In God We Trust
According to Lt. Col. George A. Larson, USAF (Ret.):
B-29s flew 1,076 days during the 1,106-day air war in Korea, dropping 160,000 tons of bombs on Communist targets--a greater bomb tonnage than had been dropped on Japan during World War II. Regardless of the many obstacles they faced, B-29 crews performed brilliantly, destroying industrial and military strategic targets in North Korea and supporting U.N. ground troops. The FEAF lost a grand total of 1,406 aircraft and suffered 1,144 men killed and 306 wounded during the war. Thirty FEAF men who had been declared missing were eventually returned to military control, 214 POWs were repatriated under the terms of the armistice agreement, while 35 men were still being held in Communist captivity as of June 1954. The men who flew and supported the B-29s in the Far East Command were an important part of the air war over Korea, but their contribution has seldom been recognized.
[Source: Lt. Col. George A. Larson, "Final Glory of the Boeing B-29 Superfortress", Military History, March 1998]
This page of the Korean War Educator opened in April of 2015 to educate the public about B-29s in Korea. It is the direct result of the willingness of James Othrow of Estes Park, Colorado to share with the KWE memories of his experiences as a ground crew member for the B-29 known as the "Lemon Drop Kid". The KWE realized that there is a great lack of information on the Internet about the role that the B-29s and their crews had in American history during the Korean War. Following an online interview with Mr. Othrow and the decision to create this B-29 page on the Korean War Educator, other B-29 veterans and their families stepped forward to offer their assistance to build this page.
Adding information and photographs to it is an ongoing process. Much still needs to be researched. For instance, although the KWE has compiled a list of fatalities due to enemy action or mechanical failure, we were not always successful in locating the names of others who were on flight crews on the date the action took place. For instance, we know the names of the casualties on Vicious Roomer #44-62042 on March 28, 1952, but we don't know the names of the other crew members that flew with them that fateful day. When loss of life was caused by something other than combat action, those fatalities generally do not show up on the official KORWALD loss database. It is difficult to honor those who paid the ultimate sacrifice if we don't know they paid it.
The last B-29 in squadron use retired from service in September 1960, but before that the Boeing B-29 Superfortress made history on the Korean peninsula. When the Korean War ended on July 27, 1953, the B-29s had flown over 21,000 sorties, nearly 167,000 tons of bombs had been dropped, and 34 B-29s had been lost in combat (16 to fighters, four to flak, and fourteen to other causes). B-29 gunners had accounted for 34 Communist fighters (16 of these being MiG-15s) probably destroyed another 17 (all MiG-15s) and damaged 11 (all MiG-15s). Losses were less than 1 per 1000 sorties.
By the mid 1950s the majority of B-29s used in World War II and the Korean War were obsolete. Some were taken to Forbes AFB for disposal. Others were flown from Tindall AFB to Aberdeen, Maryland, where they were scrapped. The B-29 "As You Like It" (44-27277) was salvaged at McClellan AFB on July 14, 1954. Hundreds of B-29s wound up in the "grave yard" at Davis-Monthan AFB, Arizona. Forty B-29s were taken to China Lake NAS in the late 1950s to use for target practice. A handful are in museums around the world.
Question: What is a "golf ball mission"?
Answer: Usually a specialized mission using a single or lone bomber, such as on a Propaganda Leaflet Dropping Mission.
Question: What is a "spook" plane?
Answer: It is a spy plane with a classified mission. According to Earl 'Mac" McGill, "B-29 spook aircraft were modified to carry electronic detection equipment instead of bombs. They came under frequent attack and many were lost. These aircraft were flown by true American heroes who will never be recognized because their missions were top secret and never acknowledged. I write about a few of them in my other book, Jet Age Man. Of particular personal concern was a crew commanded by Lacy Neighbors. Their plane was shot down in the '50s over the Bering Straits and the crew perished. After Neighbors was shot down, our (90SRW) missions into the area were cancelled. In a way, I owe that crew my life."
Question: Could a B-29 have more than one name?
Answer: Yes. Many B-29s were used in World War II. A B-29 with the same serial number as one used during the Korean War might have had different nose art and different names, depending on crew changes, assigned bomb wing, and maintenance issues. According to Earl "Mac" McGill, "A number of B-29s were recycled out of the DM boneyard with the original WWII nose art, that was changed once in the KW theater. The 98th was especially fond of changing names, usually keeping the original art intact. For instance, I suspect that "Koza" was changed to "American Beauty" because of the negative connotation "Koza" implies. Koza was a village just outside of Kadena AF, its "business" section consisting of mostly of bars and temporary housing for the world's oldest profession. That is a long sad story in itself." Bud Farrell noted, "Some were changed as many as three times...apparently due to new crews etc, but most were flown by several crews with one crew seldom “owning” a ship during the Korean War."
Question: Could the same name be given to two different aircrafts with different serial numbers?
Answer: Yes, but not usually in the same time frame.
Question: Why were some B-29s painted black on their underbellies?
Answer: To make the aircraft less visible to the enemy during night missions. Bud Farrell noted, "This was done particularly to not reflect search light beams! Ours in the 19th Bomb Group were painted on July 24, 1952, about halfway through the war due to losses."
Question: What is KORWALD?
Answer: The Korean War Aircraft Loss Database was created by the federal government to document the names of Air Force personnel who were MIA, KIA, injured, and/or rescued as the result of an aircraft accident. The database provides name, rank, date of loss, type of aircraft, and serial number of the aircraft. It is searchable by both name and date of loss. KORWALD can be found online.
Question: How many members were on a B-29 flight crew?
Answer: According to Earl "Mac" McGill, eleven was normal. In forward pressurized compartment, from nose, working aft: Bombardier, Aircraft Commander, Pilot, Engineer, Navigator, and Radio Operator. In aft pressurized compartment: Central Fire Controller, Left Scanner, Right Scanner, Radar Operator, and Tail Gunner. At a minimum, the Aircraft Commander, Pilot, and Engineer (three people) could get the bird into the air, but regulations required both scanners and tail gunner--a six-man crew. Other more popular crew position names were more often used than not, such as 'ring gunner' (CFC) and left and right 'gunner' instead of 'scanner.'
Bud Farrell noted, "Test hop and or Transition Training crews were usually just five men, Aircraft Commander, Pilot, Flight Engineer, and Left & Right Gunner/Scanners. The term 'Scanner' was more prevalent in KB-29 Tankers and as Air Refueling Operator/Scanner! Most Gunners did NOT want to be called 'Scanners'! On some Max Effort Missions, we carried another 12th crew member, an “E.C.M.” man, an Electro Counter Measures Specialist in rear Radar/Gunners Compartment to jam enemy radar."
Earl McGill further noted: "Scanners were officially listed as 'gunners.' The difference, I believe, depended on their function, re combat vs. training, etc. For example, persons occupying the right and left blisters were not necessarily 'gunners' on all flights. I recall sitting in a blister during a ferry mission, acting as 'scanner.' The 'scanner's' duty was to tell the crew if (usually when) an engine did something it wasn't supposed to. B-29 engines were so temperamental that 'scanners' were required on all flights. I recall a peacetime training flight where the left scanner called out, "Number two on fire," and the A/C asking. "How bad?" The scanner replied, "I don't know; there's so much smoke that I can't see." The A/C gave the bail out order but before we could get the hatches open there was a big "bang!" and the fire went out. Luckily, we were directly over Ellsworth AFB SD and able to land. If we'd been over Sinanju we'd never have made it home. Because of that incident, The Outlaw crash, and many other hair-raising moments, the B-29 is the least favorite of all of the airplanes I've piloted. You can read about another 'incident' in my article, "Milk Run Over North Korea", that appeared in the Spring 2013 magazine of the AF Museum (Friends Journal)."
Question: What is an "Evaluation Mission"?
Answer: Periodically each crew was tested on procedure and proficiency. Most organizations had what was called "A Standardization" crew who would fly with the regular crew, and observe their proficiency. There was also a written exam included.
Question: What was "SHORAN" and "LORAN"?
Answer: Probably, the forerunner of the GPS systems now in use was "SHORAN" or Short Range Navigation, and "LORAN", Long Range Navigation. The shoran operator could set up the target co-ordi
B-29s flew 20,000 sorties during the Korean War and B-29 gunners were credited with shooting down 27 enemy aircraft. The Master List below identifies those B-29s that were utilized during the Korean War. They are categorized by:
[KWE Note: *Indicates more than one name associated with the same serial number. **Indicates loss or damage. (Go to Plane Losses/Damage section for further details.) If the word "Photo" appears after the aircraft name or number, there is a picture of it in the KWE's B-29 Nose Art Photo Album. KWE readers are invited to add information to this section. Nose art is always welcome. Contact Lynnita.]
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
Q
R
S
T
U
V
W
X
Y
Z
[KWE Note: According to Earl J. "Mac" McGill, the following are listed in records and may be duplicates of some of the above entries that are missing nose art names. More research is needed.]
After being taken out of service, dozens of B-29s found their way to the B-29 Bone Yard at the Naval Air Weapons Station at China Lake in California. The testing center there used many of them as bombing targets for naval aviators. Occasionally all or parts of the B-29s were rescued from the Bone Yard and used to restore other B-29s for museum display purposes. Following is an incomplete list of B-29s known to have been at China Lake, not all of which were used in the Korean War.
The Korean War Educator was contacted by Mary Foulks in March of 2015. Her father-in-law was Capt. James Arch Foulks Jr., a B-29 pilot assigned to the 372nd Bomber Squadron, 307th Bomber Wing, in 1951. In September of 1951, U.S. aerial reconnaissance discovered a build-up of 18 new North Korean jet-capable airfields in the Saamcham area. The US decided to destroy the airfields before they became operational. The largest of these airfields was Namsi. With new concrete runways, the airfield would have the capability to stage jet aircraft. On the morning of October 23, 1951, nine B-29 Superfortresses took off from Kadena Air Base in Okinawa to strike the airfield at Namsi.* They were in three flights--Able, Baker, and Charlie.
Russian MiG15's attacked the B-29s, and the result was that six of the nine American aircraft were lost. It was the highest percentage of U.S. bombers ever lost in a single mission, hence the name "Black Tuesday". There were numerous casualties.
[*KWE Note: According to Earl McGill, author of Black Tuesday Over Namsi, "Official records show eight aircraft, but official records are in error. There were nine, a fact that took me the better part of my research to uncover. I have theories as to why the ninth was left out, but no documentation. Lead navigator’s log also shows nine. (There were ten, including spare and one aborted.)"]
When the plane engine of B-29 (44-61940) caught fire, the B-29 headed for safety, but before it could get back to base the crew had to bail out in the Yellow Sea. Of the crew of 13, one was picked up after landing in the Yellow Sea by an Australian destroyer, one man's body was found the next day washed ashore. Five of the men were taken prisoners of war and returned in 1953. The remaining men were not heard from again.
Beissner, 1st Lt., Jr. - He was rescued by the Australian destroyer Murchison northwest of Chinnampo.
NEWPORT NEWS - Fred L. Beissner, Jr., a resident of Newport News since 1972, passed away on July 28, 2015 at the age of 87. Predeceased by his parents, Fred L. Beissner, Sr., and Lucille Smith Beissner, and his younger brother, Kenneth C. Beissner, Fred is survived by his wife of nearly 47 years, Karen S. Beissner; his four children from his first marriage: Sherri Lynn Beissner of California, Kenneth C. Beissner, and wife Colleen Pilliod of Virginia, Mark S. Beissner, and wife Kim of California, and Fred L. Beissner, III (Trey) of Arizona; his three grandchildren: Jeremy J. Beissner and Heather L. Beissner of California, and Fred L. Beissner, IV of Arizona; and his former daughter-in-law, Sonia Beissner of Arizona. Born in Houston, Texas and raised in San Antonio, Fred graduated from Brackenridge High School in 1946, and was accepted into the Army Air Corps Cadet program at Texas A&M. Because of his interest in airplanes, he moved on to Pilot training, flying B-29 Bombers. During the Korean Conflict, he was based in Okinawa and completed over 40 missions as Co-Pilot. In October, 1951, his plane was one of many B-29s shot down in "MiG Alley" in a battle over Namsi. After leaving the Air Force, Fred attended the University of Texas, earning an Aeronautical Engineering Degree, followed by a Master's Degree from Southern Methodist University. During his working career, Fred was employed at Convair, General Dynamics, and Ling-Temco-Vaught in Texas before coming to Virginia as a Contractor for 22 years with LTV and Lockheed-Martin at NASA Langley. Fred donated his body to the Virginia State Anatomical Program. At his request, no Memorial Service is planned. The family suggests donations to a favorite charity if friends desire. - Published in Daily Press on Aug. 1, 2015
Black, Capt. Wayne Forrest
Possibly transferred to POW camps in Russia and/or China. He was born May 29, 1927 in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, son of James Hillard and Eva Grooms Black. He attended Lascassas High School in Lascassas, Tennessee (1945) and Murfreesboro State Teacher's College, Murfreesboro (1949). Among the military schools he attended were: San Antonio, Texas (OCS, AAF administrative OCS, November 1946); Scott AFB, Illinois (communication officer course, February 1948); Randolph Field, Texas (basic pilot, October 1948); Williams Field, Arizona (advanced pilot, December 1948); Ellington AFB, Texas (navigation, October 1950); Randolph AFB, Texas (B-29 combat crew training, March 1951). His previous occupation was automobile parts salesman. There are memorial markers for him in three places, including a stone in Milton Cemetery, Milton, Tennessee. He was married to Ava Black of Clovis, New Mexico. His siblings were Hubert "Pete" G. Black, William Denny Black, Buddy Black, Sam Black and Bob Black.
Botter, TSgt. William Joseph
Born on August 27, 1924, in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, TSgt. Botter was the son of William Thomas Botter (1898-1965) and Martha L. Botter (1904-1992). He enlisted at New Cambria, Pennsylvania, serving in World War II from 30 January 1943 until 10 August 1945. His home of record when he died as a POW was Dawson, Tulsa, Oklahoma. He graduated from Johnstown Central Catholic High School in 1943. He was married to Wilma Jean Dugger, and their son, Thomas John Botter, was born during 1950 in Topeka, Kansas. He was awarded the Air Medal with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters, the Purple Heart, the Prisoner of War Medal, the Korean Service Medal, the United Nations Service Medal and the National Defense Service Medal.
Coffey, Cpl. Arthur Gerard
Born May 24, 1933 in Lowell, Massachusetts, he was the son of Augusta C. Brock Coffey (1894-1946). His remains were recovered by a crash boat near Taehwado Bay, Korea. He is buried in St. Patrick Cemetery, Lowell. His siblings were Mrs. Gerard Maurice (Marie Geraldine Coffey) Marchand (1920-1995) and Mrs. Edward D. (Gertrude T. Coffey) Flanagan (1921-2015). Sergeant Coffey was awarded the Purple Heart, 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.
Cogswell, Maj. Robert Whitney
Born August 18, 1917, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, he was from Bridgeport, Connecticut at the time of his service in Korea. He served in the European Theater in World War II. He was the son of Wesley Herbert and Emma Alberta Cogswell of Mount Lebanon, Pennsylvania. He was married to Dorothy Gene Vellbrecht Cogswell of Pittsburgh. After graduating from Eigewood High School, Pennsylvania in 1935, he attended the University of Pittsburgh for three years from 1935 to 1939. From 1935 to 1941 he was a bookkeeper and clerk. He was the District Representative General Electric from 1945 to 1947. He attended the following military schools: Santa Ana, California (pre-flight, 1942); Cal Aero, California (primary, 1942); Polaris Flight Academy, California (basic training, 1942); Victorville, California (advanced training, 1942); Hobbs, New Mexico (B-17 transition, 1943); Tyndall AFB, Florida (air tactical school, 1950).
Major Cogswell was listed as Missing in Action and was presumed dead on February 28, 1954. His name is inscribed on the Courts of the Missing at the Honolulu Memorial. For his leadership and valor, Major Cogswell was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross with Oak Leaf Cluster, the Air Medal with 4 Oak Leaf Clusters, the Purple Heart, 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.
Newspaper article - "Missing Korean War Soldiers' Families Still Suffer" (excerpt) Greenwich Time Digital Edition, authored by Anne Amato, published Tuesday, May 29, 2012
Bridgeport Hero
Robert Whitney Cogswell, a major in the U.S. Air Force who was from Bridgeport, was a crew member of a B-29A superfortress bomber that was attacked by enemy MIGs near the Namsi Airfield on Oct. 23, 1951. The plane headed toward the Sea of Japan and crashed. His body was lost at sea. He was listed as missing in action and presumed dead on Feb. 28, 1954.
Cogswell had also served in World War II and was a hero. He had been medically grounded after aborting a mission to Nantes, France, in October 1943. According to published reports, Cogswell was the pilot of a B17 that suffered a runaway prop and fire in one of the engines that caused the crew to bail out. Cogswell stayed with the plane and made sure it didn't crash in a populated area. The plane, called the Lady Luck, crashed near the Medstead Airdrome near Winchester, England. The bombs on board didn't explode, but Cogswell, then a lieutenant, tore ligaments in his back.
In a letter to his family following the incident, he was almost nonchalant about what happened, saying losing an engine wasn't unusual. He said he couldn't jettison the bombs because he was over England. He said no one was killed or injured and no property was damaged "except a few cabbages." In 2003, the town of New Alresford, England, where he ditched the plane, honored Cogswell with a permanent marker to his memory. But whatever family he had never got to bury his body from Korea.
Eddie Deerfield of Palm Harbor, Florida submitted the following to The Graybeards magazine and it appeared in the March-April 2008 issue:
Captain Robert W. Cogswell was my B-17 pilot in the 303rd Bomb Group during World War II. Returning from our 14th mission against a Nazi submarine base in Occupied France on 26 September 1943, we had to bail out over the south of England as our bomber began to disintegrate. Injuries were minor among the 10-man crew, with the exception of the pilot, who was last to jump. The opening of the chute tore ligaments in his back. He never flew another mission during WW II, but went on to train and serve on B-29s during the Korean War. I was based in Pusan in 1951-52 as commander of a detachment of the 1st Radio Broadcasting and Leaflet Group. Bob and I had exchanged letters, when one of mine addressed to him at his air base in Okinawa came back stamped MISSING IN ACTION.
Foulks, Capt. James Arch Jr.
Captain Foulks was born March 3, 1922 in Union City, Tennessee, son of James Arch Foulks Sr. and Fannie B. Wilson Foulks of Union City. He graduated from Union City High School in 1939. From April 1941 to February 1942 he was a telephone repairman. After joining the Air Force he attended the following military schools: San Antonio, Texas (pre-flight, June 1944); Sikeston, Missouri (primary pilot, September 1944); Independence, Missouri (basic pilot, December 1944); Waco, Texas (advanced training, March 1945); Hendricks Field, Florida (B-17 transition, May 1945); Maxwell AFB, Alabama (B-27 transition, August 1945); Kelly Field, Texas (salvage course, April 1946). His World War II service was in the Zone of Interior. Captain Foulks had a wife Alma, and a four-year old son, James "Jay" Arch Foulks III. The Captain's wife was pregnant with a daughter, but lost her while carrying her after she got the Missing in Action wire.
Fuehrer, SSgt. Alios Anton
Sergeant Fuehrer was born November 08, 1927 in Rosemont, Pennsylvania, son of Albert and Elizabeth Fuehrer of Rosemont, Pennsylvania. He graduated from Wayne High School, Pennsylvania, in 1946. After joining the Air Force he attended military school (radio operator-mechanic course 2756, April 1947). His wife was Nancy L. Fuehrer of Drexel Hill, Pennsylvania. He was a POW who was possibly transferred to POW camps in Russia and/or China. Staff Sergeant Fuehrer was awarded the Air Medal, the Purple Heart, 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.
Jones, Sgt. James H.
He was from Charlotte, North Carolina.
Kisser, TSgt. Kenneth Eugene
Born November 3, 1919, he died February 04, 1999 and is buried in Florida National Cemetery, Bushnell, Florida. He was married to Leonila Aligada Pelayo (1941-2011). TSgt. Kisser was a World War II, Korea, and Vietnam War veteran of the US Air Force.
MacClean, Cpl. Gerald Charles
Born December 11, 1931, Corporal MacClean died on October 04, 2024. He and his wife, Norma Jean MacClean (1943-2022) are buried in Houston National Cemetery, Houston, Texas.
Mooradian, 1st Lt. Ara
Born November 11, 1924 in Fresno, California, the son of Nish Toros and Annie Mooradian of Fresno. He graduated from Sanger (California) high school in 1943 and attended Fresno State College, Fresno, industrial education. The military schools he attended included Sioux Falls, South Dakota (radio school, 1943); Sioux City, Iowa (cadet training detachment, aircrew, 1944); Santa Ana, California (bombardier preflight, 1944); Victorville, California (advanced bombardier, dead-reckoning navigation, 1944). He was taken POW and was possibly transferred to POW camps in Russia and/or China. Captain Mooradian was awarded the Air Medal with four Oak Leaf Clusters, the Purple Heart, 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. He was not married.
Strine, TSgt. John T.
OZARK, Mo. — John Thomas Strine, 90, died at 11:09 a.m. Monday, August 17, 2015, in Ozark, Missouri. Born July 6, 1925, in Milton, he was one of three sons born to Lester Leland Strine and Helen Mary (Richardson) Strine. He was married to Ladema (Gray) Strine, who preceded him in death on May 19, 2004. His wife of 10 years, Ruby Charlene Strine, survives. On July 20, 1943, at the age of 18, he enlisted in the United States Army Air Corps and was a radio operator on a B-17 flying 25 missions over Germany. On November 16, 1945, he was discharged due to the ending of World War II. On October 5, 1948, he re-enlisted during the Korean War, also as a radio operator on a B-29, flying 24 successful missions over Korea. On October 23, 1951, on his 25th mission, their plane was shot down over China. Only six of the 13 crew members survived with the rest captured by the Koreans and Chinese. Mr. Strine was taken by the Chinese and held Prisoner of War for 22 months, being released after the truce was signed by China and the United States.
He and Mary lived in England for four years and adopted a 2-month-old German boy, Roy Andrew Strine. On June 30, 1966, he was discharged from the military following 20 years of service. He and Mary lived in Washington State, where he was a member of the Church of Christ, serving as deacon for several years. He also drove a gas truck for the next 20 years, retiring from the Teamsters.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Roy Andrew and Carrie Strine of Washington; stepson and daughter-in-law, Mike and Vicki Morgan of Wichita, Kansas; nephew, George Strine and wife Anette of Shippensburg; nephew, Jime Strine and wife Mary Jean of Edgewood, Ky; nieces, Gloria Hoedle, Joanna Haught, Kay Beaver, Linda Leiby and Deborah Miller; stepchildren, Michael and Anna Osborn of Iowa, Beverly and David Wilson of Crane, Mo., Jeff and Charlott Akins of Crane, Mo., Bruce Harp of Nixa, Mo; and a host of grandchildren, stepgrandchildren and great-grandchildren. Graveside services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday in Jamesville Cemetery, Stone County, Mo., with full military honors.
Wentworth, 1st Lt. Lloyd Goodwin
Col. Lloyd G. Wentworth, Jr., Ringgold, Georgia, died Wednesday, June 15, 2005, at Palmyra Medical Center. Entombment was at Crown Hill Mausoleum with full military honors. Chaplin Andy Goode and Rev. Roy Cook officiated. Colonel Wentworth was born September 17, 1928. He retired from the U S Air Force serving in World War II, the Korean War, and Vietnam. He was a former POW who received a Purple Heart. He flew over 200 combat missions in Korea.
Colonel Wentworth was a member of the American Legion Post 40, the VFW, Past Master at Masonic Lodge #708. He was a Worthy Patron twice with the Order Eastern Star #450, Hasan Temple and the Scottish Rite. He was a member of the Southwest Georgia Sportsmen Club, Georgia Defense Force, Air Force Sergeants Association and the Golden Eagles with the NRA. He was preceded in death by his wife Carlene E. Wentworth and a son Lloyd G. Wentworth, III. Survivors include his daughter, Dawn E. Smith, Chattanooga, Tennessee; sons, Raymond Wentworth and his wife Lynn, Jasper, Georgia, Mahlon Wentworth and his wife Teresa, Albany, Georgia; and seven grandchildren.
This B-29 was damaged during Black Tuesday, but was repaired and reassigned to the 98th Bomb Group. The list of crew members was supplied by Robert Bergstrom of Minnesota in January 2016.
Bata, T/Sgt. Frank B. "Pappy" Bata
Memories of World War II - Originally printed in the Eastern Arizona Courier, Safford, Arizona, July 29, 1998 (Staff Writer D. R. Hall)
In World War II, it was unlikely that any man would live through more than five missions while serving a tour of duty with the United States Air Force. Frank Bata, however, successfully flew 54 missions during World War II and 43 more during the Korean conflict. Flying those missions earned him the right to be buried in Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia in June.
Over the course of his career, Bata was stationed in England and took part in several historical events including the first three daylight raids to occur over Berlin. He lost several friends and had many close encounters with death while fighting for the government he believed in. After one mission over Korea, when his scanner blister was shot through by enemy jet fighters, he said, "If it hadn't been for the hand of God holding me back, I would've been blown out without a parachute."
His fearlessness and dedication to the United States during his 26 years of service earned him several medals, including the Distinguished Flying Cross and the AF Commendation Medal.
Bata's mother and father came to he Untied States from the Czech Republic in 1905. His family share his dedication to this country and at one point during World War II, five Bata boys were serving in the military. Bata's wife, Doris, said, "Because his parents came over to this country, he felt he owed it to the country (to serve in the military). This was his way of paying it back."
Bata met Doris in California and the two were married in 1961. After he retired in 1967, they moved to Arizona to take care of Doris' mother. He began working for the State of Arizona in 1969 at the Franklin Port of Entry. The couple settled between Duncan and Three-Way where they lived until 1990. They moved to Thatcher that year so Frank could be close to medical services the hospital offered.
While living in the Gila Valley, Bata was a member of the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars. He spent much of his free time talking to area youth about the benefits of having a military career and convinced many to enlist. He flew a United States flag in his front yard every day that weather permitted and was very humble about his military achievements, Doris said. "The kids in the neighborhood knew how much flying the flag meant to him," she said, "and after he died, the little girl across the street, who is probably about seven, brought over a little flag that her teacher had given her on Memorial Day and asked that it be put with Frank." Doris granted the girl's wish and the flag rests in the same niche at Arlington that Frank does. "The people at Arlington acted like it (the little flag) was ten-feet long," she added. "Everyone there was so nice. I will be buried there with him also."
Frank Bata escaped death many times while serving as an armored gunner for the United States Air Force. He is pictured here after surviving a mission in Korea in 1951. During that flight, an estimated 150 MIG-15s attacked the formation he was in. He lost his radio headset and got a bump on the head after MIG shells pierced his scanner blister.
NOTE: Recently I received a call from the owner of this newspaper. He said that he had heard of the incident regarding the MISUNDERSTANDING about an obituary for Frank and asked if he could send a reporter to get the information regarding the Arlington burial. I agreed. Corrections: Frank was buried July 7, 1998 with full Military Honors. He served 20+ years. We came to AZ and bought my mother's house when she returned to the East."
Frank flew on B29s during the Korean War doing over 40 missions before his blister was shot out. Then on B66s doing recon out of Japan. His last service was with SAC on B52s out of Travis AFB, California."
Bergstrom, 1Lt Robert L.
Bruegeman, T/Sgt. Donald Arthur
Donald Arthur Bruegeman was born in Idaho in 1925, a son of Arthur A. and Sybella K. Bruegeman. Bruegeman was the top turret gunner and engineer during the following incident that occurred in World War II:
Mission 355 for the 429th Bomb Squadron was scheduled for 14 February 1945 from Amendola. The day was cloudy as the B-17’s took off for a bombing run to the Schechat oil refinery near Vienna, Austria. 1st Lt. Robert E. Davis was piloting the crew of “Hell’s Angel”, a B-17G with aircraft serial number 44-6659. The Davis crew was flying their 13th mission. They had completed bombs away over the target when at about 1245 hours the aircraft was hit by flak. The plane began to lose altitude and stray from the formation. All crew members were able to bail out and deploy their parachutes. The aircraft crash landed in the Boesing Modra area near Pezinok, Slovenia. The entire crew were captured and taken to a collection point. Missing Air Crew Report 12107, which was filed after the aircraft failed to return home, includes captured German records relating to the interrogation of the crew by intelligence officers.
Carpenter, Sgt. Charles C.
Fairchild, T/Sgt. Malcolm L.
Lewis, Capt. James R.
Myles, 2Lt. Robert D.
Pennington, 1Lt. Jerry L.
Lieutenant Pennington was born September 20, 1924 and died March 14, 1989. He is buried in Memorial Park Cemetery, Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Pruett, T/Sgt. Joseph E. Sr.
Sergeant Puett died October 25, 1983 in California. The following recollection of Joseph Puett Jr.'s memories of his father was sent to the Korean War Educator:
My Dad
by Joseph E. Puett Jr.,
January 07, 2018
When I first met my dad, he was just a man that I had never seen before. I was only maybe 18 months old when my mother took my older half-brother, who was 18 months older than me, and myself, who was still in diapers, to meet someone. At the time I couldn't tell you where we went, since I was too young to realize and was more interested in just playing on the floor where my mother had put me. I couldn't know how long we were at this place where we were, but from outside came a loud roar. Shortly after the sound stopped, people started coming in through the door from the direction the sound had come from. Most were men dressed in tan or brown clothing that were met by their wives or girlfriends who hugged and kissed them before leaving hurriedly out through another door. But, when one tall, lanky, dark-haired man who was dressed in the same kind of tan clothes that the other men wore entered the room, my older brother leapt to his feet and ran to meet him. I just continued to play on the floor, but then the man came over to me and started to talk to me and my mother, who was standing over me. I wasn't sure I liked this man or not, so really didn't want anything to do with him. I just wanted to keep playing on the floor. Little did I know that he was just coming home from Japan and Korea after having been gone for some time. You see, I was born at Fort Reilly Army Hospital on September 26, 1951, just about a year and a half before the reason for this child's account of when I first met my dad.
Recently I received a late-night phone call from Lynnita Brown, a representative from the Korean War Educator website at www.koreanwar-educator.org, who had told me that she was researching the name of my father in conjunction with something that had happened during the Korean War while he was serving with the United States Air Force. She referred me to an air battle that had taken place on October 23, 1951 called Black Tuesday, where U.S. B-29 aircraft had been on a mission to bomb an airfield in North Korea called "Namsi". Having never been told anything about my dad's deployments, even from him, I had no idea what she was talking about--just that I knew that my dad had been a flight engineer for most of his career and I had seen some picture albums that my mother had kept hidden from us kids when we were young. These were lost some time long ago and were not available for my adult viewing.
He had met my mother, who was from Junction City, Kansas, while stationed at Fort Reilly or the airfield at Topeka, Kansas, or at a newly-built airfield in Salina, Kansas. He had spent time training at Chanute Air Force Base at Rantoul, Illinois, where he was trained as a flight engineer and ended up deploying to Japan sometime after hostilities broke out between North and South Korea. In my entire time growing up Dad was very much a closed-off, stoic individual who didn't talk that much about what he did during his war-time deployments.
It took the phone call from Lynnita Brown and the little bit of information she gave me to put me on a path that I knew little about. Even after spending time myself with the USAF during Vietnam and having been deployed to the Far East for two years, my dad never talked about his missions over North Korea. I do remember that he always insisted that he did not dream or that he had blocked out whatever he had done during that period in his life. I now wish he had been more open with me, as I had spent two years roaming around the Far East. I was stationed at Yokota AB, Japan, from November 1970 to November 1972 after having been trained in Automatic Flight Control Systems at Chanute AFB in Illinois also.
My dad and I were not as close as a father and son might have been. Because of differences, my father and mother got divorced sometime around my tenth birthday. I spent the rest of my teen years with my mother until going out to visit my dad in California in the summer of 1968. You see, Dad had remarried and retired from the Air Force at Travis AFB in California in 1966 after having been a flight engineer on many different aircraft over the years of his career. He made flying missions to and from Vietnam on what he told me was the "Coffin Run", bringing those who had died in battle in Vietnam home. After having to perform this soulful solemn duty for some time he felt that he had had enough of war and retired as an Air Force Senior Master Sergeant in 1966.
Under his leadership and control, a wild, directionless kid (myself) decided to finish high school in California. I went from D's and F's in Kansas to a High B average at a school in California, but had to take six solids and a night school class in American history to graduate. I didn't have any time to get into trouble and learned that school wasn't quite as bad as it had been back in Kansas. After graduating from high schoo,l Dad let me kick around for the summer, but one night sat me down for a father to son talk about where I was headed in life. He asked me a simple question, "Son, do you think you're ready for college?" to which I said, "NO!" Then he asked the question, "Do you think you could do better going into the service?", to which I replied, "Yes, Dad, now that I will probably be going anyway when I turn eighteen because of the draft." The next day he and I went on a man's journey to the Air Force recruiter in Vallejo, California, where I was introduced to the Air Force and its many options and where I was given a little time to decide if I wanted to join. Officially I joined the USAF in July and reported for induction in August of 1969 at age 17. I had to get permission from my mother back in Kansas because of my age. Dad sent my draft notice to me after I turned 18 as I was in basic training at Lackland AFB in San Antonio, Texas. We had a pretty good laugh at the absurdity of it because I was already in the Air Force.
When I received the late-night phone call asking about my dad, I was at first surprised as it was about 9:30 at night, long after telemarketers can call. But once my wife answered the call and handed the phone to me, I tentatively answered the questions that were asked of me. I know I was kind of short and cryptic, but, hey, it was late and it was a pretty out of the blue phone call. But it put me on a path of research into what the lady had talked about, which led to my researching the subject of Black Tuesday and B-29s over Korea--which led me to look on Amazon for a certain book by Earl J. McGill, Lt. Col. USAF (Ret.) called Black Tuesday Over Namsi. In it, my dad, who I'm named after as a Junior, was listed as being a crew member on one of the planes that were involved in the mission over "Namsi". In one of the pictures of an aircraft and crew on page 30, my dad is standing in the middle of the back row almost directly under the hole in the tail section of the plane he was flight engineer on.
I'm sorry to say that Dad died in Vallejo, California, in Solano County, October 25, 1983 of an aortic aneurism. According to his wishes he was to be cremated and his ashes were to be scattered over the Pacific Ocean from a small plane as he had flown over this ocean many times during his long Air Force career. At the time of his death, I was attending a small junior college in Northern Arkansas. It was just after I had reported my mid-term grades by phone to him. We had made plans, he and I, for me to move back to California after finishing my associate's degree in business and data processing. I was to join in business with him at his Northern California insurance brokerage firm. Due to the distance involved and the timing of his desires, I was not able to be at his planned-for and quickly-scheduled burial as were his wishes.
I struggled with his untimely death for some time, but was able to finish my associate's degree. After losing Dad I felt I no longer had a reason to return to California. My step-sisters out there even said that was a better decision on my part. I did what Dad always told me--that when you start something you need to finish what you started. I finished my degree and continued here in the Arkansas Ozarks. I have for the last 23 years worked for a major poultry processing company here in the Ozarks, was able to go back to school to get a second associate's degree in general studies, and have been able to complete my bachelor's degree in Professional Studies in Information Technology in 2014. I am soon to graduate with a Masters in Information Systems and Technology Management from Capella University by way of their online courses.
So, Dad, if you are up there in the wild blue with other members of your long-ago crew, I've done what you said to do. I've finished what I started. Maybe now I've become the "educated idiot" that you warned me about!
I sincerely thank you, Lynnita Brown, for putting me on this very interesting search into memories of long ago. I was not quite a month old when my father was on this fateful mission. I do still have his burial flag and his last Air Force dress uniform that his second wife sent to me. I've also received his enlistment records from the National Personnel Records Center, but still need to acquire his deployment and assignment records if they're available.
Thevenet, 1Lt. Charles J. Jr.
Lieutenant Thevenet was credited with flying 33 combat missions during World War II. He served as a bombardier/navigator with the 547th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy). Born November 27, 1920, he died May 26, 1999. He and his wife Bettie E. Thevenet are buried in Seminole Cemetery, Seminole, Florida.
Webb, SSgt. Jerry M.
This B-29 was shot down by Lt. Col. Aleksandr P. Smorchkov near Namsi airfield. Last seen in a tight spiral. The aircraft crashed on a mud flat near Namsi, Chagang, North Korea, and was found six days later, on October 29, 1951. The remains of three crew members were recovered. Lt. Walter J. Kurtz, 0948814, interrogated the partisan troops who found the aircraft. There were two bodies under the tail of the crashed aircraft. One was unrecognizable and the other was in good condition, except for three holes in the head. Kurtz surmised that one person was shot after parachuting safely and was then placed near the aircraft by North Korean troops. At least three crew members were taken prisoner of war.
Gallant, A/1c James Alvin -
Born October 10, 1931, he was born in Williamstown, Ohio, son of Harold Allen and Kathryn Elizabeth Gallant. His mother later married Robert Claphan. James graduated from Dola, Ohio High School and then attended military schools at Lowry AFB, Colorado (primary weapons, August 1950); Lowry AFB (flexible gunnery, January 1951). He was not married. According to Air Force Manual 200-25, "There was sufficient time between the emergency and the crash for the crew members to abandon the B-29. Therefore, it is possible that the Communists have knowledge of Airman Gallant's fate."
Hays, A/2c Melvin Blaine "Spud" -
Born August 18, 1920, in Britton, South Dakota, he was the son of Joseph Henry and Pansy Hays of Elkton, Oregon. He was the husband of Nellie Emma Hays and the father of Melvin H. Hays. He attended grammar school in Britton in 1934. After joining the Air Corps, he took training at the following military schools: Laredo, Texas (flexible gunnery, 1942); Lowry Field, Colorado (aircraft armorer school, 1943); Camp Carson, Colorado (SAC Survival School, July 1951). His previous occupation was that of galvanizer. Like Gallant, the Communists might have knowledge of Airman Hays' fate.
Horner, 1Lt. John Joseph -
Born March 29, 1924, in Swedesboro, New Jersey, he was the son of Warren S. and Eva R. Horner of Swedesboro. He graduated from Camden, New Jersey high school in 1942 and then attended a half year of college in 1942 at the Lawrence Institute of Technology in Michigan. A former electric welder, he was divorced from Norinne V. Horner. He served in the U.S. Navy in the Zone of Interior from January 1943 to December of 1945. He attended military schools in Jacksonville, Florida (Class-A, mechanic, Navy, August 1943); Chicago, Illinois (Class-B, advanced engineering, Navy, November 1945); Memphis, Tennessee (instructor school, Navy, October 1946 and July 1949); Vance AFB, Oklahoma (basic and advanced pilot, December 1950); and Randolph AFB, Texas (pilot, June 1951). It is possible that Communists know Horner's fate.
Hudson, 1Lt. Laurence Harold -
Born November 20, 1921, in Brooklyn, New York, he was the son of William N. and Alice Hudson of New York, New York. He was the husband of Gloria Marie Hudson, Clearwater Beach, Florida. He attended the following civilian schools: Public School No. 170, Brooklyn, 1935; Brooklyn Technical High School, Brooklyn, 1939; and Pace Institute, New York, New York, 1948. He attended the following military schools: Amarillo, Texas (airplane mechanic, March 1943); Boeing Aircraft, Washington (airplane mechanic, May 1943); Montana State College (cadet training detachment, January 1944); Santa Ana, California (preflight navigation, March 1944); Kingman, Arizona (serial gunnery, May 1944); Kirtland Field, New Mexico (advanced bombardier, December 1944); Boca Raton, Florida (radar, March 1943); Ellington AFB, Texas (radar observer, refresher, March).
Johnson, A/2c Gerald Emmett -
Born March 17, 1933, in Youngstown, Ohio, his home address was Arcadia, Pennsylvania at the time he went missing. He was the son of Charles Lewis Johnson (1904-1983) and Virginia Dare Kerr Johnson (1912-1982) of Arcadia. He was not married. His siblings were Gilbert Zane (1932-2015) and Theodore A. (1929-2017).He attended grammar school in Youngstown (1946) and high school in Arcadia, Pennsylvania (1950). He was senior patrol leader in Boy Scouts. After joining the Air Force he took training at Lowry AFB, Colorado (primary weapons, November 1950).
Johnson, M/Sgt. Johnny Menlo -
Born December 18, 1918, in Norse, Texas, he was the son of Will L. and Matilda Johnson of San Angelo, Texas. He attended grammar school in Milburn, Texas and graduated from Milburn High School in 1935. He attended military school at the Missouri Aviation Institute (engine mechanic, March 1942); Chanute AFB, Illinois (flight engineer, ground phase, February 191); Camp Carson, Colorado (SAC Survival School, July 1951). His previous occupation was carpenter and riveter. During World War II he served in the European Theater, North Africa, and Trinidad. He was in Soviet custody as a POW.
X-BRADY MAN MISSING WITH HEAVY BOMBER - "Tech-Sgt Johnny M. Johnson 33, son of Mr. and Mrs. Will Johnson, 831 E. 20th is missing in action with his heavy bomber crew after his fifth mission over Korea, the Defense Department has notified his parents. Johnson is a combat veteran of World War II, heavily decorated, and has been in the Air Force 11 years. He has been in Korea since mid-September, and was reported missing on October 23. His parents moved here from Brady two years ago, and he formerly worked in Brady as a truck driver. He was discharged after World War II in 1945, but re-entered the Air Force in 1947. His decorations include the Air Medal with 4 clusters, ETO ribbon with 7 battle stars, and Distinguished Unit Badge with 3 clusters. Two of Sgt. Johnson's brothers are also in service now, they are S/SGT. William L. Johnson and CPL. Olson Curtis Johnson."
Krumm, Capt. Robert Mitchell -
Born March 30, 1918 in Atkins, Iowa, Capt. Robert Mitchell Krumm was the son of Jacob N. Krumm (1891-1966) and Grace E. Krumm (1896-1965). His home address was Cedar Rapids, Iowa. He attended high school in Van Horne, Iowa (1935); Penn State, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania (extension course, 1/2 year, 1942); and Spartan School of Aeronautics, Tulsa, Oklahoma (1947). He was formerly a carpenter and crop duster. After entering the military he took training at the following military schools: Maxwell Field, Alabama (pre-flight pilot, October 1942); Decatur, Alabama (primary, February 1943); Walnut Ridge, Arkansas (basic, April 1943); Seymour, Indiana (advanced, May 1943); Lockbourne, Louisiana (4-engine, B-17, July 1943).
He and his wife Aline M. (Sally) had no children. His siblings were Dorothy, Irene, Donald, Edmond, and Casey. Donald and Edmond were pilots in the U.S. Army Air Corps. Donald was killed in a bomber plane training accident in California in March of 1943. The Krumm family was grieving over his death when they received news that Robert was missing in action. He was declared dead in 1954.
In Loving Memory of Captain Robert Mitchell Krumm
Captain Robert Mitchell Krumm was killed in action Tuesday, October 23, 1951 over the South China Sea. He was 33 years old. Captain Krumm was a member of the 307th Bomber Squadron based in Kadena, Okinawa.
He was born in Van Home on March 30, 1918, to Jacob and Grace Mitchell Krumm. He was survived by his wife Sally, his parents, brothers Edmond (Roberta) and Keith (Corrine), sisters Ilene (Frank) Novak, and Dorothy (Robert) Gaines. He was preceded in death by his brother Donald.
Bob was a fun-loving adventurer. He enjoyed motorcycles, sports, and was a member of the Van Home baseball and basketball teams in high school. He was a member of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC).
His true love was flying and prior to World War II, he operated a crop dusting service where he honed his flying skills. He enlisted in the Army Air Corps on February 10, 1941. After graduating from flight school, he was stationed in England with the 8th Bomber Group. He completed 25 missions over Germany, including the D-Day invasion of Normandy. His plane, the Flak Dodger, was shot down and he crash landed in Sweden where he and his crew were interned as guests of the Swedish government. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal, the Purple Heart, and seven Oak Leaf Clusters.
After the war, he returned home and resumed his crop dusting business. He remained on active reserve in the newly formed United States Air Force and was recalled to active duty when the Korean War began. Captain Krumm was flying a bombing missions which would later be known as "Black Tuesday Over Namsi." It was the first time Russian MiGs were used to attack the American bombers. The faster MiGs decimated the squadron. Of the nine B-29s that took off that day, only three returned. Bob's plane crash landed on the beach. Six of the crew members' bodies were recovered, but five (including Captain Krumm's) were never found.
None of us ever got the chance to meet Uncle Bob. We've heard many wonderful stories about this amazing man from our parents, families and friends. His parents were still feeling the pain of losing their other son Donald (killed in a flight training mission in March of 1943) when Bob was declared deceased. They declined the full military service for Robert, being too painful to relive. Although it's 60 years later, we feel he still deserves this honor. Our family invites all to honor this man who so gallantly laid his life on the alter of freedom. Full military rites will be held at Cedar Memorial on August 6, 2016 at 10 a.m.
Marshall, Pfc. Isreal Jr. -
Born August 19, 1932, he was from Jacksonville, Florida.
McAdoo, SSgt. Ernest Robert -
Born July 27 1932, in Josephine, Pennsylvania, he was the son of William Emerson and Anna Marie McAdoo of Black Lick, Pennsylvania. He attended civilian schools: Grammar School, Black Lick (1947) and Blairsville, Pennsylvania high school three years, 1950). After joining the military he had schooling at Lowry AFB, Colorado (primary weapons, December 1950). He was not married.
Newswanger, TSgt. Quentin L. "Curly" -
Born March 24, 1924, in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, he was the only child of Harry Ellsworth Newswanger (1891-1942) and Winona Ressler Newswanger (1896-1977). His widow Doris Newswanger later remarried to Eugene Peiffer and they live in Quarryville. There is an empty grave for Quentin in Quarryville Cemetery, Quarryville, Pennsylvania. A 1942 graduate of Quarryville High School, he was an all-around athlete who was a great basketball and baseball player. He attended Franklin & Marshall College. He served in Europe during World War II with the 95th Bomb Group. He was assigned to the B-17 (#42-97334) known as "H-A-A-RD Luck". He was a postal carrier who had hoped to become a postal inspector. When the Korean War broke out, he was recalled to military service and was sent to MacDill AFB in March 1951. He left for Okinawa in September of 1951 and was MIA (status later changed to KIA) during Black Tuesday.
Nutting, Capt. John Mainard -
Born January 23, 1916, he was from North Leeds, Maine. He was a son of John Mainard Nutting Sr. (1889-1940) and Teresa Estelle Gavin Nutting (1890-1976). His siblings were Willis Nutting and Dorothy Nutting Pettengill (1920-2014). There is a marker for him in the Fairview Cemetery, Leeds, Maine.
Osborne, A/2c Jess Alan Jr. -
Born September 27, 1931 in Dante, Virginia, he was the son of Jess Alan Osborne Sr. and Gilie Mae Hall Osborne of Castlewood, Virginia. He attended grammar school (1944) and high school (1948) in Castlewood. He then attended military school at Lowry AFB, Colorado (reciprocating mechanic, June 1951) and SAC Survival School (July 1951). He was not married. His former occupation was auto service man.
Poynor, 1Lt. Con Foley "C.F." -
Born on July 17, 1918 in Gorman, Texas, he was the son of Murry Middleton Poynor (1878-1934) and Pearl Zella Malear Poynor (1880-1955). His wife's name was Helen Mae Keating Poynor. When he went missing in action, he had a 10-year old son, Paul Owen Poynor, born in 1944. His siblings were Aubrey Lee Poynor (1906-1993) and Ola B. Poynor (1903-1982). Con was a 1934 graduate of Ranger High School, Ranger, Texas. After high school he attended Hanger Junior College. He attended the University of Texas for three and a half years before enlisting in the U.S. Air Corps in 1941. He flew 31 missions overseas in England during World War II. When he came home he went into the Reserves and worked for an oil company in the Ranger, Texas area. He was called back into service in March of 1951 and was sent to Okinawa in September 1941. There is a marker for him in the Colony Cemetery, Morton Valley, Eastland County, Texas.
This B-29 crashed at Kimpo Airfield in South Korea. Loss of aircraft, but no fatalities.
Cartwright, 1Lt. Oma B.
Cummings, T/Sgt. Archibald M.
Flight engineer
Dickerson, Cpl. Paul S.
Right gunner
Galloway, Cpl. Jack
Left gunner [KWE Note: Not listed on KORWALD as a crew member.]
Griner, Maj. William R. -
Fate put Major Griner in the pilot's seat that day because the regular pilot, Captain Brisey, had sprained his wrist.
Iantorno, Cpl. Charles S.
Radio operator
Laird, 1Lt. Deane F.
Markel, Maj. Carroll B.
O'Deneal, 1Lt. Pinkney B.
Slagowski, S/Sgt. Clyde L. -
Central fire controller
Stainbrook, Cpl. Paul -
Left gunner (traded places with Sgt. Carl Webb)
Thornton, 1Lt. Glenn S.
Turner, Cpl. Dewell E. -
Left gunner
Whitaker, Sgt. Bill N. -
Tail gunner
Lead bomber on the Black Tuesday mission, this B-29 landed safely, but had over 500 bullet holes in it. There were no fatalities.
Blumenthal, TSgt. Bernard
Radio
Brubaker, Capt. Robert
Chapman, 1Lt. James
Radar
Dees, MSgt. Ralph
FE
DeJung, Capt. Clifton
Denson, Capt. Joe D.
Fields, Airman Francis
Tail gunner
Fogler, Capt. Clarence
Pilot
Kourafas, 1Lt. Nick
Lead bombardier
Ledbetter, Col. Henry
Observer
Meier, Lt. Fred C.
Navigator
Miller, Cpl. Rolland
Right gunner
Pyfrom, Lt. Stan
Co-pilot
Spivey, Sgt. Fred R.
Left gunner
This B-29 was shot up near Namsi, but the plane was not a loss. According to crew member John Wagenhalls, "The bomb doors on the right side of the aircraft were shattered from cannon fire, while those on the opposite side suffered only minor damage. I was able to wire the pieces of the bomb bay doors in the up position sufficiently to allowed us to fly the aircraft back to Kadena." There were no fatalities.
Aurigemma, Capt. Michael V. (navigator)
Carter, 1Lt. Paul E. (radar)
Dempsey, Capt. Peter (pilot)
James, 1Lt. Paul J. (co-pilot)
Wagenhalls, Capt. John (bombardier)
Aurigemma, Michael
Carter, Paul E.
Dempsey, Peter -
Peter Dempsey was born June 29, 1920 in Tacoma, Washington. While serving with the 338th Fighter Squadron during World War II, he was taken prisoner of war. He was later released. He is believed to have died June 28, 2008, but this has not been confirmed by the Korean War Educator.
James, Paul J. Jr.
Wagenhalls, John Math -
John Wagenhalls was born on July 7, 1920, and grew up in Glasgow, Montana. He moved to California at age 20. He was working on B-24 bombers in Consolidated Aircraft's San Diego factory when Pearl Harbor was attacked by the Japanese. He moved to the Vallejo, California area and worked in shipbuilding until he enlisted in the Army Air Corps. He flew 32 missions with the 379th Bomb Group's 527th Squadron in Europe. He received the Distinguished Flying Cross as well as an Air Medal with three clusters. After his World War II service he married Marie Eirich (1923-2010). They were parents of two sons, William and Barry (1948-2010). They also had two grandchildren and three great grandchildren. John was recalled to service during the Korean War and flew 50 missions with the 307th Bomb Group's 370th Squadron. After the war he was an industrial arts instructor at Fresno City College until he moved into administration over the vocational education program for Fresno School District. Mr. Wagenhalls died on May 03, 2015 and is buried in Sanger (California) Cemetery.
This B-29 (the lead bomber in this bombing mission) was damaged by MiG #141 near Namsi Airfield and the crew bailed out in the Chinnampo/Inchon area (Yellow Sea). Loss. Thirteen occupants, nine fatalities. Curtis Bedsole, maintenance crew chief on this aircraft in 1951, made the following entry on the Korean War Project (www.koreanwar.org):
These details of the aircraft's last flight were told to me by the CFC gunner after we both returned to MacDill AFB, Florida in 1952: 151 was targeted by MIG fighters because it was the lead bomber of its group. A large hole was blown in the wing and the plane began descending to the sea. Two enlisted members of the crew refused to bail out (one waist gunner and the flight engineer MSGT Hamblin). The waist gunner froze in his seat and the others in the rear could not get him to jump. They then jumped from the open hatch at the rear bomb bay doors. Sgt Hamblin had often told me and others that he would never be able to bail out of an aircraft. The pilot and co-pilot decided to attempt to ditch the aircraft in the ocean in order to possibly save the two enlisted men's lives. I found one entry that stated that Captain Shields was awarded the Silver Star, but have often wondered if their sacrifice was ever documented properly.
The following account of the airplane loss was found on page 32 of the Air Force Manual No. 200-25, located on the Korean War Project website at www.kwp.org.
Sgt. Dougherty's plane, accompanied by two others, departed Kadena Air Base, Okinawa, for a mission over Namsi Airfield, North Korea, on 23 October 1951. About 0945 hours, while on target approach, the plane was attacked by MiG 15's which damaged the wings and set the number-three engine on fire. It then headed for islands near Chinhampo and the Inchon area. At 09477 hours the bailout order was given. The plane was last seen at 0955, south of Napchongjong. The following crew members were rescued from the water: Capt. Ted W. Smith, navigator, A02094056; Capt. Emil B.A. Goldbeck, bombardier, AO2001994; A/2C Stainbrook, gunner; A/1C William A. Cross, central fire control, AF6950944. Another crewman, Lt. Vretis, was seen in the water but could not be recovered. He was believed dead. The reports of those rescued indicate that Capt. Smith saw SSgt. Dougherty bail out, but that Dougherty was not seen thereafter.
Dougherty, S/Sgt. Joseph Stephen
Born January 12, 1922 in Erie, Pennsylvania, M/Sergeant Dougherty was survived by wife Marjorie Ruth, and four children ages 5, 4, 3, and 2. The children were Sharon Denise, Mary Christine, Sheila Maureen, and Joseph S. Dougherty Jr. He was a World War II and Korean War veteran. Dougherty was the recipient of the Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal with 5 Oak Leaf Clusters, Purple Heart, Korean Service Medal, the United Nations Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Korean Presidential Unit Citation and the Republic of Korea War Service Medal. He attended high school in Erie, Pennsylvania in 1939. In October 1942 he attended gunnery school in Las Vegas. His previous occupation was office manager and salesman.
Goldbeck, Capt. Emil Bruno Amaldo
Born January 09, 1923, Lt. Col. Emil B.A. Goldbeck died May 05, 2002. He is buried in Arlington National Cemetery. His children were George Amaldo Goldbeck, Patrick Goldbeck, and Mrs. William DeWayne (Jeanette G.) Cantrell (1948-2005). His first wife and mother of his children was Dorothy "Dottie" Durham (later Mrs. James D. Ward) (1925-2017). His second wife was Leonora Webb Goldbeck (1920-1988), also buried in Arlington Cemetery. On January 30, 1963, Goldbeck was one of three survivors of another airplane crash. He was a navigator on a B-52E Stratofortress when it crashed in snow-covered mountains in northern New Mexico.
Gross. Capt. William A.
Hamblin, M/Sgt. Robert Warren
Born March 23, 1931 in New York, New York, M/Sergeant Hamblin was the son of Harry and Blanche W. Hamblin of Richmond Hill, New York. He served in Brazil from December 1942 to December 1944 during World War II. He was not married. He attended Richmond Hill High School, Richmond Hill in 1942 and Manhattan High School of Aviation Trades, New York, in 1942. He was an aircraft metal worker student at Chanute Field in Rantoul, Illinois in December 1942, followed by ground phase school at Chanute in June 1950. He was awarded the Air Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, Purple Heart, Korean Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Korean Presidential Unit Citation, Republic of Korea War Service Medal and the World War II Victory Medal.
O'Neal, Ltc. Julius Elliot
He was born March 28, 1919 in Fairfax, South Carolina. His mother was Suzie B. O'Neal of Fairfax. His widow was Dorothy T. O'Neal and his daughters were Pamela Sarah O'Neal, Barbara Anne O'Neal, and Deborah Jean O'Neal. O'Neal was the C.O. of the 371st Bomb Squadron. He attended high school in Fairfax in 1936, followed by The Citadel in Charleston, South Carolina in 1940. He attended Parks Air College, East St. Louis, Illinois (primary flying, November 1940); Gunter Field, Alabama (basic flying, basic flight training February 1941); Barksdale Fld, Louisiana (advanced twin engine flight training, April 1943); Lockbourne Field, Ohio (4-engine instruction, April 1943); AAF Instrument School, Bryan, Texas (instrument pilot training, July 1944); Roswell, New Mexico (B-29 instructor course, March 1945); Air Command and Staff School, Maxwell AFB, Alabama (regular course, December 1949); Langley AFB, Virginia (mobile training unit, Jet B-45, June 1950). His previous occupation was student and clerk.
