Allan Kenzie Cameron Jr., Priscilla Smith, and Charlotte Withers.
Lt. Thomas Ray Murray died when the T33 that he was piloting crashed and burned near Nashville, Georgia. Lieutenant Murray was born on May 22, 1930, in Texas, the son of Wilfred Turnage Murray (1905-1981) and Wilma A. Miller Murray (1907-1992). He graduated from Lutcher Stark High School in 1947. He attended Lamar College and later two years at Texas A&M. He entered the Air Force in January of 1951. During the Korean War he flew Sabrejets, receiving a Distinguished Flying Cross and an Air Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster. Lieutenant Murray is buried in Oak Bluff Memorial Park, Port Neches, Texas.
This Neptune disappeared on a patrol flight from Keflavik airport near Reykjavik, the capitol of Iceland. Search and Rescue found that the aircraft had crashed on Myrdalsjokull glacier at an altitude of 4,000 feet. The crew of nine died, but early rescue plane crews saw several suvivors. None could have survived very long in the sub-zero temperatures. One body was recovered by helicopter lift seven days after the crash, but the others remained in the frozen, snow-covered wreck for 28 years. There was eight to 15 feet of snow and ice above the wreck. The wreck was discovered by Icelandic sheep herders.
Fatalities:
Baker, AO3 Marvin Lloyd - AO3 Baker was born on December 03, 1930, in Hennepin County, Minnesota, a son of John W. Baker and Hulda Margaret Ther Offerman Baker (1896-1996). His siblings were Gladys Baker Knuth and L. Kelly Baker. Marvin Baker is buried in Boynton Beach Memorial Park and Mausoleum, Boynton Beach, Florida.
Blum, Lt. Ishmael Murray - Lieutenant Blum was born October 16, 1922, a son of Harry Blum (1899-1980) and Kathleen Blum (1902-1990). His siblings were Harry Blum and Rebeth Blum Phillips (1925-2011). Lieutenant Blum was a World War II veteran. He was a graduate of Miami Edison High School and the University of Miami. He is buried in Laurel Hill Cemetery, Archer, Florida.
Cason, Lt. Henry L. - Lieutenant Cason was born May 26, 1921, a son of Benjamin Fredrick Cason (1883-1956) and Minnie Lucie Sadler Cason (1885-1971. His brothers were Marvin W. "Black Kitty" Cason (1906-1983) and Benjamin F. Cason Jr. (1915-1919). He is buried in Cedar Hill Cemetery, Bessemer, Alabama.
Cater, AD2 Eddie L. - AD2 Cater was born May 12, 1924, a son of Henry Sylvester Cater (1899-1975) and Maude Lee Burns Cater (1901-1949). His brothers were Reginald Cater (1931-2003) and Earl Ray Cater (1934-1994). Eddie Cater is buried in Arlington National Cemetery.
Humbert, AN Everett Joseph Jr. - AN Humbert was born February 10, 1930, the son of Everett Joseph Humbert Sr. (1891-1973) and Ida Shanks Humbert (1901-1975). His sisters were Willie Kathleen Humbert Suter (1922-2024), Christine Virginia Humbert Rost (1922-2022) and Grace O. Humbert Benge (1925-2016). Everett Humbert is buried in McKinney Cemetery, Rogersville, Tennessee.
Jones, AT3 Amos W. Jr. - AT3 Jones was born March 19, 1933 in Pennsylvania, the son of Amos Wormley Jones Sr. (1910-1989) and Thelma C. Burke Jones (1912-2001). Amos Jones is buried in Arlington National Cemetery.
Schiff, ENS Sven - Ensign Schiff was born May 2 4, 1930. His brother was Tom Schiff. Sven Schiff is buried in Arlington National Cemetery.
Ward, ATAN William Albert - ATAN Ward was born August 23, 1931, the son of James Monroe Ward (190-1984) and Hettie Powell Ward (1909-2000). He was married to Bonnie Jean Anderson Ward and they had a baby son, Steven Duane Ward. He is buried in Woodlawn Cemetery, Columbia, Mississippi.
Whale, AL2 Robert Braun - AL2 Whale was born in 1931 in Wisconsin, the son of Robert Gerald Whale (1900-1956) and Jeanette B. Whale (1907-1986). His sister was Marjorie Ann Whale (1936-1936). Robert Whale is buried in Lakeside Memorial Park, Waupaca, Wisconsin.
[KWE Note: The following introductory information was found on the Aviation Safety Net website.]
B-29 #44-87741 left Andersen AFB, Yigo, Guam at 06:05 local time on December 17, 1953. The heavy bomber was on its way back to Mountain Home AFB, Idaho, via Kwajalein Island. Shortly after takeoff, the engine number two failed. The crew was able to shut it down, and feathered the propeller. On final approach to runway 07R, after passing through the last cloud layer, the pilot-in-command decided to make a go around and following a circuit before starting a second approach few minutes later. While struggling to land the second time, he turned the B-29 into the feathered propeller at too steep of an angle, with the landing gear down, and flaps retracted which caused the bomber to lose lift and control. The aircraft banked 80 degrees to the left, and crashed in a near vertical position onto several houses located short of the runway. Among the 16 occupants, all four crew members and five passengers were killed, and seven others were injured. On the ground, ten people were killed, among them six children, and two entire families. It is still (as of 2017) the worst ever accident (in terms of fatalities) to have happened at Guam's Andersen AFB. For further information on this horrific plane crash, search "60th Anniversary of the Worst Peacetime Accident at Andersen", located on the Andersen AFB website.
Christopher, 1Lt. Dominic Joseph (navigator) - Dominic was on his way home to spend Christmas with his family when the B-29 crashed during stormy weather. Lieutenant Christopher was born in Long Bank, New Jersey on May 26, 1924. He lived most of his life in Red Bank, New Jersey. He was a son of Rocco Christopher (1891-1963) and Catherine Ziporo Christopher (1900-1976). His wife was Helga Christopher, whom he met and married in Germany. Their children were Eileen, Kathryn and Stephen Michael Christopher. Dominic's siblings were Mrs. Michael Nannine, Mrs. Charles Twigg, Miss Marion Christopher, Miss Rosemarie Christopher, Miss Anne Christopher, Miss Josephine Christopher, Rocco Christopher (1925-1965), Sam A. Christopher and Colio Christopher.
Dominic Christopher was a 1942 graduate of Red Bank High School, where he was an outstanding basketball and football player. He entered the Army Air Corps on February 14, 1943 and trained at Selman Field, Louisiana. He was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in May of 1944. During World War II he went on 13 bombing missions over Germany. In 1945 his plane was struck by German flak and his plane crashed in Swiss neutral territory. He was discharged in October of 1945 and became a salesman for Campbell Soup Company. He reenlisted in July 1950 for four years and took part in the Berlin airlift. For the second time he experienced being in a plane crash--this time in Newfoundland, but he was uninjured. 1Lieutenant Christopher is buried in Mount Olilvet Cemetery, Middletown, New Jersey.
DeBoer, 1Lt. Howard Leo (bombardier) - Lieutenant DeBoer was born January 30, 1922 in Nebraska, a son of Lester L. DeBoer (1895-1962) and Agnes F. McGowan DeBoer (1893-1946). His brother was Francis Lyle "Bus" DeBoer (1917-1989). Lieutenant DeBoer was the recipient of the Air Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters. He served in the Army Air Corps in World War II. Howard is buried in Saint Josephs Cemetery, York, Nebraska.
Larsen, 1Lt. Sophus Edwin "Eddie" (co-pilot) - Lieutenant Larsen was born September 21, 1923, in Nebraska, a son of Sophus Johannes Edward Larsen (1885-1959) and Ida E. Brown Larsen (1886-1987). His siblings were Marian R., Robert W., Ruby M. and Gladys Elvera Larsen (1921-1994). A World War II veteran, Lieutenant Larsen is buried in Lincoln Memorial Park, Lincoln, Nebraska.
Leard, T/Sgt. Frederick Alvin "Fred" - Sergeant Leard was born May 29, 1923, a son of Mr. and Mrs. D.F. Leard of Magill, Oklahoma. He married Leta Ferne Brown on February 28, 1944. They were parents of Robert Grant Leard (1944-2015), Ernest Lee Learde, and Michael Franklin Leardd (1951-1992). Leta Leard Shulick was born in 1924 and died in 2006. Fred entered the Army Air Corps on December 15, 1941 and became an ordained Baptist minister in April of 1953. His siblings were Madie Bell Thomas and Howard Lee Leard. Fred Leard is buried inWoodberry Forest Cemetery, Madill, Oklahoma.
Murray, A2C Francis Leroy "Buzz" - Airman Murray was born December 16, 1933, a son of Frederick Matthew "Fred" Murray (1892-1971) and Bessie E. Reeter Murray (1896-1960). His siblings were Wayne F. Murray (1915-2003), Leo E. Murray Sr. (1919-2003), Mrs. Bill (Kathryn Loretta Murray) Roth (1928-2019), James C. Murray (1931-2002) and Mrs. Harold (Margaret Murray) Pieper. Airman Murray is buried in Mother of Dolors Cemetery, Vandalia, Illinois.
Oetgen, 1Lt. Henry Glenn Jr. (pilot) - LIeutenant Oetgen was born July 03, 1916 in Savannah, Georgia, a son of H. Glenn Oetgen Sr. (1881-1952) and Helen McCormick Oetgen. A graduate of Benedictine Military School and World War II veteran, his siblings were William John Oetgen Sr. (1915-1969), Rev. John Anthony Oetgen, Lt. John Oetgen (1921-1944/killed in a mid-air collision of two Army fighter planes), Sister Mary Bonaventure, R.S.M., and Sister Mary Pauline. Lieutenant Oetgen's wife was Dorotht Upshur Oetgen (1911-1994). He is buried in Arlington National Cemetery.
Pickrell, S/Sgt. Homer A. Jr. (gunner) - Sergeant Pickrell was born in 1930 in Scotia, California, the son of Homer A. Pickrell Sr. (1893-1965) and Merle Drewry Pickrell (1899-1988). He was the husband of Joyce M. Pickrell and the brother of Mrs. Robert (Meldarene Pickrell) Begley. Sergeant Pickrell was the recipient of the Soldiers Medal because he risked his life to save the life of another plane occupant. Sergeant Pickrell is buried in Tulocay Cemetery, Napa, California.
Reilly, T/Sgt. John Miles (flight engineer) - Sergeant Reilly, a World War II Navy veteran, was born October 09, 1923. He was the husband of Arlene Isabell Osborn Reilly (1924-2012). Sergeant Reilly is buried in Golden Gate National Cemetery, San Bruno, California.