Penninger, Capt. Roger William
Born July 20, 1924 in Chicago, Illinois, he was the son of Frank Clay Penninger of Elkhart, Indiana, and Helen Marie Sachtleben Penninger Dunlap of Chicago. His wife was Phyllis A. Penninger of Elsinore, California. He attended Harper High School in Chicago and then military schools in Santa Ana, California (pre-flight, November 1943); Tulare, California (primary flight, January 1944); Merced, California (basic flight); Marfa, Texas (advanced flight); Hobbs, New Mexico (4-E transition, B-17); MacDill AFB, Florida (transition training, February 1951). Hi previous occupation was punch-press operator, spot welder, ranch foreman (walnuts, watermelon and potatoes).
Shields, Capt. Thomas Lester
Born February 11, 1925 in Rockaway Beach, New York, he was the son of John F. and Irene V. Shields of Valley Stream, Long Island, New York. His wife was Patricia Flarimont Shields Quinn (remarried wife), and his children were John Francis Shields and Kathleen I. Shields. Captain Shields received a Silver Star as the result of his heroic actions on Black Tuesday. He was missing in action.
During World War II he participated in the Air Offensive, Japan, Western Pacific. He graduated from Central High School, Valley Stream, in 1943. He attended military schools at Maxwell Field, Alabama (pre-flight pilot, February '44); Decatur, Alabama (primary, March 1944); Courtland, Alabama (basic, June 1944); Freeman Field, Indiana (advanced, September 1944); Smyrna, Tennessee (4-engine transition, B-24, February 1945). He previously owned and operated a tavern. He was also a commercial pilot. His hobby was wrestling.
General Orders: Headquarters, Far East Air Forces, General Orders No. 569 (December 4, 1951)
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain Thomas L. Shields, United States Air Force, for gallantry in action against an enemy on 23 October 1951 as Aircraft Commander of a B-29, 370th Bombardment Squadron, 307th Bombardment Wing (Medium), Fifth Air Force. Captain Shields was leading the third flight of aircraft over the important enemy airfield at Namsi. Twenty miles from the target, after encountering anti-aircraft fire, the formation of B-29s escorted by 50 friendly fighters was attacked by approximately 150 enemy fighters. The ensuing battle was one of the most savage on record during the entire Korean Campaign. Captain Shields' plane was raked by enemy fighter fire. Whole sections of the wings covering the gas tanks were blown away. The number three engine was in flames. The aircraft rolled violently to the right, but through great effort Captain Shields recovered. Refusing the opportunity of an immediate bailout, he flew the aircraft to the coast so as to make the rescue of his crew more probable. Captain Shields was last seen at the controls as his crew bailed out. The superlative skill, exceptional courage, and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Shields were in keeping with the highest traditions of the service, and reflected great credit upon himself, the Far East Air Forces, and the United States Air Force.
Smith, Capt. Ted W.
Stainbrook, A/2c Paul E. "Smokey"
A 1948 graduate of Trinity High School in Pennsylvania, he enlisted in a one-year program in the U.S. Navy and was stationed on an aircraft carrier. He then joined the Air Force and participated in Black Tuesday. He received a shrapnel wound to his leg, but was one of the four lucky ones on the crew that bailed out and made it to safety. He and his wife Marlene, a retired nurse, have a son Paul (Craig) and a daughter Dana Stainbrook. Paul Stainbrook, born August 19, 1930 in Washington, Pennsylvania, died January 13, 2018, in Washington. His obituary follows:
Paul E. "Smokey" Stainbrook Jr., 87, of Washington, died Saturday, January 13, 2018, in Presbyterian SeniorCare, Washington. He was born August 19, 1930, in Washington, a son of the late Paul E. Sr. and Hazel Ann Keener Stainbrook. Mr. Stainbrook was a 1948 graduate of Trinity High School. He worked as a measurement regulation technician for Columbia Gas Transmission, from where he retired in 1992. Mr. Stainbrook served in the U.S. Navy and the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War. His plane was shot down over the Yellow Sea October 23, 1951. He was a member of Sunset Lodge 623 of F&AM, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 927, Edwin Scott Linton Post 175 of the American Legion, Washington, and BPOE 776, Washington.
On September 4, 1954, in Winchester, Va., he married Marlene "Marty" Bebout, who survives. Also surviving are a son, Paul Craig (Laura) Stainbrook of Washington; a daughter, Dana Lee Stainbrook of Washington; two grandchildren, Paul Christopher and Samantha Marilyn Stainbrook; and several nieces. Deceased are a brother, Warren "Bud" Howard Stainbrook; and a sister, Mary Lou Stainbrook Hallam. Interment was in Washington Cemetery.
Vretis, Lt. James George
Born November 26, 1925, Lieutenant Vretis was from Rock Island, Illinois. He was married. He was awarded the Purple Heart, Air Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Korean Service Medal, Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation, United Nations Service Medal, and Republic of Korea War Service Medal. The KWE believes (but has not verified) that he was a son of Greek immigrant Frank Vretis (1886-1962) and Fotine (Frances) Gounis Vretis (1889-1974) of Rock Island and the brother of George F. Vretis (1922-1996) and Florence Vretis Baird.
Wahlgren, Capt. Edward Charles
Born July 27, 1920, in Brooklyn, New York, Captain Wahlgren was from Valley Stream, New York. He was the son of Esther Wahlgren of Valley Stream. His father was deceased. He was survived by his wife Helen Wahlgren and daughter Cheryl L. Wahlgren of Huntington Station, Long Island, New York. He attended high school at Valley Stream, graduating in 1938. He attended military schools: Maxwell Field, Alabama (pre-flight, September 1942); Decatur, Alabama (primary flying, November 1942); Walnut Ridge, Arkansas (basic January 1943); Craig Field, Alabama (advanced flying, January 1943); Ellington Field, Texas (pre-flight, April 1943); Laredo, Texas (flexible gunnery, July 1943); Midland, Texas (bombardier, October 1943); Boca Raton, Florida (radar, July 1945). He was a former bank clerk who was also a commercial pilot. One of his classmates from Central High School, Valley Stream, was Captain Thomas Lester Shields, pilot of the ill-fated B-29 lost on Black Tuesday. Both men were missing in action and later declared deceased.
Webb, A/1c Edward Arvil "Eddie" Webb
Born September 15, 1932, in Warner, Oklahoma, he was the son of Earnest Arvil and Jackie Geraldine Webb of Oktaha, Oklahoma. He was not married. He attended high school in Oktaha for three years (1947). He attended military school at Lowry AFB, Colorado (primary weapons, general, November 1950).
West, Cpl. Carl Emmons
Carl Emmons West was born November 16, 1932, in Huntington, West Virginia, son of Doy Emmons and Gladys Eloise West. He was not married. Carl had a twin sister, Mary Lou. Other siblings included Eleanor and Ray. Carl grew up In Jackson County where his father was a salesman in a hardware store and his mother taught in a one-room schoolhouse.
Carl graduated from Ravenswood High School where he played the snare drum in the band; it was said he loved to wear the uniform so much that he would attend out-of-town performances without informing his family. In 1949, Carl played in the National Future Farmers of America band in Kansas City. Soon after graduation in 1950, Carl enlisted in the Air Force. He attended military school at Lowry AFB, Colorado (primary weapons, December 1950). He became a tailgunner on B-29s in North Korea. On October 23, 1951, the day of his death, Carl, a replacement on an 11-man crew, was taking part in one of those missions. His assignment that day was waist gunner, which meant manning a .50-caliber machine gun located on the side of the fuselage in the middle of the airplane.
The B-29 was hit by a MiG-15, resulting in damage to one of the right wing engines. Seven crew members bailed out, four of whom survived. Carl West was not one of them. Emil Goldbeck, the airplane’s bombardier, speculated that perhaps Carl chose to take his chances with the airplane. Carl’s body was never recovered, but on December 31, 1953, he was declared dead. His twin sister had a plaque made and placed at the foot of her parents’ graves in Ravenswood Cemetery.
This B-29 was shot up at Namsi and crash landed at Kimpo Airfield, South Korea. The navigator was the only crew member killed in action. Loss of aircraft.
Capt. Morton G. Edwards
Wichita, Kansas
Born November 4, 1924
Captain, U.S. Air Force
Service Number AO716392
Killed in Action
Died October 23, 1951 in Korea
Buried in Arlington National Cemetery
Captain Edwards was a crew member of a B-29A Superfortress with the 372th Bomber Squadron, 307th Bomber Wing based at Kadena Air Base, Okinawa. On October 25, 1951, while on a combat mission, his aircraft was attacked by enemy MiGs and he was killed on board. Captain Edwards was awarded the Purple Heart, 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.
This B-29 was the "spare" aircraft on the mission, used when the regularly scheduled B-29 was aborted due to engine trouble. It was known as "Charlie Two" in the Namsi mission.
A book written by Lt. Col. Earl J. McGill (USAF Ret.) provides insight into Black Tuesday. His book is entitled: Black Tuesday Over Namsi: B-29s vs MiGs - The Forgotten Air Battle of the Korean War, 23 October 1951. Order information for the book can be found at the end of this sketch.
An hour and a half before sunup, nine B-29s of the 307th Bombardment Wing lifted off from Kadena Air Force Base, Okinawa on a bombing mission against Namsi, a North Korean airfield under construction in the heart of MiG Alley. Five and a half hours later, they would engage in an air battle that would forever change the conduct of strategic aerial bombardment. Six of the nine would not return; the highest percentage of United States bombers ever lost on a major mission.
Astonishingly, virtually nothing has been published about this event. Official Air Force historical records mention it only in passing and literature of the period too often emphasizes the gung ho aspect than the grim reality of war.
Black Tuesday Over Namsi chronicles the calamitous B-29 daylight-bombing mission flown by the 307th Bombardment Wing on 23 October 1951 against Namsi Airfield. What many experts consider the epic air battle of the Korean War and perhaps the greatest jet engagement in the history of aerial warfare has largely become another forgotten battle in a forgotten war. Here, Lt. Col McGill presents the facts and circumstances of the mission from first briefing to final landing.
This book also records, from verifiable historical documents, the broader events and conditions that led up to the confrontation, plus the first-hand accounts of aircrew members and ground personnel who were there. Allied and Soviet perspectives are examined; statements made by the MiG pilots describe the attack; and eyewitnesses to the event have supplied photographs of the mission and its aftermath, including the aerial photo of the Namsi Airfield that was used to plan the mission. This thoroughly researched narrative history is enhanced by numerous photographs, a bibliography, and an index to full names, places and subjects.
This is the story of the Americans and Russians who clashed in the skies above Namsi, the events leading up to it, Black Tuesday's historical impact on aerial warfare, and, for the first time, fresh conclusions based on a careful analysis of the specific factors that went into the execution of this and other bombing missions.
Paperback: 224 pages
Publisher: Helion & Company; Reprint edition (September 1, 2013)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1909384380
ISBN-13: 978-1909384385
Product Dimensions: 0.5 x 6.2 x 9.2 inches
Shipping Weight: 12 ounces
The word KORWALD shows up on the B-29 Topics page numerous times. It means, "Korean War Aircraft Loss Database". Lt. Col. Ron Maynard (retired) was hired in the late 1990’s to research the records and compile KORWALD. In the resulting government database, names of the injured, missing in action, recovered bodies, killed in action, and other fatalities are listed. Also listed are aircraft serial numbers and dates of loss. The database can be searched by name, tail number of aircraft, and/or date of loss, but it should be noted that KORWALD contains both accurate and erroneous material. Researchers will discover that personnel associated with covert operations are generally not listed. (Not every aspect of the Korean War has been declassified even today.) Injuries and fatalities that occurred in "non-operational" missions are also not generally listed. This means that B-29 fatalities that occurred outside of the theater of war were not listed. Through cross-referencing and extensive research, the KWE found numerous B-29 fatalities not listed on KORWALD.
Loss of personnel under non-operational conditions is not listed on KORWALD. The KWE sought the advice of B-29 veteran Earl "Mac" McGill to gain an understanding of what "operational" means to US government record-keepers. Mac's reply was this:
A casualty caused while engaged in a mission against the enemy was listed as "operational." It's all very imprecise and a bit absurd, but I suppose some sort of criterion was necessary for record keeping purposes. The Outlaw was crashed on a test flight, therefore not engaged against an enemy. If we'd crashed while taking off on a combat mission it would have been listed.
The KWE cross-referenced known B-29 fatalities with the KORWALD database and found the following lost lives not recorded on KORWALD.
Never a day - nor particularly a night - goes by that I don’t remember that just a few years ago I had a phone call from the wife of our Korean War B-29 combat crew’s pilot, sadly advising me that he had just passed away in the Guam Naval Hospital from a series of, and then one major, stroke. Marty Martineau’s wife Carol told me his very last words after receiving Last Rites from a Catholic Priest friend of his were," The Crew is waiting for me!”
I reported this to Lynnita Brown of “The Korean War Educator” web site, who does obituaries for veterans. I told her that I had tried to find our crew bombardier, Don Heil, but that the Air Force Personnel Records Center reported to me that he was deceased in 1985. They had me ever so briefly believing that I was the last man left and that, hopefully, "the crew was perhaps now waiting for me."
I was still trying to find one of his relatives, so Lynnita searched the Internet and told me that there was a "Don Heil Builders" in Edgewood, New Mexico, a few hundred miles north of Hobbs where he had been recalled from the Reserves in 1951--and no more than a mile off Route 40, which I had perhaps taken at least 50 times from Durango, Colorado to our previous home in Richardson, Texas. I called the number Lynnita gave me, expecting with great final hope that I might find descendents of Don--a son or grandson carrying on a business that Don may have started with his carpentry training at the Williamson Trade School in Media/Lima, Pennsylvania, and work experience before his enlistment during World War II and his prior experience as the only member of our Korean War B-29 crew to have flown in a B-29.
Upon someone answering my telephone call to "Don Heil Builders", I said, "My name is Bud Farrell and I am looking for anyone related to a Don Heil who was our Bombardier during the Korean War." His reply was, “I’m looking at your picture!” I said, "You’re WHAT?" He said again, “I’m looking at your picture!” I asked him, "Who the hell are YOU?" That's when he told me, “This is Don Heil.” I yelled, “CAROLE, I HAVE DON HEIL ON THE PHONE!” After 60 years Don was looking at the same Randolph Field Combat Crew Training crew picture as I had on my home office wall! That phone call concluded my search of 32 years for him. The Air Force Personnel Records Center had erroneously reported to me that Don had died in 1985, a report of his passing a greatly exaggerated 27 years before Lynnita found him, and 60 years of my searching!
Several weeks later, on September 17, 2012, Carole and I drove from home in Georgetown, Texas (near Austin) to meet Don in Albuquerque, New Mexico...the first, but very best, reunion we ever had. It was a day of recollections, memories, pictures, etc. A truly SENTIMENTAL JOURNEY! Don has now relocated to historic Cape May Court House, New Jersey, to be closer to his two sisters after so many years and two wars apart. Again, the way to a friend’s home is never far and I look forward to another reunion...so much sooner than the last.
...and now we are TWO for whom “our crew is waiting in eternity”! - Bud Farrell
Allan, Dean S. The Twelfth Man - The Super Fortress Over North Korea: A B-29 Crew's Experience in Combat Over North Korea 1952. Allan was a left gunner. Book is now out of print.
Bruning, John R. Crimson Sky: The Air Battle for Korea. Bruning has authored eight books, many of them military-related.
Corbin, Lee. The Crash of 44-87741. The book details a B-29 crash that occurred at Andersen AFB, Guam, on December 17, 1953.
Costello, Ronald J. Diary of a Tailgunner. Costello was a tailgunner on All Shook. He flew 27 missions over Korea.
Davis, Larry. Planes, Names & Dames, Vol. II, 1946-1960. Several photos of Korean War B-29 nose art can be found in this book.
Dorr, Robert F. B-29 Superfortress Units of the Korean War. Dorr is an Air Force veteran (1957-60) and a retired senior foreign service officer. He is the author of over 70 books.
Farrell, Frank "Bud", No Sweat. Farrell was the left gunner on "No Sweat" during the Korean War.
Harden, Blaine. The Great Leader and the Fighter Pilot: The True Story of the Tyrant Who Created North Korea and The Young Lieutenant Who Stole His Way to Freedom. Published by the Penguin Group in 2015, this book gives insight on the B-29 in the Korean War as seen by the North Koreans. It is based on declassified documents and interviews.
Hudder, Vernon R. "Bob". The Brush of Angel Wings. Hudder flew 27 combat missions as a navigator on a B-29 lead crew of the 98th Bomb Wing. His aircraft was Hearts Desire II. Mr. Hudder died in 2009.
Kiba, Steve E. The Flag--My Story: Kidnapped by Red Chinese. Kiba was a radio operator on "Stardust Four Zero" when it was attacked by MiGs on January 13, 1953. He was taken prisoner of war.
Larson, George A. The Superfortress Final Glory: The Korean Air War, The Cold War's First Aerial Combat. Larson is a retired Lieutenant Colonel in the Air Force and former strategic intelligence officer with SAC.
Livengood, Ralph. B-29 Navigator: Korean War 1951. Livengood, recipient of the Distinguished Flying Cross, flew 36 missions in B-29s with the 19th Bomb Group out of Kadena.
Marshall, Chester W. and Thompson, Warren. B-29 Photo Combat Diary: The Superfortresses in WWII and Korea.
McGill, Lt. Col. (USAF Ret.) Earl J. "Mac". Black Tuesday Over Namsi: B-29s vs MiGs - The Forgotten Air Battle of the Korean War, 23 October 1951 McGill was there!
Nijboer, Donald. B-29 Combat Missions: First-Hand Accounts of Superfortress Operations Over the Pacific and Korea. Nijboer is a best-selling aviation author/historian/documentary writer-producer and Smithsonian speaker.
Although the government sometimes denotes B-29 casualties as "Killed in Action", not all of them were. Many were taken prisoners of war. Not all of them were released to return to the United States when the truce was signed. Some were held for several years more before release, and some were never returned at all. The names of some of the Air Force POWs show up on three lists known as the Nielsen-Henderson List, the "59 List", and the "71 List". The persons on this list have at least one thing in common--they were interrogated by Soviet officials. Some were beaten unmercifully and tortured in other ways. These three lists are available for viewing on the Korean War Educator's POW/MIA Topics page. All three lists cross-reference the names of some POWs that our government listed as MIA or KIA, but were definitely seen alive after their planes went down. Click on the lists below to see them. A number of Missing in Action B-29 crew members can be found on them.
The "Ashley Five" refers to five members of the B-29 aircraft crew of 30-year old Lt. Gilbert Lamour Ashley. Their aircraft, #42-65357 ("Shady Lady"/"Double or Nuthin'") was shot down by Russian MiGs 10-12 miles south of Pyongyang (18 miles east of Sariwon) on January 27, 1953.
Some of the crew members were eventually repatriated. Five of them were interrogated by Soviets. There was a search and recovery attempt to rescue the "Ashley Five", but it failed. The five were:
[KWE Note: The following text about Air Force prisoners of war in the Korean War who are still unaccounted for was taken word-for-word from the Korean War POWMIA website. It is listed as Reports/Nielson-Henderson. All credit for this information goes to that website.]]
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Over the years, We’ve located many lists. Most turned out to be alternate versions of things we already know. But, one list has always eluded us, the Nielsen-Henderson List. It’s a mysterious list of airmen who were awaiting repatriation in Kaesong in 1953 just a short walk from freedom. As the story goes, hundreds of men were about to be released, when the Communists realized that the U.S. wasn’t aware of their existence. The airmen were hurriedly loaded up and carried away, never to be heard from again. Heroically, two men, Nielsen and Henderson, compiled a list of their names and somehow the list got to the Americans. Over the years, the list had been lost . . . only an occasional mention in Air Intel reports. It’s been our mission on every trip to the Archives to find that list.
We’ve been troubled that neither Nielsen nor Henderson ever showed up on the list of the missing men. It finally occurred to us that, perhaps, they weren’t missing. Maybe they came home. With the help of Tim Casey of the Association of Korean War Ex-POWs, our newly found friend and most valuable asset, We located both Nielsen and Henderson. Though Nielsen is in poor health and unable to contribute, Jack Henderson is very much alive, conversant, helpful, and a delight to speak with. In an hour-long phone conversation, we learned more than we ever expected. Interestingly, Jack has been asked about the list only 4 or 5 times in the last 51 years.
So here’s the real story.
In August of 1951, Jack bailed out of his bullet-ridden F-80. As his chute brought him safely to land, North Korean soldiers aimed machine guns at him from across the river. Jack realized the heart-pounding predicament immediately. Before they would cross the treacherous waters, they would just shoot him. Miraculously, a Chinese Communist Soldier emerged from the bushes next to him and took Jack into custody.
Jack was trained and in shape, but not entirely ready, for his next challenge . . . a 150 mile march north to the Yalu river. Many less-fortunate men died along that journey. When he arrived at a converted school-house he had no idea that it would forever be known as Camp 2. It housed mostly officers, though some non-commissioned airmen were there, too. He and his close friend Henry Nielsen would spend almost two years there. Then, in August 1953, they were loaded up on trucks and sent to Kaesong to be repatriated. They were going home!
Kaesong didn’t have large buildings to house the 350 men, so they were split up in small numbers in small buildings. Jack was released on 28 August, the only one that day. Others were released 2 to 20 at a time. That made keeping track of each other very difficult. Not until the debriefings, did they realize that some weren't released at all.
Jack doesn’t remember making any list. He does recall many debriefings aboard a ship during the long trip home. Though he saw Nielsen on board, they weren't debriefed together. As far as he remembers, He and Henry did not write down the names of those who didn't return.
Apparently, the interrogators (aboard the ship and those later on land) were impressed with Nielsen and Henderson’s recollection of other men from Camp 2 who didn’t return. From their debriefs, a list was created and sent via TWX RDAG 9-26 and 9-021, presumably on Sept 21 & 26. For those of us who weren't around at the time, a TWX (teletypewriter exchange service) was a switched teletypewriter service in which suitably arranged teletypewriter stations are provided with lines to a central office for access to other such stations The Air Force then compiled the famous Nielsen-Henderson List in September 1953. We’re still hoping to speak with Nielsen to get his side of the story. In the meantime, the following are some of the names that were on the list and still missing.
[KWE Note: This list was supplied to the Korean War Educator by John Zimmerlee, who works tirelessly to unearth data about missing Korean War veterans.]
23. Tenny, Albert Gilbert - Capt., USAF
24. Reid, Albert J., Jr. - Sgt., USAF
48. Harker, Charles Abbot, Jr. - 2Lt., USAF
49. Niemann, Robert Frank - 2Lt., USAF
[Note: RMC = Returned to Military Control; MIA = Missing in Action; D = Died. Note on ranks: When the Russian list and the U.S. records gave different ranks for the same individual, both are included with the Russian listed rank first and the U.S. rank in parenthesis. The difference may be explained by the U.S. practice to promote individuals by schedule even if the soldier is missing in action. This practice explains that almost all the second lieutenants on the Russian list are first lieutenants in the U.S. records maintained by the USAF Casualty Office.]
| Correct Name Except where "?"* | Shoot Down Date | Status | List Name is On |
| 1. Stahl, Charles Eugene, 2LT (1LT), USAF | 7 Jan 52 | RMC | 71/59 |
| 2. Maultsby, Charles Wayne, 2LT (1LT), USAF | 5 Jan 52 | RMC | 71/59 |
| 3. Green, Joseph F., 2LT (1LT), USAF | 11 Jan 52 | RMC | 59 |
| 4. Eyres, Thomas Liewellyn, 1LT (CPT), USAF | none given | RMC | 71/59 |
| 5. Henderson, Jack E., 2LT (1LT), USAF | 31 Aug 51 | RMC | 71/59 |
| 6. Wilkens (?), Dennis V., CPT, USMC (?) | 3 Jul 51 | ? | 71/59 |
| 7. MacClellan, Donald J., LTC, USAF | 8 May 51 | RMC | 71/59 |
| 8. Smith, J.B., CPT, USAF | 8 May 51 | RMC | 71/59 |
| 9. Wright, Vernon L., 2LT (1LT), USAF | 16 Jan 52 | RMC | 71/59 |
| 10. Peterson, Daniel Delong, 2LT (1LT), USAF | 17 Jan 52 | RMC | 71/59 |
| 11. Enoch, Kenneth Lloyd, 1LT, USAF | 13 Jan 52 | RMC | 71/59 |
| 12. Quinn, John S., 1LT, USAF | 31 Jan 52 | RMC | 71/59 |
| 13. Thrash, William Gay, LTC, USMC | 21 Dec 51 | RMC | 71/59 |
| 14. Richardson, Judson Cromwell, LTC, USMC | 15 Dec 51 | RMC | 71/59 |
| 15. Duplicates No. 19 | |||
| 16. Kubicek, Harold Bretislav, CPT, USAF | 4 Jul 52 | RMC | 71/59 |
| 17. Frick, Vance R., 2LT (1LT), USAF | 21 Jun 52 | RMC | 71/59 |
| 18. Dearmond, Michael Edward, 1LT, USAF | 21 Apr 52 | RMC | 71/59 |
| 19. Parks, Roland William, 2LT (1LT), USAF | 4 Sep 52 | RMC | 71/59 |
| 20. Zwiacher, John Wesley, 1LT, USAF | 10 Apr 52 | RMC | 71/59 |
| 21. Ellis, John G., 1LT, USAF | 20 Jul 52 | RMC | 71/59 |
| 22. Duplicates No. 20 | |||
| 23. Tenny, Albert Gilbert, CPT, USAF | 3 May 52 | MIA/D | 59 |
| 24. Reid, Elbert J., Jr., SGT (SSGT), USAF | 10 Jun 52 | MIA/D | 59 |
| 25. Kniss, Paul R. 2LT (1LT), USAF | 31 May 52 | RMC | 59 |
| 26. Jilliam (Gilliam) (?), Chief, Operations Dept. (?) | 14 Apr 52 | ? | 59 |
| 27. Arnold, John Knox, Jr., COL, USAF | 12 Jan 53 | RMC | 71/59 |
| 28. Thompson, John Walker III, A/2C, USAF | 13 Jan 53 | RMC | 71/59 |
| 29. Buck, John W., 1LT (CAPT), USAF | 13 Jan 53 | RMC | 71/59 |
| 30. Elmer, Fred Allewelin, CPT, USAF | 13 Jan 53 | RMC | 71/59 |
| 31. Vaddi, Eugene T., CPT, USAF | 13 Jan 53 | RMC | 71/59 |
| 32. Schmidt, Daniel C., observer (A/2C), USAF | 13 Jan 53 | RMC | 71/59 |
| 33. Benjamin, Harry Martin Jr., A/2C, USAF | 13 Jan 53 | RMC | 71/59 |
| 34. Kiba, Steve E., A/1C, USAF | 13 Jan 53 | RMC | 71/59 |
| 35. Baumer, William H., MAJ, USAF | 13 Jan 53 | RMC | 71/59 |
| 36. Brown, Howard W., TSGT, USAF | 13 Jan 53 | RMC | 71/59 |
| 37. Brown, Wallace L., 2LT (1LT), USAF | 13 Jan 53 | RMC | 71/59 |
| 38. Moreland, Joseph E., 1LT, USAF | 4 Jul 52 | RMC | 59 |
| 39. Strieby, Francis Allen, 2LT, USAF | 4 Jul 52 | RMC | 59 |
| 40. Brazil, Kenneth S., 1LT l(CPT), USAF | 4 Jul 52 | RMC | 71/59 |
| 41. Combs, Edward D., SGT (SSGT), USAF | 4 Jul 52 | RMC | 59 |
| 42. Koski, William Emile, SGT (SSGT), USAF | 4 Jul 52 | RMC | 59 |
| 43. Johansen, Charles Vernon, Sr. Sgt, (SSGT), USAF | 4 Jul 52 | RMC | 71/59 |
| 44. Rivers, Bernard Francis, Sr. Sergeant (TSGT), USAF | 4 Jul 52 | RMC | 59 |
| 45. Bass, Kenneth H., SGT (SSGT), USAF | 4 Jul 52 | RMC | 59 |
| 46. Hand, Donald L., A/2C (A/1C), USAF | 4 Jul 52 | RMC | 59 |
| 47. Fischer, Harold Edward, Aviator (CPT), USAF | 7 Apr 53 | RMC | 59 |
| 48. Harker, Charles Abbot Jr., 2LT (1LT), USAF | 4 May 53 | 389 List | 59 |
| 49. Niemann, Robert Frank, 2LT (1LT), USAF | 12 Apr 53 | MIA/D | 59 |
| 50. Osburn, John A., CPT (MAJ), USAF | 19 Sep 53 | RMC | 71/59 |
| 51. Heller, Edwin Lewis, LTC, USAF | 23 Jan 53 | RMC | 71/59 |
| 52. Izbicky, Edward J., 1LT, USAF | 19 Feb 53 | RMC | 71/59 |
| 53. Pape, Donald L., 1LT, USAF | 15 May 53 | RMC | 71/59 |
| 54. Giraudo, John C., LTC, USAF | 16 Jun 53 | RMC | 71/59 |
| 55. Bettinger, Stephen L., MAJ, USAF | 20 Jul 53 | RMC | 71/59 |
| 56. Coury, Robert A., CPT, USAF | 20 Jun 53 | RMC | 71/59 |
| 57. Hodges, Albert V., 1LT, USAF | 19 Jun 53 | RMC | 71/59 |
| 58. Dillon, Edward, 2LT, USAF | 15 Jun 53 | RMC | 71/59 |
| 59. Pinkstone, Donald William, SGT (RAAF-Australian) | 15 Jun 53 | RMC | 71/59 |
[KWE Note: This list was supplied to the Korean War Educator by John Zimmerlee, who works tirelessly to unearth data about missing Korean War veterans. Note on Ranks: When the Russian list and U.S. records give different ranks for the same individual, both are included with the Russian listed rank first and the U.S. rank in parenthesis. The difference may be explained by the U.S. practice to promote individuals by schedule even if the soldier is missing in action. This practice explains that almost all the second lieutenants on the Russian list are first lieutenants in the U.S. records maintained by the USAF Casualty Office.]
1. In May 1992 the Russians provided a list of 71 names (TFR-16, 24-34). The list is entitled "List of U.S. Air Force Crew Members Participating in Combat Operations in North Korea in 1950-53, and About Whom Information Has Been Found in Documents of the 64th Fighter Aviation Corps".
2. The following actions were taken to refine the list:
C. Of the remaining 64 names, 61 are USAF personnel and three are USMC personnel. Fifty-six of these personnel were returned alive to military control (RMC) after the end of hostilities as determined by the USAF Casualty Office. The remains of Howard P. Miller, Jr. were returned to military control as well. The Australian was also returned alive.
D. Seven identified names were not returned to military control and were later declared dead, most of them after the end of hostilities when a presumptive finding of death was made "when evidence considered sufficient to establish the fact of death was received by the Secretary of the Air Force. They are listed below:
| Correct Name Except Where "?"* | Capture or Death Date | Status | List Name is On |
| 1. Stahl, Charles Eugene, 2LT (1LT), USAF | 7 Jan 52 | RMC | 71/59 |
| 2. Kubicek, Harold Bretislav, CPT, USAF | 4 Jul 52 | RMC | 71/59 |
| 3. Maultsby, Charles Wayne, 2LT (1LT), USAF | 5 Jan 52 | RMC | 71/59 |
| 4. Eyres, Thomas Liewellyn, 1LT (CPT), USAF | none given | RMC | 71/59 |
| 5. Henderson, Jack E., 2LT (1LT), USAF | 31 Aug 51 | RMC | 71/59 |
| 6. Wilkins, James Dennis, CPT, USMC, Corsair pilot with VMF-312 from the USS Sicily | 3 Jul 51 | RMC | 71/59 |
| 7. MacClellan, Donald J., LTC, USAF | 8 May 51 | RMC | 71/59 |
| 8. Smith, J.B., CPT, USAF | 8 May 51 | RMC | 71/59 |
| 9. Wright, Vernon L., 2Lt (1LT), USAF | 166 Jan 52 | RMC | 71/59 |
| 10. Peterson, Daniel Delong, 2LT (1LT), USAF | 17 Jan 52 | RMC | 71/59 |
| 11. Enoch, Kenneth Lloyd, 1LT, USAF | 13 Jan 52 | RMC | 71/59 |
| 12. Quinn, John S., 1LT, USAF | 31 Jan 52 | RMC | 71/59 |
| 13. Thrash, William G., LTC, USMC | 21 Dec 51 | RMC | 71/59 |
| 14. Richardson, Judson Cromwell, LTC, USMC | 15 Dec 51 | RMC | 71/59 |
| 15. Parks, Roland William, 2LT (1LT), USAF | 4 Sep 52 | RMC | 71/59 |
| 16. Frick, Vance R., 2LT (1LT), USAF | 21 Jun 52 | RMC | 71/59 |
| 17. Dearmond, Michael Edward, 1LT, USAF | 21 Apr 52 | RMC | 71/59 |
| 18. Duplicates No. 15 | |||
| 19. Zwiacher, John Wesley, 1LT, USAF | 20 Apr 52 | RMC | 71/59 |
| 20. Ellis, John G., 1LT, USAF | 20 Jul 52 | RMC | 71/59 |
| 21. Arnold, John Knox Jr., COL, USAF | 12 Jan 53 | RMC | 71/59 |
| 22. Thompson, John Walker III, A/2C, USAF | 13 Jan 53 | RMC | 71/59 |
| 23. Buck, John W., 1LT (CPT), USAF | 13 Jan 53 | RMC | 71/59 |
| 24. Elmer, Fred Alleweliln, CPT, USAF | 13 Jan 53 | RMC | 71/59 |
| 25. Vaddi, Eugene T., CPT, USAF | 13 Jan 53 | RMC | 71/59 |
| 26. Schmidt, Daniel C., Observer (A/2C), USAF | 13 Jan 53 | RMC | 71/59 |
| 27. Benjamin, Harry Martin, Jr., AIC (A/2C), USAF | 13 Jan 53 | RMC | 71/59 |
| 28. Kiba, Steve e., A/1C, USAF | 13 Jan 53 | RMC | 71/59 |
| 29. Baumer, William H., MAJ, USAF | 13 Jan 53 | RMC | 71/59 |
| 30. Brown, Howard W., TSGT, USAF | 13 Jan 53 | RMC | 71/59 |
| 31. Brown, Wallace L., 2LT (1LT), USAF | 13 Jan 53 | RMC | 71/59 |
| 32. Hart, Alvin D., Jr., A/1C, USAF | N.D. | MIA/D | 71 |
| 33. Weese, Henry D., 1LT, USAF | N.D. | MIA/D | 71 |
| 34. Van Voorhis, Paul E., 1LT (CPT), USAF | N.D. | MIA/D | 71 |
| 35. Brazil, Kenneth S., 1LT (CPT), USAF | 4 Jul 52 | RMC | 71/59 |
| 36. MacKenzie (?), Andrew Robert, MAJ, (?) | 15 Jun 52 | ? | 71 |
| 37. Osburn, John A., CPT (MAJ), USAF | 19 Sep 53 | RMC | 71/59 |
| 38. Heller, Edwin Lewis, LTC, USAF | 23 Jan 53 | RMC | 71/59 |
| 39. Izbicky, Edward J., 2LT, USAF | 19 Feb 53 | RMC | 71/59 |
| 40. Pape, Donald L., 1LT, USAF | 15 May 53 | RMC | 71/59 |
| 41. Giraudo, John C., LTC, USAF | 16 Jun 53 | RMC | 71/59 |
| 42. Bettinger, Stephen L., MAJ, USAF | 20 Jul 53 | RMC | 71/59 |
| 43. Coury, Robert A., CPT, USAF | 20 Jun 53 | RMC | 71/59 |
| 44. Hodges, Albert V., 1LT, USAF | 19 Jun 53 | RMC | 71/59 |
| 45. Dillon, Edward, LT (2LT), USAF | 15 Jun 53 | RMC | 71/59 |
| 46. Pinkstone, Donald William, SGT (RAAF - Australian) | 15 Jun 53 | RMC | 71/59 |
| 47. Fornes, William L., LT (1LT), USAF | 6 Aug 52 | RMC | 71 |
| 48. Schwable, Frank Hawse, LTC, USMC | 8 Jul 52 | RMC | 71 |
| 49. Johanson, Charles Vernon, SGT (SSGT), USAF | 4 Jul 52 | RMC | 71/59 |
| 50. Bartholomew, Gabriel P., Chief, Operations Dept.,, (MAJ), USAF | 18 Oct 52 | RMC | 71 |
| 51. Johnson, Johnny M., Sr. Sergeant (MSGT), USAF | 10 Jan 53 | MIA/K | 71 |
| 52. Abrahmson, Gerald D., Operator (A/2C), USAF | 29 Jan 53 | RMC | 71 |
| 53. Van Slyke, Leland H., Radio operator (A/2C), USAF | 30 Dec 52 | RMC | 71 |
| 54. Fischer, Harold E., CPT, USAF | 7 Apr 53 | RMC | 71 |
| 55. Shawe, Hamilton B., Jr., 2LT (CPT), USAF | 1 Dec 50 | RMC | 71 |
| 56. McDonough, Charles E., CPT (MAJ), USAF | 4 Dec 50 | MIA/K | 71 |
| 57. Frank (?), S. Denstrech, CPT, (?) | 10 Oct/Nov or Dec | ? | 71 |
| 58. Hearn, Joseph S., Navigator (CPT), USAF | 12 Apr 51 | RMC | 71 |
| 59. Oldewage, Daniel Henry, Sr. SGT (TSGT), USAF | 12 Apr 51 | RMC | 71 |
| 60. Metz, Henry X., Sr. SGT (SSGT), USAF | 12 Apr 51 | RMC | 71 |
| 61. King, Marvin Eugene, A/1C, USAF | 12 April 51 | RMC | 71 |
| 62. Knego, George James, LT (1LT), USAF | 12 April 51 | RMC | 71 |
| 63. Moree, Leonard Levi, Jr., SGT (SSGT), USAF | 12 April 51 | RMC | 71 |
| 64. Gant, John Kerr, SGT (SSGT), USAF | 12 April 51 | RMC | 71 |
| 65. Millward, George E., SGT (SSGT), USAF | 12 April 51 | RMC | 71 |
| 66. Bergmann, Louis H., SGT (SSGT), USAF | 12 April 51 | MIA/K | 71 |
| 67. Unruh, Halbert Caloway, Aviator (CPT), USAF | 4 Dec 51 | MIA/K | 71 |
| 68. Dean,Zach Wesley, CPT, USAF | 22 Apr 51 | RMC | 71 |
| 69. Obney (?), MAJ (?) | 12/14 Aug 51 | ? | 71 |
| 70. Miller, Howard P., Jr., 1LT, USAF | 22 Jan 51 | RMC (remains) | 71 |
| 71. Harm (?), SGT, (?) | ? Sep 52 | ? | 71 |
This page listing B-29 fatalities of the Korean War was created by using several online sources. It would not have been possible without the valuable information found on John Zimmerlee's Korean War POW/MIA Network website, the Barker brothers' Korean War Project, American Battle Monuments website, and Findagrave.
A
Aaron, 1Lt. George - Captain Aaron was a crew member of a B-29A Superfortress Bomber ("Hot Box" #44-69682) with the 93rd Bomber Squadron, 19th Bomber Wing. On April 12, 1951, while on a combat mission, the aircraft was attacked by fifteen to twenty MiGs. It exploded and crashed into a mountain near Sinuiju, North Korea. There were nine fatalities. His remains were recovered on December 8, 1993. Lieutenant Aaron was born July 06, 1917. He was from New York, New York.
Abcock, Maj. Hugh S. Jr. - Major was the CO of the 375th Bomber Squadron. B-29 Superfortress Bomber (#44-61747) was assigned to the 375th Bomber Squadron, 308th Bomber Wing based at Hunter Air Force Base. On March 29, 1953, the aircraft departed from Lajes Field, Azores en route to Hunter AFB. Shortly after takeoff it crashed near Praia, Terceira Island, Azores killing the six airmen onboard, including Major Abcock. Born in 1916, World War II veteran Abcock was from St. Petersburg, Florida.
Abney, A/2c Donald Lee - Airman Second Class Abney was a crew member of a B-29A Superfortress Bomber ("Star Duster/Rough Roman" #44-69818) with the 28th Bomber Squadron, 19th Bomber Group. On July 7, 1953, as the aircraft was returning from a bombing mission, it crashed during the landing approach to Pohang Airfield (K-3), South Korea. All thirteen airmen were killed. Donald was born March 04, 1933, son of Mildred H. Abney (Wildt). His home of record was Louisville, Kentucky. He is buried in Cave Hill Cemetery, Louisville, Kentucky.
Acebedo, Maj. Bruce Hamilton - Attached to the 55th SRS (M) Weather at McClellan AFB, California, his B-29 weather plane (WB-29 #44-87756) crashed on April 05, 1952, as it approached for landing at McClellan Air Force Base, Sacramento, California. The crash occurred three miles short of the runway after returning from a 19-hour flight. Acebedo, the pilot, was a World War II veteran and Distinguished Flying Cross recipient. Born August 08, 1917, he is buried in Mountain View Cemetery, Fresno, California. His home of record was Del Paso Heights, California.
Adams, Capt. Donald Lester - Captain Adams was a navigator of a B-29A Superfortress Bomber ("Lubricating Lady" #44-61751) with the 93rd Bomber Squadron, 19th Bomber Wing based at Kadena Air Force Base, Okinawa. On October 31, 1952, when his aircraft was returning from a mission over Korea and was about 110 miles from Kadena, it developed engine trouble and crashed into the ocean. Eleven crew members were lost. His remains were not recovered. Captain Adams was born March 20, 1923. His home of record was Houstonia, Missouri.
Adams, 1Lt. John Howard - Captain Adams was a crew member of a B-29A Superfortress Bomber ("Hot to Go" #44-62183) with the 28th Bomber Squadron, 19th Bomber Group. On June 10, 1952, while on a night mission, the aircraft was hit by rocket fire from a MiG near Kwaksan, North Korea and exploded. He was listed as Missing in Action and was presumed dead on February 28, 1954. Born February 14, 1923, his home of record was Los Angeles, California.
Adams, Capt. Robert Henry - He was declared MIA when his B-29 (#44-62083) was lost on a training mission in the Sea of Japan on January 31, 1952. Speculation among others stationed in Okinawa was that bombs aboard the aircraft detonated accidentally en route to their target killing everyone onboard. Born March 16, 1917, his home of record was Woodbury, New Jersey.
Adler, 1Lt. Junior M. - Attached to 98th Bomb Wing, B-29 (#44-86371) was hit by AAA over Pyongyang on May 07, 1951. It damaged No. 3 & 4 engines hit which possibly caused explosion, lost wing, 4-5 chutes observed, Navy SA-16 and USS Bataan fighter aircraft conducted SAR effort with negative results. Adler is missing in action.
Ahigrim, A/2 Howard Keith - On July 10, 1953, Airman Second Class Howard Ahlgrim was aboard B-29 bomber (#44-83985) when it crashed seven miles from Hunter Air Force Base. This crash killed all 10 crew members aboard. His body was returned to South Dakota and buried with military honors at Bluff View Cemetery. Howard Keith Ahlgrim was born on October 19, 1929, to Ellery Conrad John and Evelyn Agnes (Walz) Ahlgrim. Howard had two siblings: a brother, Harold Andrew, and a sister, Charlotte Anne (Ahlgrim) Erickson. Howard first went to school at Austin Grade School and then graduated from Vermillion High School in1949 and from Union Pacific Teletype School in 1950. Howard had many interests that included drawing, painting, gardening, and being with friends and family. Howard worked for his dad at Ahlgrim Trucking and also as a telegrapher at Union Pacific Railroad in Colorado. Howard enlisted in the Air Force in August 1951. Howard was assigned to various air fields, including Kessler AFB in Mississippi, Randolph Field, Texas, and his last being Hunter Field in Savannah, Georgia, where he was a radio operator for a B-29 bomber in the Second Air Refueling Squadron. [Source: Chantelle Rae Janke]
Akins, Sgt. Larry B. - B-29 (#44-86268) was on a combat mission over North Korea on April 07, 1951. F-84s escorting, when it was damaged by two MiGs. Two engines went out, the pilot ordered bail out, and the aircraft crashed into the water four miles off NW North Korea. Seven fighter aircraft and three SAR aircraft participated in SAR effort. Only crewman (2Lt. Charles Shallenberger) was rescued and one crew member became a POW (Pfc. James Lewis Jones). The rest are still missing in action. Akins is MIA.
Albright, SSgt. Richard Louis - His aircraft ("So Tired/Seven-to-Seven" RB-29A #44-61727) was shot down by MiG while on a photo reconnaissance mission over Sinanju, North Korea on July 4, 1952. 11 crew survived/2 missing in action. Born August 4, 1931, he was from Clovis, New Mexico.
Allen, 1Lt. Charles Edward Jr. - He was declared MIA when his B-29 (#44-72083) was lost on a training mission in the Sea of Japan on January 31, 1952. Speculation among others stationed in Okinawa was that bombs aboard the aircraft detonated accidentally en route to their target killing everyone onboard. Born September 05, 1923, his home of record was Tunica, Mississippi.
Angstman, 1Lt. Forrest B. - First Lieutenant Angstman was a crew member of a B-29A Superfortress ("Fujigmo" #44-62166) from the 371st Bomber Squadron, 19th Bomber Group, 307th Bomber Wing. On July 22, 1952, while on a combat mission, his aircraft caught fire northeast of Ocho-o, South Korea and crashed. All thirteen airmen were killed. Born February 27, 1918, his home of record was Livingston, Montana.
Angulo, 2Lt. Sigfredo - died after bailing out of the ("Tiger Lil" #42-94000) B-29 after it was shot down by MiG's over the Sea of Japan on November 07, 1954. It was reported that he was the first crew member to bail out, hit a coastal cliff, and died. Sigfredo was born in Puerto Rico, the son of Buenaventura and Felicidad Vasquez Angulo. His siblings were Edilberto David Angulo, William Angulo, Elia Angulo, Nelly Angulo, and Nancy Angulo.
Archerd, MSgt. James O. - B-29 aircraft (#44-62279) developed an engine fire in the climb after takeoff. Steps taken to maintain flight caused the bombs on board to detonate and sever the control wires, and the plane crashed into the China Sea off the coast of Okinawa on October 19, 1950. There were numerous fatalities. Archerd, who was one of them, was born in Ardmore, Oklahoma on September 01, 1924.
Ardoin, Cpl. Sherley B. - Four minutes after take-off, his aircraft ("Heart's Desire" #44-86400) struck a small hill near the village of Daimon, six miles northwest of Yokota AB, Japan and burned on March 31, 1952. He was a fatality. Corporal Ardoin was born November 12, 1929. He is buried in Orange Grove Cemetery, Lake Charles Louisiana.
Argetis, 1Lt. James - His aircraft ("Double Whammy" #44-87734) crashed into the Sea of Japan between Okinawa and southern Korea north of Chinnampo on January 23, 1952 after a runaway propeller sheared and cut the fuselage. MIA. Argetis was born October 11, 1924 and was from Denver, Colorado.
Armstrong, 1Lt. Lonzo P. - His aircraft (#44-27261) crashed on takeoff from Wheelus Air Base, Tripoli, Libya on February 2, 1953. The cause of the crash was because an engine that had recently been replaced had a missing piston and the engine didn't have enough power. All 15 onboard were killed. Lieutenant Armstrong was born April 21, 1926 in Okemah, Oklahoma, son of John S. and Hazel E. Dunham Armstrong.
Arnold, MSgt. Clyde L. - His aircraft (#44-87774) rammed B-29 (#44-62223) on March 12, 1952 near San Antonio, Texas. Both planes crashed and all personnel were killed in this mid-air collision. B-29 #44-87774 had a crew of eight. Born August 03, 1919 at Orefino, Idaho, Clyde was a son of Edgar and Emerette Arnold. He went to school in Tooele, Utah, and then entered the Army Air Corps at the age of 17. He served in the African and Italian campaigns during World War II. He was survived by his widow, Lennelle N. Arnold, brothers Robert and Evan Arnold, and a cousin, Mrs. Leatha Winkler of Portland.
Aschenbrenner, Capt. Leroy Edward - Captain Aschenbrenner was a crew member of a B-29A Superfortress ("Fujigmo" #44-62166) from the 371st Bomber Squadron, 19th Bomber Group, 307th Bomber Wing. On July 22, 1952, while on a combat mission, his aircraft caught fire northeast of Ocho-o, South Korea and crashed. All thirteen airmen were killed. Born August 17, 1919, Captain Aschenbrenner is buried in Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, St. Louis, Missouri. His home of record was Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Ashcroft, MSgt. Floyd D. - He was a member of the crew of ("Dragon Lady" #44-61751) when its #3 engine caught fire and a wing blew away on October 31, 1951. Ten of the 12 crew members perished when the aircraft crashed 40 miles north of Kadena.
Ashley, 1Lt. Gilbert Lamour Jr. - Captain Ashley was the aircraft commander of a B-29A Superfortress Bomber ("Shady Lady/Double or Nuthin'" #42-65357) with the 28th Bomber Squadron, 19th Bomber Group. On January 29, 1953, the aircraft was shot down by MiGs eleven miles south of Pyongyang and eighteen miles east of Sariwon. He was taken Prisoner of War and died as a prisoner. He was presumed dead on January 30, 1954. His remains were not recovered. 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.
Attinger, A/2c Douglas E. - Airman First Class Attinger was a crew member of a B-29A Superfortress Bomber ("Miss Jackie The Rebel" #44-61967) with the 30th Bomber Squadron, 19th Bomber Wing. On June 10, 1952, after completing a bomb run, the aircraft was hit by anti-aircraft fire near a railroad bridge at Kwaksan, North Korea, and contact was lost. He was listed as Missing in Action and was presumed dead on December 31, 1953. Born October 06, 1932, he was the son of Frank Sylvester nd Ruth K. Loser Attinger. His home of record was Middleburg, Pennsylvania.
Avery, TSgt. Charles Tillman - B-29 (#44-86268) was on a combat mission over North Korea on April 07, 1951. F-84s escorting, when it was damaged by two MiGs. Two engines went out, the pilot ordered bail out, and the aircraft crashed into the water four miles off NW North Korea. Seven fighter aircraft and three SAR aircraft participated in SAR effort. Only crewman (2Lt. Charles Shallenberger) was rescued and one crew member became a POW (Pfc. James Lewis Jones). The rest are still missing in action. Avery is MIA.
Ayers, 2Lt. Merle Truman - Second Lieutenant Ayers was a crew member of a B-29A Superfortress Bomber ("Bait Me" #44-69802) with the 93rd Bomber Squadron, 19th Bomber Group. On September 12, 1952, while on a combat mission, the aircraft's wings iced up and caused the aircraft to stall and crash 21 miles southwest of Kangnung, South Korea. His remains were recovered. He was buried along with his crew members George D. Jones, Jr., and John L Roberts. Lieutenant Ayers was born September 01, 1928. His home of record was Arlington, Virginia. He is buried in Zachary Taylor National Cemetery, Louisville, Kentucky.
B
Bacon, Cpl. Raymond R. - Attached to 98th Bomb Wing, B-29 (#44-86371) was hit by AAA over Pyongyang on May 07, 1951. It damaged No. 3 & 4 engines hit which possibly caused explosion, lost wing, 4-5 chutes observed, Navy SA-16 and USS Bataan fighter aircraft conducted SAR effort with negative results. Bacon is missing in action.
Baird, Capt. Donald M. - weather observer, lost at sea when his aircraft, ("Typhoon Goon II" #44-69770) disappeared on the morning of October 26, 1952 on a 14-hour over-water flight to obtain information about Typhoon Wilma.
Baker, 1Lt. Allen Frisbee - Lieutenant Baker was a crew member of a B-29A Superfortress Bomber ("Tail Wind/Burke's Jerks/Sweet Judy II" #45-21721) with the 345th Bomber Squadron, 98th Bomber Wing. On February 7, 1952, while departing on a combat mission, his aircraft crashed during snow three miles northwest of Yokota Air Base, Japan, and Baker was killed in the crash. Baker's home of record was Aurora, New York. Lieutenant Baker was the son of Arthur and Helen Frisbie Baker of New York.
Baker, SSgt. Thomas Charles - Staff Sergeant Baker was a crew member of a B-29A Superfortress Bomber ("Loaded 'Leven" #44-69803) with the 344th Bomber Squadron, 98th Bomber Wing. On February 28, 1952, while on a bombing mission, the aircraft's engines developed problems and the crew bailed out. His remains were recovered. His friends knew him as "Tom." Baker was born on January 28, 1930. His home of record was LaCrosse, Wisconsin.
Bakich, MSgt, Michael Alcott Sr. - ("United Notions" #44-27326) crashed into a mountain near Taeam-dong, Korea, approximately 3-5 northeast of K-2 (Taegu) on September 13, 1951. All 14 on board were killed. Michael Bakich Sr. was born May 22, 1917. He is buried in Arlington National Cemetery. He and Mary Sue Thompson Bakich were parents of Michael Alcott Bakich Jr. (1947-2014), Patricia E. Bakich Drake, and SueAnne Bakich Hoyt.
Barnes, Capt. Bernard Eugene - His aircraft ("Bust 'N The Blue" #44-62167) crashed on August 30, 1952, four miles north of Taegu. He and all 11 other crew members died. His body was recovered. Barnes was born on September 14, 1915, son of T.V. and Dena Catherine Uerling Barnes. He was from Burnettsville, Indiana.
Logansport Pharos Tribune article
Monday evening, September 15, 1952
Details of the bomber crash in which Capt. Bernard E. Barnes, former employee of the local Sears-Roebuck Store, was killed on Aug.29th have been received by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. T.V. Barnes of Burnettsville, from Lt. Col. William F. Crawley. Crawley stated in his letter that on the night of 29th of August, 1952, Bernard and his crew members took off from air force base here in Japan for a combat mission over North Korea After reaching the target area it was necessary for them to make a second bombing run before the bombs could be released. As a result of this additional flying over the target it is probable that they did not have sufficient fuel to return all the way to Japan. It is assumed that the decision was made to land at one of our South Korean air force bases for fuel. The weather was poor with low clouds and light rain. The aircraft crashed into a hillside about 4 miles north of Taegu air force base, Korea, at 3:15 a. m. on Aug. 30, 1952. "All evidence points to the fact that Bernard and the other members of his crew were killed instantly, suffering neither pain nor anxiety." Colonel Crawley said Captain Barnes was well liked and respected by every member of his squadron. A navigator in World War II, he was recalled to active service in September, 1951. The others in the crew also were World War II veterans and all of them except Barnes had families.
Barrentine, Maj. George T. - He was a member of the crew of ("Dragon Lady" #44-61835) when its #3 engine caught fire and a wing blew away on October 31, 1951. Ten of the 12 crew members perished when the aircraft crashed 40 miles north of Kadena. He was born June 01, 1919 and was from Sylvan Grove, Kansas. He is buried in Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery.
Barrington, A/1c Edgar Foy - Staff Sergeant Barrington was a crew member of a B-29A Superfortress Bomber ("Hot to Go" #44-62183) with the 28th Bomber Squadron, 19th Bomber Group. On June 10, 1952, while on a night mission, the aircraft was hit by rocket fire from a MiG near Kwaksan, North Korea and exploded. He was listed as Missing in Action and was presumed dead on February 28, 1954. Born February 18, 1927, he was the second of five children born to John Evan and Sallie Barrington. His home of record was Live Oak, Florida.
Baumer, 1Lt. Robert Black - First Lieutenant Baumer was a veteran of World War II, flying 51 missions in Europe. In Korea, he was a crew member of a B-29A Superfortress Bomber ("Hot to Go" #44-62183) with the 28th Bomber Squadron, 19th Bomber Group. On June 10, 1952, while on a night mission, the aircraft was hit by rocket fire from a MiG near Kwaksan, North Korea and exploded. He was listed as Missing in Action and was presumed dead on February 28, 1954.
Baurichter, 1Lt. Ralph R. - First Lieutenant Baurichter was the co-pilot of a B-29 Superfortress Bomber (#44-83985) with the 2nd Air Rescue Squadron, 2nd Bomber Wing based at Hunter Air Force Base, Georgia. On July 10, 1953, his aircraft crashed about seven miles from Hunter AFB, killing all 10 crew members. Lieutenant Baurichter was from Clarksville, Arkansas. He was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Walter Baurichter of Clarksville, Arkansas, husband of Nancy Callahan Baurichter of Baltimore, Maryland, and grandson of John Steinker, Clarksville.
Beal, Maj. Lawrence W. - A crew member of ("Lil' Darlin'" #44-86273), his B-29 crashed into the Yokota Bowling Alley and clothing sales while returning from a bomb mission on October 14, 1951.
Becker, SSgt. Roscoe George - crew member of ("Southern Comfort" #44-61810), shot down by two Russian MiGs over Sea of Japan on June 13, 1952. All 12 crew members were lost.