Wagner, A3C Donald Joseph (passenger) - Airman Wagner was born May 21, 1931 in Iowa, a son of Florian Matthew Wagner (1890-1959) and Esther M. Koppes Wagner (1895-1959). His siblings were Dorothy Mae Wagner Tracz (1922-2006), Floyd Robert Wagner (1923-1953), Clarence Calvin "Cal" Wagner (1925-2011), Paul Edwin Wagner (1926-2011), Betty Jane Wagner Siegwarth (1928-1970), Rosemary O. Wagner Hudson (1928-2015), Madonna Ann "Donna" Wagner O'Brien (1930-2018), James Edward Wgner (1934-2003), and Gerald Thomas Wagner (1936-2004). Airman Wagner is buried in Mount Olivet Cemetery, Key West, Iowa.
Backman, A1C William J.
Duran, A2C Roberto
Graham, A2C Nelson H.
Jensen, A2C Robert L.
Newby, A2C Walter R.
Patton, 1Lt. Jack
VanDoren, A1C Donald C.
Kimball, Bonnie Ruth (age 11) - Born in 1942 in Colorado, Bonnie was the daughter of Capt. Stanley Jerome Kimball (1921-2011) and Ruth Estelle Wilson Kimball (1921-2020). Captain Kimball was the base weather officer with the 54th Weather Squadron. Bonnie's sister was Lynn J. Kimball. Bonnie is buried in Fairview Cemeter, LaJunta, Colorado.
Mills, Agnes (wife of Lt. Col. Benjamin L. Mills) - Mrs. Mills was born August 13, 1921 in Johnston County, North Carolina, a daughter of William Benjamin "Bennie" Stevens (1883-1958) and Emma Spicer Jinnette Stevens (1891-1967). Her siblings were William Clarence Stevens (1911-1957), Ruby Gertrude Stevens Hopkins (1915-2001) and Lloyd Benjamin Stevens (1924-2009). She was the mother of Margaret Elaine, Helen Louise, and Martha Emma Mills.
Mills, Lt. Col. Benjamin Lloyd - Colonel Mills was the 3rd Aviation Field Depot Squadron commander. He was born May 27, 1918 in Coeburn, Virginia, the son of John Benjamin Floyd Mills (1893-1958) and Dovie Easterling Mills (1890-1920). He was married to Agnes Stevens and they were parents of Margaret Elaine, Helen Louise, and Martha Emma Mills. The Mills family is buried in Wayne Memorial Park, Dudley, North Carolina.
Mills, Helen Louise (age 5) (daughter of Benjamin and Agnes Mills) - Helen was born March 23, 1948.
Mills, Margaret Elaine (age 9) (daughter of Benjamin and Agnes Mills) - Margaret was born August 23, 1944.
Mills, Martha Emma (age 2) (daughter of Benjamin and Agnes) - Martha was born October 07, 1951.
Orken, Maj. Gerald Aarnold - Major Orken was the medical officer and commander of the 6319th Dispensary. He was born December 10, 1922, the son of Heyman Louis Orken (1899-1960) and Jeanette Brener Orken (1898-1983). A graduate of Vanderbilt University Medical School, he married Shirley F. Kaplan in July 1947. Their children were Stephen Alan and Vivian Lynn Orken. The family was asleep in the officer's housing section of Andersen AFB when the B-29 crashed into it. The Orken family is buried in Jewish Cemetery, Monroe, Louisiana.
Orken, Shirley (wife of Major Gerald Orken) - Shirley was born in Monroe, Louisiana on October 03, 1928, a daughter of David Mayer Kaplan (1899-1970) and Clara C. Snyder Kaplan (1905-1980). Her sister was Mrs. Louis (Charlene Kaplan) Smith. Shirley and Gerald were parents of Vivian Lynn and Stephen Alan Orken.
Orken, Stephen Alan (age 3) (son of Gerald and Shirley Orken) - Stephen was born July 02, 1950, in Mesa, Arizona.
Orken, Vivian Lynn (age 5) (daughter of Gerald and Shirley Orken) - Vivian was born July 15, 1948, in Bad Nauheim, Germany.
This Sabre crashed on takeoff from Los Angeles International Airport, crashed into a fence and burst into a ball of flame. The pilot, 1Lt. Fred Lawrence Hughes, was killed. Lieutenant Hughes was born on May 22, 1928, in Akron, Ohio, a son of Fred Hamilton Hughes (1901-1978) and Ann Elizabeth Schweikert Hughes (1905-1992). Lieutenant Hughes married Wanda Lee Williams, and they had a son Randal Hughes. The lieutenant's siblings were Barbara Hughes and Clayton Hughes. Lieutenant Hughes graduated from Ohio University and was the recipient of a Distinguished Flying Cross and an Air Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters. He is buried in Greensburg Cemetery, Green, Ohio.
Skytrain #17179 was brought in on the Search and Rescue effort to locate a PB4Y that disappeared on December 13, 1953. The R-4D-8 aircraft disappeared on December 20 with ten crewmen aboard. The wreckage was later discovered six days later inside Agrihan Island's volcano crater. It had hit the slope of the crater 800 feet up from the crater floor on the southeast side of the volcano. A detail of Marines climbed into the crater, where the underbrush was so thick it had to be cut with machetes in order to reach the wreckage. There were no survivors, and the condition of the found bodies was in such bad shape that the crash victims were buried inside the crater.
Anderlini, Douglas Anthony (airman) - Douglas was born October 25, 1930, a son of Joseph Louis Anderlini (1904-1999) and Ruby Lavern Carter Andelini (1907-1988). Douglas was married at the time of his death. He also had a sister, Joan Anderlini. There is a memorial stone for Douglas A. Anderlini in Resurrection Cemetery, Affton, Missouri.
Burks, Hollis Mitchell (parachute rigger 1c) - Hollis was born August 12, 1924, a son of Clarence Mitchell "Heavy" Burks (1903-1980) and Minnie Irene Throneberry Burks (1903-1981). He was married to Vera Belle Dunham Burks (later Miller) (1931-1979). They were parents of Charlotte Diane Burks (later Mrs. Albert Tackett 1951-2018), Barbara Burks and Byron Burks. His siblings were Lelund Burks (1922-1923) and Harold Cecil Burks (1926-1927). There is a memorial stone for Hollis M. Burks in Maple Hill Cemetery, Huntsville, Alabama.
Carpenter, Marion Leon (aviation machinistsmate 3c)- Marion was born April 27, 1931, a son of Rufus Gordon Carpenter Sr. (1905-1977) and Lula Gertrude Strutt Carpenter (1912-1967). His siblings were Rufus Carpenter Jr. (1929-1929), Charles Donald "Don" Carpenter (1933-2015), Henry Louis Carpenter (1937-1997), and Mrs. Cecil (Linda Marlene Carpenter Splawn) Carver (1943-1999). There is a memorial stone for Marion L. Carpenter in Bessemer City Memorial Cemetery, Bessemer, North Carolina.
Geis, Edward Frank (aviation electronicsman 2c) - Edward was born September 07, 1930 in Alameda County, California, the son of John Edward Geis (1903-1987) and Elsie Ina Worthy Geis (1909-1999). There is a memorial stone in his honor in Dos Palos Cemetery, Dos Palos, California.
Hall, Billie Edward (aviation machinistsmate 3c)- Billie was born November 30, 1929, a son of Everett Stanton Hall (1901-1997) and Oma Lee Reed Hall (1910-2001). His siblings were Richard Eugene Hall (1931-2005) and David Carroll Hall. Billy graduated from McLean High School in Texas and then attended college at Texas Tech and the University of Arizona before joining the Navy on August 30, 1950. There is a memorial stone to him in Hillcrest Cemetery, McLean, Texas.
Jenkins, William Boykin (aviation machinistsmate 1c) - William was the son of Mr. and Mrs. John H. Jenkins of Atlanta.
Lillie, Thomas Theodore (chief aviation electronicsman) - Thomas was the son of Ernest Lillie (1889-1978) and Blanche Lillie (1883-1939). The Lillies were from El Reno, Oklahoma.
Schmitz, Kenneth John (chief aviation electronicsmate) - Kenneth was born October 16, 1918 in Albany, New York, the son of Mary Helen Schmitz of San Diego. His wife was Billie Louise Schmitz and they were parents of two children. Kenneth graduated from Hoover High School and enlisted in the Navy in June of 1938, serving in World War II. There is a memorial stone in his honor in Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery, San Diego, California.
Walsh, Lt. Milton Kay - Milton was born January 20, 1923 in Kansas City, Missouri, the son of Edward L. Walsh (1882-1952) and Bertha Louise Kiewiett Walsh (1880-1959). He married Betty Florence Kerr on November 25, 1944 in Kansas City, Missouri. They were parents of a daughter, Peggy Jean Walsh (Hunter) (1948-2004). Milton attended Southwest High School and Junior College before enlisting in the Navy during World War II. His sister was Mrs. E. Albert Aisenstadt.
Worden, LTCD Donald Doris - Donald was born September 17, 1921 in Missouri, a son of William Ralph Worden (1891-1970) and Grace Pearl Christy Worden (1891-1994). His siblings were Lorin Christy Worden (1914-1994) and Mrs. Marshall Riley (Marjorie Bernice Worden) Crosswhite (1917-2010). Donald was married at the time of the plane crash. He was the recipient of the Navy Cross in World War II. There is a memorial to Donald D. Worden in Stewartsville Cemetery, Stewartsville, Missouri.
This aircraft failed to pull out of a dive and crashed in the Pacific Ocean 30 miles west of Monterey, California. The pilot was Ens. Wiley Bruce Patton Jr. Ensign Patton was born September 22, 1929, in Portland, Oregon, the son of Wiley Bruce Patton Sr. (1898-1994) and Nora Ethel Patton (1904-1993). His sister was Patricia Ann Patton (1954-2012).
This aircraft went missing between Wilmington, North Carolina and Daytona Beach, Florida. The last radio contact was 20:56 with a distress call. No position given. Presumed crashed into the sea. The crew of four was never recovered.
Dutkin, Capt. Alex "Chinky" (co-pilot) - Captain Dutkin was born November 21, 1916, in Pennsylvania.
King, Lt. Vernon Harrison (pilot) - Lieutenant King was born August 30, 1922, in St. Louis, Missouri, the son of Norman D. King (1891-1969) and Agnes A. Schoefer King (1891-1969. In 1945) he married Ester Mindalyn Ervin (later Eslinger) (1928-2004).
Paschall, PO J.M. (machinist mate) - PO Paschall was from Pensacola, Florida.
Renshaw, PO Eugene Louis (radioman) - PO Renshaw was born October 19, 1928, in Salt Lake City, Utah, a son of Ralph Stanley Renshaw (1896-1949) and Winfred Rosa Motzkus Buehlman Renshaw (1903-1957). His siblings were Roland Ralph (1923-2010), Stanley Richard (1925-2022), and Charles William "Charlie" (1927-2014).
The Corsair is an inverted gull wing fighter aircraft with a single tail and engine. During the Korean War there were 26 US Navy Squadrons and six USMC squadrons of Corsairs. Designed for aircraft carriers, during the Korean War the Corsair provided ground attack and Close Air Support (CAS). For more expanded knowledge of the use of this aircraft during the Korean War, the KWE suggests that our viewers read F4U Corsair Units of the Korean War by Warren Thompson. To add more information or photographs to this page of the KWE, contact Lynnita. [A portion of this page was made possible by a grant from the Illinois Humanities Council.]