Belcher, Capt. Robert Benjamin Jr. - He was a crew member of a B-29A Superfortress Bomber ("Tail Wind/Burke's Jerks/Sweet Judy II" #45-21721) with the 345th Bomber Squadron, 98th Bomber Wing. On February 7, 1952, while departing on a combat mission, his aircraft crashed during snow three miles northwest of Yokota Air Base, Japan, and he was killed. He was born July 27, 1921.
Bell, A1/c James Lloyd - His aircraft ("Double Whammy" #44-87734) crashed into the Sea of Japan between Okinawa and southern Korea north of Chinnampo on January 23, 1952 after a runaway propeller sheared and cut the fuselage. MIA. He was born December 16, 1932 and was from San Francisco, California.
Bellette, AMN Harold D. - His aircraft (#44-27261) crashed on takeoff from Wheelus Air Base, Tripoli, Libya on February 2, 1953. The cause of the crash was because an engine that had recently been replaced had a missing piston and the engine didn't have enough power. All 15 onboard were killed.
Bennett, Cpl. Bruce Bolen - Returning to Randolph Air Force Base, Texas, after a seven-hour training flight, this aircraft (#45-21771) crashed ten miles southwest of Seguin, Texas on January 11, 1951. At 8,000 feet the pilot, Captain Norman A. Bivens, cut off the automatic pilot and began descending through an overcast, flying on instruments. Bivens reported losing all flight instruments and the aircraft became uncontrollable. Six of the crew members were killed, while five others parachuted to safety. Corporal Bennett, right gunner, was born October 30, 1926 in Huntingdon, Tennessee. He married Bettie J. Bates. Corporal Bennett is buried in Maplewood Cemetery, Paris, Tennessee.
Berg, SSgt. Eddie R. - crew member of ("Southern Comfort" #44-61810), shot down by two Russian MiGs over Sea of Japan on June 13, 1952. All 12 crew members were lost.
Berg, 1Lt. Howard A. - Aircraft (#44-62078), based out of March AFB, crashed at Prairie Bay, Azores, on December 07, 1951. The plane was on its way home for Christmas when it got caught in tail winds and crashed into the sea shortly after takeoff. The men had been in England for three months on a routine training mission. Lieutenant Berg was born December 04, 1923. He was from Riverside, California.
Bergmann, Sgt. Louis Henry - MIA on April 12, 1951 when his plane, ("Hot Box" #44-69682) was attacked by MiGs and crashed into a mountain near Sinuiju. The plane was set afire and exploded either just before or upon impact on the side of a mountain at 39 degrees 54 feet north and 124 degrees 33 feet east. Air Force Manual 200-25 (page 013) stated: Although Communist Hungarian newspaperman Merai has stated that at least five men parachuted from a B-29 in the area of the crash, repatriated crew members SSgt. John H. Gant and Sgt. George E. Millward believe that only three of the 11 crewmen survived--themselves and Sgt. Bergmann. Gant's captors told him eight other bodies were found at the scene of the crash. This was before interrogation began and only 2 to 3 hours after the crash. Other reports on Bergmann are as follows: He was in Sinjuju in April 1951 and shared a cell with SSgt. Gant. During the same month, he was sent to Antung, Manchuria, for interrogation by Russians and Chinese. He was later taken to Pak's Palace, an interrogation center near Pyongyang, Korea, for further questioning. He was seen in the Pyongyang area at various times from September to November or December 1951, during which time he was suffering from amoebic dysentery and malnutrition. He was taken to a hospital in September for treatment and (it was rumored) given a blood transfusion by a Hungarian team. NOTE: This information was taken from remarks of or attributed to SSgt. John H. Gant, Sgt. George E. Millward, LtCol Donald J. MacLellan, Sgt. Leonard L. Moree, Capt. J.S. Hearn, Sgt. Marvin E. King, LtCol Thomas D. Harrison, Lt George J. Knego. Sgt. Millward once stated that LtCol Harrison told him Bergmann had died at Pak's Palace in November or December 1951. However, during a later interrogation concerning Harrison's statement on Bergmann's death, Millward gave different information, saying only that Harrison had heard by rumor that Bergmann had been treated and given a blood transfusion by a Hungarian medical team. Sergeant Bergmann was born in St. Paul, Minnesota on May 01, 1926, son of Louis J. and Eva Bergmann of St. Paul. He was not married. He attended grammar and high school in St. Paul and then attended a radioman school after joining the Army Air Corps. He did World War II service in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater.
Bertog, Cpl. Wallace L. - His aircraft (#44-87774) rammed B-29 (#44-62223) on March 12, 1952 near San Antonio, Texas. Both planes crashed and all personnel were killed in this mid-air collision. B-29 #44-87774 had a crew of eight.
Bevans, Sgt. Robert - MIA on April 12, 1951 when his plane, ("Hot Box" #44-69682) was attacked by MiGs and crashed into a mountain near Sinuiju.
Beyer, Capt. Frank E. - His B-29 (Little Red Ass RB50G-#47145) flew from Honshu on a mission in North Korea and was shot down over Sea of Japan southeast of Vladivostok at 42-17N, 133-15 East, by two Soviet pilots (Yablonskiy and Rybakov) in the region of Cape Gamor on July 29, 1953 while on a secret mission. All crew but one (1Lt. John Roche) were lost.
Bichard, Sgt. Robert O'Neal - On September 19, 1951, while on a leaflet dropping mission, his aircraft (#44-86415 "Miss Manuki/Squeeze Play") developed engine problems and it was ditched in the Sea of Japan. Its entire crew was lost.
Bigham, Capt. Donald G. - At 0025 hours on November 9, 1951, Captain Bigham's plane (#42-93974) was hit by flak but stayed aloft long enough to allow the crew to bail out over the friendly island of Paengnyong-do. He was seen bailing out with a dinghy attached. All other crew members were rescued. Captain Bigham was born September 14, 1919 in Long Beach, California, the son of Pius Lester Bigham and May Frances Bigham Antior. His wife was Vera May Bigham, and his children were Gaile Patricia Bigham, Charles Lytton Bigham, and Kriss C. Bigham of San Francisco, California. He graduated from Bakersfield High School in California in 1937. He attended the following military schools: Lowry AFB, Colorado (armament, May 1939); Scott AFB, Illinois (airplane maintenance, May 1941); Chanute AFB, Illinois (instruments, July 1941); Ft. Douglas, Utah (chemical warfare, September 1941); Santa Ana, California (preflight, July 1943); Tulare, California (primary flight, September 1943); Merced, California (basic flight, December 1943); Stockton Field, California (advanced flight, February 1944); Hobbs, New Mexico (B-17 transition, April 1944); AAF Station 112, England (combat crew, September 1944); Orlando, Florida (maintenance management, May 1946); Chanute AFB, Illinois (aircraft maintenance, June 1947); Chanute AFB, Illinois (weight and balance officer, June 1947); Travis AFB, California (B-36 mobile training detachment, July 1951). He was a commercial pilot.
Bird, Capt. Robert James - MIA following the bailout of ("Wright's Delights, They Chosen Flew" #44-86392) on November 19, 1952. He was born March 2, 1919.
Black, Lt. Col. Vance Eugene - Attached to 98th Bomb Wing, B-29 (#44-86371) was hit by AAA over Pyongyang on May 07, 1951. It damaged No. 3 & 4 engines hit which possibly caused explosion, lost wing, 4-5 chutes observed, Navy SA-16 and USS Bataan fighter aircraft conducted SAR effort with negative results. Black was taken prisoner of war and died from burns.
Black, Capt. Wayne Forrest - radio operator on (#44-61940) when it was shot down on Black Tuesday. He was on Captain James Foulks' crew. Died while POW. MiGs shot the left wing off the plane on October 23, 1951. When the plane engine caught fire, the B-29 headed for safety, but before it could get back to base the crew had to bail out in the Yellow Sea. Of the crew of 13, one was picked up after landing in the Yellow Sea by an Australian destroyer, one man's body was found the next day washed ashore. Five of the men were taken prisoners of war and returned in 1953. The remaining men were not heard from again. See Black Tuesday. Captain Black was born on May 29, 1927 in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. He served stateside during World War II. The son of James H. and Eva Grooms Black of Milton, Tennessee, he was the husband of Mrs. Ava Black, Clovis, New Mexico. He attended Lascassas High School, Lascassas, Tennessee in 1945. He graduated from Murfreesboro State Teacher's College, Murfreesboro, in 1949. Prior to military service he was an automobile parts salesman.
Blizzard, SSgt. William A. - crew member of ("Southern Comfort" #44-61810), shot down by two Russian MiGs over Sea of Japan on June 13, 1952. All 12 crew members were lost.
Bloesch, 1Lt. Fred Ernest - Captain Bloesch was a crew member of a B-29A Superfortress Bomber ("Wolf Pack" #44-86343) with the 371st Bomber Squadron, 307th Bomber Wing based at Kadena Air Base, Okinawa. On September 13, 1952, while making a bomb run on the Suiho Hydroelectric Plant, his aircraft was hit by anti-aircraft fire. He was listed as Missing in Action and was presumed dead on February 28, 1954. Lieutenant Bloesch was born June 17, 1917. His home of record was San Diego, California.
Bochnovic, 2Lt. Michael - navigator, KIA on ("Lubricating Lady" #44-61751) on October 31, 1952. Born May 08, 1930, he was from Jersey City, New Jersey.
Bolstad, TSgt. David W. - His aircraft (#44-27261) crashed on takeoff from Wheelus Air Base, Tripoli, Libya on February 2, 1953. The cause of the crash was because an engine that had recently been replaced had a missing piston and the engine didn't have enough power. All 15 onboard were killed. Sergeant Bolstad was born October 30, 1930.
Bonney, A/1c Buddy Joe - Staff Sergeant Bonney was a crew member of a B-29A Superfortress Bomber ("Miss Jackie The Rebel" #44-61967) with the 30th Bomber Squadron, 19th Bomber Wing. On June 11, 1952, after completing a bomb run, the aircraft was hit by anti-aircraft fire near a railroad bridge at Kwaksan, North Korea, and contact was lost. He was listed as Missing in Action and was presumed dead on December 31, 1953. Buddy was born July 22, 1932, the son of Duree Virgil and Grace Virginia Minton Bonney. His home of record was Cape Girardeau, Missouri.
Bonura, SSgt. Leon F. - crew member of ("Southern Comfort" #44-61810), shot down by two Russian MiGs over Sea of Japan on June 13, 1952. All 12 crew members were lost.
Borum, 1Lt. Ralph Lee - A crew member of ("Lil' Darlin'" #44-86273), his B-29 crashed into the Yokota Bowling Alley and clothing sales while returning from a bomb mission on October 14, 1951. He was the son of Claude Eugene Borum and the husband of Marguerite Jean Laroy Borum of Memphis, Tennessee.
Botter, TSgt. William Joseph - flight engineer on (#44-61940) when it was shot down on Black Tuesday on October 23, 1951. He was on Captain James Foulks' crew. MIA/POW. Born August 27, 1924 in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, he was the son of William Thomas Botter of Johnsstown. His mother was deceased. He was survived by his wife, Wilma Jean Dugger and son Thomas John Botter. He attended grammar school in Johnstown (1938) and high school in Johnstown (1942). He was an aircraft mechanic who held a commercial pilot's license. After joining the service he attended the following military schools: Chanute AFB, Illinois (aircraft machinist, August 1943); Topeka AFB, Kansas (Technical School, airplane power plant mechanic, May 1949); Chanute AFB (flight engineer, ground phase, February 1950). He saw service in the European theater, England, during World War II.
Bowden, SSgt. Arthur J. - He was a member of the crew of ("Dragon Lady" #44-61835) when its #3 engine caught fire and a wing blew away on October 31, 1951. Ten of the 12 crew members perished when the aircraft crashed 40 miles north of Kadena.
Bowen, Capt. Louis Carl - Captain Bowen was the aircraft commander of a B-29 Superfortress Bomber (#44-61747) assigned to the 375th Bomber Squadron, 308th Bomber Wing based at Hunter Air Force Base. On March 29, 1953, the aircraft departed from Lajes Field, Azores en route to Hunter AFB. Shortly after take off it crashed near Praia, Terceira Island, Azores killing six airmen. Captain Bowen was awarded the National Defense Service Medal. Born September 14, 1915 in Atlanta, Georgia, he is buried in Westview Cemetery, Atlanta, Georgia.
Brandon, SSgt. N.Y. - His aircraft (#44-62279) developed an engine fire in the climb after takeoff. Steps taken to maintain flight caused the bombs on board to detonate and sever the control wires, and the plane crashed into the China Sea off the coast of Okinawa on October 19, 1950. Sergeant Brandon was among several fatalities. Sergeant Brandon was the husband of Mrs. Ruth B. Brandon, March Air Force Base. He was the son of Walter S. and Bertha Brandon of Kentucky.
Brendle, SSgt. Dillman L. - Aircraft (#45-21814) was shot down by MiGs about seven miles southwest of Kusong, North Korea while on a bombing mission near the Yalu River on November 10, 1950. Sergeant Brendle was taken POW and is MIA.
Brewton, A/1C Alton Beverly Jr. - lost at sea when his aircraft, ("Typhoon Goon II" #44-69770), disappeared while on a weather reconnaissance mission during Typhoon Wilma. See Losses - Aircraft section. on October 26, 1952.
Brine, SSgt. Donald E. - Staff Sergeant Brine was a crew member of a B-29A Superfortress Bomber (#42-94072) with the 371st Bomber Squadron, 307th Bomber Wing based at Kadena Air Base, Okinawa. On September 8, 1950, while returning from a bombing mission over Korea, his aircraft crashed into the East China Sea five miles north of Okinawa, killing eight crew members. Brine was born February 17,1917. His home or record was Hanson, Massachusetts.
Bristol, 2Lt. Richard Graves - He was declared MIA when his B-29 (#44-62083) was lost on a training mission in the Sea of Japan on January 31, 1952. Speculation among others stationed in Okinawa was that bomb aboard the aircraft detonated accidentally in route to their target killing everyone onboard. Born July 08, 1929 in Clinton, Iowa, he was the son of Guy Leonard and Alice Marjorie Graves Bristol.
Brock, 1Lt. Paul E. - His aircraft (Sunbonnet King #44-61815) shot down by two Soviet LA-11 fighters near Yuri Island while on a photo mission over Northern Hokkaido on October 07, 1952. All eight crew members of the "Sunbonnet King" were lost.
Brodeur, Cpl. Ronald F. - ("United Notions" #44-27326) crashed into a mountain near Taeam-dong, Korea, approximately 3-5 northeast of K-2 (Taegu) on September 13, 1951. All 14 on board were killed. Brodeur was born May 04, 1932. His home of record was Hartford, Connecticut.
Brown, MSgt. Cleo A. - Master Sergeant Brown was the flight engineer of a B-29A Superfortress Bomber (#44-27262) with the 370th Bomber Squadron, 307th Bomber Wing based at Kadena Air Base, Okinawa. On January 27, 1953 the aircraft was on a combat mission when it crashed 3 miles north of Suwon Air Base (K-13), South Korea, killing him and two other airmen. He was born in Wichita, Kansas on September 12, 1918 to Edna and Guy O. Brown. The family soon moved to Portland, Oregon, then Tacoma, Washington. He was married to Pearl Viola Vigins in 1934 in Tacoma, Washington.
Brown, 1Lt. Donald Dinwiddie - ("United Notions" #44-27326) crashed into a mountain near Taeam-dong, Korea, approximately 3-5 northeast of K-2 (Taegu) on September 13, 1951. All 14 on board were killed, including Brown. He was born April 24, 1917, in Jordan Valley, Oregon.
Crash Claims Local Airman
Death of 1st Lt. Donald Dinwiddie Brown, 34, of 3414 S.E. Tolman Street, in an air crash overseas has been reported to relatives by the United States Air Force. Lieutenant Brown, a bomber navigator, left with a plane from Spokane three weeks ago. Date of his death was reported as September 13. In World War II, Lieutenant Brown was a navigator with the 8th air force, and saw action from English bases. Following the war, he served as an instructor at Clovis, N. M. He won the silver star, distinguished flying cross and air medal. He was employed by United Air Lines in Seattle, Denver and San Francisco following the war until he was called up with the reserves. Survivors include his mother, Elsie D. Bartlett, of San Francisco; two sisters, Mrs. F. W. Caleson of 3414 S.E. Tolman street and Mrs. Lee N. Bates of Boise, Idaho; and an uncle, Rufus M. Dinwiddie of 8001 S.E. 35th avenue. His father was Charles Albert Brown (1889-1974). Cleo Brown is buried in Williamette National Cemetery, Portland, Oregon.
Brown, MSgt. Francis Luther - His B-29 ("Little Red Ass" RB50G-#47145) flew from Honshu on a mission in North Korea and was shot down over Sea of Japan southeast of Vladivostok at 42-17N, 133-15 East, by two Soviet pilots (Yablonskiy and Rybakov) in the region of Cape Gamor on July 29, 1953 while on a secret mission. All crew but one (1Lt. John Roche) were lost.
Brown, M/Sgt. Nelson Marion - Master Sergeant Brown was a crew member of a B-29A Superfortress Bomber ("Wolf Pack" #44-86343) with the 371st Bomber Squadron, 307th Bomber Wing based at Kadena Air Base, Okinawa. On September 13, 1952, while making a bomb run on the Suiho Hydroelectric Plant, his aircraft was hit by anti-aircraft fire. He was listed as Missing in Action and was presumed dead on February 28, 1954. Sergeant Brown was born August 08, 1917. His home of record was Ellston, Iowa.
Buckley, 1Lt. John Harrison - His aircraft ("Bust 'N The Blue" #44-62167) crashed on August 30, 1952, four miles north of Taegu. (See also Barnes, Capt. Bernard E. for more crash details.) He and all 11 other crew members died. His body was recovered. Lieutenant Buckley was born August 28, 1924. He is buried in Marietta National Cemetery, Marietta, Georgia.
Buckner, 1Lt. John Lennon - B-29 (#44-86268) was on a combat mission over North Korea on April 07, 1951. F-84s escorting, when it was damaged by two MiGs. Two engines went out, the pilot ordered bail out, and the aircraft crashed into the water four miles off NW North Korea. Seven fighter aircraft and three SAR aircraft participated in SAR effort. Only crewman (2Lt. Charles Shallenberger) was rescued and one crew member became a POW (Pfc. James Lewis Jones). The rest are still missing in action. Buckner is MIA.
Bullman, SSgt. Robert E. - Staff Sergeant Bullman was a crew member of a B-29A Superfortress Bomber ("Deal Me In" #44-69805) with the 325th Bomber Squadron, 92nd Bomber Group. On October 14, 1950, while on a bombing mission, the aircraft's engines caught fire and the crew was ordered to bail out. Later, the fire was extinguished and the order was cancelled. He landed in Sagami Bay and drowned. Sergeant Bullman was the only one on the crew who was a fatality. His remains were recovered. Sergeant Bullman was born January 28, 1929 in Kalispell, Montana, son of Edward and Elaine E. Stoican Bullman. He married Barbara J. Olmstead on October 09, 1948 in Kalispell. He is buried in Fort George Wright Cemetery, Spokane, Washington.
Bullock, 2Lt. Elmer - KIA on April 12, 1951 when his plane ("Hot Box" #44-69682) was attacked by MiGs and crashed into a mountain near Sinuiju. Remains recovered 1994.
Burch, Sgt. Hugh Maynard - Staff Sergeant Burch was a crew member of a B- 29A Superfortress Bomber ("Lucky Dog" #44-86370) with the 93rd Bomber Squadron, 19th Bomber Group based at Kadena Air Base, Okinawa. On April 12, 1951, while on a bombing mission, his aircraft was attacked by an enemy MiGs and it was ditched. He was listed as Missing in Action and was presumed dead on January 31, 1954. Sergeant Burch was born April 22, 1930. His home of record was New Carlisle, Indiana.
Burchell, 1Lt. William D. - navigator, lost at sea when his aircraft, ("Typhoon Goon II" #44-69770), disappeared while on a weather reconnaissance mission during Typhoon Wilma on October 26, 1952.
Busch, Maj. Samuel Nathan - senior pilot of ("Southern Comfort" #44-61810), shot down by two Russian MiGs over Sea of Japan on June 13, 1952. All 12 crew members were lost.
Buss, A/2c Donald Henry - His aircraft ("Bust 'N The Blue" #44-62167) crashed on August 30, 1952, four miles north of Taegu. He and all 11 other crew members died. His body was recovered. Born July 16, 1931, he was from Chicago, Illinois. He is buried in Arlington National Cemetery.
Buttler, Cpl. Leland Louis - Corporal Buttler was a crew member of a B-29A Superfortress Bomber (RB-45 #21749) with the 93rd Bomber Squadron, 19th Bomber Group. On March 29, 1951, while on a combat mission, his aircraft lost two engines over the East China Sea, northwest of Okinawa and crashed. His remains were not recovered. Buttler was born February 19, 1927. His home of record was Garvin, Oklahoma.
C
Caldwell, SSgt. Richard Bruce - His aircraft ("Double Whammy" #44-87734) crashed into the Sea of Japan between Okinawa and southern Korea north of Chinnampo on January 23, 1952 after a runaway propeller sheared and cut the fuselage. MIA. He was born May 27, 1929 and was from Wauzeka, Wisconsin.
Calkins, Capt. Leonard H. - Returning to Randolph Air Force Base, Texas, after a seven-hour training flight, this aircraft (#45-21771) crashed ten miles southwest of Seguin, Texas on January 11, 1951. At 8,000 feet the pilot, Captain Norman A. Bivens, cut off the automatic pilot and began descending through an overcast, flying on instruments. Bivens reported losing all flight instruments and the aircraft became uncontrollable. Six of the crew members were killed, while five others parachuted to safety. Captain Calkins was born March 09, 1903 in Stillwater, Oklahoma. He was the navigator on the plane that day. He is buried in Graceland Memorial Park, Coral Gables, Florida.
Cameron, Cpl. Donald James - Returning to Randolph Air Force Base, Texas, after a seven-hour training flight, this aircraft (#45-21771) crashed ten miles southwest of Seguin, Texas on January 11, 1951. At 8,000 feet the pilot, Captain Norman A. Bivens, cut off the automatic pilot and began descending through an overcast, flying on instruments. Bivens reported losing all flight instruments and the aircraft became uncontrollable. Six of the crew members were killed, while five others parachuted to safety. Born August 12, 1928, Corporal Cameron was a tailgunner on this B-29. He is buried in Rock Island National Cemetery, Rock Island, Illinois.
Campbell, Lt. Col. Edward Everett - Lieutenant Colonel Campbell was aircraft commander of a B-29A Superfortress Bomber ("Star Duster/Rough Roman" #44-69818) with the 28th Bomber Squadron, 19th Bomber Group. On July 7, 1953, as the aircraft was returning from a bombing mission, it crashed during the landing approach to Pohang Air Base (K-3). All thirteen airmen were killed. Lt. Colonel Campbell was born December 21, 1918. His home of record was Oak Hill, Ohio. He is buried in Memorial Park Cemetery, McCook, Nebraska. Enlistment Date: 27 September 1941, Fort Hayes, Columbus, Ohio. He attended three years of college, and at the time of his death was single, without dependents.
Canning, SSgt. William Alfred - Technical Sergeant Canning was a crew member of a B-29A Superfortress Bomber ("Hot to Go" #44-62183) with the 28th Bomber Squadron, 19th Bomber Group. On June 10, 1952, while on a night mission, the aircraft was hit by rocket fire from a MiG near Kwaksan, North Korea and exploded. He was listed as Missing in Action and was presumed dead on February 28, 1954. Born August 05, 1929, his home of record was Lowell, Michigan.
Capron, TSgt. Donald Vincent - Technical Sergeant Capron was a crew member of a B-29A Superfortress Bomber ("United Notions" #44-27326) with the 372th Bomber Squadron, 307th Bomber Wing based at Kadena Air Base, Okinawa. On September 13, 1951, the aircraft was on a combat mission when it crashed into a mountain near Taem-dong, South Korea killing all 14 servicemen on board. Capron was born July 22, 1920 in Manilla, Iowa. He had one child, a daughter Kathleen Ann. His wife never remarried. He is buried in Nishnabotna Cemetery, Manilla.
Cardinal, Pfc. Kenneth P. - Pfc. Cardinal was a crewman on U.S. Air Force KB-29M Superfortress (#44-87782), serving with the 43rd Aerial Refueling Squadron, 43rd Bomber Wing. The aircraft experienced engine failures on takeoff, and was attempting to return to the airfield at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base near Tucson, Arizona, when it crashed short of the runway. All eight aboard were killed. Pfc. Cardinal was born November 11, 1930 in Shelton, Washington, a son of Lawrence W. and Anna M. Vizzard Cardinal. He had two brothers, Leo and Lawrence, and a baby sister (1926-1926). He is buried in Shelton Memorial Park, Shelton, Washington.
Carlisle, Capt. Osborne Tomee - At 1612 hours on February 28, 1952, Captain Carlisle's plane ("Loaded 'Leven" #44-69803) departed on a bombing mission. The #2 engine was smoking heavily at takeoff. Five minutes after coast-in, #2 began vibrating. Excessive vibration continued and one engine burst into flames. The order was given to bail out at 14,000 feet. The plane crashed 15 miles southwest of Kaesong, North Korea at 2042 hours. All crew members were accounted for except Captain Carlisle, A/2C Willard M. Denn, and 2Lt. Lawrence A. Nelson. Seven were recovered by friendly forces, one was killed by enemy forces, and the remains of another were recovered near the scene of the crash. Captain Carlisle was born February 27, 1917 in Onalaska, Texas, son of Arthur F. and Mary Alice Carlisle. His mother was deceased. His wife was Patricia Dooley Carlisle and his daughters were Karen Tommee Carlisle, Sandra Lee Carlisle, and Lisa Danielle Carlisle of Scottsdale, Arizona. He attended Livingston High School, Livingston, Texas (1935); Livingston High School (1935); University of Houston, Houston, Texas, 4 1/2 months in 1935; Sam Houston Student Training Corps, Hunterville, Texas, 4 1/2 months in 1936; and Steven F. Austin Student Training Corps, Nacoqdoches, Texas, 13 1/2 months, 1940). His occupation before joining the military was ranch hand. His World War II service was in the Zone of Interior. The military schools that he attended included: Ontario, California (elementary flying, April 1941); Moffett Field, California (basic flying, July 1941); Luke Field, Arizona (advanced flying, September 1941); Luke Field (flying instructor's course, October 1941); Williams Field, Arizona (B-17 transition training, February 1945); Lowry Field, Colorado (B-29 transition training, April 1945).
Carlson, MSgt. Albert Bertie - Master Sergeant Carlson was a crew member of a B-29A Superfortress Bomber ("Lucky Dog" #44-86370) with the 93rd Bomber Squadron, 19th Bomber Group based at Kadena Air Base, Okinawa. On April 12, 1951, while on a bombing mission, his aircraft was attacked by an enemy MiGs and it was ditched. He was listed as Missing in Action and was presumed dead on January 31, 1954. Born October 08, 1918, his home of record was Lebanon, Missouri. Sergeant Carlson married Flora Anne Seravalli and they had three sons, Michael, Eugene, and Albert J. Carlson.
Carrara, 2Lt. Jack - Second Lieutenant Carrara was a crew member of a B-29A Superfortress Bomber ("United Notions: #44-27326) with the 372th Bomber Squadron, 307th Bomber Wing based at Kadena Air Base, Okinawa. On September 13, 1951, the aircraft was on a combat mission when it crashed into a mountain near Taem-dong, South Korea killing all 14 servicemen on board. Born September 18, 1927, he was originally from Texas. He is buried in South Park Cemetery, Roswell, New Mexico.
Cays, 1Lt. Edmund Joseph - His B-29 ("Little Red Ass" RB50G-#47145) flew from Honshu on a mission in North Korea and was shot down over Sea of Japan southeast of Vladivostok at 42-17N, 133-15 East, by two Soviet pilots (Yablonskiy and Rybakov) in the region of Cape Gamor on July 29, 1953 while on a secret mission. All crew but one (1Lt. John Roche) were lost.
Cessna, Capt. Marvin Jr. - Staff Sergeant Cessna was a crew member of a B-29A Superfortress Bomber ("Miss Jackie The Rebel" #44-62967) with the 30th Bomber Squadron, 19th Bomber Wing. On June 10, 1952, after completing a bomb run, the aircraft was hit by anti-aircraft fire near a railroad bridge at Kwaksan, North Korea, and contact was lost. He was listed as Missing in Action and was presumed dead on December 31, 1953. Born March 29, 1932, he was the son of Marvin and Jesse Cessna. His home of record was Ontario, California.
Chapman, Capt. Dewey L. - Attached to 98th Bomb Wing, B-29 (#44-86371) was hit by AAA over Pyongyang on May 07, 1951. It damaged No. 3 & 4 engines hit which possibly caused explosion, lost wing, 4-5 chutes observed, Navy SA-16 and USS Bataan fighter aircraft conducted SAR effort with negative results. Chapman is missing in action.
Chapman, 1Lt. Neil Adelbert - First Lieutenant Chapman was a crew member of a B-29A Superfortress Bomber ("Hoxie's Hoax" #44-61923) with the 325th Bomber Squadron, 92nd Bomber Group. On July 13, 1950, while making a bombing run at Oki-Gunto, bombs prematurely exploded and the aircraft crashed near Dogo Island, Japan. His remains were recovered. He was born July 17, 1921 in Augusta, Maine, the son of Adelbert Asa and Louise Helen Perry Chapman. He married Erika M. Weiland and they had two sons, Neil E. Chapman (1947-2006) and Jack Christopher Chapman (1949-2007). Neil E. Chapman had two children, Amy and Ryan. Jack Christopher Chapman had two children, Marc Christopher and Christine Michelle.
Cherry, SSgt. Clarence Martin - From Salem, Oregon, his aircraft ("United Notions" #44-62084) was hit by AAA on September 09, 1950 and exploded in mid-air near Wolbong-ni. POW. He was born in Comanche, Montana, on March 3, 1925, the son of Harold A. and Minnie Cherry of Salem, Oregon. He was married to Beverly Fay Cherry and had a son, Gregory C. Cherry of Bell Gardens, California. (Beverly later married a Feltis.) Clarence attended grammar and high school in Salem and was a sawmill machine operator from 1945 to 1949. During World War II he served in the Pacific Theater for three months. He attended remote control turret mechanic gunner school at Lowry Field, Colorado in July 1944. According to Air Force Manual 200-25 (page 20), SSgt. Cherry's plane was hit by flak at 1127 hours while over 39 degrees 25 inches North - 125 degrees 44 inches East making a bomb run. Five parachutes were sighted--four landing in the wreckage area, one approximately 500 yards away, over the crest of a hill. A graves registration unit of the 24th Infantry Division investigated the scene of the crash and determined that two of the crew had been taken to a nearby hospital. One (Capt. Zane H. Hoit) was dead on arrival. The other was heard to use the name of "Jerry" or "Cherry." This crew member was later removed to an unknown destination by North Koreans. There is a good chance SSgt. Cherry was the crewman removed from the hospital.
Cherry, A/1c Jimmy D. - Jimmie was living in Blue Lake, California when he entered the service and was the radio operator of a B-29 Superfortress Bomber (#44-61747) assigned to the 375th Bomber Squadron, 308th Bomber Wing based at Hunter Air Force Base. On March 29, 1953, the aircraft departed from Lajes Field, Azores en route to Hunter AFB. Shortly after take off it crashed near Praia, Terceira Island, Azores killing six airmen. Airman First Class Cherry was awarded the National Defense Service Medal. Born May 19, 1933, he is buried in Golden Gate National Cemetery, San Bruno, California.
Chesnowsky, TSgt. Frank J. - Attached to 98th Bomb Wing, B-29 (#44-86371) was hit by AAA over Pyongyang on May 07, 1951. It damaged No. 3 & 4 engines hit which possibly caused explosion, lost wing, 4-5 chutes observed, Navy SA-16 and USS Bataan fighter aircraft conducted SAR effort with negative results. Chesnowsky is still missing in action. He was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Simon Chesnowsky.
Christopher, 1Lt. Dominick J. - B-29 (#44-87754) had taken off from Guam on its way to its base near Mountain Home, Idaho for Christmas when one of the engines failed about 15 minutes after takeoff and the crew turned around to go back to Guam, which is 3,700 miles west of Hawaii in the Pacific Ocean. During emergency landing at Andersen AFB, Guam, on December 17, 1953, the plane failed to reach the runway and crashed into an officers housing area at the base, demolishing ten homes and damaging three more. Nine of the 16 crew members were killed, as were seven on the ground. Lieutenant Christopher was a fatality. Born in Long Branch, New Jersey, he was a 1942 graduate of Red Bank High School, where he was an outstanding basketball and football player. He was one of the organizers of the Tigers Athletic Club in Red Bank. He entered Army Air Corps as an aviation cadet on February 24, 1943. He took training in Louisiana and Syracuse University. He was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant in May of 1944. In World War II he took part in 13 bombing missions over Germany. He was discharged in October 1948. After discharge he accepted a sales position with Campbell Soup Company, working out of Newark. He re-enlisted in the Air Force in July of 1950. He took part in the Berlin airlift and was then assigned to Travis AFB and later Mountain Home Air Base. He was then assigned to three months' temporary duty on Guam. Besides his parents he was survived by his wife Helga, whom he met and married in Germany; daughter Eileen, age 4 years; daughter Kathryn, age 18 months; son Stephen Michael, age 3 months; and numerous sisters and brothers. He was a veteran of two other airplane crashes.
Clarkson, Sgt. John R. - USAF Strategic Air Command experimental project MX-1018, Project Tip-Tow, an attempt to extend fighter escort for bombers on long-range missions by coupling a pair of Republic F-84s onto bomber wingtips, suffered a setback when EF-84D, 48-641, lost control, rolled upside down, and hit the wing of Boeing ETB-29A-60-BN Superfortress (#44-62093), sending both aircraft down to crash in Peconic Bay, New York, on April 24, 1953. The program was immediately cancelled. The B-29 had five crew members and fatalities. Sergeant Clarkson was born March 30, 1921, a son of John Clifford and Nannie Mae Hughes Clarkson. He had siblings Lottie, Maria, Shirley, James Clifford, Wilbur Lee, and Houston Shelton Clarkson. The Clarkson family was from Nelson County, Virginia. Sergeant Clarkson is buried in Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, St. Louis, Missouri.
Clayton, Cpl. Raymond Leroy - Corporal Raymond L. Clayton was a crew member of a B-29A Superfortress Bomber (United Notions #44-27326) with the 372th Bomber Squadron, 307th Bomber Wing based at Kadena Air Base, Okinawa. On September 13, 1951, the aircraft was on a combat mission when it crashed into a mountain near Taem-dong, South Korea killing all 14 servicemen on board. Corporal Clayton was born January 1, 1931. His home of record was Coalinga, California. He is buried in King City Cemetery, King City, California.
Coffey, A/1C Arthur G. - tailgunner on (#44-61940). MiGs shot off the left wing of the plane on Black Tuesday on October 23, 1951. Loss of aircraft. KIA - remains recovered by a crash boat near Taehwado, Korean Bay.
Coggins, A/3c James E. - Search and rescue plane (SB-29 (#44-69982) of the 52d Air Rescue Squadron, 6th Air Rescue Group, based at Harmon Air Force Base, Newfoundland, was sent out to assist in search efforts on March 18, 1953 to find a missing B-36 bomber (Convair B-36H 51-13721). The B-29 disappeared shortly before landing, crashing into St. Georges Bay, a few miles from the runway, killing all ten crew members. Coggins was from Allston, Massachusetts. He was born September 18, 1935 in Middlesex County, Massachusetts.
Cogswell, Maj. Robert Whitney - crew member on (#44-61940) when it was shot down on Black Tuesday on October 23, 1951. He was on Captain James Foulks' crew. POW/MIA. He was born Pittsburgh, Pennslyvania on August 18, 1917, son of Wesley Herbert and Emma Alberta Cogswell. He graduated from Eigewood High School, Pennsylvania, in 1935 and attended the University of Pittsburgh 1935-39. He was marred to Dorothy Gene Vellbrecht Cogswell of Pittsburgh. From 1935 to 1941 he was a bookkeeper and clerk. From 1945 to 1947 he was a district representative for General Electric. For further information see Black Tuesday on the KWE.
Colgan, SSgt. Samuel A. - His aircraft ("Sunbonnet King" #44-61815) shot down by two Soviet LA-11 fighters near Yuri Island while on a photo mission over Northern Hokkaido on October 07, 1952. All eight crew members of the "Sunbonnet King" were lost.
Colgan, A/1C William - flight mechanic/scanner, lost at sea when his aircraft, ("Typhoon Goon II" #44-69770) disappeared on the morning of October 26, 1952 on a 14-hour over-water flight to obtain information about Typhoon Wilma.
Collins, 1Lt. John S. - Attached to 98th Bomb Wing, B-29 (#44-86371) was hit by AAA over Pyongyang on May 07, 1951. It damaged No. 3 & 4 engines hit which possibly caused explosion, lost wing, 4-5 chutes observed, Navy SA-16 and USS Bataan fighter aircraft conducted SAR effort with negative results. Collins is still missing in action.
Colombel, Sgt. Rexford Lage - On September 19, 1951, while on a leaflet dropping mission, his aircraft ("Miss Manuki/Squeeze Play" #44-86415) developed engine problems and it was ditched in the Sea of Japan. Its entire crew was lost.
Colyer, 1Lt. Howard T. - Lieutenant Colyer was a fatality on (#44-27314), a B-29 attached to the 307th Bomb Wing, when one engine went out after take-off and it crashed five miles east of Kadena AB, Okinawa on December 04, 1951. There were nine fatalities. Born February 05, 1929, Colyer is buried in Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, San Antonio, Texas.
Connolly, 1Lt. James Joseph - Captain Connolly was a crew member of a B-29A Superfortress Bomber ("Lucky Dog" #44-86370) with the 93rd Bomber Squadron, 19th Bomber Group based at Kadena Air Base, Okinawa. On April 12, 1951, while on a bombing mission, his aircraft was attacked by an enemy MiGs and it was ditched. He was listed as Missing in Action and was presumed dead on January 31, 1954. Lieutenant Connolly was born April 19, 1921. His home of record was Jersey City, New Jersey.
Corvelli, Lt. Daniel D. - His aircraft (#44-27261) crashed on takeoff from Wheelus Air Base, Tripoli, Libya on February 2, 1953. The cause of the crash was because an engine that had recently been replaced had a missing piston and the engine didn't have enough power. All 15 onboard were killed. Lieutenant Corvelli was born April 11, 1922.
Cowles, S/Sgt. Glenn Richard - B-29 (44-62078) based out of March AFB, crashed at Prairie Bay, Azores, on December 07, 1951. The plane was on its way home for Christmas when it got caught in tail winds and the plane went down in the sea. Sergeant Cowles was born August 30, 1928 in Ft. Madison, Iowa, son of Elder E. and Esther Lucille Levick Cowles. He had several siblings. His body was lost at sea.
Crocker, SSgt. Charles William Jr. - Staff Sergeant Crocker was a crew member of a B-29A Superfortress Bomber (#44-86327) with the 343rd Bomber Squadron, 98th Bomber Wing. On June 1, 1951, while bombing a railroad bridge at Kwaksan, North Korea, his aircraft was attacked by MiGs setting its wing on fire. Some crewmen were able to parachute into enemy lines. He was listed as Missing in Action and was presumed dead on January 31, 1954. He was from Crovallis, Oregon.
Crutchfield, TSgt. Robert - Robert was a crew member (engineer) of a B-29A Superfortress Bomber ("Tail Wind/Burke's Jerks/Sweet Judy II" #45-21721) with the 345th Bomber Squadron, 98th Bomber Wing. On February 7, 1952, while departing on a combat mission, his aircraft crashed during snow three miles northwest of Yokota Air Base, Japan, and Crutchfield was killed.
Curran, Cpl. Robert G. - He was a crew member of a SB-29 Superfortress rescue aircraft (#44-84124) with the 3rd Air Rescue Squadron, U.S. Air Force. On January 31, 1951, while on a rescue mission, engines three and four failed and the electric system went out. The aircraft crashed three miles south of Johnson Air Base, killing three members of the crew. He was born September 02, 1931. His home of record was Waltham, Massachusetts.
Czyz, Capt. Edmund J. - His aircraft ("Little Red Ass" RB50G-#47145) flew from Honshu on a mission in North Korea and was shot down over Sea of Japan southeast of Vladivostok at 42-17N, 133-15 East, by two Soviet pilots (Yablonskiy and Rybakov) in the region of Cape Gamor on July 29, 1953 while on a secret mission. shot down by two Russian MiGs over Sea of Japan on July 29, 1953. All crew but one (1Lt. John Roche) were lost.
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Dale, Capt. James L. - He was a member of the crew of ("Dragon Lady" #44-61835) when its #3 engine caught fire and a wing blew away on October 31, 1951. Ten of the 12 crew members perished when the aircraft crashed 40 miles north of Kadena .
Daniel, T/Sgt. Isaac Moye - Sergeant Daniel was the flight engineer of a B-29 Superfortress Bomber (#44-61747) assigned to the 375th Bomber Squadron, 308th Bomber Wing based at Hunter Air Force Base. On March 29, 1953, the aircraft departed from Lajes Field, Azores en route to Hunter AFB. Shortly after take off it crashed near Praia, Terceira Island, Azores killing six airmen. Sergeant Daniel was born February 26, 1928 in Laurens County, Georgia, son of Beverly Moye and Sarepta Taylor Daniel. His older brother was Beverly Taylor "Slim" Daniel. Isaac is buried in Snow Hill Baptist Church Cemetery, Rentz, Georgia.
Davis, A/1c Earl Arthur - Airman First Class Davis was a crew member of a B-29A Superfortress Bomber ("Star Duster/Rough Roman" #44-69818) with the 28th Bomber Squadron, 19th Bomber Group. On July 7, 1953, as the aircraft was returning from a bombing mission, it crashed during the landing approach to Pohang Air Base (K-3), South Korea. All thirteen airmen were killed. Davis was born August 03, 1931. He was from Wixom, Michigan. He is buried in Wixom Cemetery, Wixem, Michigan.
Davis, Capt. George Arthur Jr. - B-29 aircraft (#44-62279) developed an engine fire in the climb after takeoff. Steps taken to maintain flight caused the bombs on board to detonate and sever the control wires, and the plane crashed into the China Sea off the coast of Okinawa on October 19, 1950. There were numerous fatalities, including Davis. He graduated from West Point in 1944 and was trained as a B-17 and B29 pilot in the last year of World War II. He served primarily on Okinawa and in California in the late 1940s. At the start of the Korean War his unit was deployed to Okinawa. He was the husband of Mrs. Ruth M. Davis of Perris.
DeBoer, 1Lt. Howard Leo - B-29 (#44-87754) had taken off from Guam on its way to its base near Mountain Home, Idaho when one of the engines failed about 15 minutes after takeoff and the crew turned around to go back to Guam, which is 3,700 miles west of Hawaii in the Pacific Ocean. During emergency landing at Andersen AFB, Guam, on December 17, 1953, the plane failed to reach the runway and crashed into an officers housing area at the base, demolishing ten homes and damaging three more. Nine of the 16 crew members were killed, as were seven on the ground. Lieutenant DeBoer, a bombardier on the plane, was one of the fatalities. Born January 30, 1922, he is buried in Saint Josephs Cemetery, York, Nebraska.
Decesare, Maj. Anaclethe Patrick - Major Decesare was a crew member of a B-29A Superfortress Bomber ("Lucky Dog" #44-86370) with the 93rd Bomber Squadron, 19th Bomber Group based at Kadena Air Base, Okinawa. On April 12, 1951, while on a bombing mission, his aircraft was attacked by an enemy MiGs and the plane ditched. He was listed as Missing in Action and was presumed dead on January 31, 1954. Born January 13, 1918, his home of record was Providence, Rhode Island.
Degolyer, Sgt. David Elmer - B-29 (#44-86268) was on a combat mission over North Korea on April 07, 1951. F-84s escorting, when it was damaged by two MiGs. Two engines went out, the pilot ordered bail out, and the aircraft crashed into the water four miles off NW North Korea. Seven fighter aircraft and three SAR aircraft participated in SAR effort. Only crewman (2Lt. Charles Shallenberger) was rescued and one crew member became a POW (Pfc. James Lewis Jones). The rest are still missing in action. Degolyer is MIA.
DeLancy, A/2c John Glendale - Airman Second Class DeLancy was a crew member of a B-29A Superfortress Bomber ("Star Duster/Rough Roman" #44-69818) with the 28th Bomber Squadron, 19th Bomber Group. On July 7, 1953, as the aircraft was returning from a bombing mission, it crashed during the landing approach to Pohang Airfield (K-3), South Korea. All thirteen airmen were killed. Airman DeLancy was born July 27, 1931 and his home of record was Raceland, Kentucky. He is buried in Woodmere Memorial Park, Huntington, West Virginia.
Delgado, Capt. Raymundo - Captain Delgado was a crew member of a B-29A Superfortress Bomber ("Lucky Dog" #44-86370) with the 93rd Bomber Squadron, 19th Bomber Group based at Kadena Air Base, Okinawa. On April 12, 1951, while on a bombing mission, his aircraft was attacked by an enemy MiGs causing it to be ditched. He was listed as Missing in Action and was presumed dead on January 31, 1954. Born March 15, 1919, his home of record was El Paso, Texas.
Denn, A2c Willard Martin - Airman First Class Denn was a crew member of a B-29A Superfortress Bomber ("Loaded 'Leven" #44-69803) with the 344th Bomber Squadron, 998th Bomber Wing. On February 28, 1952, while on a bombing mission, the aircraft's engines developed problems and the crew bailed out. He was listed as Missing in Action and was presumed dead on December 31, 1953. Born on September 27, 1932, in Mapleton, Minnesota, he lived in Mankato, Minnesota. He was the son of Gregory and Ester Lena Denn of Mankato and was not married. He attended grammar and high school (one year) in Mankato and military school at Keesler AFB, Mississippi (radio operator, March 1951); Randolph AFB, Texas (B-29 combat crew training, September 1951). He was previously a laborer before entering the Air Force.
Devlin, S/Sgt. Wilmer R. - Sergeant Devlin was a passenger in a B-29 Superfortress Bomber (#44-61747) assigned to the 375th Bomber Squadron, 308th Bomber Wing based at Hunter Air Force Base. On March 29, 1953, the aircraft departed from Lajes Field, Azores en route to Hunter AFB. Shortly after take off it crashed near Praia, Terceira Island, Azores killing six airmen. Born May 10, 1925, he is buried in Stanaford Cemetery, Stanaford, West Virginia.
Differ, MSgt. Patrick Michael "Pat" - Master Sergeant Differ was a crew member on a B-29A Superfortress Bomber (#44-62011A) with the 28th Bomber Squadron, 19th Bomber Group. On December 30, 1952, after delivering bombs on the enemy near Taesong-Dong, North Korea, the aircraft was attacked by MiG fighters, and the crew was ordered to bail out about 25 miles north of Pyongyang. He was taken Prisoner of War and was presumed dead on December 31, 1953. His remains were not recovered. He was born in Kirkintilloch, Scotland, son of William M. and Elisabeth Differ of Amarillo, Texas. His wife was Genevieve Mary Differ and his children were Nancy Josephine Differ and William Michael Differ of Baltimore, Maryland. He attended grammar school in Dunlo, Pennsylvania (1933) and high school in Sidmon, Pennsylvania (1937). He was a student and farmer before joining the Air Corps. His World War II service was in the European Theater in England. He attended military schools at Casey Jones School of Aeronautics, Newark, New Jersey (mechanic, 1941) and Harlingen, Texas (gunnery, 1943). According to Air Force Manual 200-25 (pp. 30-31), "MSgt. Differ's plane was attacked by enemy fighters near Taesong-Dong. It bombed the target and turned southward on a heading of about 160 degrees, still under enemy attack. At 2142 hours, a radio report stated "crew bailing out." A Marine pilot, Capt. Oliver R. Davis, following the B-29, heard the bailout order and about two minutes later saw the aircraft crash about 25 miles north of Pyongyang. He did not see any parachutes although he remained in the area for 20 minutes. Search and rescue efforts located the wreckage, presumably that of the B-29. Five of the twelve crew members survived and were repatriated. One of them, Donald G. Swalls, stated that he was taken to a compound in the village of Osul and there met 1st Lt. Paul I. Wilcox, radar observer in his crew, who told him that one of the Chinese officers said they had found three bodies in the front of the B-29 and one in the rear, but that the bodies were burned beyond recognition and no identification could be found. No information was received from Lt. Wilcox to verify this. 1st Lt. Harold Caplan, a repatriated crew member, indicated that as he bailed out he observed Sgt. Differ at the engineer's panel, apparently uninjured and making no attempt to abandon the B-29. MSgt. Differ may have decided to stay with the aircraft until it was too late for successful bailout. The facts at hand do not, however, rule out the possibility that he jumped successfully and was later captured."
Dingeldein, S/Sgt. Fred "Fritz" - Aircraft (#44-62078), based out of March AFB, crashed at Prairie Bay, Azores, on December 07, 1951. The plane was on its way home for Christmas when it got caught in tail winds and crashed into the sea shortly after takeoff. The men had been in England for three months on a routine training mission. Age 28 from Appleton, Wisconsin, Sergeant Dingeldein was the son of George and Carrie Christianson Dingeldein. His siblings were George, Dewey, Florence, Dorothy, Marion, Violet, Ethel, and Mildred.
Dinger, SSgt. Allen Charles "Bud" - Staff Sergeant Dinger was a crew member of a B-29A Superfortress Bomber ("Lucky Dog" #44-86370) with the 93rd Bomber Squadron, 19th Bomber Group based at Kadena Air Base, Okinawa. On April 12, 1951, while on a bombing mission, his aircraft was attacked by an enemy MiGs and it was ditched in the China Sea. He was listed as Missing in Action and was presumed dead on January 31, 1954. Bud Dinger was born on June 21, 1929 in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. He was engaged to marry Joyce Mae Kromer-Gosnell (died in 1991) and he had several siblings.
Domaleski, Cpl. Robert Paul - Corporal Domaleski was a crew member of a B- 29A Superfortress Bomber (RB-45 #21749) with the 93rd Bomber Squadron, 19th Bomber Group. On March 29, 1951, while on a combat mission, his aircraft lost two engines over the East China Sea, northwest of Okinawa. He was listed as Missing in Action and was presumed dead on December 18, 1951. Born March 18, 1931, Paul Domaleski's home of record was Scranton, Pennsylvania.
Dougherty, SSgt. Joseph Steven - crew member of (#44-70151) on Black Tuesday October 23, 1951. The crew bailed out in the Chinnampo, North Korea area. Dougherty is on the Nielsen-Henderson List. See Black Tuesday for more information about Sergeant Dougherty.
Dreese, 1Lt. John Longcoy - First Lieutenant Dreese was a crew member of a B-29A Superfortress Bomber ("Bait Me" #44-69802) with the 93rd Bomber Squadron, 19th Bomber Group. On September 12, 1952, while on a combat mission, the aircraft's wings iced up and caused the aircraft to stall and crash 21 miles southwest of Kangnung Airfield (K-18), South Korea. His remains were recovered. Lieutenant Dreese was born October 01, 1924 . His home of record was Ravenna, Ohio. He is buried in Standing Rock Cemetery, Kent, Ohio.
Dugger, Cpl. Robert B. Jr. - He was a crew member on B-29 (#44-61908) flying out of Okinawa when it went down in the Sea of Japan on February 1, 1952, killing all of its 12-man crew. The wing of the bomber was struck by another B-29 (42-65392) in the formation in which it was flying (a training flight), causing the planes to crash ten miles northwest of Kadena AFB, Okinawa. There were no survivors on #44-61908, but #42-86392 landed safely with no fatalities.
Duncan, SSgt. James Harold - His aircraft ("United Notions" #44-62084) was hit by anti-aircraft fire on September 09, 1950 and exploded mid-air near Wolbong-ni. He was taken prisoner. MIA. Sergeant Duncan was born January 27, 1920 in Hendersonville, North Carolina, son of James L. and Sue J. Duncan of Hendersonville. His wife was Sue H. Duncan and his children were Robert H. Duncan, Jacqueline Sue Duncan, and Mary Cecelia Duncan, Etowah, North Carolina. He attended grammar school (1933) and high school (1937) in Hendersonville and was a carpenter and housing contractor. During World War II he served in the European Theater, Air Offensive Europe, Normandy, and was a POW from 8 June 1944 to 29 April 1945. After joining the Air Corps he attended military schools at Maxwell Field, Alabama (pre-flight pilot, May 1943); Arcadia, Florida (primary pilot, July 1943); Bainbridge, Georgia (basic pilot, September 1943); and Albany, Georgia (advanced pilot, December 1943).
Dunham, Capt. John R. "Chute" - shot down by two Soviet LA-11 fighters near Yuri Island while on a photo mission over Northern Hokkaido on October 07, 1952. All eight crew members of the ("Sunbonnet King" #44-61815) were lost. His remains were returned in 1993. He was from Easton, Maryland.
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Earns, 1Lt. William Sidney - Captain Earns was a crew member of a B-29A Superfortress Bomber ("Miss Jackie The Rebel" #44-61967) with the 30th Bomber Squadron, 19th Bomber Wing. On June 10, 1952, after completing a bomb run, the aircraft was hit by anti-aircraft fire near a railroad bridge at Kwaksan, North Korea, and contact was lost. He was listed as Missing in Action and was presumed dead on December 31, 1953. Born November 10, 1922, his home of record was San Diego, California.
Edwards, Capt. Morton G. - navigator on ("Police Action" #44-86295) on Black Tuesday. He was the only fatality on the crew when the plane crash landed. He was helo-evacuated to 121 Evacuation Hospital, where he died of his wounds. Morton G. Edwards was from Wichita, Kansas. He was born November 4, 1924 and died October 25, 1951 in Korea. Captain Edwards was a crew member of a B-29A Superfortress with the 372th Bomber Squadron, 307th Bomber Wing based at Kadena Air Base, Okinawa. On October 25, 1951, while on a combat mission, his aircraft was attacked by enemy MiGs and he was killed on board. Captain Edwards was awarded the Purple Heart, 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.
Ehrlich, 1Lt Edgar A. - On April 10, 1951, while on a night intruder mission against Sinanju and Kunu-ri, North Korea, in a B-29 Superfortress ("Myakinas" #44-62108), two of the aircraft's engines stopped and the plane crash landed at Taegu Airfield (K-2), South Korea. His remains were recovered. He was born March 15, 1921. He was from St. Louis, Missouri.
Eley, Capt. Charles Wayne - His aircraft (#44-27261) crashed on takeoff from Wheelus Air Base, Tripoli, Libya on February 2, 1953. The cause of the crash was because an engine that had recently been replaced had a missing piston and the engine didn't have enough power. All 15 onboard were killed. Captain Eley was born November 18, 1918.
Elsman, Sgt,. Ralph Jr. - KIA on April 12, 1951 when his plane, ("Hot Box" #44-69682) was attacked by MiGs and crashed into a mountain near Sinuiju.
Engler, SSgt. Claude Melvin Jr. - Staff Sergeant Engler was a crew member of a B-29A Superfortress Bomber ("Hoxie's Hoax" #44-61923) with the 325th Bomber Squadron, 92nd Bomber Group. On July 13, 1950, while making a bombing run at Oki-Gunto, Korea, bombs prematurely exploded and the aircraft crashed near Dogo Island, Japan. His remains were recovered. He was born January 14, 1924, in Hazleton, Pennsylvania, son of Claude Melvin and Bertha Ann Howey Engler.
English, Capt. Eugene M. - shot down by two Soviet LA-11 fighters near Yuri Island while on a photo mission over Northern Hokkaido on October 07, 1952. All eight crew members of the ("Sunbonnet King" #44-61815) were lost.
Erickson, Pfc. Dean John - Private First Class Erickson was a crew member of a B-29A Superfortress Bomber ("Miss Manukie/Squeeze Play" #44-86415) with the 343rd Bomber Squadron, 98th Bomber Wing. On September 19, 1951, while on a leaflet dropping mission, his aircraft developed engine problems and it was ditched in the Sea of Japan. He was listed as Missing in Action and was presumed dead on July 29, 1952. Erickson was born March 17, 1930. His home of record is Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Erickson, SSgt. Lee Eldon - Attached to 98th Bomb Wing, B-29 (#44-86371) was hit by AAA over Pyongyang on May 07, 1951. It damaged No. 3 & 4 engines hit which possibly caused explosion, lost wing, 4-5 chutes observed, Navy SA-16 and USS Bataan fighter aircraft conducted SAR effort with negative results. Erickson is missing in action.
Errico, 1Lt. Robert - Search and rescue plane (SB-29 (#44-69982) of the 52d Air Rescue Squadron, 6th Air Rescue Group, based at Harmon Air Force Base, Newfoundland, was sent out to assist in search efforts on March 18, 1953 to find a missing B-36 bomber (Convair B-36H 51-13721). The B-29 disappeared shortly before landing, crashing into St. Georges Bay, a few miles from the runway, killing all ten crew members. Lieutenant Errico was from Bronx, New York.