February 03, 1953 - 2Lt. Carl Henry Bruggemeier II was the pilot of an AU-1 Corsair attack fighter (#129370) with the Marine Attack Squadron 212, Marine Air Group 12, 1st Marine Air Wing. On February 3, 1953, while on a combat mission, his aircraft was hit by anti-aircraft fire, lost a portion of its wing, crashed and burned. His remains were not recovered. Lieutenant Bruggemeier was born September 19, 1929 in Ohio, the son of Carl Henry Bruggemeier Sr. (1899-1971) and Elizabeth Caroline Bruggemeier (1901-1984). Captain Bruggemeier was the recipient of a Distinguished Flying Cross and an Air Medal with one Gold Star.
February 08, 1953 - Capt. Joseph Casmire Januszewski was the pilot of an AU-1 Corsair attack fighter (#129392) with the Marine Attack Squadron 323, Marine Air Group 12, 1st Marine Air Wing. On February 8, 1953, while on a combat mission north of Yonchon, his aircraft was hit by small arms fire, the engine failed, the aircraft crashed and burned. His remains were recovered and he was buried in Saint Patricks Cemetery, Haverhill, Massachusetts. Captain Januszewski was born March 04, 1922, a son of Antoni Januszewski (1888-1962) and Mary Bajek Januszewski (1894-1963). He was married to Santa M. Piccolo Januszewski (1921-2012). His brother was Alfred Januszewski (1930-2011).
February 14, 1953 - Capt. James Louie Garrison Jr. was the pilot of an AU-1 Corsair attack fighter (#129363) with the Marine Attack Squadron 323, Marine Air Group 12, 1st Marine Air Wing. On February 14, 1953, while on a combat mission, his aircraft was hit by anti-aircraft fire, crashed and burned. His remains were not recovered. Captain Garrison was born February 22, 1924 in Austin County, Texas, the son of James Louie Garrison Sr. (1896-1961) and Esther Bunge Garrison (1897-1966). Captain Garrison was married in 1947 to Jackie Glenn Miller (later Phillips) (1928-2011) and they had a baby son Jim (later Phillips) at the time of the captain's death. Captain Garrison was a 1945 graduate of Texas Aggie. After serving in the Philippines and Okinawa during World War II, he was discharged in February of 1946. He was recalled to active duty in April of 1952 because of the Korean War. He was the recipient of a Distinguished Flying Cross and an Air Medal with one Gold Star.
March 06, 1953 - An F4-U Corsair (#412) piloted by Lt. Edwin L. Kummer developed engine trouble shortly after takeoff. While aborting the mission and returning to the deck of the USS Oriskany, the Corsair's general purpose bomb broke loose and exploded over the No. 3 elevator. While the pilot was rescued due to the heroic effort of Airman Richard D. Donovan, two sailors on the deck were killed and fourteen others were wounded. Killed were Photographer Airman Thomas Leo McGraw, who died while filming landing operations, and Aviation Electrician Airman Thomas M. Yeager, who died while working on a tied-down Panther. Airman McGraw was born on December 15, 1930 in Watertown, New York, the son of Thomas Leo McGraw Sr. He is buried in Glenwood Cemetery, Watertown. Airman Yeager was born June 02, 1933 in Columbus, Ohio, the son of Michael J. Yeager (1894- 1961) and Mary Yeager (1901-1983). He is buried in Saint Joseph Cemetery, Lockbourne, Ohio.
April 7, 1953 - Lt. William Bernard Woerman (USN) was the pilot of a F4U-4 Corsair fighter (#96794) with Fighter Squadron 92 aboard the aircraft carrier USS Valley Forge (CVA-45). On April 7, 1953, while on a combat mission of strafing enemy positions south of Wonsan, Korea, his aircraft received a direct hit by anti-aircraft fire, crashed and burst into flames. His remains were not recovered. For his leadership and valor, Lieutenant Woerman was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal with Gold Star, the Navy Commendation Ribbon, the Purple Heart, the Korean Service Medal, the United Nations Service Medal and the National Defense Service Medal. Lieutenant Woerman was born March 29, 1925, the son of William John Woerman (1893-1957) and Anna M. Wietmarschen Woerman (1893-1974). He was married to Rosella M. Woerman (1924-1999). His siblings were Rosella M. Woerman Chapman (1919-1995), Anna Mae Woerman Gallagher (1921-2001), and Dorothy Helen Woerman Zwick (1929-2007). Lieutenant Woerman is buried in Arlington National Cemetery.
April 16, 1953 - Maj. Max Hartwell Harper was the pilot of an AU-1 Corsair attack fighter (#129358) with the Marine Attack Squadron 323, Marine Air Group 12, 1st Marine Air Wing. On April 16, 1953, while on a combat mission, his aircraft was hit by anti-aircraft fire, went into a steep dive and crashed. His remains were not recovered. Major Harper was born September 24, 1920 in Macon County, Tennessee, a son of Arthur Burr Harper Sr. (1887-1944) and Clara Nettie Ragland Harper (1897-1988). He was married to Joy Gallagher Harper. His siblings were Arthur Burr Harper Jr. (1915-2012), Gwendolyn Christine Harper Housser (1917-1995), Ronald Ragland Harper (1924-1991) and Nettie Joy Harper Keller (1928-1992). Major Harper was the recipient of a Distinguished Flying Cross with three Gold Stars and and Air Medal with 12 Gold Stars.
May 02, 1953 - Maj. Grover Rombeau Betzer was the pilot of a F4U-4 Corsair fighter (#81932) with the Marine Fighter Squadron 312, Marine Air Group 12 aboard the USS Bataan (CVL-29). On May 2, 1953, while on a combat mission over North Korea, his aircraft was struck by anti-aircraft fire and crashed about 25 miles southeast of Haeju, North Korea. His remains were not recovered. Major Betzer was born March 25, 1917 in Oskaloosa, Iowa, the son of John Ray Betzer (1890-1968) and Rena M. Gustafson Betzer (1893-1967). He was married to Nellie Lorraine "Lorry" Fitzpatrick (later Perry) (1921-2004) and they had a daughter Loralyn. Major Betzer's sister was Blanche Babette Betzer (Pinneo) (1918-2009). Major Betzer was the recipient of a Distinguished Flying Cross and an Air Medal with two Gold Stars.
May 2, 1953 - A veteran of World War II, Maj. Grover Rombeau Betzer was the pilot of an F4U-4 Corsair fighter (#381932) with Marine Fighter Squadron 312, Marine Air Group 12 aboard the USS Bataan. He was killed over North Korea while participating in the rescue of a downed pilot who was surrounded by enemy troops. During the rescue, Betzer flew a series of strafing attacks, drawing enemy fire. After his ammunition was gone, he continued simulated strafing attacks, enabling a helicopter to pick up the downed pilot. Betzer's plane was struck by anti-aircraft fire and crashed. His remains were not recovered. He was 36 years old at the time of his death. He was survived by his wife, Loralyn; a 2-year-old son and a 4-year-old daughter all of Santa Ana, California; his father, Ray Betzer, of Klamath Falls; and a sister, Mrs. Robert Pinneo, of Wichita, Kansas. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, which was presented to his daughter. Betzer was also awarded the Air Medal with two Gold Stars, the Purple Heart, the Combat Action Ribbon, the Korean Service Medal, the United Nations Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Korean Presidential Unit Citation and the Republic of Korea War Service Medal. His name is inscribed on the Courts of the Missing at the Honolulu Memorial.
May 05, 1953 - Ens. William Malcolm Quinley was the pilot of a F4U-4 Corsair fighter (#H-210) with Fighter Squadron aboard the USS Princeton (CVA-37). On May 5, 1953, while he was on a naval gun-fire spotting mission over Wonsan, Korea, his aircraft was struck by heavy anti-aircraft fire, crashed and burned. He was listed as Missing and was presumed dead on July 26, 1954. Ensign Quinley was born February 07, 1930 in Shelby County, Tennessee, the son of Malcolm John Quinley (1910-2005) and Zelma May Joyner Quinley (1911-2002). Ensign Quinley was a 1948 graduate of Memphis (Tennessee) Tech High School. He was the recipient of a Distinguished Flying Cross.
May 06, 1953 - Lt. Leland Ralph Richey was the pilot of a F4U-4 Corsair fighter (#81911) with Fighter Squadron 152 aboard the aircraft carrier USS Princeton (CV-37). On May 6, 1953, following a strike south of Wonsan, North Korea, his aircraft was struck by anti-aircraft fire and crashed.Lt. Leland Ralph "Lee" Richey was born July 08, 1922 in Erie, Kansas, a son of Earle Jacob Richey (1894-1944) and Mary Wintress Oakleaf Richey (1892-1980). He married Mary Jane Carter (later Smith) (1925-2020) on October 30, 1944, and they were parents of four children: Sharyn, Leland Jr., and twins Don and Ron. His siblings were Marion E. Richey (1915-2003), Earle Junior Richey (1917-1993), Eldon Keith Richey (1920-1960) and Ronald K. "Ron" Richey (1926-2010). Lieutenant Richey was the recipient of a Distinguished Flying Cross and an Air Medal.
May 14, 1953 - Capt. Merco Joe Verrant was a veteran of World War II. In Korea, he was the pilot of an AU-1 Corsair attack fighter (#129338) with the Marine Attack Squadron 212, Marine Air Group 12, 1st Marine Air Wing. On May 14, 1953, while on a combat mission near Anak, his aircraft was hit by anti-aircraft fire, exploded and crashed. He was listed as Missing in Action. Captain Verrant was born February 18, 1921 in Keewatin, Minnesota, a son of Jerry Verrant (1886-1961) and Agnes Ponikvar Verrant (1884-1945). On February 21, 1952 he married Patricia Jean Rathbun (later DaSilva) in Los Angeles and they were parents of one son, Charles Jerry Verrant, born in 1952. Captain Verrant's siblings were Jerry Ambrose Verrant (1913-1983), Stanley Peter Verrant (1915-1964), Julia Verrant Palcich (1917-2010), Adolph M. Verrant (1918-1955), Agnes "Aggie" Verrant Vanger (1923-2009) and William E. Verrant (1925-2002). A World War II veteran that served in Okinawa, Captain Verrant enlisted in July 1942. He received a Distinguished Flying Cross in 1945 and received a second such award as well as an Air Medal with eight Gold Stars.