Errington, SSgt. John Harrison - Technical Sergeant Errington was a crew member of a B-29A Superfortress Bomber ("Miss Jackie The Rebel" #44-61767) with the 30th Bomber Squadron, 19th Bomber Wing. On June 10, 1952, after completing a bomb run, the aircraft was hit by anti-aircraft fire near a railroad bridge at Kwaksan, North Korea, and contact was lost. He was listed as Missing in Action and was presumed dead on December 31, 1953. Born June 17, 1927, he was a son of Max Carey Errington Sr. and Lela Easley Harrington. His home of record was McComb, Mississippi.
Evans, 1Lt. Emmett O'Neal - First Lieutenant Evans was a crew member of a B-29A Superfortress Bomber (#44-62073) with the 370th Bomber Squadron, 307th Bomber Wing. On November 8, 1952, while on a night bombing mission, his aircraft was hit by anti-aircraft fire and crashed. He was listed as Killed in Action on November 9, 1953. His remains were not recovered. He was born at Fort Payne, Alabama on September 10, 1924, in Fort Payne, Alabama, son of Wyatt Rutherford Evans of Aiken, South Carolina and Jennie Evans of Fort Payne. His wife was Evelyn Greta Evans and his daughter was Vicki Evans (Vicki Wilson, Nashville, Tennessee). He attended DeKalb High School in Fort Payne; University of Alabama (1 year, aeronautical engineering, 1943); and the University of Alabama, obtaining a Bachelor of Science in electrical engineering (1948). He saw World War II service in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater. After joining the Air Corps he attended the following military schools: Legrade, Oregon (cadet training, August 1943); Houston, Texas (preflight navigation, December 1943); Laredo, Texas (aerial gunnery, January 1944); San Marcos, Texas (advanced navigation, January 1944); Langly AFB, Virginia (radar observation, December 1944); Mather AFB, California (radar refresher, January 1953); Randolph AFB, Texas (combat crew training, March 1952).
Evenskaas, SSgt. George E. - Staff Sergeant Evenskaas was a crew member of a B-29A Superfortress Bomber (#44-27314) with the 370th Bomber Squadron, 307th Bomber Wing. On December 4, 1951, while departing on a combat mission, one engine quit after take-off and the aircraft crashed five miles east of Kadena Air Base, Okinawa, killing nine crew members. Born April 18, 1929, Sergeant Evenskaas was from Montana.
Evert, 2Lt. William Frank - Four minutes after take-off, his aircraft ("Heart's Desire" #44-86400) struck a small hill near the village of Daimon, six miles northwest of Yokota AB, Japan and burned on March 31, 1952. He was a fatality.
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Faeth, Sgt. William Patrick - His aircraft ("United Notions" #44-62084) was hit by AAA on September 09, 1950 and exploded in mid-air near Wolbong-ni. Faeth was from St. Paul, Minnesota. MIA.
Farler, Capt. Hugh P. - Captain Farler was a crew member of a B-29A Superfortress Bomber (#44-86327) with the 343rd Bomber Squadron, 98th Bomber Wing. On June 1, 1951, while bombing a railroad bridge at Kwaksan, North Korea, his aircraft was attacked by MiGs setting its wing on fire. Some crewmen were able to parachute into enemy lines. His remains were recovered and he is buried in Arlington National Cemetery.
Fasullo, A/1c Anthony J. - radio operator, lost at sea when his aircraft, ("Typhoon Goon II" #44-69770), disappeared while on a weather reconnaissance mission during Typhoon Wilma on October 26, 1952. See Losses - Aircraft section.
Fiser, Capt. Leonard E. - Captain Fiser was a crew member of a B-29 Superfortress Bomber (#44-83985) with the 2nd Air Rescue Squadron, 2nd Bomber Wing based at Hunter Air Force Base, Georgia. On July 10, 1953, his aircraft crashed about seven miles from Hunter AFB, killing all 10 crew members. Captain Fiser was born Octgober 10, 1920. He was a World War II veteran. He is buried in the IOOF Cemetery, Marengo, Iowa.
Fisher, Capt. William Royal - His aircraft ("Double Whammy" #44-87734) crashed into the Sea of Japan between Okinawa and southern Korea north of Chinnampo on January 23, 1952 after a runaway propeller sheared and cut the fuselage. MIA. Fisher was born June 9, 1924 and was from Levittown, New York.
Fitzwater, TSgt. Charles R. - Four minutes after take-off, his aircraft ("Heart's Desire" #44-86400) struck a small hill near the village of Daimon, six miles northwest of Yokota AB, Japan and burned on March 31, 1952. He was a fatality.
Flaherty, A/1c John Francis - Staff Sergeant Flaherty was a crew member of a B-29A Superfortress Bomber ("Miss Jackie The Rebel" #44-61767)with the 30th Bomber Squadron, 19th Bomber Wing. On June 10, 1952, after completing a bomb run, the aircraft was hit by anti-aircraft fire near a railroad bridge at Kwaksan, North Korea, and contact was lost. He was listed as Missing in Action and was presumed dead on December 31, 1953. Born October 21, 1928, his home of record was Dorchester, Massachusetts.
Fleming, A/2c Edward John - Airman First Class Fleming was a crew member of a B-29A Superfortress Bomber ("Star Duster/Rough Roman" #44-69818) with the 28th Bomber Squadron, 19th Bomber Group. On July 7, 1953, as the aircraft was returning from a bombing mission, it crashed during the landing approach to Pohang Airfield (K-3), South Korea. All thirteen airmen were killed. Airman Fleming was born November 11, 1933. His home of record was Breckenridge, Minnesota. He is buried in Fort Snelling National Cemetery.
Fleming, 1Lt. James William Jr. - First Lieutenant Fleming was a crew member of a B-29A Superfortress Bomber (#44-62073) with the 370th Bomber Squadron, 307th Bomber Wing. On November 8, 1952, while on a night bombing mission, his aircraft was hit by anti-aircraft fire and crashed. He was listed as Missing in Action and was presumed dead on November 9, 1953. He was born June 10, 1924, in Ramsaytown, Pennsylvania, son of James W. Fleming Sr. and Dora Katherine Fleming of Saint Mary's Pennsylvania. He was not married. He completed World War II service in the European Theater. He attended St. Mary's Public High, St. Mary's (1942) and St. Louis University, St. Louis, Missouri (accounting, 1946). After joining the Air Corps he attended military schools in Oshkosh, Wisconsin (cadet training, August 1943); Santa Ana, California (bombardier preflight, December 1943); Las Vegas, Nevada (aerial gunnery, January 1944); and Kirtland Field, New Mexico (advanced bombardier, June 1944). In civilian life he was a public accountant.
Findel, Sgt. Gerald K. - Sergeant Findel was a crew member of a B-29A Superfortress Bomber ("United Notions" #44-27326) with the 372th Bomber Squadron, 307th Bomber Wing based at Kadena Air Base, Okinawa. On September 13, 1951, the aircraft was on a combat mission when it crashed into a mountain near Taem-dong, South Korea killing all 14 servicemen on board. Sergeant Findel was born October 05, 1929. His home of record was Alpine, California. He is buried in Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery.
Fontaine, M/Sgt. Edward H. - radio operator, lost at sea when his aircraft, ("Typhoon Goon II" #44-69770) disappeared on the morning of October 26, 1952 on a 14-hour over-water flight to obtain information about Typhoon Wilma.
Foote, SSgt. Victor Gene - Staff Sergeant Foote was a gunner of a B- 29A Superfortress Bomber (#45-21814) with the 371st Bomber Squadron, 307th Bomber Group based at Kadena Air Base, Okinawa. On November 10, 1950, while on his 50th bombing mission near the Yalu River, his aircraft was shot down by six MiG-15s about seven miles southwest of Kusong, North Korea. He was taken Prisoner of War and died while a prisoner at Camp #5 in North Korea on February 16, 1951. His remains were recovered. Born December 22, 1924, he was the son of Ray C. and Mar C. Foote. His home of record was Wellington, Kansas.
Fose, SSgt. Carlton J. - Attached to the 55th SRS (M) Weather at McClellan AFB, California, his B-29 weather plane (WB-29 #44-87756) crashed on April 05, 1952 as it approached for landing at McClellan Air Force Base, Sacramento, California. The crash occurred three miles short of the runway after returning from a 19-hour flight. Born January 01, 1930, he is buried in Saint Joseph Cemetery, Appleton, Wisconsin.
Foster, 1Lt. Robert Richard - First Lieutenant Foster was a crew member on a B-29A Superfortress Bomber (#44-62011) with the 28th Bomber Squadron, 19th Bomber Group. On December 30, 1952, after delivering bombs on the enemy near Taesong-Dong, North Korea, the aircraft was attacked by MiG fighters, and the crew was ordered to bail out about 25 miles north of Pyongyang. He was listed as Missing in Action and was presumed dead on December 31, 1953. By Bill Differ, son of Patrick Differ, B-29 crew that was shot down on December 30,1952. He was born in Bangor, Maine, on April 29, 1919, but lived in South Gate, California. His parents by adoption were Charles M. and Lena M. Foster. His wife was Viola Isadora Foster and his children were: daughters - Ramona Rae, Roberta Mae, Rebecca Fae and Rayonda Dae Foster; son - Robert Richard Jr. Lieutenant Foster attended Crosby High School, Belfast, Maine (1937). He served in the Zone of the Interior during World War II. Prior to entering service he was a butcher. Upon entering the Air Corps he attended military school at: Aero University, Inc., Chicago, Illinois (July 1941); Las Vegas, Nevada (gunnery school, 1942); pilot training, 1943; B-17 transition, 1943; B-24 instructor school, 1944; and B-29 transition, 1945. According to Air Force Manual 200 (page 38), Lieutenant Foster was last seen at the controls of the aircraft at an altitude of 6,000 feet, uninjured and wearing a parachute.
Foster, MSgt. Wilbur "Wib" - Master Sergeant Foster was a crew member (the flight engineer) of a B-29A Superfortress Bomber ("Our Gal" #44-61932) with the 343rd Bomber Squadron, 98th Bomber Wing. On October 24, 1951, while in formation for a bombing run, the aircraft was attacked by 40 to 70 MiGs and damaged. The crew bailed out over Wonsan Harbor near Triyom-do, North Korea. He died during the bailout. Born February 13, 1922, he is buried in La Feria, Texas, in a Foster family plot.
Foulks, Capt. James Arch - Captain Foulks was the pilot of a B-29A Superfortress Bomber (#44-61940) with the 372th Bomber Squadron, 307th Bomber Wing. On October 23, 1951, while on a bombing mission, the aircraft was attacked by enemy MiGs near Namsi Airfield. The plane's left wing was shot off. The aircraft headed toward the Yellow Sea and crashed. Captain Foulks' remains were not recovered. See Black Tuesday. Captain Foulks was born March 03, 1922 in Union City, Tennessee, son of James Arch Foulks Sr. and Fannie B. Wilson Foulks. He attended Union City High School in Union City, graduating in 1939. From April 1941 to February 1942 he was a telephone repairman. During World War II he served stateside. He was married to Alma Folks (who later remarried and her name changed to Alma Crighten. He was also survived bya son, James Arch Foulks III.
Francis, 1Lt. Edward Rolland - First Lieutenant Francis was a veteran of World War II. In Korea, he was the navigator of a B-29 Superfortress Bomber (#44-27262) with the 370th Bomber Squadron, 307th Bomber Wing based at Kadena Air Base, Okinawa. On January 27, 1953 the aircraft was on a combat mission when it crashed 3 miles north of Suwon Airfield (K-13), South Korea, killing him and two other airmen. He was born August 27, 1924 and his home of record was Fort Johnson, New York.
Friedman, 1Lt. Richard M. - First Lieutenant Friedman was a crew member of a B-29A Superfortress Bomber ("Miss Jackie The Rebel" #44-61967) with the 30th Bomber Squadron, 19th Bomber Wing. On June 10, 1952, after completing a bomb run, the aircraft was hit by anti-aircraft fire near a railroad bridge at Kwakson, North Korea, and contact was lost. He was listed as Missing in Action and was presumed dead on December 31, 1953. Born September 10, 1927, his home of record was Chicago, Illinois. He was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Melvin Friedman of Chicago, Illinois, and was a 1945 graduate of the Chicago Public School System.
Friend, 2Lt. Lysle Vance - 2nd Lieutenant Friend, from Romney, West Virginia, was the co-pilot of U.S. Air Force KB-29M Superfortress (#44-87782), serving with the 43rd Aerial Refueling Squadron, 43rd Bomber Wing. The aircraft experienced engine failures on takeoff, and was attempting to return to the airfield at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base near Tucson, Arizona, when it crashed short of the runway. All eight aboard were killed. Lieutenant Friend was born December 25, 1924 and is buried in Arlington Cemetery. He was a World War II veteran.
Froisness, 1Lt. Gordon Nowell - First Lieutenant Froisness was a crew member of a B-29A Superfortress Bomber ("Lubricating Lady" #44-61751) with the 93rd Bomber Squadron, 19th Bomber Wing based at Kadena Air Force Base, Okinawa. On October 31, 1952, when his aircraft was returning from a mission over Korea and was about 110 miles from Kadena, it developed engine trouble and crashed into the ocean. Eleven crew members were lost. His remains were not recovered. Born June 25, 1917, Lieutenant Froisness was from San Lorenzo, California.
Fuehrer, SSgt. Alois Anton - Crew member, (#44-61940). Staff Sergeant Fuehrer was a crew member of a B-29A Superfortress Bomber (#44-61940) with the 372th Bomber Squadron, 307th Bomber Wing. On October 23, 1951, while on a bombing mission, the aircraft was attacked by enemy MiGs near Namsi Airfield and the left wing was shot off. It headed toward the Yellow Sea and crashed. He was listed as Missing in Action and was presumed dead on February 28, 1954. See Black Tuesday. Sergeant Fuehrer was born November 08, 1927 in Cheshire, Connecticut, son of Albert and Elizabeth Fuehrer of Rosemont, Pennsylvania. He was married to Nancy L. Fuehrer of Drexel Hill, Pennsylvania. Sergeant Fuehrer attended Wayne High School, Pennsylvania (1946). He attended military school to be a radio operator-mechanic (2756) in April 1947.
Fultz, MSgt. Edwin M. - Attached to the 55th SRS (M) Weather at McClellan AFB, California, his B-29 weather plane (WB-29 #44-87756) crashed on April 05, 1952 as it approached for landing at McClellan Air Force Base, Sacramento, California. The crash occurred three miles short of the runway after returning from a 19-hour flight. Born February 08, 1921, he was from Pennsylvania. He is buried in Woodlawn Cemetery, Milroy, Pennsylvania.
Furnberg, A/1c Courtney O. - He was a crew member of a B-29 Superfortress Bomber with the 2nd Air Rescue Squadron, 2nd Bomber Wing based at Hunter Air Force Base, Georgia. On July 10, 1953, his aircraft (#44-83985) crashed about seven miles from Hunter AFB, killing all 10 crew members. Airman Furnberg was born January 2, 1931. He was from Fargo, North Dakota.
Fyffe, 1Lt. Luke Cole "Billy" - KIA while a crew member of ("Our Gal" #44-61932) when 40 to 70 MiGs attacked a B-29 formation on October 24, 1951. His aircraft 44-61932 was damaged to the degree that the crew bailed out over Wonsan Harbor near Tri-yom-do. US Navy aircraft flew RESCAP over the crew. All but two were rescued. Born May 2, 1923 in Marshall, Texas, Lieutenant Fyffe was the son of Pat Cleburne and Christine Taylor Fyffe.
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Gabree, SSgt. Donald Wayne - His B-29 ("Little Red Ass" RB50G-#47145) flew from Honshu on a mission in North Korea and was shot down over Sea of Japan southeast of Vladivostok at 42-17N, 133-15 East, by two Soviet pilots (Yablonskiy and Rybakov) in the region of Cape Gamor on July 29, 1953 while on a secret mission. All crew but one (1Lt. John Roche) were lost.
Gallant, James Alvin - Airman First Class Gallant was a crew member of a B-29A Bomber (#42-94045) with the 371st Bomber Squadron, 307th Bomber Wing. On October 23, 1951, the aircraft was shot down by enemy MiGs over Namsi Airfield, North Korea. He was listed as Missing in Action and was presumed dead on February 28, 1954. Born October 10, 1931, his home of record was Williamstown, Ohio. A single man, he was the son of Kathryn Elizabeth Gallant (later Claphan). His step-father was Robert Claphan of Williamstown. He attended high school in Dola, Ohio. See Black Tuesday.
Gandin, Capt. David - B-29 aircraft (#44-62279) developed an engine fire in the climb after takeoff. Steps taken to maintain flight caused the bombs on board to detonate and sever the control wires, and the plane crashed into the China Sea off the coast of Okinawa on October 19, 1950. Gandin was a fatality. He was born in Culver City, California, on April 15, 1919. He was the father of Leslie and Dee Gandin, son of Mrs. Bertha Gandin, brother of Dr. Morris M. Gandin, and brother of Mrs. Rose Jaffe of Los Angeles.
Garrison, Capt. Fred Herron "Tex" - pilot of (#44-62073) when the aircraft was hit by anti-aircraft fire on November 08, 1952 during a night mission. The plane crashed and Garrison was taken POW. He is Missing in Action. He was seen alive with a broken leg. He was born July 22, 1917 in Chilton, Casey County, Kentucky, son of Austin J. and Minnie Herron Garrison. His wife was Virginia Wilkinson Garrison and he had a daughter. During World War II he saw service in the European-African-Middle Eastern campaign, Naples-Foggia, Tunisia, and Sicily. He attended high school in Lebanon, Kentucky (1935); University of Kentucky, six weeks (1939); and Western Kentucky State Teacher's College, Bachelor of Science (1939). He attended military schoolss: Maxwell Field, Alabama (pre-flight, May 1942); Turner Field, Georgia (navigation, September 1942); Nashville, Tennessee (advanced ferrying ground training, January 1944); and Ellington AFB, Texas (navigation refresher, January 1952). His previous occupation was school teacher.
Garza, Capt. Osbaldo - Captain Garza was a decorated veteran of World War II flying 53 combat missions in the Southwest Pacific. In Korea, he was the navigator of a B-29A Superfortress ("Fujigmo" #44-62166) from the 371st Bomber Squadron, 19th Bomber Group, 307th Bomber Wing and flew 16 missions. On July 22, 1952, his aircraft caught fire northeast of Ocho-o, South Korea and crashed. All thirteen airmen were killed. Buried with other members of the crew at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, Captain Garza was born December 18, 1919 and his home of record was Brownsville, Texas.
Gassaway, A/2c George J. - Aircraft (#44-83985) crashed "with terrific force" in a marshy swamp about seven and a half miles south-southwest of Hunter AFB, Savannah, Georgia, home base of the B-29, on July 10, 1953. The B-29 was on a training mission, and an explosion was believed to be the probable cause. The B-29 slammed into the muck alongside Rock Fish Creek, and the wreckage was spotted about 9:25 a.m. the next day by a Navy helicopter which joined in the search being conducted by search parties pushing through swampland on flatboats. It was found near the mouth of the Ageechee River. All ten crew members were killed. Airman Gassaway was born December 19, 1932, son of Clyde Edwin Gassaway (1918-1997). He is buried in Oak Hill Memorial Park, McAlester, Oklahoma.
Gendusa, 2Lt. Vincent P. - (WB29 #44-61640) plunged into the sea on February 26, 1952 while on a typhoon tracking mission. Its number one engine burst into flames. The B-29 was based at the 54th SRS (M) Weather at Andersen AFB, Guam. Lieutenant Gendusa was one of six missing crewmen.
Glantz, 1Lt. Wilburt E. - Lieutenant Glantz was a crew member of a B-29 Superfortress Bomber (#44-83985) with the 2nd Air Rescue Squadron, 2nd Bomber Wing based at Hunter Air Force Base, Georgia. On July 10, 1953, his aircraft crashed about seven miles from Hunter AFB, killing all 10 crew members. Lieutenant Glantz was from Cleveland, Ohio.
Gonteski, Cpl. John Stanley - B-29 (#44-86268) was on a combat mission over North Korea on April 07, 1951. F-84s escorting, when it was damaged by two MiGs. Two engines went out, the pilot ordered bail out, and the aircraft crashed into the water four miles off NW North Korea. Seven fighter aircraft and three SAR aircraft participated in SAR effort. Only crewman (2Lt. Charles Shallenberger) was rescued and one crew member became a POW (Pfc. James Lewis Jones). The rest are still missing in action.
Goodman, 2Lt. George Morris - First Lieutenant Goodman was a crew member of a B-29A Superfortress Bomber (#44-86327) with the 343rd Bomber Squadron, 98th Bomber Wing. On June 1, 1951, while bombing a railroad bridge at Kwaksan, his aircraft was attacked by MiGs setting its wing on fire. Some crewmen were able to parachute into enemy lines. He was listed as Missing in Action and was presumed dead on January 31, 1954. He was from Orwigsburg, Pennsylvania.
Goodwin, 1Lt. Bobbie Alfred - First Lieutenant Goodwin was a crew member of a B-29A Superfortress Bomber ("Lucky Dog" #44-86370) with the 93rd Bomber Squadron, 19th Bomber Group based at Kadena Air Base, Okinawa. On April 12, 1951, while on a bombing mission, his aircraft was attacked by an enemy MiGs and it was ditched. He was listed as Missing in Action and was presumed dead on January 31, 1954. Lieutenant Goodwin was born April 11, 1926. His home of record was Ada, Oklahoma.
Gorrell, Capt. Louis Paul - Captain Gorrell was a crew member of a B-29A Superfortress Bomber ("Hot to Go" #44-62183) with the 28th Bomber Squadron, 19th Bomber Group. On June 10, 1952, while on a night mission, the aircraft was hit by rocket fire from a MiG near Kwaksan, North Korea and exploded. He was listed as Missing in Action and was presumed dead on February 28, 1954. Aircraft Pilot. Born March 28, 1920, the son of Earl L. and Pearl Gorrell, his home of record was Parkersburg, West Virginia. His brother was Fred Gorrell.
Gould, Pfc. Jack Lloyd - Pfc Gould was serving in the US Air Force as a radio operator with the 99th Bombardment Squadron. A B-29 (#44-87651) that was stationed at Fairfield-Suisun AFB crashed and burned shortly after takeoff on 5 August 1950. In addition to the plane burning, part of the ordinance the plane was carrying exploded. Pfc. Gould was one of ten men who perished in the rear of the plane. Two men in the front of the aircraft also died from injuries. Pfc Gould was born May 26, 1920 in California, son of Benjamin F. and Winifred Foreman Gould. He was married to Wilma Virginia Becker at the time of his death. He had a child who was born after he died. He is buried in Golden Gate National Cemetery in San Bruno, California.
Goulet, A/1c Roland Edgar - His B-29 ("Little Red Ass" RB50G-#47145) flew from Honshu on a mission in North Korea and was shot down over Sea of Japan southeast of Vladivostok at 42-17N, 133-15 East, by two Soviet pilots (Yablonskiy and Rybakov) in the region of Cape Gamor on July 29, 1953 while on a secret mission. All crew but one (1Lt. John Roche) were lost.
Grable, Col. John Jr. - Colonel Grable was a crew member of a B-29A Superfortress Bomber ("Tail Wind/Burke's Jerks/Sweet Judy II" #45-21721) with the 345th Bomber Squadron, 98th Bomber Wing. On February 7, 1952, while departing on a combat mission, his aircraft crashed during snow three miles northwest of Yokota Air Base, Japan, and he was killed. Colonel Grable was born October 25, 1918, son of John and Sylvia Hill Grable. He was survived by his wife Helene and two daughters. He is buried in Rhine Cemetery, Tison, Illinois. John Grable was the 1939-40 Chief Illiniwek at the University of Illinois Champaign-Urbana.
Grant, MSgt. William H. - His aircraft (#44-27261) crashed on takeoff from Wheelus Air Base, Tripoli, Libya on February 2, 1953. The cause of the crash was because an engine that had recently been replaced had a missing piston and the engine didn't have enough power. All 15 onboard were killed. Sergeant Grant was born in Bossier City, Louisiana in 1914. He was a medical specialist. He was survived by his wife Nellie Frances Grant (died 1959).
Gray, M/Sgt. Kenneth Albert - This aircraft (#44-62078), based out of March AFB, crashed at Prairie Bay, Azores, on December 07, 1951. The plane was on its way home for Christmas when it got caught in tail winds and crashed into the sea shortly after takeoff. The men had been in England for three months on a routine training mission. Sergeant Gray was born October 19, 1918. He was a World War II and Korean War veteran.
Green, MSgt. Avery J. - died when B-29 ("Over Exposed" #44-61813) was damaged by MiG-15 and crash landed short of Johnson Air Base, Japan, on November 09, 1950. He was the flight engineer. He was from Columbus, Indiana.
Gunhus, SSgt. Orvis J. - died when B-29 ("Over Exposed" #44-61813) was damaged by MiG-15 and crash landed short of Johnson Air Base, Japan, on November 09, 1950. This Wo rld War II veteran was a crewman on "Over Exposed". He was from Kenyhon, Minnesota.
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Haas, Capt. John Lincoln - Captain Haas was a crew member of a B-29A Superfortress Bomber ("Heart's Desire II" #44-69656) with the 370th Bomber Squadron, 307th Bomber Wing. On March 19, 1951, while on a combat mission, an aircraft's engine burst into flames. Most of the crew bailed out. He was listed as Killed in Action. His remains were not recovered. He was from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Haberle, 1Lt. William Joseph - KIA while a crew member of ("Our Gal" #44-61932) on October 24, 1951 when 40 to 70 MiGs attacked a B-29 formation. His aircraft #44-61932 was damaged to the degree that the crew bailed out over Wonsan Harbor near Tri-yom-do. US Navy aircraft flew RESCAP over the crew. All but two were rescued. Born April 26, 1917, Lieutenant Haberle was from Costa Mesa, California.
Hackbarth, Lt. John Thomas - His aircraft (#44-27261) crashed on takeoff from Wheelus Air Base, Tripoli, Libya on February 2, 1953. The cause of the crash was because an engine that had recently been replaced had a missing piston and the engine didn't have enough power. All 15 onboard were killed. Lieutenant Hackbarth was born February 23, 1922.
Hadley, Maj. George Allen - Major Hadley was a crew member of a B-29A Superfortress Bomber ("Miss Jackie the Rebel" #44-61967) with the 30th Bomber Squadron, 19th Bomber Wing. On June 10, 1952, after completing a bomb run, the aircraft was hit by anti-aircraft fire near a railroad bridge at Kwaksan, North Korea, and contact was lost. He was listed as Missing in Action and was presumed dead on December 31, 1953. Major Hadley was born November 21, 1918. His home of record was San Angelo, Texas.
Hagerty, Capt. Edward D. - He was a crew member of a SB-29 Superfortress rescue aircraft (#44-84124) with the 3rd Air Rescue Squadron, U.S. Air Force. On January 31, 1951, while on a rescue mission, engines three and four failed and the electric system went out. The aircraft crashed three miles south of Johnson Air Base, killing three members of the crew. Captain Hagerty was born January 08, 1919. His home of record was San Fernando, California.
Hall, Pfc. Arthur Lee - His aircraft was rammed by B-29 (#44-87774) on March 12, 1952. Both planes crashed and all personnel were killed. There were seven crew members who lost their lives that day while on a transition flight on B-29 #44-62223. Born in 1930, he shares a tombstone in the Marco Cemetery, Marco, Indiana, with Edith Mae Hall. (Born in 1930, she was probably his wife.)
Hamblin, M/Sgt. Robert Warren - Master Sergeant Hamblin was a veteran of World War II. In Korea, he was the flight engineer of a B-29A Superfortress Bomber (#44-70151) with the 371st Bomber Squadron, 307th Bomber Wing. On October 23, 1951, Black Tuesday, while on a bombing mission, MiGs damaged the aircraft and the crew bailed out in the Chinnampo to Inchon area over the Yellow Sea. Hamblin was taken POW and he is on the Nielsen-Henderson List. Born March 23, 1931 in New York, he was from Manhattan, New York. He was the son of Harry Warren and Blanche W. Hamblin of Richmond Hill, New York. He attended Richmond Hill High School in 1942 and the Manhattan High School of Aviation Trades, New York, in 1942. He was single.
Hammon, TSgt. Keith E. - Technical Sergeant Hammon was a crew member of a B-29A Superfortress Bomber (#44-62073) with the 370th Bomber Squadron, 307th Bomber Wing. On November 8, 1952, while on a night bombing mission, his aircraft was hit by anti-aircraft fire and crashed. He was listed as Missing in Action and was presumed dead. He was born January 22, 1922 in Roseland, Florida, son of Minnie Hammon Parker (remarried) and stepfather Hiram Parker. His wife was Bobby Lea Hammon; son Norman Edward Hammon; and stepdaughter Wanda Lynn Poole. He attended high school in Marshall, Indiana (1940). During World War II he served his country in the U.S. Navy in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater. He attended military schools at Chanute AFB, Illinois (airplane power plant mechanic, October 1950; Chanute AFB (flight engineer technician, December 1951); and Camp Carson, Colorado (SAC Survival School, April 1952). His previous occupation was truck driver and electrician.
Haney, TSgt. Leroy Alvin - Technical Sergeant Haney was a crew member of a B-29A Superfortress ("Fujigmo" #44-62166) from the 371st Bomber Squadron, 19th Bomber Group, 307th Bomber Wing. On July 22, 1952, while on a combat mission, his aircraft caught fire northeast of Ocho-o, South Korea and crashed. All thirteen airmen were killed. Haney was born December 29, 1921 and his home of record was Sullivan, Indiana. He was survived by a young son.
Happ, 1Lt. Carl George Jr. - First Lieutenant Happ was a crew member of a B-29A Superfortress Bomber ("Loaded 'Leven" #44-69803) with the 344th Bomber Squadron, 98th Bomber Wing. On February 28, 1952, while on a bombing mission, the aircraft's engines developed problems and the crew bailed out. His remains were recovered. Happ was born August 10, 1925. His home of record was Cold Spring Harbor, New York.
Harrell, Maj. Sterling L. - aircraft commander, lost at sea when his aircraft, ("Typhoon Goon II" #44-69770) disappeared on the morning of October 26, 1952 on a 14-hour over-water flight to obtain information about Typhoon Wilma. Major Harrell enlisted in the USAAF on 25 November 1940, attended OTS, and subsequently pilot training. He served in the CBI, flying the "Hump" for over 178 missions. After the War, he was a flying instructor for the C-47, C-54, and the B-29. He continued to fly combat and weather reconnaissance missions to the end of his life. He received his senior pilot rating in February 1950. On 7 July 1952, he was posted to the 54th Strategic Reconnaissance Squadron on Anderson AFB, Guam and promoted to the rank of Major. While on Guam, he piloted his weather reconnaissance plane into thirteen typhoons and held the title of Operations Officer. On 26 October 1952, he was the pilot of WB-29 (#44-69770) "Typhoon Goon II" that was on a mission to check out a typhoon, and then land at Clark AFB. He flew into the eye of "Typhoon Wilma" (a Category 5 storm). The aircraft was reported missing while on a flight between Guam and the Philippine Islands. Native fisherman saw the aircraft go into an uncontrollable spin, crash into the sea, and sink off the coast of San Ricardo Point, at the southern end of Leyte Island. Major Harrell's home state was Mississippi.
Harrell, SSgt. Virgil Bryan Jr. - Aircraft ("United Notions" #44-62084) was hit by AAA on September 09, 1950 and exploded in mid-air near Wolbong-ni. Harrell was from Miami, FL. MIA.
Harris, 1Lt. Charles W. - Captain Harris was a crew member of a B-29A Superfortress Bomber (RB-45 #21749) with the 93rd Bomber Squadron, 19th Bomber Group. On March 29, 1951, while on a combat mission, his aircraft lost two engines over the East China Sea, northwest of Okinawa. He was listed as Missing in Action and was presumed dead on December 18, 1951. Born June 12, 1923, his home of record was Memphis, Tennessee.
Harris, 1Lt. Ralph Lionel - First Lieutenant Harris was a crew member of a B-29A Superfortress Bomber ("Star Duster/Rough Roman" #44-69818) with the 28th Bomber Squadron, 19th Bomber Group. On July 7, 1953, as the aircraft was returning from a bombing mission, it crashed during the landing approach to Pohang Air Base (K-3). All thirteen airmen were killed. Originally from Oregon. Ralph was born May 14, 1929. His home of record was Beaverton, Oregon. He is buried in Willamette National Cemetery.
Harrison, Sgt. Joseph - Aircraft (#44-62078), based out of March AFB, crashed at Prairie Bay, Azores, on December 07, 1951. The plane was on its way home for Christmas when it got caught in tail winds and crashed into the sea shortly after takeoff. The men had been in England for three months on a routine training mission. Sergeant Harrison, age 31, was from Long Beach, California.
Hart, A2C Alvin Dale Jr. - A member of 581st Air Resupply Squadron, his aircraft ("Stardust Four Zero" #44-62217) was shot down at night on January 13, 1953 while dropping leaflets over enemy territory. The aircraft was attacked by 12 MiGs. Crew of 14 - Three crew members were killed and eleven were taken prisoner.
Harvey, Capt. Robert Gordon - KIA on ("Lubricating Lady" #44-61751) October 31, 1952. Born October 03, 1919, he was from San Diego, California.
Harview, Cpl. Keith J. - Corporal Harview was a crew member of a B-29A Superfortress Bomber (RB-45 #21749) with the 93rd Bomber Squadron, 19th Bomber Group. On March 29, 1951, while on a combat mission, his aircraft lost two engines over the East China Sea, northwest of Okinawa. He was listed as Missing in Action and was presumed dead on December 18, 1951. From Truo, Nova Scotia, Canada. Born December 04, 1926, he was from Truo, Nova Scotia, Canada.
Hatfield, LtC Douglas Hampton - MIA on April 12, 1951 when his plane, ("Hot Box" #44-69682) was attacked by MiGs and crashed into a mountain near Sinuiju. Douglas Hatfield was a decorated World War II veteran. LTC Hatfield was born August 07, 1919 in Shenandoah, Virginia, a son of James E. and Hilda Foley Hatfield. His remains were identified in 2007 and returned to his family. Hatfield had received orders to go home but decided to make a last bombing run with a new and inexperienced crew. He was survived by his wife Mary Margaret, who wrote to him every week for two years, as well as a three-year-old son, Steve Hatfield.
Haun, 2Lt. John Henry - bombardier, KIA on ("Lubricating Lady" #44-61751) October 31, 1952. Born August 26, 1925, he was from Overland, Missouri.
Hawes, 2Lt. Richard Elliott - Attached to 98th Bomb Wing, B-29 (#44-86371) was hit by AAA over Pyongyang on May 07, 1951. It damaged No. 3 & 4 engines hit which possibly caused explosion, lost wing, 4-5 chutes observed, Navy SA-16 and USS Bataan fighter aircraft conducted SAR effort with negative results. Hawes is missing in action.
Haynes, Capt. Nathan Clifford Jr. - Captain Haynes was a crew member of a B-29A Superfortress Bomber (#42-94072) with the 371st Bomber Squadron, 307th Bomber Wing based at Kadena Air Base, Okinawa. On September 8, 1950, while returning from a bombing mission over Korea, his aircraft crashed into the East China Sea five miles north of Okinawa, killing eight crew members. His remains were not recovered.
Hays, A/2c Melvin Blaine "Spud" or "Melvie" - Airman Second Class Hays was a crew member of a B-29A Bomber (#42-94045) with the 371st Bomber Squadron, 307th Bomber Wing. On October 23, 1951, the aircraft was shot down by enemy MiGs over Namsi Airfield. He was listed as Missing in Action and was presumed dead on February 28, 1954. Hays was born August 18, 1920 in Britton, South Dakota, son of Joseph Henry and Pansy Hays of Elkton, Oregon. His wife was Nellie Emma Hays and his son was Melvin H. Hays of Elkton. He was a World War II veteran, having served in the European Theater, England. He attended grammar school in Britton and military schools: Laredo, Texas (flexible gunnery, 1942); Lowry Field, Colorado (aircraft armorer school, 1943); Camp Carson, Colorado (SAC Survival School, July 1951). His previous occupation was galvanizer.
Heath, MSgt. Ralph Roosevelt - Technical Sergeant Heath was a crew member of a B-29A Superfortress Bomber ("Bait Me" #44-69802) with the 93rd Bomber Squadron, 19th Bomber Wing. On September 12, 1952, while on a combat mission, the aircraft's wings iced up and caused the aircraft to stall and crash 21 miles southwest of Kangnung, South Korea. His remains were recovered. Sergeant Heath was born April 08, 1923. His home of record was Kinston, North Carolina. He is buried in Maplewood Cemetery, Kinston. He was the son of Ralph Roosevelt Heath Sr.
Hebert, Capt. Robert Richard - He was declared MIA when his B-29 (#44-62083) was lost on a training mission in the Sea of Japan on January 31, 1952. Speculation among others stationed in Okinawa was that bombs aboard the aircraft detonated accidentally en route to their target killing everyone onboard. Hebert was married with at least one child (Michael), and was from San Bernardino, California.
Heer, 2Lt. David Thames "Dave" - First Lieutenant Heer was a crew member on a B-29A Superfortress Bomber (#44-62011) with the 28th Bomber Squadron, 19th Bomber Group. On December 30, 1952, after delivering bombs on the enemy near Taesong-Dong, North Korea, the aircraft was attacked by MiG fighters, and the crew was ordered to bail out about 25 miles north of Pyongyang. He was listed as Missing in Action and was presumed dead on December 31, 1953. 1Lt. Harold Caplan, a repatriated crew member, indicated that as he bailed out he observed Lieutenant Heer at the navigator's table apparently uninjured and making no attempt to abandon the B-29. Lieutenant Heer may have decided to stay with the aircraft until it was too late for successful bailout. He also might have jumped successfully and later was captured. David Heer was born February 18, 1929, the son of Raymond R. and Ellen B. O'Bryan Heer of Louisville, Kentucky. His wife was Joyce Terry Heer of Louisville. He attended high school in Louisville (1947) and the University of Louisville (2 1/2 years, business administration, 1950). Dave attended military schools at Randolph AFB, Texas (pilot, May 1951); Ellington AFB, Texas (navigation, February 1952); and Randolph AFB (B-29 combat crew, July 1952).
Heffernan, Sgt. Neal Philip - Sergeant Heffernan was a crew member (gunner) of a B-29A Superfortress Bomber ("Tail Wind/Burke's Jerks/Sweet Judy II" #45-21721) with the 345th Bomber Squadron, 98th Bomber Wing. On February 7, 1952, while departing on a combat mission, his aircraft crashed during snow three miles northwest of Yokota Air Base, Japan, and he was killed. Born December 18, 1930, he is buried in the Golden Gate National Cemetery, San Bruno, California.
Heise, Capt. Arthur - Captain Heise was a decorated veteran of World War II. In Korea, he was an aircraft commander of a B-29A Superfortress Bomber (#44-61802) with the 372th Bomber Squadron, 307th Bomber Wing based at Kadena Air Force Base, Okinawa. On January 10, 1953, his aircraft was shot down by enemy MiGs over Anju marshalling yards in North Korea. Eleven members of his crew were taken prisoner, but Captain Heise was listed as Missing in Action and was presumed dead on January 11, 1954. His remains were not recovered. He was born January 07, 1918 in Cleveland, Ohio, son of Fred and Ida Heise of Parma, Ohio. His wife was Jeanette Delaine Heise (later Jeanette Heise Earl). He had a son Robert Earl, who took on the name of his stepfather after Captain Heise was declared presumed dead. Robert was born in 1950. His other son was Richard A. Heise. The Earls lived in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Captain Heise attended high school in Parma, Ohio (1936). He saw service in World War II in the China-Burma-India Theater. A former carpenter, he attended military schools: Chanute AFB, Illinois (Air Corps Technical School, airplane mechanic course, October 1941); Chanute Field (Air Corps Technical School, power plant course, April 1942); Santa Ana, California (preflight, January 1942); Glendale, Arizona (primary, March 1943); Taft, California (basic, May 1943); Marfa, Texas (advanced, July 1943); Roswell, New Mexico (transition, 4-engine, October 1943); Randolph AFB, Texas (combat crew, July 1951).
Henry, 1Lt. Dewey Rosenhall - Crew member of ("Shady Lady/Double or Nuthin'" #42-65357), b-29 that was shot down January 27, 1953. According to the Air Force Manual 200, his plane was attacked by enemy fighters 0021 hours, 29 January 1953, 10 to 12 miles south of Pyongyang. At 0026 a "mayday" call was heard. The B-29 caught fire and exploded upon ground impact. By the light of the explosion four parachutes were seen by a gunner in another B-29. Flashlights and red flares were seen in vicinity shortly thereafter. At least seven of the 14 crew members were known to have parachuted. Lieutenant Henry became a POW/MIA. He was born June 13, 1921 in Sharpeburg, Georgia, son of Zebedee Foreman and Sally A. Henry. Both were deceased at the time he went missing. He was married to Ellen Miller Henry and had a daughter, Cheri Ann Henry, Decatur, Georgia. Dewey attended high school in Warick, Georgia. He then attended the University of Georgia, receiving a Bachelor of Science in analytical chemistry and agronomy. He also was a post-graduate in chemistry and botany. Prior to military service he was an analytical chemist, U.S. Public Health Service, Chambles, Georgia. He attended military schools: Maxwell Field, Alabama (pre-flight bombardier, April 1944); Harlingen, Texas (B-24, aerial gunnery, June 1944); Childress, Texas (advanced bombardier and directional navigation, November 1944); Selman Field, Louisiana (advanced navigation, May 1945); Randolph AFB, Texas (B-29 combat crew, June 1952); Ellington AFB, Texas (aircraft observer navigator, refresher, March 1952).
Henson, SSgt. Shields Taylor "Toby" - Technical Sergeant Henson was a crew member of a B-29A Superfortress Bomber #44-86370) with the 93rd Bomber Squadron, 19th Bomber Group based at Kadena Air Base, Okinawa. On April 12, 1951, while on a bombing mission, his aircraft was attacked by an enemy MiGs and it was ditched. He was listed as Missing in Action and was presumed dead on January 31, 1954. His nickname was "Toby." Toby Henson was born May 20, 1927, son of Claude and Mert Henson. His home of record was Cincinnati, Ohio.
Henry, Dewey Rosenwall - 1Lt Henry was serving on B-29 #42-65357A when the bomber was attacked by enemy fighters on 29 January 1953, 10 to 12 miles north of Pyongyang. The B-29 caught fire and exploded upon ground impact. Several crew members bailed out and were captured by the enemy. Dewey Henry remains missing in action. He 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.
Henry, 1Lt. Robert D. - Lieutenant Henry was a crew member of a B-29A Superfortress Bomber ("Tail Wind/Burke's Jerks/Sweet Judy II" #45-21721) with the 345th Bomber Squadron, 98th Bomber Wing. On February 7, 1952, while departing on a combat mission, his aircraft crashed during snow three miles northwest of Yokota Air Base, Japan, and he was killed. Lieutenant Henry was born October 19, 1923 in Deland, Florida. He is buried in Arlington National Cemetery.
Herr, SSgt. George - Staff Sergeant Herr was a crew member of a B-29A Superfortress Bomber (#44-62082) with the 28th Bomber Squadron, 19th Bomber Group. On July 28, 1950, while on a combat mission, an engine caught fire. The bombs were released and some crew members bailed out. The aircraft finally landed safely at Haneda Air Base, Japan. He jumped but was killed in the fall. Born May 25, 1921, he was from Remington, Indiana. He was the son of George Herr Sr. and Gertie Maueria Hudson Kerr. He was the husband of Hildegard S. Rost Herr (1927-1995) and father of George Herr III (1948-1967). Sergeant Herr is buried in the Remington Cemetery.
Rensselaer Republican, Mon., 31 July 1950, pg. 1, col. 6, "George Herr, Jr., Jasper Co. Boy, Is Korean War Fatality" - The full impact of war struck Jasper County today when Mrs. Sophia Mischer received word that her nephew, George Herr, Jr., was killed in action in Korea on July 28th. The message did not contain details. Mr. Herr was a former student of St. Joseph College here where he studied for two years after being graduated from Remington high school [in 1939]. He was born in Rensselaer May 25, 1921 [son of George and Gertie M. Hudson Herr]. His college career was interrupted by World War II. He was on foreign service much of the time during World War II as a member of the crew of a B29. He received several medals for distinguished services. Following World War II he was stationed at Fort Wright at Spokane, Washington, but soon after the outbreak of the Korean trouble, he was sent to Korea. Survivors are the wife, Hilda [Hildegard S. Herr], and two-year-old son-George III, and other relatives.
Higgins, SSgt. George Washington - Staff Sergeant Higgins was a crew member of a B-29A Superfortress Bomber ("Lucky Dog" #44-86370) with the 93rd Bomber Squadron, 19th Bomber Group based at Kadena Air Base, Okinawa. On April 12, 1951, while on a bombing mission, his aircraft was attacked by an enemy MiGs and it ditched. Sergeant Higgins was born on February 22, 1928. His remains were recovered by surface vessel on April 17, 1951. They were returned to the USA and interned at Jarnagon Cemetery on January 02, 1952 with full military honors by the USAF from Dalton AFB in Greenville, South Carolina.
Hildebrandt, 1Lt. Warren - A crew member of ("Lil' Darlin" #44-86273), his B-29 crashed into the Yokota Bowling Alley and clothing sales while returning from a bomb mission on October 14, 1951. He was the son of Harley J. and Betty Hildebrandt of Salina, Kansas.
Hill, SSgt. Donald George - His B-29 ("Little Red Ass" RB50G-#47145) flew from Honshu on a mission in North Korea and was shot down over Sea of Japan southeast of Vladivostok at 42-17N, 133-15 East, by two Soviet pilots (Yablonskiy and Rybakov) in the region of Cape Gamor on July 29, 1953 while on a secret mission. All crew but one (1Lt. John Roche) were lost.
Hill, 2Lt. William Francis - His aircraft crashed ("Bust 'N The Blue" #44-62167) on August 30, 1952, four miles north of Taegu. He and all 11 other crew members died. His body was recovered. Born March 20, 1925, his home of record was Cohoes, New York.
Hinrichs, TSgt. August Henry Jr. - Aircraft (#45-21814) was shot down by MiGs about seven miles southwest of Kusong, North Korea while on a bombing mission near the Yalu River on November 10, 1950. August Hinrichs is MIA.
Hirsch, Sgt. John Arthur - shot down by two Soviet LA-11 fighters near Yuri Island while on a photo mission over Northern Hokkaido on October 07, 1952. All eight crew members of the ("Sunbonnet King #44-61815) were lost.
Hoag, Capt. Eugene Maurice - He was a crew member on B-29 (#44-61908) flying out of Okinawa when it went down in the Sea of Japan on February 1, 1952, killing all of its 12-man crew. The wing of the bomber was struck by another B-29 (#42-65392) in the formation in which it was flying (a training flight), causing the planes to crash ten miles northwest of Kadena AFB, Okinawa. There were no survivors on #44-61908, but #42-86392 landed safely with no fatalities.
Hobbie, Capt. Jack Melvin - Captain Hobbie was a crew member of a B-29A Superfortress Bomber (#44-86327) with the 343rd Bomber Squadron, 98th Bomber Wing. On June 1, 1951, while bombing a railroad bridge at Kwaksan, his aircraft was attacked by MiGs, setting its wing on fire. Some crewmen were able to parachute into enemy lines. He was listed as Missing in Action and was presumed dead on January 31, 1954. He was from San Francisco, California.
Hobday, A/1c Jimmie Rowland - Airman First Class Hobday was the tail gunner of a B-29A Superfortress Bomber ("Wolf Pack" #44-86343) with the 371st Bomber Squadron, 307th Bomber Wing based at Kadena Air Base, Okinawa. On September 13, 1952, while making a bomb run on the Suiho Hydroelectric Plant, his aircraft was hit by anti-aircraft fire. He was listed as Missing in Action and was presumed dead on February 28, 1954. He was born May 26, 1932 and graduated from high school in Cortez, Colorado in May 1950.
Hoffman, Sgt. Theodore J. - Sergeant Hoffman was a crew member of a B-29A Superfortress Bomber (RB-45 #21749) with the 93rd Bomber Squadron, 19th Bomber Group. On March 29, 1951, while on a combat mission, his aircraft lost two engines over the East China Sea, northwest of Okinawa. He was listed as Missing in Action and was presumed dead on December 18, 1951. Born August 15, 1930, his home of record was Cheboygan, Michigan.
Hogan, 1Lt. David Hiram Jr. - First Lieutenant Hogan was a crew member of a B-29A Superfortress Bomber (#44-27314) with the 370th Bomber Squadron, 307th Bomber Wing. On December 4, 1951, while departing on a combat mission, one engine quit after take-off and the aircraft crashed five miles east of Kadena Air Base, Okinawa, killing nine crew members.
Information from "Some Gave All, Personal Stories of Sacrifice", written by Carolyn E. Abell, c. 2011 by Tift Genealogical Society and published by Family Heritage Publishers of Murray, Utah page 222-223: "Mrs. Abell believes that David Hogan Jr was born in Tift County, Georgia. [September 30, 1920] and lived in the Brighton district with his parents and six siblings. He was the son of David Hogan Sr and his wife, Mittie [Payne] Hogan, and had siblings, Rebecca, Frances, Elijah, Eugene, Virginia and Betty. He attended Tift County, Georgia schools and enlisted in the Army Air Force on 1 October 1942 from Illinois. Lt Dave Hogan's family was notified that he was killed in an airplane accident on December 4, 1951 while stationed on Okinawa. He was also a veteran of World War Two having served for five years as a bombardier with the Eighth Air Force in England where he flew over 35 missions. He was awarded the Air Medal and Oak Leaf Cluster twice. He graduated from the University of Georgia Law School in 1949 and practiced law in Macon before going back into military service in 1950. When he died, he was survived by his widow, the former Miss Mary Edwina Nims of Macon, Georgia, his parents of Chula, Georgia and three brothers and five sisters. The small town of Chula, in Tift County, renamed a road the "Dave Hogan Road in his honor."
Hoit, Capt. Zane Moses - Aircraft ("United Notions" #44-62084) was hit by AAA on September 09, 1950 and exploded in mid-air near Wolbong-ni. Hoit's remains were recovered in Operation Glory. He was the husband of Nell M. Hoit.
Holland, TSgt. Carl Charles Jr. - On September 19, 1951, while on a leaflet dropping mission, his aircraft ("Miss Manuki/Squeeze Play" #44-86415) developed engine problems and it was ditched in the Sea of Japan. Its entire crew was lost.
Holmes, 1Lt. Harold Ray - First Lieutenant Holmes was a crew member of a B-29A Superfortress Bomber ("Hot to Go" #44-62183) with the 28th Bomber Squadron, 19th Bomber Wing. On June 10, 1952, while on a night mission, the aircraft was hit by rocket fire from a MiG near Kwaksan, North Korea and exploded. He was listed as Missing in Action and was presumed dead on February 28, 1954. Harold was born May 18, 1924, son of Claude Alonzo and Etta Mae Mower Holmes. His home of record was Duchesne, Utah.
Homer, MSgt. William Robert - crew member of ("Southern Comfort" #44-61810), shot down by two Russian MiGs over Sea of Japan on June 13, 1952. All 12 crew members were lost.
Hooper, 1Lt. Ralph - First Lieutenant Hooper was a crew member of a B-29A Superfortress Bomber (#44-27314) with the 370th Bomber Squadron, 307th Bomber Wing. On December 4, 1951, while departing on a combat mission, one engine quit after take-off and the aircraft crashed five miles east of Kadena Air Base, Okinawa, killing nine crew members. Ralph was the son of Ralph and Genevieve T. Hooper of Baltimore, Maryland. He had a sister, Elizabeth T. Hooper. Ralph was a 1943 graduate of St. Paul's School in Baltimore. He is buried in Druid Ridge Cemetery, Pikesville, Maryland.
Hopkins, Capt. Guilford A. - Attached to the 55th SRS (M) Weather at McClellan AFB, California, his B-29 weather plane (WB-29 #44-87756) crashed on April 05, 1952 as it approached for landing at McClellan Air Force Base, Sacramento, California. The crash occurred three miles short of the runway after returning from a 19-hour flight. Born January 22, 1920, this World War II/Korean War veteran was born January 22, 1920, the son of Maurice L. and Ruth P. Hopkins. He is buried in Central Cemetery, Beverly, Massachusetts. Hopkins was a weather observer from North Sacramento, California.
Hopkins, A/2c Robert Quinton - Airman Second Class Hopkins was a crew member of a B-29A Superfortress Bomber ("Lubricating Lady #44-61751) with the 93rd Bomber Squadron, 19th Bomber Wing based at Kadena Air Force Base, Okinawa. On October 31, 1952, when his aircraft was returning from a mission over Korea and was about 110 miles from Kadena, it developed engine trouble and crashed into the ocean. Eleven crew members were lost. Born June 29, 1933, Airman Hopkins' home of record was Lynn, Alabama.
Horner, 2Lt. John Joseph "Jack" - First Lieutenant Horner was a crew member of a B-29 Superfortress Bomber (#42-94045) with the 371st Bomber Squadron, 307th Bomber Wing based at Kadena Air Base, Okinawa. He was listed as Missing in Action while participating in aerial support over Korea on October 23, 1951. He was presumed dead on February 28, 1954. He attended high school in Camden, New Jersey in 1942 and attended Lawrence Institute of Technology in Michigan for a half year in 1942. Prior to entering the military he was an electric welder. He was in the United States Navy in World War II (193-1945) in the Zone of the Interior, during which time he met another Navy veteran (Norinne) and married her. They divorced, she never remarried, and died in 1995. Jack was born March 29, 1924, only child of Warren S. and Eva R. Horner. His home of record was Swedesboro, New Jersey.
Hoult, SSgt. Arthur W. - Staff Sergeant Hoult was a crew member of a B-29A Superfortress Bomber (United Notions #44-62084) with the 325th Bomber Squadron, 92nd Bomber Group. On September 9, 1950, while on a bombing mission, his aircraft was hit by anti-aircraft fire and exploded mid-air near Wolbong-ni, North Korea. Five parachutes were seen. He was taken Prisoner of War and was presumed dead on March 31, 1954. His remains were not recovered. He was born in Pocatello, Idaho, the son of Arthur H. and Edna Jane Crssy Hoult. He lived in Lamoille, Nevada, and graduated from Hawthorne High School, Los Angeles, California.
Houston, 1Lt. Raymond Burl - First Lieutenant Houston was a crew member of a B-29A Superfortress Bomber ("Bait Me" #44-69802) with the 93rd Bomber Squadron, 19th Bomber Wing. On September 12, 1952, while on a combat mission, the aircraft's wings iced up and caused the aircraft to stall and crash 21 miles southwest of Kangnung, South Korea. His remains were recovered. He was born September 23, 1916. His home of record was Imperial, Nebraska.
Hovis, MSgt. Ward W. - His aircraft was rammed by B-29 (#44-87774) on March 12, 1952. Both planes crashed and all personnel were killed. There were seven crew members who lost their lives that day while on a transition flight on B-29 #44-62223. Hovis, age 35, was from Shertz, Texas.
Howard, 1Lt. Arnold Sherman - On September 19, 1951, while on a leaflet dropping mission, his aircraft ("Miss Manuki/Squeeze Play" #44-86415) developed engine problems and it was ditched in the Sea of Japan. Its entire crew was lost.
Howard, Capt. Melvin John - B-29 (#44-86268) was on a combat mission over North Korea on April 07, 1951. F-84s escorting, when it was damaged by two MiGs. Two engines went out, the pilot ordered bail out, and the aircraft crashed into the water four miles off NW North Korea. Seven fighter aircraft and three SAR aircraft participated in SAR effort. Only crewman (2Lt. Charles Shallenberger) was rescued and one crew member became a POW (Pfc. James Lewis Jones). The rest are still missing in action. Howard is MIA.
Howey, Sgt. Roderick Allen - Returning to Randolph Air Force Base, Texas, after a seven-hour training flight, this aircraft 9#45-21771) crashed ten miles southwest of Seguin, Texas on January 11, 1951. At 8,000 feet the pilot, Captain Norman A. Bivens, cut off the automatic pilot and began descending through an overcast, flying on instruments. Bivens reported losing all flight instruments and the aircraft became uncontrollable. Six of the crew members were killed, while five others parachuted to safety. Sergeant Howey was born in Los Angeles County, California in 1926, son of Paul James and Magdalene P. Metsch Howey. He wa central fire control in the B-29 that day. He is buried in Green Hills Memorial Park, Rancho Palos Verdes, California.
Hudson, 2Lt. Lawrence Harold - First Lieutenant Hudson was a crew member of a B-29A Bomber (#42-94045) with the 371st Bomber Squadron, 307th Bomber Wing. On October 23, 1951, the aircraft was shot down by enemy MiGs over Namsi Airfield. He was listed as Missing in Action and was presumed dead on February 28, 1954. Born November 20, 1921, he was the son of William N. and Alice Hudson. His home of record was Brooklyn, New York. He was married to Gloria Marie Hudson. He attended Public School No. 170 in Brooklyn, New York, in 1935. He graduated from Brooklyn Technical High School in 1939 and Pace Institute, New York 1948.