May 21, 1953 - 1Lt. Rayman Gregory Heiple was the pilot of an AU-1 Corsair attack fighter (#129333) with the Marine Attack Squadron 212, Marine Air Group 12, 1st Marine Air Wing. On May 21, 1953, while on a combat mission, his aircraft was hit by anti-aircraft fire and he bailed out. He was last seen on the ground surrounded by the enemy. He was listed as Missing in Action. Lieutenant Heiple was born April 15, `912 in Scotts Mills, Oregon, the son of Ray Edgar Heiple (1902-1987) and Theodora Elizabeth "Theo" Gregory Heiple (1904-1965). He was married to Rosalie Shirley Hurt (later Glenn) (1925-1993) in 1948. Captain Heiple was the recipient of a Silver Star and an Air Medal with one Gold Star.
May 24, 1953 - Lt. Wilfrid Stayner Wheeler III was the pilot of a F4U-5N Corsair (#121852) night fighter with Composite Squadron 3 aboard the carrier USS Boxer (CVA-21). On May 24, 1953, while conducting night operations over North Korea, his aircraft was observed to crash in the vicinity of Soho-ri. He was listed as Missing in Action and was presumed dead on July 29, 1954. Lieutenant Wheeler was born May 12, 1925 in Concord, Massachusetts, a son of Wilfred Stayner Wheeler Jr. (1901-1983) and Sybil Constance Leckenby Wheeler. His brother was Richard Warren Wheeler (1925-2020) and his siter was Shirley Wheeler.
June 11, 1953 - Ltjg. Jacob Torosian was the pilot of a F4U-4 Corsair fighter (#80878) with Fighter Squadron 94, aboard the carrier USS Philippine Sea (CV-47). On June 11, 1953, while on a combat mission over North Korea, his aircraft was struck by anti-aircraft fire, causing the engine to burst into flames. He bailed out over water but drowned before he could be rescued. Lieutenant Torosian was born October 18, 1922 in Sacramento, California, a son of Garabed Donabed "Charles" Torosian (1892-1995) and Takooni Marasdjian Torosian (1901-1992). His siblings were Vartan Joseph Torosian (1924-2016), John Torosian, Marguerite Torosian Bordieri (1921-2006), Virginia Torosian Deiranieh, and Rosalee "Lee" Torosian Leone. Lieutenant Torosian is buried in Reedley Cemetery, Reedley, California.
July 9, 1953 - An F4U-4 Corsair fighter (#62921) with the Marine Fighter Squadron 332, Marine Air Group 12 aboard the aircraft carrier USS Bairoko (CVE-115) was strafing enemy troops in a village northwest of Changyon, North Korea, when the aircraft was hit by small arms fire and crashed. The pilot's remains were not recovered. His name was Walter Edward Lindberg, born February 12, 1921 in Worcester, Massachusetts, the son of Frank L. and Mae Lindberg.
July 13, 1953 - Capt. Carl Francis Barlow was the pilot of an AU-1 Corsair (#129336) attack fighter with the Marine Attack Squadron 212, Marine Air Group 12, 1st Marine Air Wing. On July 13, 1953, while on a combat mission, he flew into a solid cloud cover and became separated from his wingman. His aircraft crashed and burned. His remains were recovered. Captain Barlow was born March 05, 1923 in LaJunta, Colorado, a son of Marion Albert Barlow (1893-1961) and Jessie Ridley Barlow (1896-1982). He was married to Barbara Jean Madl. His siblings were Thomas Albert Barlow Sr. (1920-1982), Norma Gene Barlow Carpenter (born 1925), Richard Lewis Barlow (1928-2005) and Philip Lee Barlow (1929-2006). Captain Barlow is buried in Mount Calvary Catholic Church, Lawrence, Kansas. He was posthumously awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross.
July 25, 1953 - Ens. Charles Harvey Sells was the pilot of a F4U-4 Corsair Fighter Bomber (#81652) with Fighter Squadron 94 aboard the carrier USS Philippine Sea (CV-47). On July 25, 1953, while on a combat mission near Tanchon, North Korea, his aircraft was struck by anti-aircraft fire crashed and burned. His remains were not recovered. Ensign Sells was born March 26, 1931, the son of Almon W. Sells (1907-1935) and Georgia Pearl Gilbert (Kendall) (1907-1999). His sister was Lois Elaine Sells Goletz (1928-1997). Ensign Sells was the recipient of a Distinguished Flying Cross and an Air Medal.
July 26, 1953 - An F4U-4 Corsair fighter (#81834) with Fighter Squadron 152 aboard the USS Princeton (CV-37), while on a reconnaissance mission over enemy territory, was shot down by anti-aircraft fire. Missing in action was the pilot, Lt. William Charles Blackford Jr., USNR. He was born May 3, 1924 in Eureka, California. His home of record was Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Lieutenant Blackford was the son of William Charles Blackford Sr. and Esther L. Blackford.
DPAA: First Lieutenant Heath Thurman Glass Jr., who entered the U.S. Air Force from Florida, served with the 36th Fighter-Bomber Squadron, 8th Fighter-Bomber Group. On January 3, 1953, he took off from Suwon Air Base, South Korea, piloting an F-80C Shooting Star (serial number 49-817) for a dive-bombing mission against enemy targets in North Korea. While approaching the target area, his aircraft was hit by enemy automatic weapons fire and both its wingtip fuel tanks broke away. Another pilot informed 1st Lt Glass that his plane was on fire and he acknowledged and turned toward the coast, but then turned again and went into a dive before crashing and exploding on impact south of Chasam, North Korea. No parachute or ejection was observed, and no signs of 1st Lt Glass were seen at the crash site. Because the crash site was in enemy territory, a ground search was not possible. No returning POWs mentioned having contact with 1st Lt Glass, nor was he seen at any known holding point, interrogation center, hospital, or permanent POW camp. He remains unaccounted-for. Lieutenant Glass was born August 03, 1925, the son of Heath Thurman Glass Sr. (1897-1970) and Kate M. Glass (1898-1987). He was married to Miriam C. Acenbrack. Lieutenant Glass was the recipient of an Air Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster.