Hudson, 1Lt. Robert Edward - First Lieutenant Hudson was a crew member of a B-29A Superfortress Bomber ("Hot to Go" #44-62183) with the 28th Bomber Squadron, 19th Bomber Group. On June 10, 1952, while on a night mission, the aircraft was hit by rocket fire from a MiG near Kwaksan, North Korea and exploded. He was listed as Missing in Action and was presumed dead on February 28, 1954. At the time of his loss, he had a two year old son named Jim Hudson. Born June 27, 1912, the son of Levi and Selina Ann Noseworthy Hudson, he was married on January 16, 1943 in Concord, New Hampshire. Lieutenant Hudson's home of record was South Weymouth, Massachusetts.
Hughes, SSgt. Jesse M. - Staff Sergeant Hughes was a crew member of a B-29A Superfortress Bomber ("Hoxie's Hoax" #44-61923) with the 325th Bomber Squadron, 92nd Bomber Group. On July 13, 1950, while making a bombing run at Oki-Gunto, bombs prematurely exploded and the aircraft crashed near Dogo, Island, Japan. His remains were recovered. He was born May 06, 1920 in Sherman, Texas.
Hunt, SSgt. Melvin J. - On June 1, 1951, while bombing a railroad bridge at Kwaksan, his aircraft (#44-86327) was attacked by MiGs, setting its wing on fire. Some crewmen parachuted into enemy lines. Hunt's remains were recovered.
Hyatt, Capt. Don Henry - Captain Hyatt was a crew member of a B-29A Superfortress Bomber ("United Notions" #44-62084) with the 325th Bomber Squadron, 92nd Bomber Group. On September 9, 1950, while on a bombing mission, his aircraft was hit by anti-aircraft fire and exploded mid-air near Wolbong-ni. Five parachutes were seen. He was listed as Missing in Action and was presumed dead on March 31, 1954. He graduated Apex High School, Apex, North Carolina 1940.
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Ingrim, A/2c Lloyd Wendall - Airman Second Class Ingrim was a crew member of a B-29A Superfortress ("Fujigmo" #44-62166) from the 371st Bomber Squadron, 19th Bomber Group, 307th Bomber Wing. On July 22, 1952, while on a combat mission, his aircraft caught fire northeast of Ocho-o, South Korea and crashed. All thirteen airmen were killed. Born December 26, 1932, he was the son of John Forrest and Mable May Thorpe Ingrim. He is buried in Rose Hill Cemetery, Shenandoah, Iowa.
Ishida, A/2c Hidemaro Saito - Crew member of ("Shady Lady/Double or Nuthin'" #42-65357). Shot down January 27, 1953. POW/MIA. Born August 19, 1932, he was from San Francisco, California.
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Jackson, 1Lt. John Johnson - First Lieutenant Jackson was a crew member of a B-29A Superfortress Bomber (#42-94072) with the 371st Bomber Squadron, 307th Bomber Wing based at Kadena Air Base, Okinawa. On September 8, 1950, while returning from a bombing mission over Korea, his aircraft crashed into the East China Sea five miles north of Okinawa, killing eight crew members. His remains were not recovered. He was bron March 19, 1921. His home of record was New Brunswick, New Jersey.
Jacobs, A2/c Michael Lester - Airman Second Class Jacobs was a crew member of a B-29A Superfortress ("Fujigmo" #44-62166) from the 371st Bomber Squadron, 19th Bomber Group, 307th Bomber Wing. On July 22, 1952, while on a combat mission, his aircraft caught fire northeast of Ocho-o, South Korea and crashed. Born December 16, 1927, his home of record was Chicago, Illinois.
Jameson, Pfc. Donald Leon - His aircraft (#44-87774) rammed B-29 (#44-62223) on March 12, 1952 near San Antonio, Texas. Both planes crashed and all personnel were killed in this mid-air collision. B-29 #44-87774 had a crew of eight. Donald Jameson was born March 18, 1932 in Pottstown, Pennsylvania, a son of Earle Carleton Jameson Sr. (1890-1969) and Dorothy B. Borden Jameson (1893-?). Donald's brothers were Edward W. Jameson (1913-1993), Howard Keith Jameson (1914-2006), Dr. Earle Carleton Jameson (1917-2005), and Robert O. Jameson.
Jardine, 1Lt. Ray F. - First Lieutenant Jardine was a crew member of a B-29A Superfortress Bomber (RB-45 #21749) with the 93rd Bomber Squadron, 19th Bomber Group. On March 29, 1951, while on a combat mission, his aircraft lost two engines over the East China Sea, northwest of Okinawa. He was listed as Missing in Action and was presumed dead on December 18, 1951. Lieutenant Jardine was born April 04, 1923. His home of record was Idaho Falls, Idaho.
Jenkins, A/1c Carl August - Staff Sergeant Jenkins was a crew member of a B-29A Superfortress Bomber ("Miss Jackie The Rebel" #44-61967) with the 30th Bomber Squadron, 19th Bomber Wing. On June 10, 1952, after completing a bomb run, the aircraft was hit by anti-aircraft fire near a railroad bridge at Kwaksan, North Korea, and contact was lost. He was listed as Missing in Action and was presumed dead on December 31, 1953. Jenkins was born April 16, 1929. His home of record was Chicago, Illinois.
Jennings, Col. Payne - Colonel Jennings was a veteran of World War II. In Korea, he was the aircraft commander of a B-29A Superfortress Bomber (RB-45 #21749) with the 93rd Bomber Squadron, 19th Bomber Group. On March 29, 1951, while on a combat mission attempting to drop a Tarzon bomb on Sinuiju, North Korea, his aircraft lost two engines over the East China Sea, northwest of Okinawa. He was listed as Missing in Action and was presumed dead on December 18, 1951. Born October 26, 1916, his home of record was LaJolla, California.
Jensen, TSgt. Morton Henry - At 0131 hours on November 19, 1952, aircraft ("Wrights' Delights', They Chosen Flew" #44-86392) was on a bombing mission over Songhon. On return it was hit by fighters. The aircraft went down approximately eight miles north of Chodo Island after fire and order to bail out. From St. Paul, Minnesota, Morton Jensen was born April 30, 1930. He is missing in action.
Jensen, SSgt. Wayne Frederick - Staff Sergeant Jensen was the tail gunner of a B-29A Superfortress Bomber (#44-62073) with the 370th Bomber Squadron, 307th Bomber Wing. On November 8, 1952, while on a night bombing mission, his aircraft was hit by anti-aircraft fire and crashed. He was listed as Missing in Action and was presumed dead on November 9, 1953. He was born December 30, 1931 in Plentywood, Montana, son of Niels Peter and Mary Viola Christensen Jensen. He was single. He graduated from Plentywood High School, Motnana, in 1949. His previous occupation was a plywood mill worker.
Johnson, Pfc. Gerald Emmett - Airman Second Class Johnson was a crew member of a B-29A Superfortress Bomber (#42-94045) with the 371st Bomber Squadron, 307th Bomber Wing. On October 23, 1951, the aircraft was shot down by enemy MiGs over Namsi Airfield. He was taken Prisoner of War and declared dead on January 28, 1954. His remains were not recovered. His friends knew him as "Jerry." Born on March 18, 1933 in Youngstown, Ohio, a son of Charles Lewis and Virginia Dare Kerr Johnson, he lived in Arcadia, Pennsylvania at the time of his death. He was single. He graduated from grammar school in Youngstown, Ohio in 1946 and high school, Aarcadia, Pennsylvania, 1950.
Johnson, Sgt. James A. - Sergeant Johnson was a crew member of a B-29A Superfortress Bomber ("Our Gal" #44-61932) with the 343rd Bomber Squadron, 98th Bomber Wing. On October 24, 1951, while in formation for a bombing run, the aircraft was attacked by 40 to 70 MiGs and damaged. The crew bailed out over Wonsan Harbor near Tri-yom-do. Born March 14, 1932, James Johnson is buried in Mt. Auburn Cemetery, Cambridge, Massachusetts. His widowed mother was Elizabeth M. Johnson.
Johnson, TSgt. Johnny Menlo - Master Sergeant Johnson was a crew member of a B-29A Superfortress Bomber (#42-94045) with the 371st Bomber Squadron, 307th Bomber Wing. On October 23, 1951, the aircraft was shot down by enemy MiGs over Namsi Airfield, North Korea. He was taken Prisoner of War, He was presumed dead on February 28, 1954. Government documents prove that he was a prisoner of the Soviets. His remains were not recovered. Born in Norse, Texas, on December 18, 1918, son of Will L. and Matilda Johnson. He graduated from grammar school and high school, Milburn, Texas, 1935. He was formerly a carpenter and riveter. He lived in San Angelo, Texas. He graduated from High School in Milburn, Texas. See Black Tuesday.
X-Brady Man Missing with Heavy Bomber - "Tech-Sgt Johnny M. Johnson 33, son of Mr. and Mrs. Will Johnson, 831 E. 20th is missing in action with his heavy bomber crew after his fifth mission over Korea, the Defense Department has notified his parents. Johnson is a combat veteran of World War II, heavily decorated, and has been in the Air Force 11 years. He has been in Korea since mid-September, and was reported missing on October 23. His parents moved here from Brady two years ago, and he formerly worked in Brady as a truck driver. He was discharged after World War II in 1945, but re-entered the Air Force in 1947. His decorations include the Air Medal with 4 clusters, ETO ribbon with 7 battle stars, and Distinguished Unit Badge with 3 clusters. Two of Sgt. Johnson's brothers are also in service now, they are S/SGT. William L. Johnson and CPL. Olson Curtis Johnson."
Johnson, 1Lt. Lester H. - His aircraft (#44-87774) rammed B-29 (#44-62223) on March 12, 1952 near San Antonio, Texas. Both planes crashed and all personnel were killed in this mid-air collision. B-29 #44-87774 had a crew of eight. Born on September 15, 1922, Johnson was a pilot with the 8th Air Force in World War II. A marker in Glen Cemetery, Paxton, Illinois, indicates that at one time he lived in South Dakota.
Johnson, 2Lt. Richard - was a crew member of a B-29A Superfortress Bomber ("Tail Wind/Burke's Jerks/Sweet Judy II" #45-21721) with the 345th Bomber Squadron, 98th Bomber Wing. On February 7, 1952, while departing on a combat mission, his aircraft crashed during snow three miles northwest of Yokota Air Base, Japan, and he was killed.
Johnston, 1Lt. Frank Stanley Jr. - Aircraft (#45-21814) was shot down by MiGs about seven miles southwest of Kusong, North Korea while on a bombing mission near the Yalu River on November 10, 1950. Lieutenant Johnston died while POW and his remains were recovered.
Johnston, S/Sgt. Robert Allen Jr. - This aircraft (#33-62078), based out of March AFB, crashed at Prairie Bay, Azores, on December 07, 1951. The plane was on its way home for Christmas when it got caught in tail winds and crashed into the sea shortly after takeoff. The men had been in England for three months on a routine training mission. Sergeant Johnston was born June 08, 1928 in Lowell, Massachusetts, oldest son of Robert A. Johnston Sr. and Ruth E. Keniston Johnston. His siblings were: Barbara, Norine, Linda, Edward, William, Douglas, Nancy, and Richard.
Jones, SSgt. Frederick Joe - His aircraft (#44-27261) crashed on takeoff from Wheelus Air Base, Tripoli, Libya on February 2, 1953. The cause of the crash was because an engine that had recently been replaced had a missing piston and the engine didn't have enough power. All 15 onboard were killed. Sergeant Jones was born April 10, 1925.
Jones, A/2c George Dewey Jr. - Airman Second Class Jones was a crew member of a B-29A Superfortress Bomber ("Bait Me" #44-69802) with the 93rd Bomber Squadron, 19th Bomber Group. On September 12, 1952, while on a combat mission, the aircraft's wings iced up and caused the aircraft to stall and crash 21 miles southwest of Kangnung, South Korea. His remains were recovered. He is buried along with Lieutenant Merle T Ayers and Captain John L. Roberts. He was born February 07, 1932, son of George Dewey Jones Sr. and Signe I. Jones. His home of record was Cornucopia, Wisconsin. He is buried in George D. Jones Memorial Cemetery, Cornucopia.
Jones, Pfc. James Lewis - Airman First Class Jones was a crew member of a B-29A Superfortress (#44-86268) with the 371st Bomber Squadron, 307th Bomber Wing. On April 7, 1951, while on a bombing mission, his aircraft was attacked by two MiGs. It crashed about four miles off the North Korean coastline. He was taken Prisoner of War. He was presumed dead on January 31, 1954. His remains were not recovered. Born on July 07, 1929 in Takamah, Nebraska, he lived in Blair, Nebraska. He was one of ten children born to Orville and Cora Rounds Jones. His brother Teddy David died while serving in the Army in World War II.
Jones, A/2c George Dewey Jr. - Airman Second Class Jones was a crew member of a B-29A Superfortress Bomber ("Bait Me" #44-69802) with the 93rd Bomber Squadron, 19th Bomber Group. On September 12, 1952, while on a combat mission, the aircraft's wings iced up and caused the aircraft to stall and crash 21 miles southwest of Kangnung, South Korea. His remains were recovered. He is buried along with Lieutenant Merle T Ayers and Captain John L. Roberts in Zachary Taylor National Cemetery. Born February 17, 1932, he was the son of George Dewey and Signe I. Jones. He was also survived by a brother Paul Leroy, who died in 2005. Jones' home of record was Cornucopia, Wisconsin.
Jones, Capt. George Madison - On September 19, 1951, while on a leaflet dropping mission, his aircraft ("Miss Manuki/Squeeze Play" #44-86415) developed engine problems and it was ditched in the Sea of Japan. Its entire crew was lost. Captain Jones was born December 09, 1920.
Jones, MSgt. Robert W. - KIA on April 12, 1951 when his plane, ("Hot Box" #44-69682) was attacked by MiGs and crashed into a mountain near Sinuiju. Remains recovered 1994.
Jones, A/3c Sammy O. Search and rescue plane (SB-29 (#44-69982) of the 52d Air Rescue Squadron, 6th Air Rescue Group, based at Harmon Air Force Base, Newfoundland, was sent out to assist in search efforts on March 18, 1953 to find a missing B-36 bomber (Convair B-36H 51-13721). The B-29 disappeared shortly before landing, crashing into St. Georges Bay, a few miles from the runway, killing all ten crew members. Airman Jones was from Akron, Ohio.
Judd, Pfc. Merritt Donald - Pfc Judd was serving in the US Air Force with the 99th Bombardment Squadron. A B-29 (#44-87651) that was stationed at Fairfield-Suisun AFB crashed and burned shortly after takeoff on 5 August 1950. In addition to the plane burning, part of the ordinance the plane was carrying exploded. Pfc Judd was one of twelve men who perished in the plane. Pfc. Judd was born November 08, 1930 in North Brunswick, New Jersey, son of Arthur Merritt and Irma May Dayton Judd. He is buried in Van Liew Cemetery, New Brunswick, New Jersey. He entered the US Air Force on February 21, 1949.
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Kahanek, A/2c Jimmie Leon - Airman Second Class Kahanek was a crew member of a B-29A Superfortress Bomber ("Bait Me" #44-69802) with the 93rd Bomber Squadron, 19th Bomber Group. On September 12, 1952, while on a combat mission, the aircraft's wings iced up and caused the aircraft to stall and crash 21 miles southwest of Kangnung, South Korea. His remains were recovered. He was born April 03, 1932. His home of record was Hallettsville, Texas. He is buried in Sacred Heart Cemetery, Hallettsville.
Kates, SSgt. Clarence Sears - Staff Sergeant Kates was a crew member of a B-29A Superfortress Bomber (#42-94072) with the 371st Bomber Squadron, 307th Bomber Wing based at Kadena Air Base, Okinawa. On September 8, 1950, while returning from a bombing mission over Korea, his aircraft crashed into the East China Sea five miles north of Okinawa, killing eight crew members. His remains were not recovered. Kates was born January 24, 1920. His home of record was Glen Mills, Pennsylvania. He was survived by a son, Larry Kates.
Kaufman, SSgt. Robert Lee - Staff Sergeant Kaufman was a crew member of a B-29A Superfortress Bomber (#44-27314) with the 370th Bomber Squadron, 307th Bomber Wing. On December 4, 1951, while departing on a combat mission, one engine quit after take-off and the aircraft crashed five miles east of Kadena Air Base, Okinawa, killing nine crew members. Born March 27, 1929, he was a son of Albert A. and Anna J. Graber Kaufman of Kansas. He was survived by his parents and siblings: Raymond, Vic, Rozella, Ruby, Margaret, Donna Mae, Selma Ruth, and Clifford Dean Kaufman. Robert is buried in the 1st Mennonite Church Cemetery, Pretty Prairie, Kansas.
Keene, Maj. Kassel Monford - MIA following the bailout of ("Wright's Delights, They Chosen Flew" (#44-86392) on November 19, 1952. He was born November 30, 1918 and was from Seal Beach, California.
Kehr, Sgt. Dean Deloss Jr. - On June 1, 1951, while bombing a railroad bridge at Kwaksan, his aircraft (#44-86327) was attacked by MiGs, setting its wing on fire. Some crewmen parachuted into enemy lines. Staff Sergeant Dean K. Kehr was a gunner on a B-29 airplane with the 343rd Bomber Squadron, 98th Bomb Group when he was Killed In Action on June 1, 1951. He enlisted in the U.S. Air Force on May 11, 1949. Serial Number: 16316458. He grew up in the Norwegian-Lutheran Children's Home in Norwood Park, Illinois.
Keith, Capt. James Gordon - His B-29 ("Little Red Ass" RB50G-#47145) flew from Honshu on a mission in North Korea and was shot down over Sea of Japan southeast of Vladivostok at 42-17N, 133-15 East, by two Soviet pilots (Yablonskiy and Rybakov) in the region of Cape Gamor on July 29, 1953 while on a secret mission. All crew but one (1Lt. John Roche) were lost. Keith was the navigator and during this combat he was situated in the nose of the aircraft. He was thrown from his position and mortally wounded.
Kelleher, A/1c Robert P. "Pat" - Airman First Class Kelleher was a crew member of a B-29A Superfortress Bomber (#44-62073) with the 370th Bomber Squadron, 307th Bomber Wing. On November 8, 1952, while on a night bombing mission, his aircraft was hit by anti-aircraft fire and crashed. He was listed as Missing in Action and was presumed dead on November 9, 1953. He was born July 12, 1930. His home of record was Hartford, Connecticut.
Kelly, 1Lt. Henry Bradford - First Lieutenant Kelly was a crew member of a B-29A Superfortress Bomber ("Wolf Pack" #44-86343) with the 371st Bomber Squadron, 307th Bomber Wing based at Kadena Air Base, Okinawa. On September 13, 1952, while making a bomb run on the Suiho Hydroelectric Plant, his aircraft was hit by anti-aircraft fire. He was listed as Missing in Action and was presumed dead on February 28, 1954. Lieutenant Kelly was born August 07, 1925. His home of record was New Orleans, Louisiana.
Kelly, A/1c James William - Airman First Class Kelly was a crew member of a B-29A Superfortress Bomber ("Wolf Pack" #44-86343) with the 371st Bomber Squadron, 307th Bomber Wing based at Kadena Air Base, Okinawa. On September 13, 1952, while making a bomb run on the Suiho Hydroelectric Plant, his aircraft was hit by anti-aircraft fire. He was listed as Missing in Action and was presumed dead on February 28, 1954. Airman Kelly was born January 02, 1929. His home of record was Midwest City, Oklahoma.
Kellstrom, A/2c Paul Kenneth - Airman First Class Kellstrom was a gunner on B-29A Superfortress Bomber ("Hot to Go" #44-62183) with the 28th Bomber Squadron, 19th Bomber Group. On June 10, 1952, while on a night mission, the aircraft was hit by rocket fire from a MiG near Kwaksan, North Korea and exploded. He was listed as Missing in Action and was presumed dead on February 28, 1954. Born on January 05, 1932, he was the son of Erik Nataniel Källström (1901–1979) and Thinis (Frideborg) Kellstrom (1903–1991). Airman Kellstrom's home of record was Ashtabula, Ohio.
Kendrick, Al2c Fred Grady - shot down by two Soviet LA-11 fighters near Yuri Island while on a photo mission over Northern Hokkaido on October 07, 1952. All eight crew members of the ("Sunbonnet King" #44-61815) were lost.
Kennedy, MSgt. Jack E. - Master Sergeant Kennedy was a crew member of a B-29A Superfortress Bomber (#42-94072) with the 371st Bomber Squadron, 307th Bomber Wing based at Kadena Air Base, Okinawa. On September 8, 1950, while returning from a bombing mission over Korea, his aircraft crashed into the East China Sea five miles north of Okinawa, killing eight crew members. His remains were not recovered. Kennedy was born September 28, 1920. His home of record was Crawfordsville, Arkansas.
Kerner, Pvt. Sanford L. "Sandy" - His aircraft (#44-87774) rammed B-29 (#44-62223) on March 12, 1952 near San Antonio, Texas. Both planes crashed and all personnel were killed in this mid-air collision. B-29 #44-87774 had a crew of eight. There is a marker for him in the Mount Hebron Cemetery, Flushing, New York.
Kerr, A/3c Michael Jr. - Search and rescue plane (SB-29 (#44-69982) of the 52d Air Rescue Squadron, 6th Air Rescue Group, based at Harmon Air Force Base, Newfoundland, was sent out to assist in search efforts on March 18, 1953 to find a missing B-36 bomber (Convair B-36H 51-13721). The B-29 disappeared shortly before landing, crashing into St. Georges Bay, a few miles from the runway, killing all ten crew members. Airman Kerr was from Chisholm, Minnesota.
Kimbrough, SSgt. David E. - Search and rescue plane (SB-29 #44-69982) of the 52d Air Rescue Squadron, 6th Air Rescue Group, based at Harmon Air Force Base, Newfoundland, was sent out to assist in search efforts on March 18, 1953 to find a missing B-36 bomber (Convair B-36H 51-13721). The B-29 disappeared shortly before landing, crashing into St. Georges Bay, a few miles from the runway, killing all ten crew members. Sergeant Kimbrough was from Roswell, New Mexico.
King, SSgt. Elbert E. - Attached to the 55th SRS (M) Weather at McClellan AFB, California, his B-29 weather plane (WB-29 #44-87756) crashed on April 05, 1952 as it approached for landing at McClellan Air Force Base, Sacramento, California. The crash occurred three miles short of the runway after returning from a 19-hour flight. Born January 22, 1929, King was a drop sound operator originally from Florida. He is buried in Evergreen Cemetery, Jacksonville, Florida.
King, MSgt. William Don - His aircraft ("Bust 'N The Blue" #44-62167) crashed on August 30, 1952, four miles north of Taegu. He and all 11 other crew members died. His body was recovered. King was born January 18, 1923 in Imperial, Texas. He is buried in Monahans Memorial Cemetery, Monahans, Texas.
Kingsbury, Cpl. Deloraine Mickey - Corporal Kingsbury was a crew member of a B- 29A Superfortress Bomber (RB-45 #21749) with the 93rd Bomber Squadron, 19th Bomber Group. On March 29, 1951, while on a combat mission, his aircraft lost two engines over the East China Sea, northwest of Okinawa. He was listed as Missing in Action and was presumed dead on December 18, 1951. His remains were not recovered. Corporal Kingsbury was born July 30, 1928. His home of record was Tacoma, Washington.
Kirby, SSgt. Fred Stephenson Jr. - Staff Sergeant Kirby was a crew member of a B- 29A Superfortress Bomber ("Lucky Dog" #44-86370) with the 93rd Bomber Squadron, 19th Bomber Group based at Kadena Air Base, Okinawa. On April 12, 1951, while on a bombing mission, his aircraft was attacked by an enemy MiGs and it was ditched. He was listed as Missing in Action and was presumed dead on January 31, 1954. Born July 12, 1925, his home of record was Richmond, Virginia.
Kirk, 1Lt. Charles F. - First Lieutenant Kirk was a crew member of a B-29A Superfortress Bomber (#44-62073) with the 370th Bomber Squadron, 307th Bomber Wing. On November 8, 1952, while on a night bombing mission, his aircraft was hit by anti-aircraft fire and crashed. He was listed as Missing in Action and was presumed dead on November 9, 1953. He was born May 19, 1918, in Sioux County, Iowa, son of Frank R. and Virginia Remington Graham Kirk.
Kirk, 1Lt. James Wheeler - This aircraft (#44-62078), based out of March AFB, crashed at Prairie Bay, Azores, on December 07, 1951. The plane was on its way home for Christmas when it got caught in tail winds and crashed into the sea shortly after takeoff. The men had been in England for three months on a routine training mission. Lieutenant Kirk was born July 15, 1924. He was from Arlington, California and Bertram, Texas.
Kizer, Capt. Robert L. - Attached to the 55th SRS (M) Weather at McClellan AFB, California, his B-29 weather plane (WB-29 #44-87756) crashed on April 05, 1952 as it approached for landing at McClellan Air Force Base, Sacramento, California. The crash occurred three miles short of the runway after returning from a 19-hour flight. Kizer was the co-pilot. He was from Sacramento, California.
Kloster, AMN Talmadge Lavern - His aircraft (#44-27261) crashed on takeoff from Wheelus Air Base, Tripoli, Libya on February 2, 1953. The cause of the crash was because an engine that had recently been replaced had a missing piston and the engine didn't have enough power. All 15 onboard were killed. Airman Kloster was born May 2, 1929.
Knapp, SSgt. Lloyd Francis - On 5 August 1950, B-29 (#44-87651) crashed, burned, and exploded five minutes after takeoff from Fairfield-Suisun AFB, CA, causing fatal injuries to 12 crewmen and passengers. Eight crewmen and passengers received minor injures. Extensive damage to private and government property and injuries to both civilian and military personnel were caused by a subsequent explosion of the bomb on the aircraft. At the time of the crash, the aircraft was carrying a significant bomb load. Sergeant Knapp was born April 17, 1922, son of Lloyd and Drusilla Knapp. He is buried in St. Josephs Cemetery, Lyndhurst, New Jersey. He was an aerial gunner.
Knickmeyer, 1Lt. Clifton R. - pilot, lost at sea when his aircraft, ("Typhoon Goon II" #44-69770) disappeared on the morning of October 26, 1952 on a 14-hour over-water flight to obtain information about Typhoon Wilma.
Knott, Cpl. Robert M. - Corporal Knott was a crew member of a B-29A Superfortress Bomber Z("Vicious Roomer" #44-62042) with the 345th Bomber Squadron, 98th Bomber Wing stationed at Yokota Air Base, Japan. On March 28, 1952, while on a combat mission, two if the aircraft's engines caught fire. The order to bail out was given but later rescinded and the plane landed safely. His remains were recovered.
Koehler, 1Lt. Victor August - His aircraft ("Bust 'N The Blue" #44-62167) crashed on August 30, 1952, four miles north of Taegu. He and all 11 other crew members died. His body was recovered. Lieutenant Koehler was born April 10, 1923. His home of record was Lewisville, MN. He is buried in Pilgrims Rest Cemetery, Mankato, Minnesota. He was survived by a son Steven Koehler.
Korstjens, Capt. Joseph Lawrence - Captain Korstjens was a crew member of a B-29A Superfortress Bomber (#44-86327) with the 343rd Bomber Squadron, 98th Bomber Wing. On June 1, 1951, while bombing a railroad bridge at Kwaksan, his aircraft was attacked by MiGs setting its wing on fire. Some crewmen were able to parachute into enemy lines. He was listed as Missing in Action and was presumed dead on January 31, 1954. He was from Groom, Texas.
Krueger, 1Lt. Walter - His aircraft (WB29 #44-61640) plunged into the sea on February 26, 1952 while on a typhoon tracking mission. Its number one engine burst into flames. The B-29 was based at the 54th SRS (M) Weather at Andersen AFB, Guam. Lieutenant Krueger was one of six missing crew members.
Krumm, Capt. Robert Mitchell - Captain Krumm was a crew member of a B-29A Bomber (#42-94045) with the 371st Bomber Squadron, 307th Bomber Wing. On October 23, 1951, the aircraft was shot down by enemy MiGs over Namsi Airfield on the infamous Black Tuesday. He was listed as Missing in Action and was presumed dead on February 28, 1954. Born on March 30, 1918 in Atkins, Iowa, he was the son of Jacob Z"Jake" N. and Grace E. Krumm. He lived in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, with his wife Aline M. Krumm. He graduated from high school in Van Horne, Iowa, 1935. He took an extension course in Penn State, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania in 1942 and Spartan School of Aeronautics, Tulsa, Oklahoma in 1947. He was formerly a carpenter and crop duster.
Kusel, SSgt. Harold L. - B-29 aircraft (#44-62279) developed an engine fire in the climb after takeoff. Steps taken to maintain flight caused the bombs on board to detonate and sever the control wires, and the plane crashed into the China Sea off the coast of Okinawa on October 19, 1950. Born February 20, 1924 in Erie, Neosho, Kansas, Harold was the son of Ernest Bernard and Anna L Kusel, and the husband of Mrs. Ruth E. Kusel of Arlington.
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Laden, Capt. Robert E. - died when B-29 ("Over Exposed" #44-61813) was damaged by MiG-15 and crash landed short of Johnson Air Base, Japan, on November 09, 1950. Laden was the pilot, TDY from the 28th RS. He was from San Jose, California.
Laird, 1Lt. Archibald - Aircraft (#44-62078), based out of March AFB, crashed at Prairie Bay, Azores, on December 07, 1951. The plane was on its way home for Christmas when it got caught in tail winds and crashed into the sea shortly after takeoff. The men had been in England for three months on a routine training mission. Lieutenant Archibald was born July 30, 1921 in Scotland, son of Robert and Annie McKenzie Laird. He was the husband of Marilyn Marie Miller Laird (1921-2010). They were married in October of 1943.
Lam, 2Lt. August I. - Attached to the 55th SRS (M) Weather at McClellan AFB, California, his B-29 weather plane (WB-29 #44-87756) crashed on April 05, 1952 as it approached for landing at McClellan Air Force Base, Sacramento, California. The crash occurred three miles short of the runway after returning from a 19-hour flight. He was a navigator from San Francisco, California. Born August 26, 1925, he was a World War II veteran. He is buried in Golden Gate Cemetery.
Larsen, 1Lt. Sophus Edwin "Eddie" - B-29 (#44-87754) had taken off from Guam on its way to its base near Mountain Home, Idaho when one of the engines failed about 15 minutes after takeoff and the crew turned around to go back to Guam, which is 3,700 miles west of Hawaii in the Pacific Ocean. During emergency landing at Andersen AFB, Guam, on December 17, 1953, the plane failed to reach the runway and crashed into an officers housing area at the base, demolishing ten homes and damaging three more. Nine of the 16 crew members were killed, as were seven on the ground. Lieutenant Larsen, who was the co-pilot, was a fatality. Born September 21, 1933 in Nebraska, he is buried in Lincoln Memorial Park, Lincoln, Nebraska.
Lavoie, 1Lt. George Albert - On September 19, 1951, while on a leaflet dropping mission, his aircraft ("Miss Manuki/Squeeze Play" #44-86415) developed engine problems and it was ditched in the Sea of Japan. Its entire crew was lost.
Law, SSgt. Asa Lawrence - His aircraft ("Double Whammy" #44-87734) crashed into the Sea of Japan between Okinawa and southern Korea north of Chinnampo on January 23, 1952 after a runaway propeller sheared and cut the fuselage. MIA. He was born May 15, 1924 and was from Rosebud, Texas.
Layton, 1Lt. Robert Hollace - Aircraft (#44-69866) was damaged by three KPAFAC Yak-9 fighters near Seoul, Korea and the crew bailed out over the Yellow Sea on July 12, 1950. Two crew members were taken POW. It was the first B-29 loss to enemy fighters in the Korean War. Layton was taken POW and forced to march in the infamous "Tiger Death March". He died on May 31, 1951 at An-Dong. His remains were recovered. He was from Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Leach, MSgt. Frank P. - (WB29 #44-61640) plunged into the sea on February 26, 1952 while on a typhoon tracking mission. Its number one engine burst into flames. The B-29 was based at the 54th SRS (M) Weather at Andersen AFB, Guam. Sergeant Leach was one of six missing crewmen.|
Leard, Sgt. Frederick A. - B-29 (#44-87754) had taken off from Guam on its way to its base near Mountain Home, Idaho when one of the engines failed about 15 minutes after takeoff and the crew turned around to go back to Guam, which is 3,700 miles west of Hawaii in the Pacific Ocean. During emergency landing at Andersen AFB, Guam, on December 17, 1953, the plane failed to reach the runway and crashed into an officers housing area at the base, demolishing ten homes and damaging three more. Nine of the 16 crew members were killed, as were seven on the ground. Born May 29, 1923, Sergeant Leard was from Oklahoma. During World War II he was a gunner on a B=24 during the Ploesti oil field raid. He is buried in Woodberry Forest Cemetery, Madill, Oklahoma.
Lebaron, Sgt. James Robert - Sergeant Lebaron was a crew member of a B-29A Superfortress Bomber (Wolf Pack #44-86343) with the 371st Bomber Squadron, 307th Bomber Wing based at Kadena Air Base, Okinawa. On September 13, 1952, while making a bomb run on the Suiho Hydroelectric Plant, his aircraft was hit by anti-aircraft fire. He was listed as Missing in Action and was presumed dead on February 28, 1954. Sergeant Lebaron was born October 26, 1932. His home of record was Healdsburg, California.
Lemaster, MSgt. Lester E. - B-29 aircraft (#44-62279) developed an engine fire in the climb after takeoff. Steps taken to maintain flight caused the bombs on board to detonate and sever the control wires, and the plane crashed into the China Sea off the coast of Okinawa on October 19, 1950. Lemaster was a fatality. Lester was born in Hebron, Nebraska, on January 28, 1919. He was the husband of Emma Jean Lemaster of March Air Force Base.
Lemons, 1Lt. Earl H. - Four minutes after take-off, his aircraft ("Heart's Desire" #44-86400) struck a small hill near the village of Daimon, six miles northwest of Yokota AB, Japan and burned on March 31, 1952. He was a fatality.
Lennox, Cpl. Kenneth - He was a crew member on B-29 (#44-61908) flying out of Okinawa when it went down in the Sea of Japan on February 1, 1952, killing all of its 12-man crew. The wing of the bomber was struck by another B-29 (#42-65392) in the formation in which it was flying (a training flight), causing the planes to crash ten miles northwest of Kadena AFB, Okinawa. There were no survivors on #44-61908, but #42-86392 landed safely with no fatalities.
Leone, A/2c Anthony J. Jr. - A2C Anthony Leone Jr., serial number AF15425142, radio operator, received 3rd degree burns over his entire body. He was the only fatality in the crash of ("Chief Spokane: The Red Eraser" #44-61925) in January 1952 at Kadena AFB. Leone was born November 30, 1930 and was from Steubenville, Ohio. He is buried in Ft. Rosecrans National Cemetery, San Diego, CA, plot 305. Corporal Leone was awarded the Purple Heart, the Korean Service Medal, the United Nations Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal and the Korean War Service Medal.
Levy, 1Lt. Ben P. - He was a member of the crew of ("Dragon Lady" #44-61835) when its #3 engine caught fire and a wing blew away on October 31, 1951. Ten of the 12 crew members perished when the aircraft crashed 40 miles north of Kadena.
Lewis, Robert Clarence - pilot of ("Myakinas" #44-62108) on a night intruder mission against Sinanju and Kunu-ri when two of the engines stopped. The plane crash landed at Taegu on April 10, 1951. KIA - remains recovered. Robert was born December 15, 1917 in Fredericksburg City, Virginia, the son of Clarence and Catherine A. Gibbs Lewis. He is buried in Arlington National Cemetery.
Lewis, 1Lt. Wilbur Eugene - First Lieutenant Lewis was a crew member of a B-29A Superfortress Bomber ("Miss Jackie The Rebel" #44-61967) with the 30th Bomber Squadron, 19th Bomber Wing. On June 10, 1952, after completing a bomb run, the aircraft was hit by anti-aircraft fire near a railroad bridge at Kwaksan, North Korea, and contact was lost. He was listed as Missing in Action and was presumed dead on December 31, 1953. He was born on April 19, 1922 and his home of record was Rossville, Illinois. He also lived in Kankakee, Illinois. He attended high school in Rossville, Illinois. His wife was Maryellen Leaver Lewis (1922-2005).
Logan, Maj. Samuel Porter Jr. - Major Logan was the pilot of a B-29A Superfortress Bomber ("United Notions" #44-62084) with the 325th Bomber Squadron, 92nd Bomber Group. On September 9, 1950, while on a bombing mission, his aircraft was hit by anti-aircraft fire and exploded mid-air near Wolbong-ni. Five parachutes were seen. He was listed as Missing in Action and was presumed dead on March 31, 1954. He was from Nashville, Tennessee.
Lovell, Col. John Raymond - bailed out of his plane (#45-48015) when it was downed by a Russian MiG just across the river from Sinuiju, North Korea on December 04, 1950. Colonel Lovell was a Pentagon intelligence officer. He was beaten to death while a POW on December 10, 1950. His remains were not recovered. Born November 12, 1904 in Ottumwa, Iowa, he was the husband of Norma M. Lovell (1903 - 2000). His son, John Raymond Lovell II, died in 1975.
Lovvorn, AMN Frank J. - His aircraft (#44-27261) crashed on takeoff from Wheelus Air Base, Tripoli, Libya on February 2, 1953. The cause of the crash was because an engine that had recently been replaced had a missing piston and the engine didn't have enough power. All 15 onboard were killed.
Lowe, Capt. James Alfred Jr. - Captain Lowe was the pilot of a B-29A Superfortress Bomber ("Wolf Pack" #44-86343) with the 371st Bomber Squadron, 307th Bomber Wing based at Kadena Air Base, Okinawa. On September 13, 1952, while making a bomb run on the Suiho Hydroelectric Plant, his aircraft was hit by anti-aircraft fire. He was listed as Missing in Action and was presumed dead on February 28, 1954. Captain Lowe was a World War II veteran who also participated in the Berlin Airlift. He was born January 07, 2932. His home of record was Roanoke, Virginia.
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Maconi, SSgt. Joseph - On 5 August 1950, B-29 (#44-87651) crashed, burned, and exploded five minutes after takeoff from Fairfield-Suisun AFB, California, causing fatal injuries to 12 crewmen and passengers. Eight crewmen and passengers received minor injures. Extensive damage to private and government property and injuries to both civilian and military personnel were caused by a subsequent explosion of the bomb on the aircraft. At the time of the crash, the aircraft was carrying a significant bomb load. Born December 2, 1925 in New Jersey, he was the son of Frank and Mary Maconi. He is buried in St. Peters Cemetery, New Brunswick, New Jersey. He was an aerial gunner.
Malone, S/Sgt. Donald Francis - This aircraft (#44-83985) crashed "with terrific force" in a marshy swamp about seven and a half miles south-southwest of Hunter AFB, Savannah, Georgia, home base of the B-29, on July 10, 1953. The B-29 was on a training mission, and an explosion was believed to be the probable cause. The B-29 slammed into the muck alongside Rock Fish Creek, and the wreckage was spotted about 9:25 a.m. the next day by a Navy helicopter which joined in the search being conducted by search parties pushing through swampland on flatboats. It was found near the mouth of the Ageechee River. All ten crew members were killed. Sergeant Malone was born August 009, 1932 in Bennington, Vermont, son of John and Marie Bertha Cross Malone.
Mandell, 1Lt. David - First Lieutenant Mandell was a crew member of a B-29A Superfortress Bomber ("Hot to Go" #44-62183) with the 28th Bomber Squadron, 19th Bomber Group. On June 10, 1952, while on a night mission, the aircraft was hit by rocket fire from a MiG near Kwaksan, North Korea and exploded. He was listed as Missing in Action and was presumed dead on February 28, 1954. Born October 21, 1924, his home of record was Los Angeles, California.
Mantor, Sgt. Philip W. - A crew member of ("Lil' Darlin'" #44-86273), his B-29 crashed into the Yokota Bowling Alley and clothing sales while returning from a bomb mission on October 14, 1951. He was the son of Ralph Edward and Mabel Irene Marshall Mantor.
Maples, A/1c Percy Jerome - Sergeant Maples was a crew member of a B-29A Superfortress Bomber ("Star Duster/Rough Roman" #44-69818) with the 28th Bomber Squadron, 19th Bomber Group. On July 7, 1953, as the aircraft was returning from a bombing mission, it crashed during the landing approach to Pohang Air Base (K-3). All thirteen airmen were killed. Maples was born February 10, 1931 in Washington, D.C. He is buried in Arlington National Cemetery.
Marchand, SSgt. Wayne L. - Four minutes after take-off, his aircraft ("Heart's Desire" #44-86400) struck a small hill near the village of Daimon, six miles northwest of Yokota AB, Japan and burned on March 31, 1952. He was a fatality.
Marshall, A/3c Isreal Jr. - Private First Class Marshall was a crew member of a B-29A Bomber (#42-94045) with the 371st Bomber Squadron, 307th Bomber Wing. On October 23, 1951, the aircraft was shot down by enemy MiGs over Namsi Airfield, North Korea. He was listed as Killed in Action. Born on August 19, 1932, his home of record was Jacksonville, Florida.
Marshall, Capt. James Doyle - Captain Marshall was a crew member of a B-29A Superfortress Bomber ("Miss Manukie/Squeeze Play" #44-86415) - On September 19, 1951, while on a leaflet dropping mission, this aircraft developed engine problems and it was ditched in the Sea of Japan. Its crew members are all MIAwith the 343rd Bomber Squadron, 98th Bomber Wing. On September 19, 1951, while on a leaflet dropping mission, his aircraft developed engine problems and it was ditched in the Sea of Japan. He was listed as Missing in Action and was presumed dead on July 29, 1952. He was born in Arkansas but lived in Southern California. His baby daughter Pamela was born three months after his plane went down.
Martin, Maj. John G. - Major Martin was a crew member of a B-29A Superfortress Bomber (#44-62279) with the 22nd Bomber Wing. On October 19, 1950, as the aircraft departed on a combat mission, its engine burst into flames on take-off and crashed into the sea killing eight crew members. Major Martin was born in Colorado Springs, Colorado, on January 25, 1921.
Martin, Cpl. Patrick H. - His aircraft was rammed by B-29 (#44-87774) on March 12, 1952. Both planes crashed and all personnel were killed. There were seven crew members who lost their lives that day while on a transition flight on B-29 #44-62223. Born April 19, 1930, there is a memorial marker for him in the Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Fort Worth, Texas.
Maslin, A/2c John William - His aircraft ("Bust 'N The Blue" #44-62167) crashed on August 30, 1952, four miles north of Taegu. He and all 11 other crew members died. His body was recovered. John was the only son of six children born to Archie Amos and Kathryn R. Crowley Maslin. He was born January 11, 1931 in New York and is buried in St. James Cemetery, Waverly, New York.
Mason, 1Lt. Kenneth Clifton Sr. - A crew member of ("Lil' Darlin'" #44-86273), his B-29 crashed into the Yokota Bowling Alley and clothing sales while returning from a bomb mission on October 14, 1951. He was the husband of Nita Lanell Batey Masonand the father of Kenneth Clifton Mason, Jr. of Texas.
Mast, SSgt. Clifford Henry - His aircraft ("So Tired/Seven-to-Seven" RB-29A #44-61727) was shot down by MiG while on a photo reconnaissance mission over Sinanju, North Korea on July 04, 1952. 11 crew survived/2 missing in action (presumed dead). Eight of the 13-man crew became POWs that were eventually released. Clifford Henry Mast was born April 25, 1927, and enlisted in the Navy after graduating from North Central High School. Following World War II, he studied at Whitworth College (now Whitworth University). But Mast had difficulty adjusting to civilian life and on October 8, 1951, he enlisted in the Air Force at Fairchild, where he served with the 92nd Bomb Wing. In May 1952, the Air Force granted his request to join the 91st Strategic Reconnaissance Squadron, known as “the Demon Chasers,” and he shipped out for Japan, where his unit was attached to the 15th Air Force, Far East Air Forces in support of the Korean War. One night, he volunteered to fly in the nose gunner position of an RB-29, a Superfortress bomber modified for photo reconnaissance. The plane departed from Yokota Air Base on a mission designated “So Tired.” It was not his regular crew. After his plane was shot down he was taken POW and was interrogated by the Soviets. His fate is unknown, but it is believed he was possibly transferred to a prison in China. Clifford was the son of Washington and Ida Mast of Spokane, Washington.
Message from Clifford's next of kin to the KWE: "I was appointed by the Air Force and Department of Defense 30 years ago as Staff Sergeant Clifford Henry Mast's Primary Next of Kin. My mother is his first cousin, I am his second. I have been researching his case for the past 30 years since I was 17 and am directly involved with the Department of Defense, etc regarding his case. I was reading about Clifford on your website. Almost word for word, what was written on it was based on my intellectual property based from my research as I gave to the Spokesman Review newspaper near 2010. I would appreciate it if you would attribute the information to me, Amy Rae Berger, his Primary Next of Kin."
Martin, Maj. John Gilbert - B-29 aircraft (#44-62279) developed an engine fire in the climb after takeoff. Steps taken to maintain flight caused the bombs on board to detonate and sever the control wires, and the plane crashed into the China Sea off the coast of Okinawa on October 19, 1950. Martin was a fatality. Born on January 25, 1921, he was the husband of Mrs. Mercedes R. Martin of Riverside, California.
McAdoo, A/1c Ernest Robert - Staff Sergeant McAdoo was a crew member of a B-29A Bomber (#42-94045) with the 371st Bomber Squadron, 307th Bomber Wing. On October 23, 1951, the aircraft was shot down by enemy MiGs over Namsi Airfield on Black Tuesday. He was listed as Missing in Action and was presumed dead on February 28, 1954. Born in Josephine, Pennsylvania, on July 27, 1932, a son of William Emerson and Anna Marie McAdoo, he lived in Black Lick, Pennsylvania. He attended Black Lick grammar school in 1947 and high school in Blairsville, Pennsylvania for three years. He was single.
McAnelly, Capt. Robert Winfred - His aircraft ("Bust 'N The Blue" #44-62167) crashed on August 30, 1952, four miles north of Taegu. He and all 11 other crew members died. His body was recovered. McAnelly was born January 23, 1916 and was from Rogers, Arkansas.
McClanahan, Capt. Herbert C. - USAF Strategic Air Command experimental project MX-1018, Project Tip-Tow, an attempt to extend fighter escort for bombers on long-range missions by coupling a pair of Republic F-84s onto bomber wingtips, suffered a setback when EF-84D, 48-641, lost control, rolled upside down, and hit the wing of Boeing ETB-29A-60-BN Superfortress (#44-62093), sending both aircraft down to crash in Peconic Bay, New York, on April 24, 1953. The program was immediately cancelled. The B-29 had five crew members and fatalities. Captain McClanahan was born May 05, 1923, son of Herbert C. McClanahan Sr. He is buried in Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, St. Louis, Missouri.
McCook, TSgt. Wade - He was a crew member on B-29 (#44-61908) flying out of Okinawa when it went down in the Sea of Japan on February 1, 1952, killing all of its 12-man crew. The wing of the bomber was struck by another B-29 (#42-65392) in the formation in which it was flying (a training flight), causing the planes to crash ten miles northwest of Kadena AFB, Okinawa. There were no survivors on #44-61908, but #42-86392 landed safely with no fatalities. A prisoner in a German POW camp during World War II, he reenlisted in the Air Force after returning home.
McCormick, A/2c James - Airman Second Class McCormick was a crew member of a B-29A Superfortress Bomber ("Bait Me" #44-69802) with the 93rd Bomber Squadron, 19th Bomber Wing. On September 12, 1952, while on a combat mission, the aircraft's wings iced up and caused the aircraft to stall and crash 21 miles southwest of Kangnung, South Korea. His remains were recovered. He was born September 19, 1929. His home of record was Fort Pierce, Florida. He is buried in Eau Gallie Cemetery, Eau Gallie, Florida.
McDonnell, 1Lt. Robert J. - crew member of ("Southern Comfort" #44-61810), shot down by two Russian MiGs over Sea of Japan on June 13, 1952. All 12 crew members were lost.
McDonough, Capt. Charles Edward - He bailed out when his plane (#45-48015) was hit by MiG-15 just across the river from Sinuiju, North Korea, on December 04, 1950. He was badly burned when he landed on the wreckage. He was taken POW and murdered two weeks later during an interrogation. McDonough was born April 8, 1919. His home of record was New London, Connecticut.
McDowell, AMN James Clark - His aircraft (#44-27261) crashed on takeoff from Wheelus Air Base, Tripoli, Libya on February 2, 1953. The cause of the crash was because an engine that had recently been replaced had a missing piston and the engine didn't have enough power. All 15 onboard were killed. Airman McDowell was born January 26, 1933.
McGeough, Capt. Leo Francis - Captain McGeough was a crew member of a B-29A Superfortress Bomber ("Hoxie's Hoax" #44-61923) with the 325th Bomber Squadron, 92nd Bomber Group. On July 13, 1950, while making a bombing run at Oki-Gunto, bombs prematurely exploded and the aircraft crashed near Dogo, Island, Japan. His remains were recovered. Captain McGeough was the son of Owen and Mary Farrell McGeough.
McGuire, Capt. Charles Frederick - Captain McGuire was a crew member of a B-29A Superfortress Bomber ("Star Duster/Rough Roman" #44-69818) with the 28th Bomber Squadron, 19th Bomber Group. On July 7, 1953, as the aircraft was returning from a bombing mission, it crashed during the landing approach to Pohang Air Base (K-3). All thirteen airmen were killed. He was born September 07, 1921 and his home of record was Santa Cruz, California. His spouse was Rtia Mae McGoogan McGuire (1923-1999).
McHorney, Sgt. William L. - Sergeant McHorney was a crew member of a B-29A Superfortress Bomber ("Miss Manukie/Squeeze Play" #44-86415) with the 343rd Bomber Squadron, 98th Bomber Wing. On September 19, 1951, while on a leaflet dropping mission, his aircraft developed engine problems and it was ditched in the Sea of Japan. He was listed as Missing in Action and was presumed dead on July 29, 1952. Born June 12, 191, his home of record was Joplin, Missouri.
McKeown, 1Lt. Thomas J. - 1st Lieutenant McKeown, from Cranford, New Jersey, was a Navigator aboard U.S. Air Force KB-29M Superfortress (#44-87782), serving with the 43rd Aerial Refueling Squadron, 43rd Bomber Wing. The aircraft experienced engine failures on takeoff, and was attempting to return to the airfield at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base near Tucson, Arizona, when it crashed short of the runway. All eight aboard were killed. Lieutenant McKeown was born October 29, 1919 in New Jersey.
McLain, Cpl. James William - He was declared MIA when his B-29 (#44-62083) was lost on a training mission in the Sea of Japan on January 31, 1952. Speculation among others stationed in Okinawa was that bombs aboard the aircraft detonated accidentally en route to their target killing everyone onboard. He was born May 5, 1932 and enlisted in Alexandria, Virginia.
McLain, 1Lt. William Jr. - First Lieutenant McLain was a crew member of a B-29A Superfortress Bomber (#44-27314) with the 370th Bomber Squadron, 307th Bomber Wing. On December 4, 1951, while departing on a combat mission, one engine quit after take-off and the aircraft crashed five miles east of Kadena Air Base, Okinawa, killing nine crew members. He was one of the nine.
McLelland, MSgt. James Land - On 5 August 1950, B-29 (#44-87651) crashed, burned, and exploded five minutes after takeoff from Fairfield-Suisun AFB, CA, causing fatal injuries to 12 crewmen and passengers. Eight crewmen and passengers received minor injures. Extensive damage to private and government property and injuries to both civilian and military personnel were caused by a subsequent explosion of the bomb on the aircraft. At the time of the crash, the aircraft was carrying a significant bomb load. Born on November 27, 1910 in Lawrence County, Mississippi, M/Sergeant McLelland was the son of Neal and Anna McLelland. He enlisted in the US Air Force on May 24, 1949. He is buried in Shiloh Baptist Church Cemetery, Sontag, Mississippi.
McLoughlin, A/2c Robert John - Airman First Class McLoughlin was the tail gunner of a B-29A Superfortress Bomber ("Wrights' Delights" - They Chosin Flew" #44-86392) with the 345th Bomber Squadron, 98th Bomber Wing stationed at Yokota Air Base, Japan. On November 19, 1952, after completing a successful bomb run on Sonchon, North Korea, his aircraft was badly damaged by an enemy MiG. The crew bailed out a half mile north of Cho-do, North Korea. He was listed as Missing in Action and was presumed dead on November 20, 1953. Born October 05, 1931, Airman McLoughlin's home of record was Elmhurst, New York.
McMann, A/2c John Gerald - His aircraft ("Bust 'N The Blue" #44-62167) crashed on August 30, 1952, four miles north of Taegu. He and all 11 other crew members died. His body was recovered. John was born October 21, 1927 and was from Pittsfield, Maine. He is buried in the Pittsfield Village Cemetery.
McManus, Sgt. Phillip - Sergeant McManus was a crew member of a B-29A Superfortress Bomber ("Vicious Roomer" #44-62042) with the 345th Bomber Squadron, 98th Bomber Wing stationed at Yokota Air Base, Japan. On March 28, 1952, while on a combat mission, two if the aircraft's engines caught fire. The order to bail out was given and he jumped. Soon the order was rescinded and the plane landed safely. His remains were recovered.
McNeeley, Capt. Albert J. - pilot of (#44-27326) when it hit a mountain near Tenn-dong near Taegu on September 13, 1951, killing all 14 onboard. Born August 11, 1920, Captain McNeeley's home of record was LaFollette, Tennessee. He is buried in Noble IOOF Cemetery, Noble, Oklahoma. When he died he left a young wife and three small daughters, Mary Jeanne, Vicki, and Nancy.
McNutt, SSgt. William H. - A crew member of ("Lil' Darlin" #44-86273), his B-29 crashed into the Yokota Bowling Alley and clothing sales while returning from a bomb mission on October 14, 1951.
Meredith, Capt. David - Captain Meredith was a crew member of a B-29A Superfortress ("Fujigmo" #44-62166) from the 371st Bomber Squadron, 19th Bomber Wing, 307th Bomber Wing. On July 22, 1952, while on a combat mission, his aircraft caught fire northeast of Ocho-o, South Korea. Born July 20, 1925, his home of record was Ranger, Texas.
Meyers, MSgt. Harrell B. - His aircraft was rammed by B-29 (#44-87774) on March 12, 1952. Both planes crashed and all personnel were killed. There were seven crew members who lost their lives that day while on a transition flight on B-29 #44-62223. Meyers was 29 years old.
Michel, A/1c Richard Thomas - Airman First Class Michel was a crew member of a B-29A Superfortress Bomber ("Bait Me" #44-69802) with the 93rd Bomber Squadron, 19th Bomber Group. On September 12, 1952, while on a combat mission, the aircraft's wings iced up and caused the aircraft to stall and crash 21 miles southwest of Kangnung, South Korea. His remains were recovered. He was born April 05, 1928, son of Jacob E. Michel (1907 - 1986) and Jessie E. Camp Michel (1913 - 1999). His home of record was Doniphan, Nebraska. He is buried in Wood River Cemetery, Wood River, Nebraska.
Miles, A/2c David Edward - Airman Second Class Miles was a crew member of a B-29A Superfortress ("Fujigmo" #44-62166) from the 371st Bomber Squadron, 19th Bomber Group, 307th Bomber Wing. On July 22, 1952, while on a combat mission, his aircraft caught fire northeast of Ocho-o, South Korea and crashed. All thirteen airmen were killed. Born on December 14, 1930, David Miles' home of record was Utica, New York.
Miller, 1Lt. John Richard - Captain Miller was a crew member of a B-29A Superfortress Bomber ("Miss Jackie The Rebel" #44-61967) with the 30th Bomber Squadron, 19th Bomber Wing. On June 10, 1952, after completing a bomb run, the aircraft was hit by anti-aircraft fire near a railroad bridge at Kwaksan, North Korea, and contact was lost. He was listed as Missing in Action and was presumed dead on December 31, 1953. Miller was born July 02, 1920. His home of record was Stowell, Texas.
Miller, A2c Paul Luther - Aircraft (#44-69866) was damaged by three KPAFAC Yak-9 fighters near Seoul, Korea and the crew bailed out over the Yellow Sea on July 12, 1950. Two crew members were taken POW. It was the first B-29 loss to enemy fighters in the Korean War. Miller was taken Prisoner of War, forced to march to North Korea on the "Tiger Death March", and died while a prisoner at Chunggang-jin, North Korea on November 10, 1950. His remains were not recovered. He was from Flat Rock, Michigan.
Miller, 1Lt. Raymond - First Lieutenant Miller was a crew member of a B-29A Superfortress Bomber ("Myakinas" #44-62108) with the 343rd Bomber Squadron, 98th Bomber Wing. On April 10, 1951, while on a night intruder mission against Sinanju and Kunu-ri, North Korea, two of the aircraft's engines stopped and the plane crash landed at Taegu Airfield, South Korea. His remains were recovered and he is buried in Arlington National Cemetery. Born December 17, 1915, his home of record was Steubenville, Ohio.
Mitchell, 1Lt. Robert A. - died when B-29 ("Over Exposed" #44-61813) was damaged by MiG-15 and crash landed short of Johnson Air Base, Japan, on November 09, 1950. This World War II veteran was the co-pilot. He was from Brooklyn, New York.
Moldafsky, 1Lt. Irwin - He was declared MIA when his B-29 (#44-62083) was lost on a training mission in the Sea of Japan on January 31, 1952. Speculation among others stationed in Okinawa was that bombs aboard the aircraft detonated accidentally en route to their target killing everyone onboard. He was from Decatur, Illinois.
Mooradian, 1Lt. Ara - He was serving onboard B-29A (44-61940). MiGs shot the left wing off the plane on October 23, 1951. When the plane engine caught fire, the B-29 headed for safety, but before it could get back to base the crew had to bail out in the Yellow Sea. Of the crew of 13, one was picked up after landing in the Yellow Sea by an Australian destroyer, one man's body was found the next day washed ashore. Five of the men were taken prisoners of war and returned in 1953. The remaining men were not heard from again. Lieutenant Mooradian was the son of Nish Toros and Annie Mooradian of Fresno, California. He was born November 11, 1924 in Fresno. During World War II he served in Eastern Mandates, Air Defensive, Japan. He graduated from high school in Sanger, California 9n 1943 and then attended Fresno State College, Fresno. He was promoted to Captain while MIA.
Moore, MSgt. David L. - crew member of ("Southern Comfort" #44-61810), shot down by two Russian MiGs over Sea of Japan on June 13, 1952. All 12 crew members were lost.
Monserrat, SSgt. Miguel W. - crew member of ("Southern Comfort" #44-61810), shot down by two Russian MiGs over Sea of Japan on June 13, 1952. All 12 crew members were lost.
Montgomery, AMN Robert J. - Search and rescue plane (SB-29 (#44-69982) of the 52d Air Rescue Squadron, 6th Air Rescue Group, based at Harmon Air Force Base, Newfoundland, was sent out to assist in search efforts on March 18, 1953 to find a missing B-36 bomber (Convair B-36H 51-13721). The B-29 disappeared shortly before landing, crashing into St. Georges Bay, a few miles from the runway, killing all ten crew members. Born in 1931, he was the son of Addie M. Fletcher Montgomery of Wright County, Missouri. He was from Mountain Grove, Missouri.
Morgan, 1Lt. Warren L. - First Lieutenant Morgan was a crew member of a B-29A Superfortress Bomber ("United Notions" #44-27326) with the 372th Bomber Squadron, 307th Bomber Wing based at Kadena Air Base, Okinawa. On September 13, 1951, the aircraft was on a combat mission when it crashed into a mountain near Taem-dong, South Korea killing all 14 servicemen on board. Born January 12, 1921, he was a son of Charles Lee and Bertha Cole Morgan, and the younger brother of Edwin Lloyd Morgan )1912-1966). His home of record was Erie, Pennsylvania.
Mueller, 1Lt. Wilbur John - USMA Class of 1949, First Lieutenant Mueller was a crew member of a B-29A Superfortress Bomber #44-86327) with the 343rd Bomber Squadron, 98th Bomber Wing. On June 1, 1951, while bombing a railroad bridge at Kwaksan, his aircraft was attacked by MiGs setting its wing on fire. Some crewmen were ably to parachute into enemy lines. He was listed as Missing in Action and was presumed dead on January 31, 1954. He was from East St. Louis, Illinois.
Munroe, Cpl. Irving - Corporal Munroe was a crew member of a B-29A Superfortress Bomber (#44-86327) when, on June 1, 1951, while bombing a railroad bridge at Kwaksan, North Korea, this aircraft was attacked by MiGs, setting its wing on fire. with the 343rd Bomber Squadron, 98th Bomber Wing. On June 1, 1951, while bombing a railroad bridge at Kwaksan, his aircraft was attacked by MiGs setting its wing on fire. Some crewmen were able to parachute into enemy lines. He was listed as Missing in Action and was presumed dead on January 31, 1954. He was from Newport, Rhode Island.
Murdoch, 1Lt. Richard - 1st Lieutenant Murdoch, from Los Angeles, California, was an observer aboard U.S. Air Force KB-29M Superfortress (#44-87782). The aircraft experienced engine failures on takeoff, and was attempting to return to the airfield at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base near Tucson, Arizona, when it crashed short of the runway. All eight aboard were killed. Lieutenant Murdoch was born October 21, 1919 in Ireland. He is buried in Inglewood Park Cemetery, Inglewood, California.
Murphy, Capt. William - Aircraft (#44-62078), based out of March AFB, crashed at Prairie Bay, Azores, on December 07, 1951. The plane was on its way home for Christmas when it got caught in tail winds and crashed into the sea shortly after takeoff. The men had been in England for three months on a routine training mission. Captain Murphy was from Trenton, New Jersey.
Murray, A/2c Francis L. - B-29 (#44-87754) had taken off from Guam on its way to its base near Mountain Home, Idaho when one of the engines failed about 15 minutes after takeoff and the crew turned around to go back to Guam, which is 3,700 miles west of Hawaii in the Pacific Ocean. During emergency landing at Andersen AFB, Guam, on December 17, 1953, the plane failed to reach the runway and crashed into an officers housing area at the base, demolishing ten homes and damaging three more. Nine of the 16 crew members were killed, as were seven on the ground. Airman Murray was a passenger on the plane that day and one of the fatalities. Born December 16, 1933, he is buried in Motor of Dolors Cemetery, Vandalia, Illinois.
Murray, 1Lt. Jack Lewis - First Lieutenant Murray was a crew member of a B-29A Superfortress Bomber (#44-86357) with the 372th Bomber Squadron, 307th Bomber Wing. On August 24, 1951, while on a bombing mission, his aircraft was hit by anti-aircraft fire near Sunchon and the crew bailed out. The aircraft exploded 11 miles west of Sunan. He was listed as Missing in Action and was presumed dead on February 28, 1954.
Murray, Cpl. James B. - He was a member of the crew of ("Dragon Lady" #44-61835) when its #3 engine caught fire and a wing blew away on October 31, 1951. Ten of the 12 crew members perished when the aircraft crashed 40 miles north of Kadena.
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Neail, A2C Frank E. III - His B-29 ("Sunbonnet King" #44-61815) was shot down by two Soviet LA-11 fighters near Yuri Island while on a photo mission over Northern Hokkaido on October 07, 1952. All eight crew members of the "Sunbonnet King" were lost.
Nelson, 2Lt. Lawrence A. - First Lieutenant Nelson was a crew member of a B-29A Superfortress Bomber ("Loaded 'Leven" #44-69803) with the 344th Bomber Squadron, 998th Bomber Wing. On February 28, 1952, while on a bombing mission, the aircraft's engines developed problems and the crew bailed out. He was listed as Missing in Action and was presumed dead on February 28, 1954. Lieutenant Nelson was born September 27, 1926. His home of record was Stillwater, Minnesota.
Neu, 1Lt. Robert Donald - His aircraft was rammed by B-29 (#44-87774) on March 12, 1952. Both planes crashed and all personnel were killed. There were seven crew members who lost their lives that day while on a transition flight on B-29 #44-62223. Lieutenant Neu was born in Nebraska on January 30, 1922, son of William Eugene Neu (1896-1993) and Beaulah Mae Evertson Neu (1898-1961). His siblings were William Eugene Neu Jr. (1924-1980), Richard Dale Neu (1925-1947), Virginia Lee Neu McGhee (1934-1993), and Bonnie Neu Miller. The family moved from Nebraska to Sandpoint, Idaho.
Newswanger, TSgt. Quentin L. - Technical Sergeant Newswanger was a crew member of a B-29A Bomber (#42-94045) with the 371st Bomber Squadron, 307th Bomber Wing. On October 23, 1951, the aircraft was shot down by enemy MiGs over Namsi Airfield, North Korea on Black Tuesday. He was listed as Killed in Action. His remains were not recovered. Born March 24, 1924, he was the son of Harry Ellsworth and Winona Ressler Newswanger. His home of record was Quarryville, Pennsylvania. See Black Tuesday.
Nichols, A/2c James Lorence - Airman First Class Nichols was the central fire control gunner of a B-29A Superfortress Bomber ("Wrights' Delights' - They Chosin Flew" #44-86392) with the 345th Bomber Squadron, 98th Bomber Wing stationed at Yokota Air Base, Japan. On November 19, 1952, after completing a successful bomb run on Sonch'on, Korea, his aircraft was badly damaged by an enemy MiG. The crew bailed out a half mile north of Cho-do, North Korea. He was listed as Missing in Action and was presumed dead on November 20, 1953. Born in Pershing, Iowa, on July 08, 1932, he lived in Knoxville, Iowa.
Nikles, A/1c Rudolf - Airman First Class Nikles was a crew member on a B-29A Superfortress Bomber (#44-62011) with the 28th Bomber Squadron, 19th Bomber Group. On December 30, 1952, after delivering bombs on the enemy near Taesong-Dong, North Korea, the aircraft was attacked by MiG fighters, and the crew was ordered to bail out about 25 miles north of Pyongyang. He was listed as Missing in Action and was presumed dead on December 31, 1953. Born in Oberradling, Hungary, graduated High School in Troy, New York, 1951. According to his niece, "He was a young, well-liked man who died a few days after his 20th birthday. That was only a few years after coming to America from Hungary. Rudolf joined the Air Force to save money so that he could further his education in Troy, N.Y. He believed it was a great opportunity."
Rudolf Nikles, son of Herman Nikles and Teresia Schanta, resided on 4th Avenue in Troy and attended Lansingburgh High School. Rudolf's uncle and aunt were Rudolph J. and Anna Nikles. He entered the Air Force in August 1951 at 18 years of age. Airman First Class Nikles was with the 19th Bomber Group, 28th Bomber Squadron. Airman First Class Nikles was the left Gunner on a B-29 Medium Bomber. On 30 December 1952 his squadron attacked an ore processing plant in North Korea northwest of Pyongyang when they were attacked by enemy fighters. Nikles' plane bombed the target and turned southward, still under enemy attack. The final radio transmission from the plane stated "crew bailing out." Two minutes later the plane was observed crashing about 25 miles north of Pyongyang. A Marine pilot heard the bailout order and two minutes later observed the aircraft crash about 25 miles north of Pyongyang. Five of the twelve crew members survived and were repatriated during "Big Switch." A1C Nikles was listed as missing in action and presumed dead on December 31, 1953. Military awards included the Air Medal, Purple Heart, National Defense Service, United Nations Service Medal, Korean Service Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal and the Korean Presidential Unit Citation. A1C Nikles' name appears on the Honor Court, National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, Honolulu, Hawaii. - Source: Rensselaer County [NY] Heroes Korean War 1950-1953: The Forgotten Remembered compiled by Ken Page.
Nosk, 2Lt. Kenneth - Second Lieutenant Nosk was a crew member of a B-29A Superfortress Bomber (RB-45 #21749) with the 93rd Bomber Squadron, 19th Bomber Group. On March 29, 1951, while on a combat mission, his aircraft lost two engines over the East China Sea, northwest of Okinawa and ditched. His remains were not recovered. Lieutenant Nosk was born January 31, 1929. His home of record was New York, New York.
Null, Lt. Rodger Dean - Search and rescue plane (SB-29 (#44-69982) of the 52d Air Rescue Squadron, 6th Air Rescue Group, based at Harmon Air Force Base, Newfoundland, was sent out to assist in search efforts on March 18, 1953 to find a missing B-36 bomber (Convair B-36H 51-13721). The B-29 disappeared shortly before landing, crashing into St. Georges Bay, a few miles from the runway, killing all ten crew members. Lieutenant Null was the son of Claude Elmo Null (1892-1935) and husband of Eleanor Mary Null (1921-1995).
Nutting, Capt. John Mainard Jr. - Captain Nutting was a crew member of a B-29A Bomber (#42-94045) with the 371st Bomber Squadron, 307th Bomber Wing. On October 23, 1951, the aircraft was shot down by enemy MiGs over Namsi Airfield, North Korea on Black Tuesday. . His remains were not recovered. Born January 23, 1916, he was the son of John Mainard Nutting Sr. and Teresa Estelle Gavin Nutting. His home of record was North Leeds, Maine.
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Oetgen, 1Lt. Henry Glenn Jr. - B-29 (#44-87754) had taken off from Guam on its way to its base near Mountain Home, Idaho when one of the engines failed about 15 minutes after takeoff and the crew turned around to go back to Guam, which is 3,700 miles west of Hawaii in the Pacific Ocean. During emergency landing at Andersen AFB, Guam, on December 17, 1953, the plane failed to reach the runway and crashed into an officers housing area at the base, demolishing ten homes and damaging three more. Nine of the 16 crew members were killed, as were seven on the ground. Lieutenant Oetgen, the pilot, was a fatality. Born July 03, 1916, this World War II veteran was the husband of Dorothy Upshur Oetgen (1911-1994). He is buried in Arlington National Cemetery.
O'Kelley, Capt. Stanley Keith - His B-29 ("Little Red Ass" RB50G-#47145) flew from Honshu on a mission in North Korea and was shot down over Sea of Japan southeast of Vladivostok at 42-17N, 133-15 East, by two Soviet pilots (Yablonskiy and Rybakov) in the region of Cape Gamor on July 29, 1953 while on a secret mission. All crew but one (1Lt. John Roche) were lost. O'Kelley was badly injured and shocked. He died of wounds, shock, and exposure after being in the waters of the Sea of Japan for approximately twenty hours.
O'Meara, James Joseph - Airman Second Class O'Meara was a crew member of a B-29A Superfortress Bomber ("Shady Lady/Double or Nuthin' #42-65357) with the 28th Bomber Squadron, 19th Bomber Group. On January 29, 1953, the aircraft was shot down by MiGs eleven miles south of Pyongyang and eighteen miles east of Sariwon, North Korea. He was listed as Missing in Action and was presumed dead on January 30, 1954. He was the son of James Henry and Nora Ella Hopkins O'Meara.
Olsen, 1Lt. Arthur Robert - Crew member of (#42-65357). Shot down January 27, 1953. POW/MIA. Born September 19, 1919, he was from Blytheville, Arkansas. See "Shady Lady/Double or Nuthin' in the Aircraft Losses section.
Olsen, A/3c Walter F. - Airman First Class Olsen was the left scanner of a B-29 Superfortress Bomber (#44-83985) with the 2nd Air Rescue Squadron, 2nd Bomber Wing based at Hunter Air Force Base, Georgia. On July 10, 1953, his aircraft crashed about seven miles from Hunter AFB, killing all 10 crew members. Airman Olsen was born in Santa Clara, California.
O'Neal, LtCol. Julius Elliott - Lieutenant Colonel O'Neal was an observer on a B-29A Superfortress Bomber (#44-70151) with the 370th Bomber Squadron, 307th Bomber Wing. On October 23, 1951, while on a bombing mission, MiGs damaged the aircraft and the crew bailed out in the Chinnampo to Inchon area over the Yellow Sea. He was listed as Missing in Action and was presumed dead on December 31, 1953. He was born March 28, 1919 and his home of record was Fairfax, South Carolina. LTC O'Neal was a POW held after the war ended and possibly convicted of war crimes. He is listed in the Air Force Manual No. 200-25, 16 January 1961, which contains data on Air Force men still missing in action.
O'Toole, Damian Fidelis - Airman First Class O'Toole was a tail gunner on a B-29A Superfortress Bomber (#44-62011) with the 28th Bomber Squadron, 19th Bomber Group. On December 30, 1952, after delivering bombs on the enemy near Taesong-Dong, North Korea, the aircraft was attacked by MiG fighters, and the crew was ordered to bail out about 25 miles north of Pyongyang. He was listed as Missing in Action and was presumed dead on December 31, 1953. O'Toole was born February 22, 1931, son of Leo E. O'Toole. His home of record was Lancaster, Ohio.
Oracion, 2Lt. Marquis H. - A crew member of ("Lil' Darlin'" #44-86273), his B-29 crashed into the Yokota Bowling Alley and clothing sales while returning from a bomb mission on October 14, 1951.
Osborne, Pfc. Jesse Alex Jr. - Airman Second Class Osborne was a crew member of a B-29A Superfortress Bomber (#42-94045) with the 371st Bomber Squadron, 307th Bomber Wing. On October 23, 1951, the aircraft was shot down by enemy MiGs over Namsi Airfield, North Korea. He was taken Prisoner of War and was presumed dead on February 28, 1954. His remains were not recovered. Born on September 27, 1931 in Dante, Virginia, he lived in Lebanon, Virginia.
Owens, Cpl. Leonard Grady - He was declared MIA when his B-29 (#44-62083) was lost on a training mission in the Sea of Japan on January 31, 1952. Speculation among others stationed in Okinawa was that bombs aboard the aircraft detonated accidentally en route to their target killing everyone onboard. Leonard was born January 10, 1931 and enlisted at Carnesville, Georgia. At the time of his disappearance, his 17-year old sister Geneva was writing to an Air Force veteran serving with a search and rescue team. Carl Starkey told her that B-29 crews were supposed to radio in every 100 miles. They received two transmissions from 4462083, but nothing after that. When the research and rescue team went out, all they found was a dipstick and a slick of oil.
Oyler, Capt. Ernest Renwick - Captain Oyler was a crew member of a B-29A Superfortress Bomber ("United Notions" #44-62084) with the 325th Bomber Squadron, 92nd Bomber Group. On September 9, 1950, while on a bombing mission, his aircraft was hit by anti-aircraft fire and exploded mid-air near Wolbong-ni. Five parachutes were seen. He was listed as Missing in Action and was presumed dead on March 31, 1954. He was married at the time he became missing. He was the son of Charles Renwick Oyler and Ella Lucille Herron Oyler.
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Padgett, Maj. Robert Wells - His aircraft (#44-87774) rammed B-29 (#l44-62223) on March 12, 1952 near San Antonio, Texas. Both planes crashed and all personnel were killed in this mid-air collision. B-29 #44-87774 had a crew of eight. Padgett was 30 years old.
Panetino, SSgt. Carl J. - He was a member of the crew of ("Dragon Lady" #44-61835) when its #3 engine caught fire and a wing blew away on October 31, 1951. Ten of the 12 crew members perished when the aircraft crashed 40 miles north of Kadena.
Parker, SSgt. Donald E. - (WB29 #44-61640) plunged into the sea on February 26, 1952 while on a typhoon tracking mission. Its number one engine burst into flames. The B-29 was based at the 54th SRS (M) Weather at Andersen AFB, Guam. Sergeant Parker was one of six missing crewmen.
Parr, Cpl. Charley O. - He was a member of the crew of ("Dragon Lady" #44-61835) when its #3 engine caught fire and a wing blew away on October 31, 1951. Ten of 12 crew members perished when the aircraft crashed 40 miles north of Kadena.
Peck, Capt. James Kenneth - MIA following the bailout of ("Wright's Delights, They Chosen Flew" #44-86392) on November 19, 1952. He was born December 27, 1921 and was from Arvada, Colorado. He was survived by a son (James K. Peck II) and a daughter.
Peoples, A2C Harry Thomas - KIA on ("Lubricating Lady" #44-61751) on October 31, 1952. Born June 30, 1933, he was from Williamsburg, Virginia.
Penninger, 1Lt. Roger William - Captain Penninger was a crew member of a B-29A Superfortress Bomber ("DYachenko" #44-70151) with the 370th Bomber Squadron, 307th Bomber Wing. On October 23, 1951, while on a bombing mission, MiGs damaged the aircraft and the crew bailed out in the Chinnampo to Inchon area over the Yellow Sea. Roger was listed as Missing in Action and was presumed dead on December 31, 1953. Born on July 20, 1924 in Chicago, Illinois, he lived in Lake Elsinore, California. He graduated from Harper High School, Chicago, Illinois. During World War II he served in the North Apennines Campaign, Po Valley Campaign, Rhineland Campaign, and Central Europe Campaign. He was the son of Frank Clay Penninger and Mrs. Helen Marie Sachtleben Penninger Dunlap. His wife was Phyllis A. Penninger of Elsinore, California.
Pereira, Cpl. Richard J. - Corporal Pereira was a crew member of a B-29A Superfortress Bomber ("United Notions" #44-27326) with the 372th Bomber Squadron, 307th Bomber Wing based at Kadena Air Base, Okinawa. On September 13, 1951, the aircraft was on a combat mission when it crashed into a mountain near Taem-dong, South Korea killing all 14 servicemen on board. Corporal Pereira was born April 23, 1933. His home of record was Santa Clara, California. He is buried in Santa Clara Mission Cemetery, Santa Clara, California.
Peters, 1Lt. Spiro Joseph - First Lieutenant Peters was a crew member of a B-29A Superfortress Bomber ("Wolf Pack" #44-86343) with the 371st Bomber Squadron, 307th Bomber Wing based at Kadena Air Base, Okinawa. On September 13, 1952, while making a bomb run on the Suiho Hydroelectric Plant, his aircraft was hit by anti-aircraft fire. He was listed as Missing in Action and was presumed dead on February 28, 1954. Lieutenant Peters was born June 08, 1925. His home of record was Rochester, New York.
Peterson, 2Lt. Robert Duaine - Second Lieutenant Peterson was a crew member of a B-29A Superfortress Bomber ("United Notions" #44-27326) with the 372th Bomber Squadron, 307th Bomber Wing based at Kadena Air Base, Okinawa. On September 13, 1951, the aircraft was on a combat mission when it crashed into a mountain near Taem-dong, South Korea killing all 14 servicemen on board. Born on September 27, 1925, his home of record was Lake Mills, Iowa. He is buried in Center Church Cemetery, Lake Mills. He was the husband of Mary Jane Peterson and the father of Dana Lynn Peterson.
Pettit, A/2c Thomas Junior - Airman First Class Pettit was a crew member of a B-29A Superfortress Bomber ("Hot to Go" #44-62183) with the 28th Bomber Squadron, 19th Bomber Group. On June 10, 1952, while on a night mission, the aircraft was hit by rocket fire from a MiG near Kwaksan, North Korea and exploded. He was listed as Missing in Action and was presumed dead on February 28, 1954. Born August 17, 1930, he was the son of Son of Ralph and Sylvia Pettit. His home of record was Covington, Kentucky.
Phalen, 1Lt. Robert Francis - Lieutenant Phalen was a crew member of a B-29A Superfortress Bomber ("Lubricating Lady" #44-61751) with the 93rd Bomber Squadron, 19th Bomber Wing, based at Kadena Air Force Base, Okinawa. On October 31, 1952, when his aircraft was returning from a mission over Korea and was about 110 miles from Kadena, it developed engine trouble and crashed into the ocean. Eleven crew members were lost. His remains were not recovered. Born September 2, 1922, Lieutenant Phalen was from Cortland, New York.
Phillips, 2Lt. Duane Martin - B-29 (#44-86268) was on a combat mission over North Korea on April 07, 1951. F-84s escorting, when it was damaged by two MiGs. Two engines went out, the pilot ordered bail out, and the aircraft crashed into the water four miles off NW North Korea. Seven fighter aircraft and three SAR aircraft participated in SAR effort. Only crewman (2Lt. Charles Shallenberger) was rescued and one crew member became a POW (Pfc. James Lewis Jones). The rest are still missing in action. Phillips is MIA.
Phillis, 1Lt. William Kay - First Lieutenant Phillis was a crew member of a B-29A Superfortress Bomber ("Wolf Pack" #44-86343) with the 371st Bomber Squadron, 307th Bomber Wing based at Kadena Air Base, Okinawa. On September 13, 1952, while making a bomb run on the Suiho Hydroelectric Plant, his aircraft was hit by anti-aircraft fire. He was listed as Missing in Action and was presumed dead on February 28, 1954. Per William Blanchet: Bill Phillis was shot down over France, captured and held prisoner in Stalag Luft 1 during WW II. The East Tower of the Central State Hospital in Freehold, New Jersey was renamed in his honor and that of his brother-in-law Thomas Blanchet, a Marine Corp veteran of Okinawa.
Phy, 1Lt. Ralph Irwin - First Lieutenant Phy was the aircraft commander of a B-29 Superfortress Bomber (#44-27262) with the 370th Bomber Squadron, 307th Bomber Wing based at Kadena Air Base, Okinawa. On January 27, 1953 the aircraft was on a combat mission when it crashed three miles north of Suwon Air Base (K-13), South Korea, killing him and two other airmen. Lieutenant Phy was born May 16, 1916 and his home of record was Santa Monica, California.
Pickrell, SSgt. Homer A. - B-29 (#44-87754) had taken off from Guam on its way to its base near Mountain Home, Idaho when one of the engines failed about 15 minutes after takeoff and the crew turned around to go back to Guam, which is 3,700 miles west of Hawaii in the Pacific Ocean. During emergency landing at Andersen AFB, Guam, on December 17, 1953, the plane failed to reach the runway and crashed into an officers housing area at the base, demolishing ten homes and damaging three more. Nine of the 16 crew members were killed, as were seven on the ground. Pickrell was the left gunner/scanner on the aircraft. He risked his life to save that of Bob Jensen. Pickrell died of injuries the following day. In 1958 his father accepted the Soldiers Medal posthumously for his heroism.
Picucci, Capt. James Jerome - Navigator of (#45-48015), Captain Picucci was a crewman of a RB-45C Tornado reconnaissance aircraft with Reconnaissance Detachment A, 84th Bomber Squadron, U.S. Air Force. On December 4, 1950, while on a reconnaissance mission over the Yalu River, his aircraft was shot down by Russian MiG-15s. He was listed as Missing in Action and was presumed dead on February 28, 1954. 91st Strategic Reconnaissance Wing. TDY from 19th Bomb Wing. Captain Picucci was born October 23, 1918. His home of record was New York, New York. He was survived by a son James J. Picucci, Sacramento, California.
Pierson, 1Lt. Robert Leach "Sonny" - First Lieutenant Pierson was a crew member of a B-29A Superfortress Bomber ("Star Duster/Rough Roman" #44-69818) with the 28th Bomber Squadron, 19th Bomber Group. On July 7, 1953, as the aircraft was returning from a bombing mission, it crashed during the landing approach to Pohang Air Base (K-3). All thirteen airmen were killed. Lieutenant Pierson was born May 03, 1930, son of Edwin Gray and Imogene Leach Pierson. He is buried in Calvary Cemetery, Marlin, Texas.
Pillsbury, A/1c Danny - crew member of ("Southern Comfort" #44-61810), shot down by two Russian MiGs over Sea of Japan on June 13, 1952. All 12 crew members were lost.
Pitt, Cpl. Jimmie W. - He was a crew member on B-29 (#44-61908) flying out of Okinawa when it went down in the Sea of Japan on February 1, 1952, killing all of its 12-man crew. The wing of the bomber was struck by another B-29 (#42-65392) in the formation in which it was flying (a training flight), causing the planes to crash ten miles northwest of Kadena AFB, Okinawa. There were no survivors on #44-61908, but #42-86392 landed safely with no fatalities.
Pollak, Capt. Frank J. - navigator, lost at sea when his aircraft, ("Typhoon Goon II" #44-69770) disappeared on the morning of October 26, 1952 on a 14-hour over-water flight to obtain information about Typhoon Wilma.
Pope, A/2c James Dean - Crew member of (#42-65357). Shot down January 27, 1953. POW/MIA. Born November 30, 1931, he was from Cherryville, North Carolina. See "Shady Lady/Double or Nuthin' in the Aircraft Losses section.
Porter, A/1c James Howard - Airman First Class Porter was the radio operator of a B-29A Superfortress Bomber ("Wrights' Delights - They Chosin Flew" #44-86392) with the 345th Bomber Squadron, 98th Bomber Wing stationed at Yokota Air Base, Japan. On November 19, 1952, after completing a successful bomb run on Sonch'on, Korea, his aircraft was badly damaged by an enemy MiG. The crew bailed out a half mile north of Cho-do, North Korea. He was listed as Missing in Action and was presumed dead on November 20, 1953. Born in Bastrop, Louisiana, on September 26, 1930, his parents lived in Shreveport, Louisiana. He graduated High School in Vicksburg, Mississippi, 1949.
Poynor, 1Lt. Con Foley "C.F." - crew member of (#42-94045) (Captain Krumm's crew) when it was shot down over Namsi Air Field on Black Tuesday, October 23, 1951. Born July 17, 1918, he was the son of Murry Middleton and Pearl Zella Malear Pynor. His home of record was Eastland county, Texas. He had two brothers, Aubrey Lee and Ola B. Poynor.
Prachinack, S/Sgt. Joseph - On 5 August 1950, B-29 (#44-87651) crashed, burned, and exploded five minutes after takeoff from Fairfield-Suisun AFB, CA, causing fatal injuries to 12 crewmen and passengers. Eight crewmen and passengers received minor injures. Extensive damage to private and government property and injuries to both civilian and military personnel were caused by a subsequent explosion of the bomb on the aircraft. At the time of the crash, the aircraft was carrying a significant bomb load. Sergeant Prachinack was born October 26, 1913.
Prasnikar, A/2c James C. - His aircraft ("Bust 'N The Blue" #44-62167) crashed on August 30, 1952, four miles north of Taegu. He and all 11 other crew members died. His body was recovered. James was born October 19, 1931. His home of record was Harwick, Pennsylvania. He enlisted in the Air Force on March 23, 1951. He is buried in the Deer Creek Cemetery, Cheswick, Pennsylvania.
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Quinn, Capt. Francis Xavier - Search and rescue plane (SB-29 #44-69982) of the 52d Air Rescue Squadron, 6th Air Rescue Group, based at Harmon Air Force Base, Newfoundland, was sent out to assist in search efforts on March 18, 1953 to find a missing B-36 bomber (Convair B-36H 51-13721). The B-29 disappeared shortly before landing, crashing into St. Georges Bay, a few miles from the runway, killing all ten crew members. He was born July 25, 1923 and was from Dorchester, Massachusetts. He was a World War II veteran.
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Rackley, Cpl. Carroll L. - Four minutes after take-off, his aircraft ("Heart's Desire" #44-86400) struck a small hill near the village of Daimon, six miles northwest of Yokota AB, Japan and burned on March 31, 1952. He was a fatality. Born January 31, 1929, he was the son of Lee and Hazel Caroline Breashears Rackley.
Radelin, A/2c Earl William Jr. - His B-29 ("Little Red Ass" RB50G-#47145) flew from Honshu on a mission in North Korea and was shot down over Sea of Japan southeast of Vladivostok at 42-17N, 133-15 East, by two Soviet pilots (Yablonskiy and Rybakov) in the region of Cape Gamor on July 29, 1953 while on a secret mission. All crew but one (1Lt. John Roche) were lost.
Rainey, Cpl. Samuel H. - While returning from a mission over North Korea, his B-29 ("Vicious Roomer" #44-62042) had an engine fire, and the order was given to bailout on March 28, 1952. Four crew parachuted out, but only one landed on ground. Corporal Rainey and the two others perished from exposure in the ocean. The next day, searchers found two bodies but Cpl. Rainey was lost at sea. Born January 23, 1933, he was the son of Abraham and Margaret Rainey of Mt. Ephraim, New Jersey. He enlisted in the Air Force on July 06, 1950. He was an aerial gunner.
Rash, A/1c David Elton - Search and rescue plane (SB-29 (#44-69982) of the 52d Air Rescue Squadron, 6th Air Rescue Group, based at Harmon Air Force Base, Newfoundland, was sent out to assist in search efforts on March 18, 1953 to find a missing B-36 bomber (Convair B-36H 51-13721). The B-29 disappeared shortly before landing, crashing into St. Georges Bay, a few miles from the runway, killing all ten crew members. Airman Rash was born October 12, 1929 in Beaverton, Oregon.
Reeve, Pfc. Leonard Andrew - On 5 August 1950, B-29 (#44-87651) crashed, burned, and exploded five minutes after takeoff from Fairfield-Suisun AFB, CA, causing fatal injuries to 12 crewmen and passengers. Eight crewmen and passengers received minor injures. Extensive damage to private and government property and injuries to both civilian and military personnel were caused by a subsequent explosion of the bomb on the aircraft. At the time of the crash, the aircraft was carrying a significant bomb load. Born April 10, 1930, he was the son of Victor and Ellen Stewart Reeve. He enlisted in the US Air Force on January 06, 1949. He is buried in Sunset View Cemetery, el Cerrito, California.
Rehm, 1Lt. Harry Marshall - First Lieutenant Rehm was a veteran of World War II. In Korea, he was a bombardier on a B-29A Superfortress Bomber (#44-62011) with the 28th Bomber Squadron, 19th Bomber Group. On December 30, 1952, after delivering bombs on the enemy near Taesong-Dong, North Korea, the aircraft was attacked by MiG fighters, and the crew was ordered to bail out about 25 miles north of Pyongyang. He was listed as Missing in Action and was presumed dead on December 31, 1953. He was born in Whitehall, New York, and lived in Clemons, New York.
Reiche, 2Lt. Paul Richard - He was declared MIA when his B-29 (#44-62083) was lost on a training mission in the Sea of Japan on January 31, 1952. Speculation among others stationed in Okinawa was that bomb aboard the aircraft detonated accidentally in route to their target killing everyone onboard. Paul was born on April 6, 1923, son of Paul Adolph and Elizabeth Rewoldt Reiche. He enlisted at Carpentersville, Illinois.
Reid, A/1c Elbert Josephus Jr. - Staff Sergeant Reid was a crew member of a B-29A Superfortress Bomber ("Hot to Go" #44-62183) with the 28th Bomber Squadron, 19th Bomber Group. On June 10, 1952, while on a night mission, the aircraft was hit by rocket fire from a MiG near Kwaksan, North Korea and exploded. He was listed as Missing in Action and was presumed dead on February 28, 1954.
Reilly, TSgt. John Miles - B-29 (#44-87754) had taken off from Guam on its way to its base near Mountain Home, Idaho when one of the engines failed about 15 minutes after takeoff and the crew turned around to go back to Guam, which is 3,700 miles west of Hawaii in the Pacific Ocean. During emergency landing at Andersen AFB, Guam, on December 17, 1953, the plane failed to reach the runway and crashed into an officers housing area at the base, demolishing ten homes and damaging three more. Nine of the 16 crew members were killed, as were seven on the ground. Sergeant Reilly was one of the fatalities. Born October 09, 1923, he was survived by his widow, Arlene Isabell Osborn Reilly (1924-2012). Both are buried in Golden Gate National Cemetery, San Bruno, California. On July 01, 1957, Arlene Reilly married Richard H. Hoenck.
Reynolds, Pfc. William E. - His aircraft (#44-87774) rammed B-29 (#44-62223) on March 12, 1952 near San Antonio, Texas. Both planes crashed and all personnel were killed in this mid-air collision. B-29 #44-87774 had a crew of eight. Pfc. Reynolds was born in 1931, the son of Gertrude E. Reynolds (1900-1917). There is a marker for him in Moshassuck Cemetery, Central Falls, Rhode Island.
Rice, Sgt. John Andrew - Attached to 98th Bomb Wing, B-29 (#44-86371) was hit by AAA over Pyongyang on May 07, 1951. It damaged No. 3 & 4 engines hit which possibly caused explosion, lost wing, 4-5 chutes observed, Navy SA-16 and USS Bataan fighter aircraft conducted SAR effort with negative results. Rice, who was from Cleveland, Ohio, is missing in action.
Richards, 2Lt. Harold G. - Four minutes after take-off, his aircraft ("Heart's Desire" #44-86400) struck a small hill near the village of Daimon, six miles northwest of Yokota AB, Japan and burned on March 31, 1952. He was a fatality.
Richards, Capt. Norman Orin - Captain Richards, from Los Gatos, California, was the Aircraft Commander pilot of U.S. Air Force KB-29M Superfortress (#44-87782), serving with the 43rd Aerial Refueling Squadron, 43rd Bomber Wing. The aircraft experienced engine failures on takeoff, and was attempting to return to the airfield at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base near Tucson, Arizona, when it crashed short of the runway. All eight aboard were killed. Captain Richards was born December 04, 1918. He is buried in Golden Gate Cemetery, San Bruno, California.
Richardson, Cpl. Robert - Aircraft (#44-62078), based out of March AFB, crashed at Prairie Bay, Azores, on December 07, 1951. The plane was on its way home for Christmas when it got caught in tail winds and crashed into the sea shortly after takeoff. The men had been in England for three months on a routine training mission. Corporal Richardson was from St. Joseph, Missouri.
Ries, 1Lt. Dale Richard - On September 19, 1951, while on a leaflet dropping mission, his aircraft ("Miss Manuki/Squeeze Play" #44-86415) developed engine problems and it was ditched in the Sea of Japan. Its entire crew was lost.
Riley, Cpl. Donald Louis - Corporal Riley was a crew member of a B-29A Superfortress Bomber ("Miss Manukie/Squeeze Play" #44-86415) with the 343rd Bomber Squadron, 98th Bomber Wing. On September 19, 1951, while on a leaflet dropping mission, his aircraft developed engine problems and it was ditched in the Sea of Japan. He was listed as Missing in Action and was presumed dead on July 29, 1952. He was survived by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Orlie Riley of Canton, Illinois. Donald attended schools in Canton prior to enlistment.
Ritter, SSgt. Thomas Warren - Staff Sergeant Ritter was a crew member of a B-29A Superfortress Bomber (RB-45 #21749) with the 93rd Bomber Squadron, 19th Bomber Group. On March 29, 1951, while on a combat mission, his aircraft lost two engines over the East China Sea, northwest of Okinawa. He was listed as Missing in Action and was presumed dead on December 18, 1951. Sergeant Ritter was born July 2, 1925. His home of record was McAlester, Oklahoma.
Roberts, Capt. John Luverne - Captain Roberts was a crew member of a B-29A Superfortress Bomber ("Bait Me" #44-69802) with the 93rd Bomber Squadron, 19th Bomber Group. On September 12, 1952, while on a combat mission, the aircraft's wings iced up and caused the aircraft to stall and crash 21 miles southwest of Kangnung, South Korea. His remains were recovered. He is buried with Lieutenant Merle T. Ayers and Airman Second Class George D. Jones, Jr. at Zachary Taylor National Cemetery. He was born June 01, 1923 and his home of record was Rockford, Illinois
Robie, Lt. Norbert Leo - Four minutes after take-off, his aircraft ("Heart's Desire" #44-86400) struck a small hill near the village of Daimon, six miles northwest of Yokota AB, Japan and burned on March 31, 1952. He was a fatality.
Rochelle, Cpl. Burton H. - Corporal Rochelle, from Los Angeles, California, son of Harold Burton Rochelle, was a crewmember aboard U.S. Air Force KB-29M Superfortress (#44-87782), serving with the 43rd Aerial Refueling Squadron, 43rd Bomber Wing. The aircraft experienced engine failures on takeoff, and was attempting to return to the airfield at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base near Tucson, Arizona, when it crashed short of the runway. All eight aboard were killed. Corporal Rochelle was born July 03, 1931 in Kansas.
Rocklage, Capt. Harry William Jr. - On September 19, 1951, while on a leaflet dropping mission, his aircraft ("Miss Manuki/Squeeze Play" #44-86415) developed engine problems and it was ditched in the Sea of Japan. Its entire crew was lost.
Rodney, A2c Daryl Erwin - Airman First Class Rodney was the right gunner of a B-29A Superfortress Bomber (#44-62011) with the 28th Bomber Squadron, 19th Bomber Group. On December 30, 1952, after delivering bombs on the enemy near Taesong-Dong, North Korea, the aircraft was attacked by MiG fighters. The crew was ordered to bail out about 25 miles north of Pyongyang. He was listed as Missing in Action and was presumed dead on December 31, 1953. Although the official government status is MIA, there are existing documents stating he was taken POW. He was known as "Rod." Graduated High School, San Luis Obispo, California, 1945.
Rohan, Cpl. Edmond H. - He was a member of the crew of ("Dragon Lady" #44-61835) when its #3 engine caught fire and a wing blew away on October 31, 1951. Ten of the 12 crew members perished when the aircraft crashed 40 miles north of Kadena.
Rood, 1Lt. Raymond J. - First Lieutenant Rood was a crew member of a B-29A Superfortress Bomber (#44-27314) with the 370th Bomber Squadron, 307th Bomber Wing. On December 4, 1951, while departing on a combat mission, one engine quit after take-off and the aircraft crashed five miles east of Kadena Air Base, Okinawa, killing nine crew members. Lieutenant Rood was born October 23, 1921. He is buried in Pine Rest Cemetery, Foley, Alabama.
Roper, Maj. Hillard Marshall - His aircraft ("Bust 'N The Blue" #44-62167) crashed on August 30, 1952, four miles north of Taegu. He and all 11 other crew members died. His body was recovered. Major Roper was born October 03, 1916. His home of record was Auburn, Alabama.
Rose, Cpl. William Wilbur - Aircraft (#45-21814) was shot down by MiGs about seven miles southwest of Kusong, North Korea while on a bombing mission near the Yalu River on November 10, 1950. Corporal Rose was taken POW and is MIA.
Ross, Paul Clement - pilot of (#44-62166) when the aircraft caught fire northeast of Ocho-o, South Korea on July 22, 1952. The plane crashed at Taegu, killing all 13 crew members. Ross was born January 26, 1923 and left behind a 28 year old wife and 6 year old daughter.
Ross, A/2c Robert Lewis - Staff Sergeant Ross was a crew member of a B-29A Superfortress Bomber ("Hot to Go" #44-62183) with the 28th Bomber Squadron, 19th Bomber Group. On June 10, 1952, while on a night mission, his aircraft was hit by rocket fire from a MiG near Kwaksan, North Korea and exploded. He was listed as Missing in Action and was presumed dead on February 28, 1954. He was born March 04, 1931, the son of Elizabeth F. Ross. His home of record is Rockville, Indiana.
Rottier, Capt. Donald Leonard - His aircraft was rammed by B-29 (#44-87774) on March 12, 1952. Both planes crashed and all personnel were killed. There were seven crew members who lost their lives that day while on a transition flight on B-29 #44-62223. Captain Rottier was born April 17, 1915.
Roy, Capt. William A. - Search and rescue plane (SB-29 (#44-69982) of the 52d Air Rescue Squadron, 6th Air Rescue Group, based at Harmon Air Force Base, Newfoundland, was sent out to assist in search efforts on March 18, 1953 to find a missing B-36 bomber (Convair B-36H 51-13721). The B-29 disappeared shortly before landing, crashing into St. Georges Bay, a few miles from the runway, killing all ten crew members. Born on May 23, 1920 in Bexar County, Texas, he was the son of William and Annie McDermott Roy. He was the husband of Eleanor Mary Null (1921-1995).
Royer, 1Lt. Ted Grover - Captain Royer was a crew member of a B-29A Superfortress Bomber ("Wolf Pack" #44-86343) with the 371st Bomber Squadron, 307th Bomber Wing based at Kadena Air Base, Okinawa. On September 13, 1952, while making a bomb run on the Suiho Hydroelectric Plant, his aircraft was hit by anti-aircraft fire. His remains were not recovered. Lieutenant Royer was born September 06, 1920. His home of record was Houston, Texas.
Ruble, 1Lt. Winfred L. - He was a member of the crew of ("Dragon Lady" #44-61835) when its #3 engine caught fire and a wing blew away on October 31, 1951. Ten of the 12 crew members perished when the aircraft crashed 40 miles north of Kadena.
Rudat, Capt. Fred Otto "Fritz" - Captain Rudat was a crew member of a B-29A Superfortress Bomber ("Lucky Dog" #44-86370) with the 93rd Bomber Squadron, 19th Bomber Group based at Kadena Air Base, Okinawa. On April 12, 1951, while on a bombing mission, his aircraft was attacked by an enemy MiGs and it was ditched. He was listed as Missing in Action and was presumed dead on January 31, 1954. Born on July 11, 1920, his parents were Otto C. Rudat and Anna Marie Weiss Rudat. His home of record was Columbus, Nebraska.
Rush, 2Lt. Malcolm L. - Second Lieutenant Rush was a crew member of a B-29A Superfortress Bomber ("United Notions" #44-27326) with the 372th Bomber Squadron, 307th Bomber Wing based at Kadena Air Base, Okinawa. On September 13, 1951, the aircraft was on a combat mission when it crashed into a mountain near Taem-dong, South Korea killing all 14 servicemen on board Lieutenant Rush was the beloved husband of Iva Lee, father of Malcolm J., son of Milo and Mary Rush, brother of Mrs. Melba Cross of New York, and Dwight. He is buried in Lake View Cemetery, Cleveland, Ohio.
Ruska, MSgt. James Sr. - He was declared MIA when his B-29 (#44-62083) was lost on a training mission in the Sea of Japan on January 31, 1952. Speculation among others stationed in Okinawa was that bombs aboard the aircraft detonated accidentally en route to their target killing everyone onboard. James was born March 12, 1917 and was married with at least one child (James) when this accident occurred. James Ruska Sr. enlisted in the Air Force in New York, New York.
Russell, A/2c Charles Joseph Jr. - His B-29 ("Little Red Ass" RB50G-#47145) flew from Honshu on a mission in North Korea and was shot down over Sea of Japan southeast of Vladivostok at 42-17N, 133-15 East, by two Soviet pilots (Yablonskiy and Rybakov) in the region of Cape Gamor on July 29, 1953 while on a secret mission. All crew members but one (1Lt. John Roche) were lost. Charles Russell was born August 25, 1932, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
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Salisbury, Maj. George R. - Major Salisbury was a crew member of a B-29A Superfortress Bomber(#44-27314) with the 370th Bomber Squadron, 307th Bomber Wing. On December 4, 1951, while departing on a combat mission, one engine quit after take-off and the aircraft crashed five miles east of Kadena Air Base, Okinawa, killing nine crew members. He was one of the nine.
Sanders, Maj. Earl Jackson Jr. - The wings on ("Bait Me" #44-69802) iced up, the aircraft stalled, and it crashed 21 miles southwest of Kangnung, South Korea on September 13, 1952. Sanders was born November 24, 1922 and was from Georgia. He is buried in Arlington National Cemetery.
Sanders, Sgt. James Richard Jr. - Aircraft (#45-21814) was shot down by MiGs about seven miles southwest of Kusong, North Korea while on a bombing mission near the Yalu River on November 10, 1950. Sergeant Sanders died while a POW.
Sanderson, Capt. Warren John - His B-29 ("Little Red Ass" RB50G-#47145) flew from Honshu on a mission in North Korea and was shot down over Sea of Japan southeast of Vladivostok at 42-17N, 133-15 East, by two Soviet pilots (Yablonskiy and Rybakov) in the region of Cape Gamor on July 29, 1953 while on a secret mission. All crew members but one (1Lt. John Roche) were lost.
Schafer, Sgt. John - This aircraft (#44-62078), based out of March AFB, crashed at Prairie Bay, Azores, on December 07, 1951. The plane was on its way home for Christmas when it got caught in tail winds and crashed into the sea shortly after takeoff. The men had been in England for three months on a routine training mission. Sergeant Schafer, age 29, was from Venice, California.
Schemp, M/Sgt. Claude Desault Jr. - USAF Strategic Air Command experimental project MX-1018, Project Tip-Tow, an attempt to extend fighter escort for bombers on long-range missions by coupling a pair of Republic F-84s onto bomber wingtips, suffered a setback when EF-84D, 48-641, lost control, rolled upside down, and hit the wing of Boeing ETB-29A-60-BN Superfortress (#44-62093), sending both aircraft down to crash in Peconic Bay, New York, on April 24, 1953. The program was immediately cancelled. The B-29 had five crew members and fatalities. Sergeant Schemp was the son of Claude Desault and Amy Jane Dew Schemp and the brother of Elizabeth Jane and Herbert A. Schemp. He was born in 1919 and is buried in Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, St. Louis.
Schmitt, A/2c Warren Wendolem - Airman Second Class Schmitt was a crew member of a B-29A Superfortress Bomber (#44-62073) with the 370th Bomber Squadron, 307th Bomber Wing. On November 8, 1952, while on a night bombing mission, his aircraft was hit by anti-aircraft fire and crashed. He was listed as Missing in Action and was presumed dead on November 9, 1953. Central Fire Control. He was born on August 30, 1921, son of William W. and Francis L. Schmitt of Iowa.
Schneidt, Capt. Norman William - Captain Schneidt was a veteran of World War II. In Korea, he was a crew member of a B-29A Superfortress Bomber (#44-62073) with the 370th Bomber Squadron, 307th Bomber Wing. On November 8, 1952, while on a night bombing mission, his aircraft was hit midsection by a Russian MiG and crashed. He was listed as Missing in Action and was presumed dead on November 9, 1953. He was born November 01, 1922 in Hoboken, New Jersey and attended high school in Hudson, New York.
Schooley, 1Lt. James M. - died when B-29 ("Over Exposed" #44-61813) was damaged by MiG-15 and crash landed short of Johnson Air Base, Japan, on November 09, 1950. He was a member of the 20th Weather Squadron, a weather officer and navigator for the 2015th Weather Detachment based at Tachikawa, Japan. He was from Robertson, Missouri.
Schulz, SSgt. Hayden C. - Attached to the 55th SRS (M) Weather at McClellan AFB, California, his B-29 weather plane (WB-29 #44-87756) crashed on April 05, 1952 as it approached for landing at McClellan Air Force Base, Sacramento, California. The crash occurred three miles short of the runway after returning from a 19-hour flight. Born in 1929, he is buried in Swiftwater Cemetery, Swiftwater, Pennsylvania. He was a flight mechanic.
Schuman, TSgt. Arthur Henry - He was declared MIA when his B-29 (#44-62083) was lost on a training mission in the Sea of Japan on January 31, 1952. Speculation among others stationed in Okinawa was that bombs aboard the aircraft detonated accidentally en route to their target killing everyone onboard. Arthur was stationed at Pearl Harbor in the Army when it was attacked on Pearl Harbor Day. He survived the attack to return home and then enlist in the Air Force. He was an instructor at Chanute before being transferred to the Far East Command during the Korean War. He was married to Lula Olive Bledsaw and they had three children, Gary Eugene, Sandra Sue, and Cheryl Lynn. Cheryl was born after her father's plane went missing. Mrs. Schuman never remarried. Cheryl died at the age of 32. Arthur's son and daughter still live in Decatur, Illinois. Interestingly, there were two Decatur men (and one from Springfield, Illinois not far from Decatur) on 44-62083 when the plane was lost that day.
Schwab, A/2c Edward Anthony - Crew member of (#42-65357). Shot down January 27, 1953. POW/MIA. Born March 26, 1932, he was from Java, New York. See "Shady Lady/Double or Nuthin' in the Aircraft Losses section.
Scites, A/2c Clinton Eugene - Airman Second Class Scites was a crew member of a B-29A Superfortress ("Fujigmo" #44-62166) from the 371st Bomber Squadron, 19th Bomber Group, 307th Bomber Wing. On July 22, 1952, while on a combat mission, his aircraft caught fire northeast of Ocho-o, South Korea and crashed. All thirteen airmen were killed. Scites was born June 02, 1932. His home of record was Huntington, West Virginia.
Scott, 1Lt. Dale Walton - His aircraft (#44-87774) rammed B-29 (#44-62223) on March 12, 1952 near San Antonio, Texas. Both planes crashed and all personnel were killed in this mid-air collision. B-29 #44-87774 had a crew of eight. He was born Decwember 18, 1919 in Wichita, Kansas, son of Hobart W. Scott (1896-1979). A World War II and Korean War veteran, there is a memorial marker for him in Cement Cemetery, Cement, Oklahoma.
Scott, Sgt. James Robert - Sergeant Scott was a crew member of a B-29A Superfortress Bomber (#44-86415) with the 343rd Bomber Squadron, 98th Bomber Wing. On September 19, 1951, while on a leaflet dropping mission, his aircraft developed engine problems and it was ditched in the Sea of Japan. He was listed as Missing in Action and was presumed dead on July 29, 1952. Born on September 24, 1913, his home of record was Laurel, Mississippi.
Scully, 1Lt. James A. - crew member of ("Southern Comfort" #44-61810), shot down by two Russian MiGs over Sea of Japan on June 13, 1952. All 12 crew members were lost.
Seagoe, TSgt. Richard David - Technical Sergeant Seagoe was a veteran of World War II. In Korea, he was a crew member of a B-29A Superfortress Bomber (#44-86327) with the 343rd Bomber Squadron, 98th Bomber Wing. On June 1, 1951, while bombing a railroad bridge at Kwaksan, his aircraft was attacked by MiGs setting its wing on fire. Some crewmen were able to parachute into enemy lines. He was listed as Missing in Action and was presumed dead on January 31, 1954. He was from St. Petersburg, Florida.
Seals, 1Lt. Moses Grant - His aircraft was rammed by B-29 (#44-87774) on March 12, 1952. Both planes crashed and all personnel were killed. There were seven crew members who lost their lives that day while on a transition flight on B-29 #44-62223. Moses Seals ws born June 08, 1920. He was a World War II/Korean War veteran from Texas. He was survived by his wife, Evelyn Terry Kizer Seals (1925-1991), who later married Ivan E. Nyberg.
Sedler, Cpl. Mark A. - He was a crew member on B-29 (#44-61908) flying out of Okinawa when it went down in the Sea of Japan on February 1, 1952, killing all of its 12-man crew. The wing of the bomber was struck by another B-29 (#42-65392) in the formation in which it was flying (a training flight), causing the planes to crash ten miles northwest of Kadena AFB, Okinawa. There were no survivors on #44-61908, but #42-86392 landed safely with no fatalities.
Service, Capt. Samuel D. - crew member of ("Southern Comfort" #44-61810), shot down by two Russian MiGs over Sea of Japan on June 13, 1952. All 12 crew members were lost.
Sestak, 2Lt. Myron Frederick - At 0131 hours on November 19, 1952, his aircraft ("Wright's Delights', They Chosen Flew" #44-86392) was on a bombing mission over Songhon. On return it was hit by fighters. The aircraft went down approximately eight miles north of Chodo Island after fire and order to bail out. Lieutenant Sestak was shot in the head. He was born April 25, 1920.
Shaddick, 2Lt. John Philip - Crew member of ("Shady Lady/Double or Nuthin" #42-65357). Shot down January 27, 1953. POW/MIA. He was born October 17, 1927.
Shaffer, M/Sgt. Don D. - USAF Strategic Air Command experimental project MX-1018, Project Tip-Tow, an attempt to extend fighter escort for bombers on long-range missions by coupling a pair of Republic F-84s onto bomber wingtips, suffered a setback when EF-84D, 48-641, lost control, rolled upside down, and hit the wing of Boeing ETB-29A-60-BN Superfortress (#44-62093), sending both aircraft down to crash in Peconic Bay, New York, on April 24, 1953. The program was immediately cancelled. The B-29 had five crew members and fatalities. Sergeant Shaffer was born December 29, 1919, and was the husband of Helen Louise Hay Shaffer (1919-2005). He is buried in Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, St. Louis, Missouri.
Shaw, 2Lt. James Earl III - Returning to Randolph Air Force Base, Texas, after a seven-hour training flight, this aircraft (#45-21771) crashed ten miles southwest of Seguin, Texas on January 11, 1951. At 8,000 feet the pilot, Captain Norman A. Bivens, cut off the automatic pilot and began descending through an overcast, flying on instruments. Bivens reported losing all flight instruments and the aircraft became uncontrollable. Six of the crew members were killed, while five others parachuted to safety. Born January 17, 1929 in Grenada, Mississippi, Lieutenant Shaw was the son of James Earl and Louise Honeycutt Shaw. He is buried in Woodlawn Memorial Park, Grenada. He was the radio operator on the B-29 that day.
Shaw, 2Lt. Robert J. - (WB29 #44-61640) plunged into the sea on February 26, 1952 while on a typhoon tracking mission. Its number one engine burst into flames. The B-29 was based at the 54th SRS (M) Weather at Andersen AFB, Guam. Lieutenant Shaw was one of six missing crewmen.
Shields, Capt. Thomas Lester - pilot on (#44-70151) on Black Tuesday on October 23, 1951. Crew bailed out in Chinnampo, North Korea area. Captain Shields was a senior pilot and aircraft commander of a B-29A Superfortress with the 370th Bomber Squadron, 307th Bomber Wing (Medium). During a savage air battle with enemy MiGs on October 23, 1951, his aircraft was badly damaged. He flew it towards the coast where his crew could be rescued. As the last of his crew bailed out, he was still at the controls. He was presumed dead on December 31, 1953.