DPAA report: Second Lieutenant Roy Gilbert Rydin, who entered the U.S. Air Force from California, served with the 35th Fighter-Bomber Squadron, 8th Fighter-Bomber Group. On January 10, 1953, he was the pilot of an F-80C Shooting Star (tail number 49-1822) when it departed Suwan Air Base, South Korea on an attack mission against enemy anti-aircraft artillery positions around Sinanju, North Korea. While over the target, his aircraft was hit by enemy ground fire and began trailing flames, and then went into a dive, crashed and exploded. Another pilot who witnessed the incident saw no sign that 2nd Lt Rydin escaped the aircraft before the crash. Ground searches were impossible because the crash site was in enemy territory. No returning POWs mentioned having contact with 2d Lt Rydin, nor was he seen at any known holding point, interrogation center, hospital, or permanent POW camp. He remains unaccounted-for. Lieutenant Rydin was born March 08, 1930 in Cook County, Illinois, the son of Oscar Wilhelm Rydin (1888-1971) and Agnes Julia Fairvalley Rydin (1892-1946).
1Lt. Robert Allie Hallman was the pilot of a F-80C Shooting Star fighter interceptor (#9-581) with the 36th Fighter-Bomber Squadron, 8th Fighter-Bomber Group. On January 26, 1953, while on a combat mission, his aircraft received a direct hit by anti-aircraft fire, burst into flames and crashed. He was listed as Missing in Action and was presumed dead on January 19, 1954. Lieutenant Hallman was born April 06, 1929 in Cleveland, Mississippi, the son of Van Leslie Hallman Sr. (1895-1954) and Afa Barksdale Hallman (1900-1977). He had a brother, Van Leslie Hallman Jr. Lieutenant Hallman was the recipient of an Air Medal with an Oak Leaf Cluster.
1Lt. Robert Marion Crosley was the pilot of a F-80C Shooting Star fighter interceptor (#49-501) with the 36th Fighter-Bomber Squadron, 8th Fighter-Bomber Group. On February 5, 1953, while on a combat mission, he reported his aircraft was on fire and contact was lost. He was listed as Missing in Action and was presumed dead on January 22, 1954. Lieutenant Crosley was born June 30, 1929 in Hancock County, Indiana (or Charleston, Illinois), a son of Parks Lester Crosley (1894-1977) and Hazel Chappell Crosley (1892-1963). His siblings were Forest Henry Crosley (1914-1927), Mary Edith Crosley Shobe (1915-2008), Helen M. Crosley Vincent (1918-1984) and Parks L Crosley Jr. (1920-1990). Lieutenant Crosley was the recipient of an Air Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters.
Major Melvin Clinton Wood was the pilot of a F-80C Shooting Star fighter interceptor with the 80th Fighter Bomber Squadron, 8th Fighter Bomber Group. On February 16, 1953, while on a combat mission, his aircraft received a direct hit by anti-aircraft fire, he was unable to eject and the aircraft crashed.Maj. Melvin Clinton Wood was born April 30, 1917, a son of Clarence Nelson Wood (1884-1940) and Dixey Phister Wood (1887-1981). He was married to Alice Anne Wood (1924-2011) and they had three sons. His brother was Montgomery Phister Wood (1915-1987). Major Wood is buried in Arlington National Cemetery. A World War II ace, Major Wood was the recipient of a Distinguished Flying Cross with three Oak Leaf Clusters and an Air Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters.
2Lt. Allan Maurice "Al" Tarr was piloting an F-80C (tail number unknown) on a training mission at the Suwon Gunnery range when his aircraft crashed into the ocean, killing Lieutenant Tarr. His body was recovered and repatriated to his final resting place. Lieutenant Tarr was born May 22, 1928, in Norwood, Massachusetts, the son of Maurice Julian Tarr (1900-1970) and Fannie Gleason Tarr (1898-1985). He had one sibling. Lieutenant Tarr was a 1946 graduate of Philips Execter Academy and Dartmouth College Class of 1950. He is buried in Exeter Cemetery, Exeter, New Hampshire.
Mechanical problems with this F-80C Shooting Star caused it to crash into the sea soon after take-off from K-13 (Suwon AB, South Korea). Pilot 1st Lt. Garfield W. Guyer Jr, survived a low-altitude ejection, and his body was recovered by an SAR helicopter. He was born on October 15, 1927, and the KWE believes he was the son of Garfield W. Guyer (1898-1970). He is buried in Oakwood Cemetery, High Point, North Carolina.
First Lieutenant Douglas Marshall "Doug" Smith was the pilot of a F-80C Shooting Star fighter interceptor with the 35th Fighter Bomber Squadron, 8th Fighter Bomber Group. On March 16, 1953, while on a solo night reconnaissance mission, his aircraft crashed. He was listed as Missing in Action and was presumed dead on March 17, 1954. Lieutenant Smith was born on December 15, 1928, in Rochester, Minnesota, the son of Dr. Leonard Marshall Smith (1896-1944) and Julia Ann Brand Smith (Leupold) (1902-1981). His stepfather was Arthur W. Leupold. His siblings were Spencer Brand Smith (1932-1999) and Marcia J. Smith Leslie (1937-2021). Lieutenant Smith attended Oshkosh State College for two years and then two years at the University of Wisconsin. He completed 82 missions over Korea before becoming missing in action.