Shipman, A/2c Joseph Robert - This aircraft (#44-83985) crashed "with terrific force" in a marshy swamp about seven and a half miles south-southwest of Hunter AFB, Savannah, Georgia, home base of the B-29, on July 10, 1953. The B-29 was on a training mission, and an explosion was believed to be the probable cause. The B-29 slammed into the muck alongside Rock Fish Creek, and the wreckage was spotted about 9:25 a.m. the next day by a Navy helicopter which joined in the search being conducted by search parties pushing through swampland on flatboats. It was found near the mouth of the Ageechee River. All ten crew members were killed. Airman Shipman was born on February 2, 1932. He is buried in Garden of Memories Cemetery, Tampa, Florida
Shipp, A/3c Thomas G. - shot down by two Soviet LA-11 fighters near Yuri Island while on a photo mission over Northern Hokkaido on October 07, 1952. All eight crew members of the ("Sunbonnet King" #44-61815) were lost.
Shook, TSgt. George R. - Attached to the 55th SRS (M) Weather at McClellan AFB, California, his B-29 weather plane (WB-29 #44-87756) crashed on April 05, 1952 as it approached for landing at McClellan Air Force Base, Sacramento, California. The crash occurred three miles short of the runway after returning from a 19-hour flight. The flight engineer, he was from North Highlands, California.
Sides, A/1c Jimmy Carter - KIA on ("Lubricating Lady" #44-61751) on October 31, 1952. Born December 3, 1933. Airman First Class Sides was a crew member of a B-29A Superfortress Bomber with the 93rd Bomber Squadron, 19th Bomber Wing based at Kadena Air Force Base, Okinawa. On October 31, 1952, when his aircraft was returning from a mission over Korea and was about 110 miles from Kadena, it developed engine trouble and crashed into the ocean. Eleven crew members were lost.
Simpson, Capt. Richard Harold - MIA on April 12, 1951 when his plane, ("Hot Box" #44-69682) was attacked by MiGs and crashed into a mountain near Sinuiju. Remains recovered in 2007. Captain Simpson was born July 25, 1923 in Huron County, Michigan. He was a decorated World War II veteran.
Skinner, 1Lt. Preston - First Lieutenant Skinner was a crew member of a B-29A Superfortress Bomber ("Miss Jackie The Rebel" #44-61967) with the 30th Bomber Squadron, 19th Bomber Wing. On June 10, 1952, after completing a bomb run, the aircraft was hit by anti-aircraft fire near a railroad bridge at Kwaksan, North Korea, and contact was lost. He was listed as Missing in Action and was presumed dead on December 31, 1953. He was born May 27, 1923. His home of record was Long Beach, California.
Slavicek, A1/c Glen Leroy - Airman First Class Slavicek was a crew member B-29A Superfortress Bomber ("Bust 'N The Blue" #44-62167) with the 344th Bomb Squadron, 98th Bomb Wing. On August 30, 1952, while on a bombing mission, the aircraft crashed four miles north of Taegu, South Korea. All twelve crew members perished. His remains were recovered. Glen was born January 1, 1931. His home of record was Oroville, California.
Sleppy, MSgt. Marvin Elwood - Sergeant Sleppy was killed while a crew member of ("Lubricating Lady" #33-61751) on October 31, 1952. Born November 05, 1921, he was from Springdale, Pennsylvania.
Smith, Maj. Daniel D. Jr. - Major Smith was a crew member of a B-29A Superfortress Bomber ("Tail Wind/Burke's Jerks/Sweet Judy II" #45-21721) with the 345th Bomber Squadron, 98th Bomber Wing. On February 7, 1952, while departing on a combat mission, his aircraft crashed during snow three miles northwest of Yokota Air Base, Japan. Smith was born February 17, 1921. He was from Texas.
Smith, Capt. Hal R. - He was a crew member on B-29 (#44-61908) flying out of Okinawa when it went down in the Sea of Japan on February 1, 1952, killing all of its 12-man crew. The wing of the bomber was struck by another B-29 (#42-65392) in the formation in which it was flying (a training flight), causing the planes to crash ten miles northwest of Kadena AFB, Okinawa. There were no survivors on #44-61908, but #42-86392 landed safely with no fatalities.
Sorensen, T/Sgt. Gale Lloyd - Aircraft (#44-62078), based out of March AFB, crashed at Prairie Bay, Azores, on December 07, 1951. The plane was on its way home for Christmas when it got caught in tail winds and crashed into the sea shortly after takeoff. The men had been in England for three months on a routine training mission. Sergeant Sorensen was born July 29, 1923.
Spain, A/2c Charles Ogan - Airman Second Class Spain was a crew member of a B-29A Superfortress ("Fujigmo" #44-62166) from the 371st Bomber Squadron, 19th Bomber Group, 307th Bomber Wing. On July 22, 1952, while on a combat mission, his aircraft caught fire northeast of Ocho-o, South Korea and crashed. All thirteen airmen were killed. Born January 15, 1933, Spain's home of record was Mayfield, Kentucky.
Spann, Cpl. John - Corporal Spann was a crew member of a B-29A Superfortress Bomber ("United Notions" #44-27326) with the 372th Bomber Squadron, 307th Bomber Wing based at Kadena Air Base, Okinawa. On September 13, 1951, the aircraft was on a combat mission when it crashed into a mountain near Taem-dong, South Korea killing all 14 servicemen on board. Born June 21, 1929, his home of record was Abbeville, Alabama. He is buried in Ebenezer Cemetery, Abbeville.
Spence, Maj. Marvin James - Major Spence was a crew member of a B-29A Superfortress Bomber ("United Notions" #44-62084) with the 325th Bomber Squadron, 92nd Bomber Group. On September 9, 1950, while on a bombing mission, his aircraft was hit by anti-aircraft fire and exploded mid-air near Wolbong-ni. Five parachutes were seen. He was listed as Missing in Action and was presumed dead on March 31, 1954. He was from Erie, Pennsylvania.
Springer, T/Sgt. Ellsworth - Techical Sergeant Springer, from Tucson, Arizona, was the Flight Engineer aboard U.S. Air Force KB-29M Superfortress (#44-87782), serving with the 43rd Aerial Refueling Squadron, 43rd Bomber Wing. The aircraft experienced engine failures on takeoff, and was attempting to return to the airfield at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base near Tucson, when it crashed short of the runway. All eight aboard were killed. Sergeant Springer was born March 31, 1911.
Sproul, Capt. Harold R. - KIA on ("Dragon Lady" #44-61835) when the aircraft took a hit on the left side of the cockpit on April 12, 1951, killing the pilot and bombardier. Sproul was the bombardier. Sproul was from Keyport, New Jersey. He was a husband, and the father of a two-year old daughter named Jackie Sproul (now Kane). He is buried in Arlington National Cemetery.
Stagg, A/1c Westervelt Charles Jr. - Airman First Class Stagg was a crew member of a B-29A Superfortress Bomber ("Miss Jackie the Rebel" #44-61967) with the 30th Bomber Squadron, 19th Bomber Wing. On June 10, 1952, after completing a bomb run, the aircraft was hit by anti-aircraft fire near a railroad bridge at Kwaksan, North Korea, and contact was lost. He was listed as Missing in Action and was presumed dead on December 31, 1953. Wes Stagg was born September 18, 1930 in Rutherford, New Jersey. He attended Rutherford High School.
Stalnaker, Capt. Robert Eldon - His B-29 ("Little Red Ass" RB50G-#47145) flew from Honshu on a mission in North Korea and was shot down over Sea of Japan southeast of Vladivostok at 42-17N, 133-15 East, by two Soviet pilots (Yablonskiy and Rybakov) in the region of Cape Gamor on July 29, 1953 while on a secret mission. All crew but one (1Lt. John Roche) were lost.
Stanley, Sgt. Otha Paul - Staff Sergeant Stanley was a crew member of a B-29A Superfortress Bomber (#42-94072) with the 371st Bomber Squadron, 307th Bomber Wing based at Kadena Air Base, Okinawa. On September 8, 1950, while returning from a bombing mission over Korea, his aircraft crashed into the East China Sea five miles north of Okinawa, killing eight crew members. His remains were not recovered. He was born October 22, 1919. His home of record was Chapel Hill, North Carolina.
Stevenson, A/2c Frank James - Crew member of ("Shady Lady/Double or Nuthin'" #42-65357). Shot down January 27, 1953. POW/MIA. Born February 26, 1934, he was from Camden, New Jersey.
Stinnett, Pfc. Clem Lee - He was declared MIA when his B-29 (#44-62083) was lost on a training mission in the Sea of Japan on January 31, 1952. Speculation among others stationed in Okinawa was that bombs aboard the aircraft detonated accidentally en route to their target killing everyone onboard. Born June 14, 1920, his home of record was Cushing, Oklahoma.
Stoddard, Maj. Robert W. - Major Stodfdard was a crew member of a B-29 Superfortress Bomber (#44-83985) with the 2nd Air Rescue Squadron, 2nd Bomber Wing based at Hunter Air Force Base, Georgia. On July 10, 1953, his aircraft crashed about seven miles from Hunter AFB, killing all 10 crew members. Stoddard was from Decatur, Illinois.
Stokes, Sgt. Sherrill L. - Sergeant Stokes was a crew member of a B-29A Superfortress Bomber (#44-27314) with the 370th Bomber Squadron, 307th Bomber Wing. On December 4, 1951, while departing on a combat mission, one engine quit after take-off and the aircraft crashed five miles east of Kadena Air Base, Okinawa, killing nine crew members. Sergeant Stokes was born August 02, 1932 in Massac County, Illinois, the son of Lester E. and Lucille Stokes. He is buried in the IOOF Cemetery in Metropolis, Illinois.
Stoll, Sgt. Edward J. - Attached to 98th Bomb Wing, B-29 (#44-86371) was hit by AAA over Pyongyang on May 07, 1951. It damaged No. 3 & 4 engines hit which possibly caused explosion, lost wing, 4-5 chutes observed, Navy SA-16 and USS Bataan fighter aircraft conducted SAR effort with negative results. Sergeant Stoll is missing in action.
Stopa, 2Lt. Dewey - Crew member of ("Shady Lady/Double or Nuthin'" #42-65357). Shot down January 27, 1953. 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.
Strieff, SSgt. Leon Charles - Staff Sergeant Strieff was a crew member of a B-29A Superfortress Bomber (#42-94072) with the 371st Bomber Squadron, 307th Bomber Wing based at Kadena Air Base, Okinawa. On September 8, 1950, while returning from a bombing mission over Korea, his aircraft crashed into the East China Sea five miles north of Okinawa, killing eight crew members. He was born November 11, 1922. His home of record was Gilman, Illinois.
Stubblebine, 1Lt. James Arthur - On 5 August 1950, B-29 (#44-87651) crashed, burned, and exploded five minutes after takeoff from Fairfield-Suisun AFB, CA, causing fatal injuries to 12 crewmen and passengers. Eight crewmen and passengers received minor injures. Extensive damage to private and government property and injuries to both civilian and military personnel were caused by a subsequent explosion of the bomb on the aircraft. At the time of the crash, the aircraft was carrying a significant bomb load. Born July 30, 1924, he was from Pennsylvania. He was a World War II veteran. He is buried in Llano Cemetery, Amarillo, Texas.
Sundstrom, Capt. Roy Arnold - He was a crew member on B-29 (#44-61908) flying out of Okinawa when it went down in the Sea of Japan on February 1, 1952, killing all of its 12-man crew. The wing of the bomber was struck by another B-29 (#42-65392) in the formation in which it was flying (a training flight), causing the planes to crash ten miles northwest of Kadena AFB, Okinawa. There were no survivors on #44-61908, but #42-86392 landed safely with no fatalities.
Supplee, Sgt. George W. Jr. - He was a crew member on B-29 (#44-61908) flying out of Okinawa when it went down in the Sea of Japan on February 1, 1952, killing all of its 12-man crew. The wing of the bomber was struck by another B-29 (#42-65392) in the formation in which it was flying (a training flight), causing the planes to crash ten miles northwest of Kadena AFB, Okinawa. There were no survivors on #44-61908, but #42-86392 landed safely with no fatalities.
Svelmoe, 1Lt. Robert - Aircraft (#44-62078), based out of March AFB, crashed at Prairie Bay, Azores, on December 07, 1951. The plane was on its way home for Christmas when it got caught in tail winds and crashed into the sea shortly after takeoff. The men had been in England for three months on a routine training mission. Lieutenant Svelmoe was from Chula Vista, California.
Swingle, 1Lt. Beverly Allison - Fatality in the bailout of ("Wright's Delight's, They Chosen Flew" #44-87734) on November 19, 1952. He was born May 01, 1928 and was from Tennessee. His remains were recovered and buried in Chattanooga National Cemetery.
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Tabor, Capt. Marvin T. - He was a crew member on B-29 (#44-61908) flying out of Okinawa when it went down in the Sea of Japan on February 1, 1952, killing all of its 12-man crew. The wing of the bomber was struck by another B-29 (#42-65392) in the formation in which it was flying (a training flight), causing the planes to crash ten miles northwest of Kadena AFB, Okinawa. There were no survivors on #44-61908, but #42-86392 landed safely with no fatalities. Captain Tabor was survived by a widow and children Marvin Jr. (6), James (5), Rhoda (9 months), Elizabeth (4), and Sue (20 months).
Tejeda, Maj. Francisco Joseph - His B-29 ("Little Red Ass" RB50G-#47145) flew from Honshu on a mission in North Korea and was shot down over Sea of Japan southeast of Vladivostok at 42-17N, 133-15 East, by two Soviet pilots (Yablonskiy and Rybakov) in the region of Cape Gamor on July 29, 1953 while on a secret mission. All crew but one (1Lt. John Roche) were lost.
Temple, A/2c Amos Cleveland "Pete" - On September 12, 1952, while on a combat mission on B-29 ("Bait Me" #44-69802), the aircraft's wings iced up and caused the aircraft to stall and crash 21 miles southwest of Kangnung, South Korea. Remains recovered. He is buried in Nancy Hart Memorial Park, Hartwell, Georgia. Temple was born March 31, 1932. His home of record was Hartwell, Georgia.
Thomas, A/1c James Clark - Airman First Class Thomas was a crew member of a B-29A Superfortress Bomber ("Star Duster/Rough Roman" #44-69818) with the 28th Bomber Squadron, 19th Bomber Group. On July 7, 1953, as the aircraft was returning from a bombing mission, it crashed during the landing approach to Pohang Air Base (K-3). All thirteen airmen were killed. James was born July 14, 1931. His home of record was Paulsboro, New Jersey. His remains were recovered and he was buried in New Saint Josephs Cemetery, Swedesboro, New Jersey.
Thomas, TSgt. Keith D. - Technical Sergeant Thomas was a crew member of a B-29A Superfortress ("Fujigmo" #44-62166) from the 371st Bomber Squadron, 19th Bomber Group, 307th Bomber Wing. On July 22, 1952, while on a combat mission, his aircraft caught fire northeast of Ocho-o, South Korea and crashed. All thirteen airmen were killed. Keith Thomas was born April 30, 1923, son of Philip and Lorena Thomas. His home of record was Los Angeles, California. He and his wife had two sons, Barry Douglas and John William, both of whom are Vietnam veterans. Keith's widow remarried. His son Barry was killed in an automobile accident in Florida while home on furlough. Keith is buried in Barrancas National Cemetery.
Thomas, SSgt. Lewis Albert Jr. - B-29 (#44-86268) was on a combat mission over North Korea on April 07, 1951. F-84s escorting, when it was damaged by two MiGs. Two engines went out, the pilot ordered bail out, and the aircraft crashed into the water four miles off NW North Korea. Seven fighter aircraft and three SAR aircraft participated in SAR effort. Only crewman (2Lt. Charles Shallenberger) was rescued and one crew member became a POW (Pfc. James Lewis Jones). The rest are still missing in action. Thomas is MIA.
Thompson, SSgt. Elwood J. - Staff Sergeant Thompson was a crew member of a B-29A Superfortress Bomber ("Miss Jackie The Rebel" #44-61967) with the 30th Bomber Squadron, 19th Bomber Wing. On June 10, 1952, after completing a bomb run, the aircraft was hit by anti-aircraft fire near a railroad bridge at Kwaksan, North Korea, and contact was lost. He was listed as Missing in Action and was presumed dead on December 31, 1953. Born August 29, 1915, his home of record was Atwater, California.
Thompson, SSgt. Raymond - Staff Sergeant Thompson was the left gunner of a B-29A Superfortress Bomber ("Wrights' Delights - They Chosin Flew" #44-86392) with the 345th Bomber Squadron, 98th Bomber Wing stationed at Yokota Air Base, Japan. On November 19, 1952, after completing a successful bomb run on Sonch'on, Korea, his aircraft was badly damaged by an enemy MiG. The crew bailed out a half mile north of Cho-do, North Korea. He was listed as Missing in Action and was presumed dead on November 20, 1953. Born August 20, 1929, his home of record was Akron, Ohio.
Thomson, 1Lt. Hugh Ker - His aircraft ("Double Whammy" #44-87734) crashed into the Sea of Japan between Okinawa and southern Korea north of Chinnampo on January 23, 1952 after a runaway propeller sheared and cut the fuselage. MIA. He was born April 10, 1929 and was from Brooklyn, New York.
Threlkeld, Capt. William Earle - He was declared MIA when his B-29 (#44-62083) was lost on a training mission in the Sea of Japan on January 31, 1952. Speculation among others stationed in Okinawa was that bombs aboard the aircraft detonated accidentally en route to their target killing everyone onboard. Born May 18, 1915, his home of record was Springfield, Illinois.
Tiller, MSgt. Horace Nelson - Lost in the bailout of ("Wright's Delights, They Chosen Flew" #44-86392) on November 19, 1952. MIA. Sergeant Tiller was born in Spur, Texas, but his address at the time of his loss was Vallejo, California.
Toland, Cpl. Francis X. - WB29 44-61640 plunged into the sea on February 26, 1952 while on a typhoon tracking mission. Its number one engine burst into flames. The B-29 was based at the 54th SRS (M) Weather at Andersen AFB, Guam. Corporal Toland was one of six missing crewmen.
Tovsen, MSgt. Donald Eugene - He was a crew member of a SB-29 Superfortress rescue aircraft (#44-84124) with the 3rd Air Rescue Squadron, U.S. Air Force. On January 31, 1951, while on a rescue mission, engines three and four failed and the electric system went out. The aircraft crashed three miles south of Johnson Air Base, killing three members of the crew. Tovsen was born June 16, 1924. His home of record was Cedar, Minnesota.
Trackberger [Trakberger], Capt. Otto C. - Staff Sergeant Trakberger was a crew member of a B-29A Superfortress Bomber ("Myakinas" #44-62108) with the 343rd Bomber Squadron, 98th Bomber Wing. On April 10, 1951, while on a night intruder mission against Sinanju and Kunu-ri, North Korea, two of the aircraft's engines stopped and the plane crash landed at Taegu Airfield, South Korea. His remains were recovered. Born May 12, 1928, he was the son of Gabor Trakberger (Albany Hungarian Presbyterian Church Cemetery, Albany, Louisiana), and Elizabeth Trakberger.
Trautmann, 1Lt. Arthur Adolph - A crew member of ("Lil' Darlin'" #44-86273), his B-29 crashed into the Yokota Bowling Alley and clothing sales while returning from a bomb mission on October 14, 1951. He was from Wisconsin.
Travis, Gen. Robert Falligant - On August 5, 1950, B-29 (#44-87651) crashed, burned, and exploded five minutes after takeoff from Fairfield-Suisun AFB, CA, causing fatal injuries to 12 crewmen and passengers. Eight crewmen and passengers received minor injures. Extensive damage to private and government property and injuries to both civilian and military personnel were caused by a subsequent explosion of the bomb on the aircraft. At the time of the crash, the aircraft was carrying a significant bomb load. General Travis was rescued alive from the cockpit area, but died of wounds en route to the hospital. Born on December 26, 1905 in Savannah, Georgia, he was survived by his wife, Frances Jane Travis (1911-1987). General Travis is buried in Arlington National Cemetery. Following his death Fairfield-Suisun AFB became known as Travis AFB.
Trosclair, A/1c James Oliver - Airman First Class Trosclair was the radio operator of a B-29A Superfortress Bomber (Wolf Pack #44-86343) with the 371st Bomber Squadron, 307th Bomber Wing based at Kadena Air Base, Okinawa. On September 13, 1952, while making a bomb run on the Suiho Hydroelectric Plant, his aircraft was hit by anti-aircraft fire. He was listed as Missing in Action and was presumed dead on February 28, 1954. Airman Trosclair was born April 24, 1930. His home of record was McKinney, Texas.
Tucker, Cpl. John L. - On 5 August 1950, B-29 (#44-87651) crashed, burned, and exploded five minutes after takeoff from Fairfield-Suisun AFB, CA, causing fatal injuries to 12 crewmen and passengers. Eight crewmen and passengers received minor injures. Extensive damage to private and government property and injuries to both civilian and military personnel were caused by a subsequent explosion of the bomb on the aircraft. At the time of the crash, the aircraft was carrying a significant bomb load. Born February 10, 1930 in California, he was the son of Clarence and Effie Tucker. The Tuckers were a large family. Corporal Tucker enlisted in the US Air Force on January 05, 1949 and was a passenger on #44-87651 when it crashed. He is buried in Manasota Memorial Park, Bradenton, Florida.
Tullis, Lt. Roy C. - He was a crew member on B-29 (#44-61908) flying out of Okinawa when it went down in the Sea of Japan on February 1, 1952, killing all of its 12-man crew. The wing of the bomber was struck by another B-29 (#42-65392) in the formation in which it was flying (a training flight), causing the planes to crash ten miles northwest of Kadena AFB, Okinawa. There were no survivors on #44-61908, but #42-86392 landed safely with no fatalities. He was survived by his wife, the former Jean Kams.
Turner, Pfc. George P. - Private First Class Turner, from Pasadena, California, was the radio operator aboard U.S. Air Force KB-29M Superfortress (#44-87782), serving with the 43rd Aerial Refueling Squadron, 43rd Bomber Wing. The aircraft experienced engine failures on takeoff, and was attempting to return to the airfield at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base near Tucson, Arizona, when it crashed short of the runway. All eight aboard were killed. Pfc. Turner was born February 23, 1932 in Alabama. He is buried in Lincoln Memorial Park, Carson, California.
Turner, 1Lt. Harold Peter - Crew member of ("Shady Lady/Double or Nuthin'" #42-65357). Shot down January 27, 1953. POW/MIA. Born December 2, 1917, he was from Chico, California.
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Ursini, Cpl. Jerry - Corporal Ursini was a crew member of a B-29A Superfortress Bomber ("Hoxie's Hoax" #44-61923) with the 325th Bomber Squadron, 92nd Bomber Group. On July 13, 1950, while making a bombing run at Oki-Gunto, bombs prematurely exploded and the aircraft crashed near Dogo, Island, Japan. His remains were recovered. He was born on September 02, 1928 in Oakland, California.
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Vandarwarka, Lt. Clayton Wallace - pilot of ("Star Duster/Rough Roman" #44-69818) when it crashed during landing approach at Pohang Air Base after returning from a combat mission on July 07, 1953. Vandarwarka was born April 10, 1921 in North Dakota. He is buried in Rosecrans National Cemetery, San Diego, California.
Vanderpool, Sgt. Richard Dale - On 5 August 1950, B-29 (#44-87651) crashed, burned, and exploded five minutes after takeoff from Fairfield-Suisun AFB, CA, causing fatal injuries to 12 crewmen and passengers. Eight crewmen and passengers received minor injures. Extensive damage to private and government property and injuries to both civilian and military personnel were caused by a subsequent explosion of the bomb on the aircraft. At the time of the crash, the aircraft was carrying a significant bomb load. Born February 27, 192, he is buried in Glenwood Cemetery, Shelbyville, IL.
The newspaper article below appeared with a larger article about the B-29 crash that claimed the lives of many men in the plane and men on the ground. There was no indication which newspaper or the date for the article.
Peorian [Illinois] Among B-29 Crash Dead
One of the victims of the bomber crash was a Peorian, Sgt Richard Dale Vanderpool, son of Mr. and Mrs. Clark Vanderpool, 2809 Gale Avenue, El Vista, who was listed as a passenger on the B-29. He was an Air Force veteran of World War II, reenlisting in 1946 after spending about eight months at his parents' home here. Sergeant Vanderpool was a technical expert on bomb sights, and had served two years in Japan after the end of World War II. He was born at Shelbyville [Illinois], February 27, 1924, son of Clark and Alice Bryson Vanderpool. While in Peoria he was employed by Schelm Bros. of East Peoria. He first entered service in Michigan and had served a total of eight years. Surviving are his parents, one daughter, and three sisters. Funeral services will be held at Shelbyville at a time to be announced.
Van Voorhis, Capt. Paul Edward - On January 13, 1953, while on a night mission of dropping leaflets over enemy territory, the aircraft ("Stardust Four Zero" #44-62217) was attacked by 12 MiGs. Crew of 14 - Three crew members were killed and eleven were taken prisoner. Van Voorhis is still missing in action.
Vapenick, Capt. James J. - USAF Strategic Air Command experimental project MX-1018, Project Tip-Tow, an attempt to extend fighter escort for bombers on long-range missions by coupling a pair of Republic F-84s onto bomber wingtips, suffered a setback when EF-84D, 48-641, lost control, rolled upside down, and hit the wing of Boeing ETB-29A-60-BN Superfortress (#44-62093), sending both aircraft down to crash in Peconic Bay, New York, on April 24, 1953. The program was immediately cancelled. The B-29 had five crew members and fatalities. Captain Vapenick was the pilot. A World War II and Korean War veteran, he was born January 1, 1925 and is buried in Jefferson Barracks Cemetery, St. Louis, Missouri. He was from Cleveland, Ohio.
Verrill, A/3c Rodney E. - weather equipment operator, lost at sea when his aircraft, ("Typhoon Goon II" #44-69770) disappeared on the morning of October 26, 1952 on a 14-hour over-water flight to obtain information about Typhoon Wilma.
Vogt, 1Lt. Leonard Paul - Captain Vogt was a crew member of a B-29A Superfortress Bomber (RB-45 #21749) with the 93rd Bomber Squadron, 19th Bomber Group. On March 29, 1951, while on a combat mission, his aircraft lost two engines over the East China Sea, northwest of Okinawa. His remains were not recovered. Vogt was born August 265, 1921. His home of record was Baltimore, Maryland.
Vretis, Lt. James George - crew member of (#44-70151) on Black Tuesday on October 23, 1951. Crew bailed out in Chinnampo, North Korea area. MIA. Vretis was born November 26 1925 and was from Illinois.
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Wade, SSgt. Charles Clifton - Staff Sergeant Wade was a crew member of a B-29A Superfortress Bomber (#42-94072) with the 371st Bomber Squadron, 307th Bomber Wing based at Kadena Air Base, Okinawa. On September 8, 1950, while returning from a bombing mission over Korea, his aircraft crashed into the East China Sea five miles north of Okinawa, killing eight crew members. His remains were not recovered. Originally from Alabama, he was born on January 13, 1917, son of Dennis Joseph and Claudia R. Smith Wade.
Wagner, A/3c Donald Joseph - B-29 (#44-87754) had taken off from Guam on its way to its base near Mountain Home, Idaho when one of the engines failed about 15 minutes after takeoff and the crew turned around to go back to Guam, which is 3,700 miles west of Hawaii in the Pacific Ocean. During emergency landing at Andersen AFB, Guam, on December 17, 1953, the plane failed to reach the runway and crashed into an officers housing area at the base, demolishing ten homes and damaging three more. Nine of the 16 crew members were killed, as were seven on the ground. A passenger on the aircraft, he was a fatality. Born on May 21, 1931 in Iowa, he was one of ten children born to Florian M. and Esther M. Koppes Wagner. He is buried in Mount Olivvet Cemetery, Key West, Iowa.
Wahlgren, 1Lt. Edward Charles - Captain Wahlgren was a crew member of a B-29A Superfortress Bomber ("DYachenko" #44-70151) with the 370th Bomber Squadron, 307th Bomber Wing. On October 23, 1951, while on a bombing mission, MiGs damaged the aircraft and the crew bailed out in the Chinnampo to Inchon area over the Yellow Sea. He was listed as Missing in Action and was presumed dead on December 31, 1953. Born Brooklyn, New York, on July 27, 1920, he lived in Valley Stream, New York. He graduated High School in Valley Stream, New York.
Walker, 1Lt. Jack Earl - First Lieutenant Walker was a crew member of a B-29A Superfortress Bomber ("Star Duster/Rough Roman" #44-69818). The aircraft was low on fuel and it crash landed on July 7, 1953 during landing approach after returning from a combat mission. There was poor weather at recovery airfields. All 13 crew members were killed in the crash. with the 28th Bomber Squadron, 19th Bomber Group. Lieutenant Walker was born January 02, 1930. His home of address was San Gabriel, California. He was a 1948 graduate of San Gabriel High School.
Wallace, 1Lt. Roy Wesley - Lieutenant Wallace was the navigator aboard a B-29 Superfortress Bomber ($44-61747) that was en route to Hunter AFB when it crashed after takeoff near Praia, Terceira Island, Azores killing five other airmen onboard. Lieutenant Wallace was from Portland, Oregon.
Wallan, SSgt. Kenneth P. - Staff Sergeant Wallan was a crew member of a B-29A Superfortress Bomber ("Hoxie's Hoax" #44-61923) with the 325th Bomber Squadron, 92nd Bomber Group. On July 13, 1950, while making a bombing run at Oki-Gunto, bombs prematurely exploded and the aircraft crashed near Dogo, Island, Japan. His remains were not recovered. He was born June 25, 1915 in Adams, Oregon.
Ward, Capt. John Cyrus - His B-29 ("Little Red Ass" RB50G-#47145) flew from Honshu on a mission in North Korea and was shot down over Sea of Japan southeast of Vladivostok at 42-17N, 133-15 East, by two Soviet pilots (Yablonskiy and Rybakov) in the region of Cape Gamor on July 29, 1953 while on a secret mission. All crew but one (1Lt. John Roche) were lost.
Webb, Cpl. Edward Arvil - Corporal Webb was a crew member of a B-29A Superfortress Bomber ("DYachenko" #44-70151) with the 370th Bomber Squadron, 307th Bomber Wing. On October 23, 1951, while on a bombing mission, MiGs damaged the aircraft and the crew bailed out in the Chinnampo to Inchon area over the Yellow Sea. He was listed as Missing in Action and was presumed dead on December 31, 1953. Born on September 15, 1932 in Warner, Oklahoma, he lived in Oktaha, Oklahoma. He graduated from high School in Oktaha in 1947. He was survived by a daughter Pamela, born November 10, 1950.
Weeks, Lt. Charles B. - He was a crew member on B-29 (#44-61908) flying out of Okinawa when it went down in the Sea of Japan on February 1, 1952, killing all of its 12-man crew. The wing of the bomber was struck by another B-29 (#42-65392) in the formation in which it was flying (a training flight), causing the planes to crash ten miles northwest of Kadena AFB, Okinawa. There were no survivors on #44-61908, but #42-86392 landed safely with no fatalities.
Weese, 1Lt. Henry Douglas - A member of 581st Air Resupply Squadron, his aircraft ("Stardust Four Zero" #44-62217) was shot down at night on January 13, 1953 while dropping leaflets over enemy territory. He was taken POW and never returned. He was born September 14, 1924 in Susanville, California.
West, Cpl. Carl Emmons - Corporal West was a crew member of (#44-70151) on Black Tuesday, October 23, 1951. The crew bailed out in the Chinnampo, North Korea area and he was missing in action. Corporal West was born November 16, 1932, in Huntington, West Virginia, son of Doy and Gladys West. Carl had a twin sister, Mary Lou. Other siblings included Eleanor and Ray. Carl grew up In Jackson County where his father was a salesman in a hardware store and his mother taught in a one-room schoolhouse. Carl graduated from Ravenswood High School where he played the snare drum in the band; it was said he loved to wear the uniform so much that he would attend out-of-town performances without informing his family. In 1949, Carl played in the National Future Farmers of America band in Kansas City. Soon after graduation in 1950, Carl enlisted in the Air Force. He became a tailgunner on B-29s in North Korea. By October 1951, the B-29s were being shot down with regularity by the MiG-15s defending North Korea, and the Air Force began using the B-29s as bait for the MiGs, hoping to lure them into battle where they could be destroyed by F-86 fighters.
White, 2Lt. Claude Vincett - B-29 (#44-86268) was on a combat mission over North Korea on April 07, 1951. F-84s escorting, when it was damaged by two MiGs. Two engines went out, the pilot ordered bail out, and the aircraft crashed into the water four miles off NW North Korea. Seven fighter aircraft and three SAR aircraft participated in SAR effort. Only crewman (2Lt. Charles Shallenberger) was rescued and one crew member became a POW (Pfc. James Lewis Jones). The rest are still missing in action. White is MIA.
White, SSgt. Merle E. - Staff Sergeant White was a crew member of a B- 29A Superfortress Bomber (RB-45 #21749) with the 93rd Bomber Squadron, 19th Bomber Group. On March 29, 1951, while on a combat mission, his aircraft lost two engines over the East China Sea, northwest of Okinawa. He was listed as Missing in Action and was presumed dead on December 18, 1951.Sergeant White was born March 10, 1927. His home of record was Pine Bluff, Arkansas.
Whitener, Sgt. Joe Bailey Jr. - A crew member of "(Lil' Darlin'" #44-86273), his B-29 crashed into the Yokota Bowling Alley and clothing sales while returning from a bomb mission on October 14, 1951. "Air Force, Sgt. Joe B. Whitener, 21-year-old San Matean killed Sunday in a B-29 crash in Japan, had been in action in the Korean war since May, his mother, Mrs. C.W. McCormick of 864 Howe St., said today. The young flight engineer on the bomber, which carried eight other crewmen to their deaths when it hit an airport building while attempting a landing in bad weather after returning from a mission in Korea, joined the Air force in 1948, after serving three months in the U.S. Naval Reserve. Before being sent to the Far East, he had served in Germany at the time of the Berlin air attack. Sgt. Whitener, who was born in Spur, Tex., moved to San Franciso with his family in 1947 and to San Mateo two years later. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of San Francisco. He had hoped to return home early next year to marry his fiancee, Miss Billie Roykin, a student at Texas Technological College whom he had known since childhood. His stepfather, C.W. McCormick, a Navy warrant officer, is serving aboard the cruiser U.S.S. Los Angeles in Korean waters. In addition to his mother and stepfather, Sgt. Whitener leaves a sister, Mrs. James T. Lingg of San Francisco and a niece, Brunetta Lingg, also of San Francisco." - Source: The Texas Spur, 1951
Whitman, SSgt. William H. "Bill" - Staff Sergeant Whitman was a crew member of a B-29A Superfortress Bomber ("Wrights' Delights - They Chosin Flew" #44-86392) with the 345th Bomber Squadron, 98th Bomber Wing stationed at Yokota Air Base, Japan. On November 19, 1952, after completing a successful bomb run on Sonchon, North Korea, his aircraft was badly damaged by an enemy MiG. The crew bailed out a half mile north of Cho-do, North Korea. He was listed as Missing in Action and was presumed dead on November 20, 1953. Born in Logan, West Virginia, on March 06, 1930, he was the only child of Allen and Nawassa Craddock Whitman. He graduated from Man High School in 1947, attended military school at Lewisburg, West Virginia and then Marshall University at Huntington, West Virginia before joining the Air Force. His home of record was Man, West Virginia.
Wiggins, Capt. Lloyd Clayton - His B-29 ("Little Red Ass" RB50G-#47145) flew from Honshu on a mission in North Korea and was shot down over Sea of Japan southeast of Vladivostok at 42-17N, 133-15 East, by two Soviet pilots (Yablonskiy and Rybakov) in the region of Cape Gamor on July 29, 1953 while on a secret mission. All crew but one (1Lt. John Roche) were lost.
Wight, Capt. Harry Emmett - B-29 (#44-62078) based out of March AFB, crashed at Prairie Bay, Azores, on December 07, 1951. The plane was on its way home for Christmas when it got caught in tail winds and the plane crashed into the sea shortly after takeoff. Harry Wight was the pilot. Born July 12, 1922, he was assigned to the 33rd Bomb Squadron, 22nd Bomb Group. He was from Pennsylvania.
Williams, Cpl. Merlyn Keith - He was declared MIA when his B-29 (#44-62083) was lost on a training mission in the Sea of Japan on January 31, 1952. Speculation among others stationed in Okinawa was that bombs aboard the aircraft detonated accidentally en route to their target killing everyone onboard. Born February 05, 1929, his home of record was Verdon, Nebraska.
Williamson, SSgt. Kenneth Eugene - Technical Sergeant Williamson was a crew member of a B-29A Superfortress Bomber ("United Notions" #44-62084) with the 325th Bomber Squadron, 92nd Bomber Group. On September 9, 1950, while on a bombing mission, his aircraft was hit by anti-aircraft fire and exploded mid-air near Wolbong-ni. Five parachutes were seen. He was listed as Missing in Action and was presumed dead on March 31, 1954. He was the son of Chester C. and Violet M. Williamson.
Willis, A/1c Ray Oden - His aircraft (#44-27261) crashed on takeoff from Wheelus Air Base, Tripoli, Libya on February 2, 1953. The cause of the crash was because an engine that had recently been replaced had a missing piston and the engine didn't have enough power. All 15 onboard were killed. Airman Willis was born September 2, 1931, son of Dexter Oden and Marie Munch Willis. He was with the 3918th Air Police Squadron based in England. He had been overseas since October 1952. He was from Norwalk, Virginia.
Willis, Maj. Robert F. - B-29 aircraft (#44-62279) developed an engine fire in the climb after takeoff. Steps taken to maintain flight caused the bombs on board to detonate and sever the control wires, and the plane crashed into the China Sea off the coast of Okinawa on October 19, 1950. He was the son of Carl W. Willis and Leona P. (Crockett) Willis. Robert had been a Field Artillery Sergeant in WWII and then went to fight in the Korean War in the 33rd Bomb Squadron, US Air Force. Robert was killed in action at age 23. He was the husband of Mrs. Agnes W. Willis of Riverside, California.
Wilson, A/2c Donald Harold - Airman Second Class Wilson was a crew member of a B-29A Superfortress Bomber ("Lubriating Lady" #44-61751) with the 93rd Bomber Squadron, 19th Bomber Wing based at Kadena Air Force Base, Okinawa. On October 31, 1952, when his aircraft was returning from a mission over Korea and was about 110 miles from Kadena, it developed engine trouble and crashed into the ocean. Eleven crew members were lost. Born July 25, 1933, his home of record was Hillsdale, Illinois.
Wilson, AMN Donald V. - His aircraft (#44-27261) crashed on takeoff from Wheelus Air Base, Tripoli, Libya on February 2, 1953. The cause of the crash was because an engine that had recently been replaced had a missing piston and the engine didn't have enough power. All 15 onboard were killed.
Wilson, 1Lt. James Swayne Jr. - Captain Wilson was a crew member of a B-29A Superfortress Bomber ("Hot Box" #44-69682) with the 93rd Bomber Squadron, 19th Bomber Group. On April 12, 1951, while on a combat mission, the aircraft was attacked by fifteen to twenty MiGs. It exploded and crashed into a mountain near Sinuiju, North Korea. He remains were recovered on December 8, 1993.
Wilson, 1Lt. Robert Leo - Returning to Randolph Air Force Base, Texas, after a seven-hour training flight, this aircraft (#45-21771) crashed ten miles southwest of Seguin, Texas on January 11, 1951. At 8,000 feet the pilot, Captain Norman A. Bivens, cut off the automatic pilot and began descending through an overcast, flying on instruments. Bivens reported losing all flight instruments and the aircraft became uncontrollable. Six of the crew members were killed, while five others parachuted to safety. Co-pilot of the plane, Lieutenant Wilson was born December 29 1916 in North Platte, Nebraska.
Winstead, Capt. Leonard B. - Attached to the 55th SRS (M) Weather at McClellan AFB, California, his B-29 weather plane (WB-29 #44-87756) crashed on April 05, 1952 as it approached for landing at McClellan Air Force Base, Sacramento, California. The crash occurred three miles short of the runway after returning from a 19-hour flight. Winstead, the plane's navigator, was from Hardy, Arkansas. He was a World War II veteran born March 16, 1920. He is buried in Walker Cemetery, Hardy, Arkansas.
Winters, Capt. Melvin Percy - Captain Winters was a crew member of a B-29A Superfortress Bomber ("Lucky Dog" #44-86370) with the 93rd Bomber Squadron, 19th Bomber Group based at Kadena Air Base, Okinawa. On April 12, 1951, while on a bombing mission, his aircraft was attacked by an enemy MiGs and it was ditched. He was listed as Missing in Action and was presumed dead on January 31, 1954. Captain Winters was born February 19, 1925. His home of record was Tecumseh, Oklahoma.
Winthrop, Capt. Paul - Aircraft (#44-62078), based out of March AFB, crashed at Prairie Bay, Azores, on December 07, 1951. The plane was on its way home for Christmas when it got caught in tail winds and crashed into the sea shortly after takeoff. The men had been in England for three months on a routine training mission. Captain Winthrop was from Riverside, California.
Wohlgemuth, SSgt. Edward Jerome - Staff Sergeant Wohlgemuth was a crew member of a B-29A Superfortress Bomber (#44-62279) with the 33rd Bomber Squadron, 22nd Bomber Wing. On October 19, 1950, as the aircraft departed Kadena Air Force Base, Okinawa on a combat mission, its engine burst into flames on take-off and his aircraft crashed into the sea killing eight crew members. His remains were not recovered. Sergeant Wohlegmuth was born November 30, 1928 in Syracuse, New York.
Wojtowicz, M/Sgt. John - Aircraft (#44-62078), based out of March AFB, crashed at Prairie Bay, Azores, on December 07, 1951. The plane was on its way home for Christmas when it got caught in tail winds and crashed into the sea shortly after takeoff. The men had been in England for three months on a routine training mission. Sergeant Wojtowicz, age 33, was from Perris, California.
Woods, A/2c James Edwin - His B-29 ("Little Red Ass" RB50G-#47145) flew from Honshu on a mission in North Korea and was shot down over Sea of Japan southeast of Vladivostok at 42-17N, 133-15 East, by two Soviet pilots (Yablonskiy and Rybakov) in the region of Cape Gamor on July 29, 1953 while on a secret mission. All crew but one (1Lt. John Roche) were lost.
Wright, 1Lt. Gene E. - His aircraft ("Dragon Lady" #44-61835) took a hit on the left side of the cockpit on April 12, 1951, killing the pilot and bombardier. Wright, the pilot, was from Boise, Idaho. Born April 13. 1923, he is buried in Morris Hill Cemetery, Boise, Idaho.
Wright, A/2c Kenneth Earl - Airman Second Class Wright was a crew member of a B-29A Superfortress Bomber ("Star Duster/Rough Roman" #44-69818) with the 28th Bomber Squadron, 19th Bomber Group. On July 7, 1953, as the aircraft was returning from a bombing mission, it crashed during the landing approach to Pohang Air Base (K-3). All thirteen airmen were killed. He was known as "Ken." He was born May 06, 1934. His home of record was John Day, Oregon. He is buried in Canyon City Cemetery, Canyon City, Oregon. "On July 07, 1953, Airman 2nd Class Kenneth Wright of John Day was killed in action in Korea. He was 19. Services were held Oct. 12. Wright was the third casualty in the Korean War from Grant County. He was born May 06, 1934, to Dallas Miles and Lottie Wright of John Day. Wright enlisted in the service in December 1951. He was stationed in Texas and was later sent to Topeka, Kan. From there, he was sent overseas. He was survived by his parents and a grandmother, Mrs. Alta Wright of John Day."
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Yduate, A/2c Manuel John Jr. -Airman Second Class Yduate was a crew member of a B- 29A Superfortress ("Fujigmo" #44-62166) from the 371st Bomber Squadron, 19th Bomber Group, 307th Bomber Wing. On July 22, 1952, while on a combat mission, his aircraft caught fire northeast of Ocho-o, South Korea and crashed. All thirteen airmen were killed. Born February 04, 1930 in New York, Airman Yduate was the only child of Manuel John and Louise Yduate. Hs home of record was Nassau, New York. He is buried in Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, St. Louis, Missouri.
Young, Lt. Frederick William - His aircraft (#44-27261) crashed on takeoff from Wheelus Air Base, Tripoli, Libya on February 2, 1953. The cause of the crash was because an engine that had recently been replaced had a missing piston and the engine didn't have enough power. All 15 onboard were killed. Lieutenant Young was born August 6, 1927.
Young, Capt. Jules E. - He was co-pilot of RB-45C Tornado reconnaissance bomber (#45-48015) with Reconnaissance Detachment A, 84th Bomber Squadron, U.S. Air Force. On December 4, 1950, while on a reconnaissance mission over the Yalu River, his aircraft was shot down by Russian MiG-15s. He was listed as Missing in Action and was presumed dead on February 28, 1954. His remains were not recovered. His name is inscribed on the Courts of the Missing at the Honolulu Memorial. Captain Young was born June 07, 1921 in New York.
Yuvan, AMN James A. - His aircraft (#44-27261) crashed on takeoff from Wheelus Air Base, Tripoli, Libya on February 2, 1953. The cause of the crash was said to be because an engine that had recently been replaced had a missing piston and the engine didn't have enough power. All 15 onboard were killed. Airman Yuvan was born August 27, 1932. He was from Pennsylvania.
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Zellars, SSgt. Elliot - Staff Sergeant Zellars was a crew member of a B-29A Superfortress Bomber ("Vicious Roomer" #44-62042) with the 345th Bomber Squadron, 98th Bomber Wing stationed at Yokota Air Base, Japan. On March 28, 1952, while on a combat mission, two if the aircraft's engines caught fire. The order to bail out was given but later rescinded and the plane landed safely. His remains were recovered.
Ziegler, Cpl. Alfred O. - Corporal Ziegler was a crew member of a B-29A Superfortress Bomber ("Miss Manukie/Squeeze Play" #44-86415) with the 343rd Bomber Squadron, 98th Bomber Wing. On September 19, 1951, while on a leaflet dropping mission, his aircraft developed engine problems and it was ditched in the Sea of Japan. He was listed as Missing in Action and was presumed dead on July 29, 1952. Born May 18, 1927, his home of record was Bronx, New York.
KWE Note: The information found on this page covers only B-29s in operation during the years of the Korean War, but encompasses B-29s that were not only lost or damaged in the Korean War zone, but also those that were lost or damaged while in operation in other zones throughout the world. Out-of-theater accidents happened in the USA, Libya, Guam, Newfoundland, the Azores, and elsewhere. Toward the end of the Korean War (1953) B-29s were taken out of combat except for some RB-29s. Other B-29s were re-designated as Training (TB-29), Photo Recon (RB-29), Air-Sea Rescue (SB-29) and Refueling/tanker (KB-29).
The lost/damaged B-29s are listed by alpha order or serial number sequence.
Ace in the Hole/SAC's Appeal (44-61872) - On April 22, 1952, this aircraft was damaged by AAA during a raid against Sinanju. It crash-landed at K-14 and was written off as damaged beyond repair.
Apache (44-61902) - According to Earl "Mac" McGill, Apache was heavily damaged but survived. His website states: "Although KORWALD lists this tail number as unknown, a crewmember who was flying his last mission wrote that Apache was severely damaged by AAA and MiG cannon fire while bombing the Kwakson RR Bridge on 10 June 1952. This was the same night that two other B-29s, Hot to Go and Miss Jackie the Rebel were shot down over the same target. In March 2006 Bill Colvin verified (with photo) that Apache made it to Kimpo (K-14) with wounded aboard and was, in fact, the B-29 reported, sans tail number. Bill’s e-mail and photo finally brought all of the pieces of the puzzle together. Information received in April 2005 confirmed that this was also the tail number of our assigned B-29. We had planned to paint “Clusterphobia” on the nose, depicting four buxom SYTs prominently displaying their Air Medals. Alas, the lasses fell victim to Lemon Drop Kid, which took priority--and our artist’s free time. Clusterphobia became only a memory. “Apache” was also a nickname for the Indian on the 28BS insignia.
Some online resources state that Apache took a direct hit from enemy fire, exploded, and it and its crew were disintegrated. However, MacGill told the KWE, "The information I posted on my web site (above) was well-researched and as correct as can possibly be established. This was a night mission and most of the crewmembers saw it hit, assumed that Apache did not survive past the target, when in fact it made it into K-14 (according to several accounts, including one from a ground observer)."
The 11 crew members included (not all names found to date):
Ape Ship (44-86330) - Shot down December 18, 1951. Further information unknown.
Atomic Tom (44-27288) - "Atomic Tom" was one of four Superfortresses that bombed the Seoul railway station and Han River bridges on the afternoon of 28 June 1950 - fully six hours before US president Harry S. Truman gave the approval for offensive operations to begin in Korea. A veteran of numerous combat missions during the Korean War, it suffered major battle damage on September 10, 1950. It was repaired and returned to service. This aircraft was attacked by MiG-15s on April 12, 1951. Despite the communist fighters inflicting significant battle damage, "Atomic Tom" was eventually repaired and returned to operations. This aircraft was the first B-29 to drop bombs on North Korea when the war broke out.
B-29 - On November 05, 1950, a B-29 caught fire and crashed in the Shuangshanyan mountain range in the Fushan area, Raoping, Guangdong, China. The tail number of this B-29 is not yet known by the KWE. According to reports, the people from Jiaoshuiken Village, Fenghuang Township, Chaoan County, China, buried the burned remains of the 15 persons (including one female) who perished in the crash. Another report indicates that children also died in this crash. Scant information about this B-29 can be found in the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA)'s "Achievement Document of Military Archives Cooperation Between the People's Republic of China and the United States of America." This report is dated October 2008-April 2009, Chinese People's Liberation Army Archives Department. The KWE does not know the names of the fatalities.
B29 (45-21721) - crashed at Yokota Air Base Japan on February 07, 1952 during take off when the engine quit. The plane broke into two pieces, caught fire, and 30 of its load of 38 bombs exploded. There were 18 casualties, including five Japanese nationals on the ground.
The crew members were:
B-29 (42-65392) - This aircraft collided in mid-air with (#44-61908) on February 01, 1952, five miles off Bolo Point, Okinawa. All of the crew of 42-65392 survived, but there were no survivors on aircraft 44-61908.
B-29 (42-65353) - From the 98BG, this B-29 had engine trouble on October 05, 1950 and the crew had to bail out due to engine fire. The aircraft was a loss. [KWE Note: Not listed on KORWALD.] The pilot was Karl C. Asherfeld, Jr. Location: Yokota AB, 95 miles NW, Japan (10 miles west of Wakamatsu, Korea).
B-29 (42-93974) - Aircraft loss occurred during a night leaflet dropping mission. At 0025 hours on November 09, 1951, this aircraft was hit by flak but stayed aloft long enough to allow the crew to bail out over the friendly island of Paengyong-do. All but one crew member was rescued.
Crew Members:
B-29 (42-94032) - Charles F. Berry was pilot of this aircraft when it was involved in an accident 30 miles west of Alexander City, Alabama, on July 24, 1950, while stationed at MacDill AFB, Florida. In World War II, the B-29 with tail number 42-94032 was known as "My Gal II". #42-94032 was SAC's last B-29 bomber retired to the aircraft storage facility at Davis-Monthan AFB.
B-29 (42-94045) - shot down over Namsi Air Field on Black Tuesday, October 23, 1951 by Lt. Col. Aleksandr P. Smorchkov. See Black Tuesday. The aircraft crashed on a mud flat and was found on October 29, 1951. The remains of three crew members were recovered. Lt. Walter J. Kurtz, 0948814, interrogated the partisan troops who found the aircraft. There were two bodies under the tail of the crashed aircraft. One was unrecognizable and the other was in good condition, except for three holes in the head. Kurtz surmised that one person was shot after parachuting safely and was then placed near the aircraft by North Korean troops.
Crew members included:
B-29 (42-94072) - Superfortress Bomber with the 371st Bomber Squadron, 307th Bomber Wing based a Kadena Air Base, Okinawa. On September 8, 1950, while returning from a bombing mission over Korea, this aircraft crashed into the East China Sea five miles north of Okinawa, killing eight crew members.
The crew included:
B-29 (42-65272) - Franklin T. Bettencourt was the pilot of this B-29 out of McClellan AFB, California when it was involved in a taxiing accident on July 28, 1952 at Andersen AFB, Guam.
B-29 (44-21773) - This aircraft suffered structural failure over Ein-Bach, Germany on October 10, 1952. The pilot was Rubin K. Weiss.
B-29 (44-27261) - This aircraft crashed on takeoff from Wheelus Air Base, Tripoli, Libya on February 2, 1953. The cause of the crash was because an engine that had recently been replaced had a missing piston and the engine didn't have enough power. All 15 onboard were killed. The fatalities included:
B-29 (44-27262) - crashed 2 miles north of Suwon AB on January 27, 1953 on a combat mission. The aircraft suffered major damage. Ten crew members bailed out successfully. Among the crew members were:
B-29 (44-27314) - Attached to 307th Bomb Wing, one engine went out after take-off and crashed five miles east of Kadena AB, Okinawa on December 04, 1951. There were nine fatalities. The crew members were:
B-29 (44-27347) - crashed at Kimpo, October 23, 1951. Loss of aircraft but no fatalities. See Black Tuesday. The crew members were:
B-29 (44-61529) - On April 2, 1951, this B-29A-35-BN (originally known as "Virginia Tech", crashed near Desert Center, California, while performing a routine training flight from March AFB. The aircraft's No. 1 engine caught fire and all 14 occupants were forced to abandon the aircraft that drove into the ground and crashed in a desert area located 20 miles northeast of Desert Center. There were no injuries but the aircraft was destroyed. The pilot was Capt. Maximilian Gilmore Thaete Jr.
B-29 (44-61544) - This aircraft, based at Randolph AFB, had a ground accident at Goodfellow AFB, Texas on December 2, 1952. The pilot was Samuel H. Henton. The condition of the plane and names of other crew members are not known by the KWE.
B29 (44-61640) - This aircraft plunged into the sea on February 26, 1952 while on a typhoon tracking mission. Its number one engine burst into flames. The B-29 was based at the 54th SRS (M) Weather at Andersen AFB, Guam.
Its crew included:
Information about this aircraft loss, survivors and lost personnel can be found in extensive detail by clicking HERE. This link leads to a transcript of the search and rescue efforts.
B-29 (44-61739) - This aircraft had mechanical failure four miles south of Blowing Rock, North Carolina on June 05, 1953. The pilot was John R. Diepenbrock. The nose section was pulled from the Aberdeen Proving Grouund and is now in the Museum of Aviation at Robbins AFB, Georgia.
B-29 (44-61747) - 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 Fielld, Azores, en route to Hunter AFB. Shortly after takeoff it crashed near Praia, Terceira Island, Azores, killing six airmen. The crew included:
B-29 (44-61802) - Attached to 307th Bomb Wing, 372 Bomb Sqn, USAF, this B-29 was shot down by MiG damage in the Yalu River area, North Korea on January 10, 1953. The crew bailed out and the aircraft may have crashed into water. One crew member was MIA/KIA and the other 12 were taken POW and were repatriated during Big Switch after the truce was signed.
The crew included:
B-29 (44-61884) - This "spook" outfit was from the 580 Air Resupply and Communications Squadron. It was lost on June 13, 1952. [KWE Note: There is no KORWALD reference to the lost personnel. See "Losses (91st Strategic Reconnaissance Squadron.
B-29 (44-61908) - aircraft collided in mid-air with #42-65392 five miles off Bolo Point, Okinawa on February 01, 1952 on a routine training flight. (See also Airplane Crashes page of the KWE B-29 Sea of Japan.) All crew members of 42-65392 survived and returned to base safely, but the crew members of 44-61908 were all lost:
B-29 (44-61934) - This aircraft was involved in a ground accident on January 09, 1952 in front of Hangar 5 at McClellan AFB, California. The pilot was Hobert W. Morton. The condition of the plane and names of other crew members are not known by the KWE.
B-29 (44-61797) - On December 3, 1951, (#44-61797) of the 3417th AMS, 3415th AMG, Lowry AFB, Colorado, piloted by James W. Shanks,[ trying to reach Lowry Air Force Base in Denver, Colorado, with one motor not working crashed into a row of residential homes, killing eight airmen. At least one civilian* and five airmen were injured. Five houses were damaged—four of them demolished.
The crew included:
*The civilian who received major injuries was a housekeeper named Mrs. Murphy Tinsley. Also aboard this B-29 was a passenger not part of the crew--Jack Stanley, a high altitude chamber instructor who, according to family members, was just along for the ride.
B-29 (44-61867) - This aircraft crashed at March Field, Riverside County, California, on February 05, 1952, due to a spin/stall. The KWE has so far found information on only one fatality:
B-29 (44-62011) - This aircraft was downed by MiGs and crashed 25 miles north of Pyongyang on December 30, 1952 during a mission to bomb the Choak-Tong ore processing center in North Korea.* Its crew (six bailed out and were taken POW) was:
According to a composite narrative by Bud Farrell:
"Lt. Foster's/Patrick Differ's Crew was a standby crew for the mission and was ordered into the air upon the takeoff abort of one of the other Squadron Aircraft. The target was near the Yalu River and the area known as Mig Alley, but recent greatly increased Mig Activity at night through the Fall of 1952 had drawn the support of Marine Night fighter cover by Marine Squadron VMF(N) -513, flying the tandem seat F3D-2-Skynight with excellent results in keeping the Migs at bay. On this night however, due to some foul-up, the Marine F3D's didn't show and the enemy was out in force and virtually unopposed by other than the B-29 gunners trying to defend their virtually desperately obsolete slow lumbering aircraft against one of the newest state of the art Jet Fighters in the world ... the MIG-15!
Foster's ship was one of the last over the target which afforded enemy ground radar, the latest Russian S-Band Radar, a pretty good fix on their track and could not be jammed, resulting in their being locked or "coned" in the enemy ground searchlights, illuminating them as targets for the orbiting Migs ... now known and documented by the RUSSIANS, to have been FLOWN by Russian mercenaries ... The HONCHOS! In the middle of the bomb run, with bomb bay doors open, the B-29's could not take any evasive action and the Migs made seven passes and hit them three times before they could drop their bomb load, knocking out one engine and leaving the Left Gunner Rodney mortally wounded. The Tail Gunner, Donald Swalls, is credited with shooting down one of the 8 attacking Migs, the explosion of which may be what John Greening on Captain Charlton's crew may have seen rather than the explosion of Lt. Foster's ship. With the bomb bay doors now inoperable, ailerons shot out, and several on- board fires, they knew they were going down. Lt. Foster made a valiant effort to get his plane south across the front lines at the 38th Parallel since he knew that his Left Gunner -Darryl Rodney - would not be able to bail out, and the shortest route south took them over the heavily defended Capitol of North Korea, Pyongyang, where Antiaircraft fire (from now proven Soviet Antiaircraft batteries), FLAK, hit their center wing tank with another major fire started and bailout ordered. Just minutes from possible safety, the right wing, on fire, apparently came off, and most of the crew remaining in the front compartment never got out. Lt. Foster and Patrick Differ had stayed with the aircraft in a desperate effort to get their wounded crewmate and aircraft to safety. Of the six who bailed out and were captured, one, Right Gunner Damian O'Toole, was executed on the spot, in front of a crewmate, supposedly for refusing to give his local militia captors information on the rest of the crew, and on the whereabouts of his so called "personal Walkie-Talkie radio", equipment which none of us ever had or know anything about! Lt. Foster and Patrick Differ had apparently sacrificed their lives to save their aircraft and a fellow crewmember, and Damian O'Toole gave his life trying to protect his other downed crewmates ... for which their families, and we, should all be very proud!"
B-29 (44-62057) - Richard O. Barnes was the pilot of this B-29 out of Lowry AFB when it was involved in a gunnery accident at Split Rock Gunnery Range, Wyoming on May 03, 1952.
B-29 (44-62071) - Crash-landed at K-14 Kimpo on October 27, 1950. It was salvaged.
B-29 (44-62073) - aircraft hit by anti-aircraft fire on night mission & crashed on November 08, 1952. Its crew members were either MIA or POW. They were:
B-29 (44-62078) - This aircraft, based out of March AFB, crashed at Prairie Bay, Azores, on December 07, 1951. The plane was on its way home for Christmas when it got caught in tail winds and crashed into the sea shortly after takeoff. The men had been in England for three months on a routine training mission. The crew members were:
B-29A (44-62082) - Superfortress Bomber with the 28th Bomber Squadron, 19th Bomber Group. On July 28, 1950, while on a combat mission, an engine caught fire 15 miles northwest of Tokyo, Japan. The bombs were released and some crew members bailed out. The aircraft finally landed safely at Haneda Air Base, Japan. The crew included:
B-29 (44-62083) - Attached to the 207th Bomb Wing, this aircraft left Kadena AFB on a routine combat mission on January 31, 1952. Last contact with the plane was at 302154L, 100 miles north of Kadena. According to the son of Capt. Robert Richard Hebert, "He was my father. His hometown was San Bernardino, California. He was pilot of a B-29 stationed in Okinawa during the Korean War. He was Caucasian. He was declared MIA when his B-29 was lost on a training mission in the Sea of Japan. Speculation among others stationed in Okinawa was that bomb aboard the aircraft detonated accidentally in route to their target killing everyone onboard."
The crew members were:
B-29 (44-62093) - USAF Strategic Air Command experimental project MX-1018, Project Tip-Tow, an attempt to extend fighter escort for bombers on long-range missions by coupling a pair of Republic F-84s onto bomber wingtips, suffered a setback when EF-84D, 48-641, lost control, rolled upside down, and hit the wing of Boeing ETB-29A-60-BN Superfortress 44-62093, sending both aircraft down to crash in Peconic Bay, New York, on April 24, 1953. The program was immediately cancelled. The B-29 had five crew members and fatalities. The pilot of the colliding F-84 was Maj. John M. Davis, who also lost his life. The names of the crew members of the B-29 were:
You can read newspaper articles collected by the Cutchogue New Suffolk Free Library about the crash HERE.
B-29 (44-62164) - On April 3, 1952, this aircraft crashed at night. Suspected reason – Fuel line issues. The B-29, which was carrying a crew of 14, was from Forbes AFB in Topeka. The crew bailed out over a farmer's field eight miles (13 km) north and five miles west of Onaga, Kansas. It crashed near the Lloyd Robbins farm, landing west of a barn on the Aug. Haug farm, striking and demolishing a large cottonwood tree about two feet in diameter. It careened across the road into the Lloyd Robbins pasture, where it struck a herd of White-Faced cattle, killing ten of the animals belonging to Mr. Robbins. The plane caught fire but only partially burned. Leo Mars and Bud Bonjour were the first to arrive at the scene. Dr. Fleckenstein of Onaga was called to treat the injured. The captain (Roberts) died in the crash and one airman perished when his parachute failed to open (Filittoni). The surviving crew was fired at by the farmer, who believed them to be invading "ruskies". Names of crew members not yet found.
Those who perished were:
[KWE Note: Information about this crash was provided courtesy of Ivy Rash of the Onaga Public Library System and Mrs. Bud (Margaret Lars) Bonjour of Centralia, KS.]
B-29 (44-62186) - The Associated Press reported that the B-29 had just taken off from Forbes field on July 22, 1952 when one motor caught fire. It banked to the left and then nosed into the ground. The plane apparently turned over before it crashed and burned, witnesses said. Killed in this training accident were:
B-29 (44-62223) - This aircraft was rammed by B-29 (44-87774) on March 12, 1952 near San Antonio, Texas. Neither aircraft survived the mid-air collision and all personnel were killed. The cost of this aircraft loss (just this one B-29) was $783,143.00.
The fatalities on 44-62223 were as follows:
See B-29 (44-87774) for the list of fatalities on that aircraft. The government's official accident report was sent to the KWE by Frank "Bud" Farrell of Texas. Click HERE to read it.
B-29 (44-62252) - This B-29A-70-BN Superfortress was part of a three-wing formation aimed at destroying bridges across the Yalu river at Sinuiju and Antung on April 12, 1951. This was a dangerous daylight mission that was so disastrous for the Air Force that on the following days the planes were painted back on the bottom and scheduled for safer night time raids. The aircraft was acting as the electronics countermeasure aircraft for that particular bombing mission. Its job was to confuse enemy ground radar through the use of electronic jamming equipment combined with the dropping of aluminum foil strips called chaff. It was in the slot (last) position of the 2nd group (of three groups) which put it in the middle of the three groups. There was some space between each group. This B-29 had some engine trouble (from age) causing it to slow down, so rather than force its own group to slow down it dropped from the last spot of the 2nd group back to become the lead plane of the next group (the 22nd Bomb Squadron). It was during this brief unfortunate window that the Russian piloted MiG-15's attacked, finding a lone B-29 all by itself between two groups. The aircraft was damaged by the MiG-15's. A fire erupted forcing seven crew members in that section of the plane to bail out. For the next 30 months the seven men were POWs. The remaining crew managed to extinguish the fire and nursed the aircraft back to Suwon AFB, South Korea. Because the plane was badly damaged, the remaining crew did not attempt to land, but bailed out over friendly territory, leaving the aircraft to crash into a hill near Suwon, ten miles south of Seoul.
The crew included:
B-29 (44-62279) - This aircraft developed an engine fire in the climb after takeoff. Steps taken to maintain flight caused the bombs on board to detonate and sever the control wires, and the plane crashed into the China Sea off the coast of Okinawa on October 19, 1950. There were numerous fatalities. #44-62279 was the only B-29 loss of the 22d Bomb Group.
Its crew included:
Captain Gandin's niece, Louise Feinberg of California, sent a packet of photos and information to us about Captain Gandin's loss. Included with it was a faded letter dated 27 October 1950, sent to her father, Dr. Morris M. Gandin (David Gandin's brother) from Lt. Col. Willard W. Wilson. The letter fives further insight into what happened that fateful day:
Dear Dr. Gandin - I am taking the liberty of writing you on behalf of myself and the members of the 33d Bomb Squadron in order that we may express our heartfelt regret for the loss of Captain David Gandin, who, in our opinion, was one of our finest officers. I have served with many officers in my service in two wars, but none can measure up to the standard set by Captain Gandin. His place can never be filled in this Squadron for his equal does not exist.
It is my belief that you desire some detail on the nature of cause of the accident. Briefly this is what happened: On 19 October 1950 Captain Gandin took off as a member of Major Martin's crew for a combat mission against North Korea at approximately 04:17 a.m. Shortly after take off some sort of trouble developed in their number one engine which required that they salvo their bombs to lighten the aircraft, which action would have enabled them to return to the base. Although the bombs were dropped in a safe condition, some of them exploded on impact with the sea. Fragments of the bombs severely damaged the airplane to the extent that it was necessary to ditch in the sea about five miles from the end of the runway. Our Air Rescue Service was at the scene of the accident only a few minutes after it occurred. Unfortunately David was not one of the three survivors.
Let me assure you that Major Martin was one of the most skillful pilots with whom I have been privileged to serve. Investigation has revealed that every course of action taken by him to avoid the accident was proper and in accordance with existing approved procedures. Why the bombs exploded we cannot explain except to say that high explosive is at best unpredictable when roughly handled or released from a fast moving aircraft even though every safety precaution is taken. I can also assure you that David did not suffer in any way. I was personally near the scene of the accident a few minutes after it occurred.
We of the Squadron are starting our return trip to March Air Force Base beginning tomorrow morning, 26th October. I would consider it a distinct honor if you would permit me to call on you should you still be in the vicinity of Riverside. I believe I could answer any additional questions you may have. Again, let me express our bereavement over this irreplaceable loss. No finer officer has ever fought for the cause of humanity."
B-29 (44-62319) - On March 8, 1951, this B-29 crashed in Zamora, California while on a training flight. The aircraft suffered an engine failure and fire. All crew members bailed out and were rescued while the aircraft dove into the ground and crashed in a field located 2.5 miles east of Zamora.
B-29 (44-62971) - This aircraft was damaged by MiGs on October 27, 1951, and crash landed near Seoul with five wounded personnel onboard. The MiG pilot was Lt. Dmitri Samoylov. The plane was written off because it was damaged beyond repair.
Crew members were:
*Captain Fierro received a Silver Star for his actions that day (Headquarters, Far East Air Forces, General Orders Nol. 562 - 30 November 1951) and the citation states what happened that day:
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain Vito J. Fierro, United States Air Force, for gallantry in action against an enemy on 27 October 1951 as a B-29 Aircraft Commander, 30th Bombardment Squadron, 19th Bombardment Group (Medium, Fifth Air Force. On that date, Captain Fierro flew deputy lead in an element of eight aircraft in a daylight formation raid on the vital railway bridge at Sinanju, North Korea. The aircraft was severely damaged by anti-aircraft fire, resulting in the loss of rudder and all controls. Aggressive attacks by at least 20 enemy fighters rendered all turret systems inoperative, started a serious fire in one engine and severely wounded seven crew members. The extent of these injuries made a bail out attempt impractical. At this time, Captain Fierro flew his damaged aircraft away from the main formation to prevent a possible air collision, even though he fully realized this would make him more vulnerable to attack. His skillful maneuvering of the aircraft to stay under the formation as much as possible afforded his crew the best possible protection. Captain Fierro headed for Kimpo Air Field where medical aid would be available to the wounded. The landing was made without brakes or flaps and with the engine still burning. By his gallantry Captain Fierro, at the risk of his life, distinguished himself in action against the enemy. His composure and superior judgment in a situation of great danger reflect the highest credit upon himself, the Far East Air Forces, and the United States Air Force.
**Lieutenant Gale received the Distinguished Flying Cross for his actions that day:
First Lieutenant William R. Gale distinguished himself by extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a B-29 Bombardier, 30th Bombardment Squadron, 19th Bombardment Group, Medium on 27 October 1951. On that date, Lieutenant Gale flew on a daylight-bombing raid on the important railway bridge at Sinanju, North Korea. During the bomb run the aircraft was subjected to accurate antiaircraft fire and repeated attacks by approximately 20 enemy fighters. The damage inflicted by the enemy rendered most of the control cables and all gun turrets inoperative. All inter-plane communications were disrupted and seven crewmembers were wounded. Lieutenant Gale made an excellent bomb drop, then damaged two enemy aircraft before his turret became inoperative. Lieutenant Gale then assumed the duties of the wounded Navigator and despite a serious fire in one engine, directed the aircraft to Kimpo Airfield near Seoul, Korea, where medical aid was available. His exceptional courage and coolness materially aided in the successful return of the aircraft. Lieutenant Gale’s skill, perseverance and devotion to duty reflected great credit upon himself, the Far East Air Forces, and the United States Air Force.
B-29 (44-62320) - After departing Travis Air Force Base in California on October 08, 1952, on a "round robin" training mission for a mock target to Portland, the bomber was "intercepted" by F-86 fighters dispatched from McChord Air Force Base in Washington. On one of the mock passes at the bomber, one of the F-86's struck the outer wing of the B-29. It spiraled out of control and crashed south of Wilsonville, Oregon, claiming the lives of all eleven crewmembers aboard. The errant F-86 returned to McChord safely, the pilot being unaware of what had occurred. The crew members of the B-29 included:
Assisting in the after-accident recovery were: the Lake Grove fire department; Tualatin fire department; Lake Grove sheriff's reserve; Robert English; Robert Chamberlin; Rayburn Thein; Herb Keller; Bill Anderson; Walter Asselin; Forrest Blood; James Cook; Clarence Edwards; Bruce LeDuc; Dick Martin; Milo Mitchell; Everett Sundholm; Jack Wilson; Marshall Shelton; Gordon Stone; Fred Abelle; and Lawrence Morrisson.
B-29 (44-69817) - Crashed (ramp accident) at Kadena on February 05, 1952. A B-29 with this tail number flew combat missions in World War II as the "City of Roanoke" or "Ready Bettie". No further information found.
B-29 (44-69866) - This aircraft was damaged by three KPAFAC Yak-9 fighters near Seoul, Korea and the crew bailed out over the Yellow Sea on July 12, 1950. It was the first B-29 loss to enemy fighters in the Korean War. After hiding from the North Koreans, crew members were rescued by the HMS Alacrity. The plane was written off as too damaged to repair.
The crew members were:
B-29 (44-69977) - One of ten American aircraft purportedly damaged by Russian MiGs on March 01, 1951. According to Russian reports, this particular aircraft was hit by AAA at close range by Soviet pilot Porfiriy Borisovich Oysyannikov. The aircraft was not destroyed. No further information found.
B-29 (44-70048) - Charles L. Simmons was the pilot of this B-29 out of Farstenfeldbruck Air Base, Germany when it was involved in a taxiing accident at the Farstenfeldbruck AB on July 25, 1952.
B-29 (44-70055) - Emergency landing 1952 at Kimpo due to 37mm damage. Pilot = Duckworth. No further information found.
B-29 (44-70007) - accident at Pusan-East Air Base on June 18, 1951 [Not listed on KORWALD.] No further information found.
B-29 (44-70113) - This aircraft was involved in a mid-air collision six miles south of Eglin AFB, Florida on October 13, 1952. The pilot was John F. English. Status of plane and crew not known by the KWE. Alton O. Evans authored the book, B-29 #44-70113. The aircraft was also known as Sweet Louise.
B-29 (44-70151) - This B-29 (the lead bomber in a bombing mission at the Yalu River on October 23, 1951) was damaged by MiG #141 near Namsi Airfield and the crew bailed out in the Chinnampo/Inchon area (Yellow Sea). (See Black Tuesday.) Loss. Thirteen occupants, nine fatalities.
Crew members and their fates were:
B-29 (44-70153) - Crashed on approach to Misawa in a heavy snowstorm on March 28, 1951. No further information found other than the fact that the pilot was William V. Thayer.
B-29 (44-83944) - While cruising at an altitude of 11,000 feet, the aircraft became uncontrollable. All crew members were able to bail out but one of them drowned on landing. The aircraft crashed in a field and was destroyed on February 13, 1951. The B-29, part of the 91st Air Refueling Squadron and commanded by Capt. Ivon Francis Klohe, crashed after being enveloped in a “blinding snowstorm” over Parsons, Kansas, on Feb. 13, 1951. The airplane carried 15 men, all of whom parachuted from the crippled airplane, which crashed and burned in Labette County, in the southeast corner of the state. Master Sgt. Vernon H. Downs, the airplane’s crew chief, was the only crew member who died. The 40-year-old World War II veteran, at the time of his death the father of two sons and a daughter, drowned when his parachute carried him into a railroad oil slush pond, according to The Times’ account published the following day. Two airmen were injured and required hospitalization.
The crew included:
B-29 (44-84085) - This aircraft was involved in a taxiing accident at RAF Brize, Norton, England, on December 06, 1952. The pilot was James D. Douglas Jr.
B-29 (44-84094) - Piloted by Wilbur C. Pensinger (April 17, 1921-June 01, 1996), this B-29 out of Maxwell AFB crashed at Lajes Field east of Azores on October 27, 1951. The fate of the crew and the plane is unknown by the KWE. The names of other crew members are not yet known.
B-29 (44-86256) - Unknown incident. October 17, 1950.
B-29 (44-83985) - This aircraft crashed "with terrific force" in a marshy swamp about seven and a half miles south-southwest of Hunter AFB, Savannah, Georgia, home base of the B-29, on July 10, 1953. The B-29 was on a training mission, and an explosion was believed to be the probable cause. The B-29 slammed into the muck alongside Rock Fish Creek, and the wreckage was spotted about 9:25 a.m. the next day by a Navy helicopter which joined in the search being conducted by search parties pushing through swampland on flatboats. It was found near the mouth of the Ageechee River. All ten crew members were killed. They included:
According to Major Stoddard's son: "In July 1953, my Dad's KB-29P (a tanker) took off from Hunter AFB, GA and immediately lost an engine. When they were in the pattern to land, the pilot turned into the dead engine and the plane went in, killing all aboard. I have a copy of the complete accident report. Accident board called it pilot error. My Dad was a major flying as a "radar observer." He flew as a bombardier in B-24s during WWII and was a lead bombardier trained to use the Norden bomb sight."
B-29 (44-86268) - This aircraft was on a combat mission over North Korea on April 07, 1951. F-84s escorting, when it was damaged by two MiGs. Two engines went out, the pilot ordered bail out, and the aircraft crashed into the water four miles off NW North Korea. Seven fighter aircraft and three SAR aircraft participated in SAR effort. One crewman was rescued.
The crew members were:
B-29 (44-86270) - Based at Wright-Patterson AFB, this B-20 was piloted by Norman J. Glenn when there was an explosion and fire during a Round Robbin from Wright-Patterson.
B-29 (44-86327) - On June 1, 1951, while bombing a railroad bridge at Kwaksan, North Korea, this aircraft was attacked by MiGs, setting its wing on fire. The pilot of the Russian MiG was Yevgeny Mikhailovich Stelmah. Some crewmen were able to parachute into enemy lines.
The crew members were:
B-29 (44-86328) - This aircraft crashed on take off at the China Sea end of the airstrip at Kadena on September 15, 1950. The resulting explosion demolished the firefighters' crash equipment, and blew the station apart as well as the control tower. One crew member was killed and two firefighters lost their lives trying to extinguish the fire. There were 11 occupants in the plane that day.
Partial crew list:
The two firefighters who lost their lives were:
B-29 (44-86346) - This aircraft was severely damaged by pilots of the Soviet's 303rd IA on October 24, 1951. It landed at Yakota Air Base, and was written off.
B-29 (44-86351) - George A. Myers was the pilot of this B-29 based at March AFB, California when it was involved in a gunnery accident at UU Gunnery Range on March 10, 1952.
B-29 (44-86357) -The crew bailed out after their aircraft was shot down by AAA near Sunchon, Korea, on August 24, 1951. The aircraft then exploded 11 miles west of Sunan, North Korea (between Sunan and Kowan-ni).
The crew members were:
B-29 (44-86371) -Attached to 98th Bmb Wg. Hit by AAA over Pyongyang on May 07, 1951, damaged No. 3 & 4 engines hit which possibly caused explosion, lost wing, 4-5 chutes observed, Navy SA-16 and USS Bataan fighter aircraft conducted SAR effort with negative results.
Its crew members were:
B-29 (44-86382) - An aircraft with the 7th Radar Calibration Squadron, this aircraft was destroyed in a post-crash fire on December 18, 1953 when the pilot and co-pilot mistook Ogden MAP, Utah for nearby Hill AFB, put down on a much shorter runway, overran the threshold, bounced across a deep ditch and canal, crossed the highway, and came to rest in pieces. It immediately caught fire. One crew member was killed and two were injured.
B-29 (44-86436) - "Written off (damaged beyond repair): Flying in a three-ship formation, this plane had its left wing damaged by AAA 3 miles South of Kwangju, Honam Region, South Korea June 20, 1951 (at approximate coordinates 35°10′N 126°55′E). The plane was written off as battle damaged and was withdrawn from service. Reclaimed as scrap and components at McClellan AFB, Oklahoma 27 September 1954." [Source - Aviation Safety Net]
B-29 (44-86452) - AAA damage over Pyongyang on May 07, 1951. No further information found.
B-29 (44-87596) - Soviets claim this aircraft as being damaged by MiGs on the night of December 30, 1952. It landed safely at Suwon (K-13)AF. No further information found.|
B-29 (44-87619) - This B-29 suffered structural failure over Galveston, Texas on September 19, 1952. Based at Randolph AFB, Texas, the aircraft was piloted by Brimmer Walrath Sherman.
B-29 (44-87651) - On 5 August 1950, this B-29, crashed, burned, and exploded five minutes after takeoff from Fairfield-Suisun AFB, CA, causing fatal injuries to 12 crewmen and passengers. Eight crewmen and passengers received minor injures. Extensive damage to private and government property and injuries to both civilian and military personnel were caused by a subsequent explosion of the bomb on the aircraft. At the time of the crash, the aircraft was carrying a significant bomb load.
Non-crew members who lost their lives included:
The crew included:
B-29 (44-87704) - This B-29 out of Walker AFB, New Mexico crashed at Lajes Field, Azores on April 26, 1951. It was piloted by Robert J. Luebke. The fate of the crew and the plane is not known by the KWE.
B-29 (44-87741) - This aircraft had taken off from Guam on its way to its base near Mountain Home, Idaho when one of the engines failed about 15 minutes after takeoff and the crew turned around to go back to Guam, which is 3,700 miles west of Hawaii in the Pacific Ocean. During emergency landing at Andersen AFB, Guam, on December 17, 1953, the plane failed to reach the runway and crashed into an officers housing area at the base, demolishing ten homes and damaging three more. Nine of the 16 crew members were killed, and ten were killed on the ground The fatalities included children. he plane was damaged beyond repair and written off.
The crew members were:
*Homer Pickrell risked his life to save that of Bob Jensen. He died of injuries the following day. In 1958 his father accepted the Soldiers Medal posthumously for his heroism.
B-29 (44-87774) - This aircraft rammed B-29 (44-62223) on March 12, 1952 near San Antonio, Texas. Neither plane survived the mid-air collision and all personnel were killed. The cost of this aircraft loss (this B-29 only) was $796,701.00.
The fatalities on 44-87774 were as follows:
See B-29 (44-62223) for the list of fatalities on that aircraft. The government's official accident report was sent to the KWE by Frank "Bud" Farrell of Texas. Click HERE to read it.
[KWE Note: The following letter was sent to the KWE by David Streett. During his flying career Mr. Streett flew a C-47, B-25, B-29, B-50, B-66 B/C/D, and B-52 B/D/F/G/H.]
Reference: 4 November 2007 Letter, March 12, 1952 B-29 crash
Dear Mr. De Waelsche:
This letter is a thank you and follow-up regarding the information you provided me regarding the two Randolph B-29s that collided in midair and crashed on March 12, 1952. Let me first give you some background as to why I wanted the information you sent me on November 4, 2017. I was stationed at Randolph during that period and three of the fifteen crewmen were part of my chew. I never was told what happened or whose fault it was for the accident. With the help of the copies you sent me I have been able to get the accident reports from the Department of the Air Force library at Bolling AFB, Washington, DC.
My interest in the issue is that I was supposed to be on the B-29 that had the tail chopped off. The training to be able to fly combat in Korea works like this. In the beginning of forming a crew five people are chosen consisting of a pilot, co-pilot, engineer and two gunners. The crew practices takeoff and landing procedures ahead of the next step which is to form a complete crew of eleven members. On March 12, 1952 the specific training mission was to include seven crew members on one plane and eight on a second plane. Our pilot Major Padgett, 1/Lt Johnson and Cpl Hertog were to fly with instructor pilot 1/Lt Scott, a second engineer and two gunners. Major Padgett instructed me and the other gunner (Roy Emberland) to take the day off and go into San Antonio and visit the Alamo, etc. As young gunners Roy and I wanted to be the two gunners on the flight as flying was so exciting when you are eighteen that we wanted as much time in the air as possible. But we were overruled so ended up stopping at the alligator farm and spending the rest of the day in San Antonio.
We had no knowledge about the accident until we returned to the base that evening. We never saw any of the newspaper reports. So until you sent me the reports I had no idea what really happened. I want to mention that the job of the gunners on the flight is to identify and report over the intercom any aircraft in the close vicinity to their own aircraft. If I’m sitting on the left side and I see another B-29 at five o’clock, I would report “B-29 at five o’clock low (or high)”. In discussing the accident, Roy and I have always thought that the gunner sitting in the left blister wasn’t doing his job and that if we had been the two gunners on that flight there would have been no accident. Of course we will never know but a close reading of the accident report seems to confirm what Roy and I have always thought.
I have enclosed a copy of the accident report for your archives in case you ever receive any further inquiries on the accident. With your help, and the help of the Air Force library, Roy Emberland and I have found the daughter of Major Padgett who was three years old at the time of the accident. She and her mother knew nothing of the details of the accident. Roy and I stayed around Randolph and eventually formed up with a new crew, went to Okinawa and flew twenty-seven combat missions. Roy and I left the service in 1953. I went back in the service in 1955 and stayed until 1975 when I retired. Service was good for me as I was able to complete a Batcher of Arts at the University of Maryland and a Master’s Degree in Computer Science. From 1955 until 1966 I continued flying in the B-66 in Europe and the B-52 here in the US. In 1966 I quit flying and went into the computer field. Altogether I spent ten years in Europe. Perhaps the most important point in my life was getting married in April of 1959 to a blue eyed blond who spoke English, French, German and Luxembourgish. We are about to celebrate our fifty-seventh year together.
B-29 (44-87782) - This B-29 crashed and burned as it attempted to reach Davis-Monthan Air Force Base. The plane radioed the Davis-Monthan tower that one of its engines was dead and that it was returning to the base to land It crashed minutes later, killing the crew of eight. It crashed and exploded five miles southwest of the base at 2:30 p.m.
The fatalities were:
B-29 (45-21725) - This B-29-90-BW crash-landed in bad weather on April 6, 1951 less than 10 kilometers from the airport in Naha, Okinawa. One crew member was injured and the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.
The crew members were:
B-29 (45-21749) - Twelve crew members were killed when this B-29-97-BW crashed into the East China Sea on March 29, 1951. The aircraft was apparently attacked by the pilot of a MiG-15 fighter over the Korean War front. With two engines inoperative, the pilot evacuated the combat area to return to Kadena AFB, Okinawa. While overflying the East China Sea, the airplane went out of control and crashed into the sea. No trace of the airplane or the 12 crew members was ever found.
The crew included:
B-29 (45-21771) - Returning to Randolph Air Force Base, Texas, after a seven-hour training flight, this aircraft crashed ten miles southwest of Seguin, Texas on January 11, 1951. At 8,000 feet the pilot, Captain Norman A. Bivens, cut off the automatic pilot and began descending through an overcast, flying on instruments. Bivens reported losing all flight instruments and the aircraft became uncontrollable. Six of the crew members were killed, while five others parachuted to safety.
The crew members included:
B-29 (45-21814) - This aircraft was shot down by MiGs about seven miles southwest of Kusong, North Korea while on a bombing mission near the Yalu River on November 10, 1950. This B-29 of the 307th BW, 371th BS was part of a formation of seven and had a escort of F4U Corsairs. 45-21814 was shot down by one MiG-15 of the 139th GIAP flown by Maj. G.I. Kharkovskii. His wingman St/Lt Akimov also claimed a second B-29, but was the same aircraft attacked by Kharkovskii. Wreckage sighted. 45-21814 was the second B-29 destroyed by MiGs in November 1950.
Its crew members were:
*[KWE Note: Billy B. Foshee also survived an earlier crash on September 08, 1950 in #42-84072.]
Bait Me (44-69802) - On September 13, 1952, while on a combat mission, the aircraft's wings iced up and caused the aircraft to stall and crash 21 miles southwest of Kangnung, South Korea. Only one crew member was rescued. The remains of the others were recovered.
The crew members were:
Bigham (42-93974) - While on a night leaflet dropping mission on November 09, 1951, this aircraft was hit by AAA near Chongju. The crew bailed out over Paengnyong-do. All were rescued except one crew member, who was taken POW.
The crew members were:
Black Sheep or City of Jackson (#42-65369) - This aircraft crashed and burned at Kadena following the Yalu River Bridge mission on April 06, 1951. Its gear failed. Capt. Jack W. Frost was the pilot. Every crew member was injured, but there were no fatalities.
The crew members were:
Blue Tail Fly (#44-61693) - Assigned to 371st Bomb Squadron, 307th Bomb Wing, Kadena AB, Okinawa and named "Blue Tail Fly". Hit by AAA over Pyongyang, North Korea May 7, 1951. Repaired and returned to service, but damaged 19 October 1951 due to mechanical failure landing at Yokota AB, Japan. Condemned 5 May 1952.
B.U.B. (44-61815) - Also known as Daijobu/Moon's Moonbeam/Sunbonnet King. B.U.B. stood for Beat Up Bastard. - See "Sunbonnet King" for details.
Bugs' Ball Buster (44-61638) - Damaged July 19, 1950 by a Yak-9. Only one crew member was wounded (Capt. John W. Edenbo). He received a Silver Star for his actions during this incident and his citation explains what happened that day:
Silver Star citation - Headquarters, Far East Air Forces, General Orders No. 149 - 26 December 1950
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain John W. Edenbo, United States Air Force, for gallantry in action against the enemy on 19 July 1950, in Korea, by pressing home a bombing attack on the west railroad bridge at Seoul, Korea. As the lone bomber aircraft was committed to the bomb run it was subjected to repeated and determined attacks by enemy fighters attempting to defend the target, an important link in the supply routes of the aggressor forces. On the third of these attacks, an enemy YAK-9 inflicted damage on the B-29 and wounded Captain Edenbo. Although bleeding profusely about the face, neck and hands, he refused a sedative for relief of his pain and directed the bombardier to continue the bomb run. Thirty seconds from the bomb release point, anti-aircraft fire was encountered. In spite of the strong defense by the enemy and without regard for his own wounds, Captain Edenbo persisted in the attack which resulted in direct hits on the bridge. The gallantry and courage of Captain Edenbo in the face of determined resistance and despite his painful wounds, reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force and are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service.
Bust 'N The Blue (44-62167) - aircraft crashed on August 30, 1952, four miles north of Taegu.* All 12 crew members died. Their bodies were recovered. The crew members (all of whom but Barnes were married) were:
[*For further crash details see Personnel Losses - Barnes, Capt. Bernard Eugene.]
Charlie's Wagon/September Song (44-69746) - There were six occupants when this aircraft received MiG damage from 15-20 MiGs over Sinuiju at 1300L on March 30, 1951. It landed at Itazuke Air Base with wounded and was written off as damaged beyond repair, but there were no fatalities.
The crew members were:
Chief Spokane: The Red Eraser (#44-61925) - This aircraft crashed at Kadena AFB on January 30, 1952 following an in-flight fire in its #1 engine. The aircraft was destroyed by fire. One crew member died in the fire.
The crew members were:
Cream of the Crop (#44-61656) Boeing B-29A-40-BN Superfortress 44-61656: Assigned to 45th Bomb Squadron, 40th Bomb Group, Tinian June 1945. Returned to CONUS (CONtinental US) 14 October 1945. Re-Assigned to 30th Bomb Squadron, 19th Bomb Group, Andersen AFB, Guam. Deployed to Kadena AB, Okinawa for Korean War Operations. Written off (destroyed) when lost on combat operations against Taechon airfield, North Korea on 22 October 1951: Shot down by Lt. Col. Alexsandr D. Smorchkov, (Russian MiG-15 pilot). Official USAF combat report states "Downed by 2-3 MiGs at 15:17 LT, No. 1 engine and hydraulic system knocked out, crew successfully bailed out over Yellow Sea", but Smorchkov was credited with the "kill". All twelve crew members were rescued. They were
Silver Star citation:
Headquarters, Far East Air Force
General Orders No. 551 - November 26, 1951
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain Lyle B. Bordeaux, United States Air Force, for gallantry in action on 22 October 1951 as a B-29 Aircraft Commander, 30th Bombardment Squadron, 19th Bombardment Group (Medium), Fifth Air Force. While on a strike against the vital Taechon airfield in Korea. Captain Bordeaux's aircraft was severely damaged by anti-aircraft fire. Displaying outstanding flying skill, Captain Bordeaux retained control of the aircraft and managed to drop his bombs on the target. Shortly afterwards, several members of the crew were wounded when the aircraft was hit by enemy fighters. With two engines out, Captain Bordeaux unable to maintain altitude, and with almost all flight controls shot away, piloted his crippled aircraft to a friendly island near Seoul, Korea, in order to avoid abandoning the plane over enemy lines. Steadily losing altitude, Captain Bordeaux circled the small island until all members of the crew had parachuted to safety. At that time, with the aircraft impossible to control, Captain Bordeaux bailed out at an altitude of less than 1,000 feet. His skillful handling of this critical situation resulted in the rescue of all twelve crew men without serious injury. Captain Bordeaux's courage, skill and devotion to duty reflected great credit upon himself, the Far East Air Forces, and the United States Air Force.
Deal Me In (44-69805) - A B-29A Superfortress Bomber with the 325th Bomber Squadron, 92nd Bomber Group, on October 14, 1950, while on a bombing mission, the aircraft was damaged by anti-aircraft fire. Its engines caught fire and the crew was ordered to bail out. Later, the fire was extinguished and the order was cancelled, but not before SSgt. Bullman had bailed out. This aircraft was reclaimed at Tinker AFB, Oklahoma on August 08, 1954.
The crew members included (incomplete listing):
*In 1963 Horangic was one of three survivors of the crash of B-52 (57-0018) in the mountains of northern New Mexico.
Double Whammy (44-87734) - This aircraft crashed into the Sea of Japan between Okinawa and southern Korea north of Chinnampo on January 23, 1952 after a run-away propeller sheared and cut the fuselage.
The crew:
Down's Clowns (44-86284) - Battle damaged in 1951 by MiGs and considered an operational loss, even though salvaged in the USA. No further information found.
Dragon Lady (44-61835) - During the Yalu Railroad Bridge mission, this aircraft took a hit on the left side of the cockpit, killing the pilot and bombardier. The co-pilot continued to fly the plane, continuing on to drop its bombs on target. He then flew the plane back to Suwon. The one injured and two fatalities that day included:
Six months later, on Halloween Eve 1951, the Dragon Lady blew up shortly after take-off, 40 miles north of Kadena, when its #3 engine caught fire and a wing blew off. All but two crew members perished in the 10/31/1951 crash. They included:
EB-29B (44-84111) - This aircraft, piloted by Tom F. Clayton, was involved in a ground accident at AFAC Ramp, Eglin AFB, Florida on December 05, 1952.
Eight Ball/Tondemonai (44-62237) - See Tondemonai.
Every Man a Tiger/Myasis Dragon (44-61830) - This aircraft was attacked by six to nine MiGs on March 01, 1951 at Kogungong-dong. The B-29 was badly damaged, but was repaired and in formation when MiGs attacked again on April 12, 1951 during the Yalu River Bridge mission. It was not scrapped until 1954.
Fireball (44-62281) - . Damaged by AAA over Pyongyang on May 07, 1951, recovered at Yokota AB, Japan. Its crewmembers observed loss of 44-86371 and three chutes leaving that aircraft. "Fireball" was first assigned to the 345th about 1947-48 and flew with the 98th to Okinawa in 1948 and to Sculthorp, England in 1949. It deployed to Yokota in 1950 and survived two years of combat. It returned to the U.S. in 1952 and was dropped from inventory as surplus in February 1957.
Crew members were:
Fujigmo (44-62166) - aircraft caught fire northeast of Ocho-o, South Korea and crashed at Taegu on July 22, 1952, killing all 13 crew members.
The fatalities were:
Heart's Desire (44-86400) - also known as The Big Gass Bird and Chotto Matte. Four minutes after take-off this aircraft struck a small hill near the village of Daimon, six miles northwest of Yokota AB, Japan and burned. The crew members included the following:
Heart's Desire II (44-69656) - Attacked by 6-9 MiGs while hitting bridge at Kogungong-dong, North Korea. Number 1 and 3 engines knocked out on March 18, 1951. There was a partial bailout.
Crew members included:
Heavenly Laden/Destination Known (45-21822) - On January 29, 1952, the engine of this aircraft caught fire and the crew bailed out near Yokohama. All of the crew members were rescued.
They included:
Hot Box (44-69682) - When 15-20 MiGs attacked this aircraft during the Yalu River Bridge Mission on April 12, 1951, its #2 engine caught fire, and then the entire wing caught fire. The aircraft exploded and crashed into a mountain near Sinuiju. The tail gunner of B-29 6323 observed the crash and saw no parachutes, but there is strong evidence that some of the crew survived the attack and were taken POW.
Crew members were:
Hot to Go (44-62183) - This aircraft was one of two B-29s shot down near Kwakson, North Korea, during a night mission on June 10, 1952, by Russian MiG pilot Anatoly Karelin. All but one crew member was missing in action. Captain Brom was repatriated during Operation Big Switch in 1953.
The crew members were:
Houston Honey/Jolly Roger (42-63475) - Damaged by Soviets December 06, 1950.
Hoxie's Hoax (44-61983) - Six crew members of this aircraft were fatalities on July 13, 1950 as the result of an explosion onboard at Oki-Gunto and crashed near Dogo Island, Japan. Lance Hoxie, the son of Capt. Thomas Hoxie provided this insight into the accident:
Captain Thomas Hoxie was an aircraft commander in the 9BG, headquartered at Fairchild AFB in Spokane, WA in 1950 when the group was deployed to the Far East. Captain Allen (Tommy) Thomas, a member of the Hoxie’s Hoax crew, was also rated as a “pilot.” Hoxie and Thomas took turns as aircraft commander on missions, with the other serving as co-pilot. During an early mission to Korea, Hoxie’s Hoax (serial #44-61923) was lead aircraft in the attacking squadron with Thomas Hoxie in the left (A/C's) seat. At some point over the Japan Sea (on the way to the bombing run) Hoxie’s Hoax lost an engine, dropped out of the formation and began a return to its base. In order to maintain altitude, the bomb load was salvoed over the Sea. One 500 lb bomb hung up in the racks. While attempting to release the bomb, it detonated either within the bomb bay or immediately beneath the belly of the plane. The five who survived, including Hoxie and Thomas, salvaged a raft (no one knows how it got out of the plane, since it required a human effort to do so) and spent 36-48 hours at sea before a Japanese fishing vessel picked them up near Dojo Island. While official records may not comment on this, I recall that Dad indicated that they were never sure whether the bomb explosion was a result of a defect or that it had been sabotaged prior to the mission," adding, "The last plane on the mission, allegedly saw the explosion, broke radio silence and notified the authorities. When the message was received in the radio shack, a Reuters reporter was there and immediately sent the report out. It was received by the Grand Rapids, MI newspaper (my Dad’s home town) and published before my Dad’s parents (our grandparents) were officially notified. The title of the article in the newspaper was something to the effect of “Hometown Hero Missing in Action.
The crew members were:
Ichiban - (44-61810) - This aircraft from the 91st Strategic Reconnaissance Squadron, based in Yokota Japan, was shot down by Soviet fighters over the Sea of Japan, 18 miles from the Soviet coast, near Hokkaido on June 13, 1952. Soviet MiG-15 Fagot pilots Fedotov and Proskurin reported intercepting the aircraft in the area of Valentin Bay, nine miles from the Soviet coastline. They reported that the RB-29 fired on the Soviet fighters, when intercepted. The Soviet pilots returned fire and the US plane descended, burst into flames and crashed into the water at a distance of about 18 miles from our coastline. Official US records state that the aircraft was on a classified surveillance mission of shipping activity over the Sea of Japan. The plane was followed by radar over the course of the flight until 1320 hours at which time the radar contact was lost. Empty life rafts were spotted by search aircraft the next day. Radio Moscow stated on June 16 stated that one officer survivor had been picked up by a Russian vessel about two days before. The name of the survivor was not given and efforts to confirm the report were unsuccessful.
Crew members included:
KB-29M (44-27282) - This B-29 based at Yakota AB, Japan, was involved in a taxiing accident at Atsugi AB, Japan on June 02, 1953. The pilot was Walter C. Pindell.
KB-29P (44-84015) - This B-29 out of Walker AFB, New Mexico was piloted by Gordon G. Deal when it was involved in a taxxing accident at Langley AFB, Virginia.
Lady in Dis-Dress (44-86446) - This aircraft was damaged by MiGs on December 30, 1952, had a wing fire, and crashed in Tokyo. No further information has been found other than the plane was repaired and scrapped in 1954.
Lil' Darlin (44-86273) - This aircraft crashed into the Yokota Bowling Alley and Clothing Sales while returning from a combat mission on October 14, 1951.
The crew members were:
Little Red Ass (RB50G-47145) - This RB-50 flew from Honshu on a mission in North Korea and was shot down over Sea of Japan southeast of Vladivostok at 42-17N, 133-15 East, by two Soviet pilots (Yablonskiy and Rybakov) in the region of Cape Gamor on July 29, 1953 while on a secret mission. Declassified U.S. government documents state that the aircraft was on a "routine navigational mission in air space over the international waters of the Sea of Japan". Total time elapse between the time the attack started until components of the aircraft fell into the water was approximately two minutes. There was a crew of 17 - 1 survivor, 2 remains recovered, 1 KIA, 13 MIA. Declassified documents list the names of the crew members, but none of their names show up on the government's official KORWALD list as having been killed, missing, or lone survivor. The co-pilot was the only crew member recovered. He was rescued by an American ship 40 miles from the Soviet coast to the south of Cape Povorotny. The pilot and co-pilot bailed out at the same time. The co-pilot assumed the rest of the crew bailed out, too. A search and rescue aircraft dropped a life raft to other survivors. At least four of them (and possibly more) were seen sitting in the raft. Also seen were nine Soviet PT-type boats in the area and at least six of them were heading to the location where debris from the aircraft was later discovered. A Soviet trawler was also spotted in the approximate area.
The crew members were:
Insight into the mission of RB-50G was found in a memorial to crew member Robert Elbon Stalnaker on a website entitled, "West Virginia Division of Culture and History":
Robert Elbon Stalnaker was born March 4, 1922, the youngest son of Randall H. and Lula [Elbon] Stalnaker of Webster Springs, West Virginia. Randall, a schoolteacher in Webster County, and Lula were divorced in 1923 and Lula found work as the matron of the IOOF Home in Elkins, West Virginia, where she met A. J. Wilkinson of Huntington. A. J. and Lula were married about 1925, and they had a daughter Mary. Robert graduated from Huntington High School in 1939. He attended West Virginia Business College in Huntington, and after graduation worked as a clerk for the West Virginia State Road Commission in Huntington.
On January 7, 1942, Robert enlisted as a private in the Army Air Corps at Fort Thomas, Kentucky. He received his commission as lieutenant at Deming Officer Training School in Deming, New Mexico, in January 1943, where he also received training in navigation. In May 1944 Robert transferred to Hunter Army Air Field near Savannah, Georgia, for training aboard a B-17G and was assigned to Crew 122 as a bombardier. Robert went to England with the 8th Air Force in June 1944.
On July 16, 1944, Robert was a bombardier/navigator of a B-17 that participated in a bombing mission over Germany. Failing to return, he was declared missing in action. According to his sister Mary Childers, the plane was shot down over Germany and Robert was captured. He was among a group of prisoners being transported by truck to a POW camp when they were rescued by German partisans and helped across the French border. With the aid of the French underground they crossed the Swiss border, where they stayed until they were freed in an exchange of German POWs. On August 11, 1944, Robert's parents were notified that he was alive and safe. After his ordeal, Robert received a 21-day leave to visit home before returning to England, where he continued his service with the 8th Air Force until the war was over.
Robert left the Air Force after WWII and returned home. After attending Marshall University for a year or so, in January 1948, Robert re-enlisted in the Air Force as a captain. He updated his previous training at Lackland Air Force Base near San Antonio, Texas, and went to Barksdale Air Force Base in Louisiana for further training in reconnaissance and surveillance. Robert was stationed at Biloxi, Mississippi in July 1950, where he received radar training.
On December 29, 1951, Robert married Betty [James] Frazier, a girl he had known since high school. They got married in Pikeville, Kentucky, and traveled throughout southern Kentucky on their honeymoon. After the trip, Robert returned to Biloxi and was then transferred to Forbes Air base near Topeka, Kansas. At Forbes, he received training as an electronics specialist and became a crew member of a US RB-50G with the 343rd Strategic Reconnaissance Squadron of the 55th Strategic Reconnaissance Wing, which was attached to the 91st Strategic Reconnaissance Squadron based at Yokota Air Base, Japan.
On July 29, 1953, Robert Stalnaker was one of a 17-member crew on a US RB-50G that was given a special assignment over the Sea of Japan. Another West Virginian, Airman 2nd Class James E. Woods from Upshur County, was also a member of the crew. Robert and five other crewmen were electronics specialists known as Ravens, and on that day one of their assignments was to investigate radar facilities along the Soviet border. The best way to do that was to provoke the Russians into turning on their search and control radar, which was usually done only when the early warning radar detected a potential threat. This risky maneuver was known as ferreting because the goal was to ferret out information about the capabilities of the Soviet equipment. The Russians understood the game and tried not to be lured into turning on their equipment, which would expose the capabilities of their system to the United States.
After completing the mission at about 6:15 AM, the US RB-50G was returning to the base at Yokota when it was intercepted and unexpectedly fired upon from the rear by two Russian MiG-17 fighter planes. The gunfire from the MiG-17 at the rear disabled the RB-50G’s No. 1 engine and set the No. 4 engine on fire. The attack also tore off part of the tail section and destroyed the wing. The tail gunner, James E. Woods, was able to return a brief burst of fire at the MiG-17, but to no avail, and commander Captain Stanley O'Kelley ordered the crew to bail out. The plane lost altitude quickly and crashed into the sea. The attack occurred two days after the armistice ending the Korean War was signed on July 27, 1953.
The US conducted a thorough search of the area by air and sea, and was assisted by an Australian ship near the crash site. Halted due to dense fog and approaching darkness, the search was resumed on the morning of July 30, 1953. Captain John Roche, co-pilot of the plane, was wounded but survived the crash by holding onto pieces of the wreckage. He was picked up by the Navy ship USS Picking in the early morning hours of July 30, 1953 after floating in the Sea of Japan for about 22 hours. No other survivors were found. The bodies of Captain Stanley O'Kelley and Master Sergeant Francis Brown were later recovered along the coast of Japan. The remaining 14 members of the crew, which included Robert Stalnaker, were never accounted for.
The United States State Department officially released information that the US RB-50G was the victim of an unprovoked attack by two Russian MiG-17 fighters while on a routine navigational training exercise in international airspace over the Sea of Japan. In fact, the US RB-50G was involved in a ferreting operation, and in order to provoke the Russians, had flown into the danger zone of the harbor at Vladivostok, which was home to the Soviet's Pacific fleet.
The Soviet government maintained that about 6:00 AM on the morning of July 29, 1953, a US Air Force RB-50G aircraft violated the boundary of the USSR in the region of Cape Gamov and flew through their airspace to the area of Ajton Island near Vladivostok. The Soviets claimed that two Russian MiG-17 fighter aircraft approached the US RB-50G with the intention of showing the crew that they were within the boundaries of the USSR and urging them to leave Soviet airspace. The Soviets stated that the US RB-50G aircraft was last seen flying out to sea and they had no further knowledge of the fate of the plane or its crew. However, according to Captain Roche, several Russian boats were in the area immediately after the crash, and crew members of the rescue planes searching the site also reported sightings of Russian boats and planes in the area that may have picked up other possible survivors or remains.
Throughout the 1950s and early 1960s the US government made repeated requests to the Soviet Foreign Ministry for information regarding the July 29, 1953 attack on the US Air Force RB-50G plane but received little no response. In June 1992 Russian President Boris Yeltsin admitted that the Soviets had shot down nine US planes during the 1950s and held twelve of the survivors prisoner. It is not know whether any of these prisoners were crew members aboard the US RB-50G which was shot down in 1953. In November 1955, Robert Stalnaker was officially pronounced dead by the US Air Force.
Robert Stalnaker is survived by his sister Mary Childers. His mother Lula [Stalnaker] Wilkinson passed away in 1966. His older brother Randall Harold had died in 1939, and his father passed away in 1934. At the time he was shot down, Robert Stalnaker left his wife Betty [James] Frazier and a stepson James Frazier.
Loaded 'Leven (44-69803) - At 1612 hours on February 28, 1952, this plane departed on a bombing mission. The #2 engine was smoking heavily at takeoff. Five minutes after coast-in, #2 began vibrating. Excessive vibration continued and one engine burst into flames. The order was given to bail out at 14,000 feet. The plane crashed 15 miles southwest of Kaesong, North Korea at 2042 hours.
The crew members were:
Lubricating Lady (44-61751) - Flew its fourth combat mission on October 31, 1952. On the mission the plane lost three engines and was ditched nine miles northwest of Kadena Air Base. There were only three survivors. B-29 flight crew member Frank "Bud" Farrell believes this aircraft had more than four missions. He stated, "We were the last crew to successfully fly it before its loss...a “jinxed aircraft , flew it a few times, combat, test hops, and last time 93rd Bomb Squadron."
Its crew on October 31, 1952 included:
Lucifer (45-21745) - "Boeing B-29-97-BW Superfortress 45-21745: Modified for the Tarzon guided bomb. The bomb mated the guidance system of the earlier Razon radio-controlled weapon with a British Tallboy 12,000-pound bomb. Re-Designated EB-29 due to these modifications. There were extensive revisions to the bomb bay and bomb bay doors. The radar was moved forward replacing the lower gun turret. The aircraft were also fitted with a B-50 nose piece to give the bombardier better visibility. Assigned to 1st Experimental Guided Missiles Group, Eglin AFB, Florida. Damaged 6 July 1949 due to mechanical failure near Valparaiso, Florida. Repaired (reconverted to a "standard" B-29) and returned to service, then re-assigned to 30th Bomb Squadron, 19th Bomb Group, Andersen AFB, Guam. Deployed to Kadena AB, Okinawa, Japan. Named ‘Lucifer’ Written off (destroyed) 17 December 1951: Following an uneventful training mission, the crew was returning to their base at Barksdale AFB, Louisiana, and completed the approach by night. On final, the heavy bomber hit the roof of a house and crashed onto it about 1/2 mile short of runway 15, near Highway 80. Of the crew of thirteen, four crew members were killed while nine others were injured. The couple who were sleeping in the house at the time of the accident - Mr. and Mrs. W.C. McDaniel of Minden Road, Bossier City - were evacuated safely." [Source: Aviation Safety Net]
Lucky Dog (44-86370) - Aircraft was hit in a MiG attack, The #1 engine of this aircraft caught fire and the aircraft ditched at sea off Ryongampo on April 12, 1951. Debris and an oil slick were found, but no parachutes were observed and all but one of the 12-man crew remain missing in action.
Crew:
Mais Oui/Miss Behavin (44-86436) - Flying in a three-ship formation, this plane had its left wing damaged by AAA approximately three miles south of Kwangju, Korea on June 20, 1951. The pilot's name was Nash. The plane was written off as battle damaged.
Miss Jackie The Rebel (44-61967) - This aircraft was shot down by Soviet pilot Studilin on June 10, 1952 in the region of Sensen-Tetsyuzan (near the railroad bridge at Kwakson, North Korea). The Soviet aircraft attacked "Miss Jackie" four times. The first attack was unsuccessful due to distance. On the second attack the engine on the left wing caught fire. After the fourth attack an engine on the right wing caught fire. "Miss Jackie" exploded and crashed 15-20 kilometers southeast of the Tetsyuzan peninsula into the sea. All crew members were missing in action.
The crew:
Miss Manukie/Squeeze Play (44-86415) - On September 19, 1951, while on a leaflet dropping mission, this aircraft developed engine problems and it was ditched in the Sea of Japan. Its crew members are all MIA.
Crew:
Miss Minooky/MissSpokane (44-27332) - Damaged by anti-aircraft over Sunan, North Korea on October 13, 1951. On board was Jim Lucas, Scripps-Howard correspondent, who filed his report in the San Francisco News.
Crew members were:
Research on the internet indicates that #44-27332 had structural failure on June 16, 1954 at Kadena AFB. At that time the B-29 was piloted by Luther Erwin Armstrong, Jr. (1923-2005).
Miss North Carolina B-29 (44-61940) - MiGs shot the left wing off the plane on October 23, 1951. When the plane engine caught fire, the B-29 headed for safety, but before it could get back to base the crew had to bail out in the Yellow Sea. Of the crew of 13, one was picked up after landing in the Yellow Sea by an Australian destroyer, one man's body was found the next day washed ashore. Five of the men were taken prisoners of war and returned in 1953. The remaining men were not heard from again. See Black Tuesday.
Crew Members
Miss Tampa/TDY Widow (44-86335) - This aircraft's fuel cell and wing were damaged by AAA on March 01, 1951 and caught fire. It landed at K-2 and was written off.
Moon's Moonbeam (44-61815) (See B.U.B.)
M.P.I. (44-86247)** - A B-29 type aircraft from the 344th Bombardment Squadron, 98th Bombardment Wing (M), Fifth Air Force, crashed while taking off on an operational mission with a full complement of bombs. The aircraft had a maximum load of 500 pound demolition bombs and gasoline when it lost power. After an unsuccessful attempt was made to stop, the aircraft crashed at the end of the runway and burst into flame. The aircraft commander was Captain John P. Brennan, USAF. After he left the burning aircraft, he noticed two crew members, apparently in a state of shock, standing at the aircraft amidst burning gasoline and exploding machine gun shells. Although Captain Brennan knew the fuses of the bombs were of a delicate nature and would explode at any moment, he immediately rushed back and guided the crew members to safety. Shortly thereafter, the first of a series of four explosions occurred, and Captain Brennan was struck in the ankles. When he observed another crew member near the aircraft, Captain Brennan, once again disregarding his own well being, made an immediate rescue. He received the Soldier's Medal for heroism. Airman Third Class Herman Breeding, Jr., USAF, also received the Soldier's Medal for his heroic actions while serving with a crash rescue crew from the 6161st Air Installations Squadron, Yokota Air Base. After rushing to the scene of the above mentioned crash, and in spite of his awareness of the danger of an explosion of high octane fuel and bombs, Airman Breeding attempted to enter the burning aircraft to remove crew members whom he believed were trapped in the wreckage.
Rescued were:
**[KWE Note: Although all the crew members were rescued, ten base firefighters (3 US airmen and 7 Japanese nationals) lost their lives in this fiery crash. A memorial to the firefighters was re-dedicated in February 2011 after it was relocated to the new fire department facility at Yokota.]
Myakinas (44-62108) - While on a night intruder mission against Sinanju/Kunu-ri, two engines failed and the aircraft crash landed at Taegu on April 10, 1951. The B-29 was a total loss due to battle damage. Some crew members were not injured, while others were wounded in action or killed during the crash landing.
The crew included:
[*Trackberger is found in some DoD records as Trakberger.]
Nipp-on-Nees (44-61617) - Crashed while making an emergency landing at Miho AB on September 09, 1950. No KORWALD. Names of crew members unknown.
No Sweat (44-87618) - Attacked by MiGs during the Yalu Railroad Bridge mission on April 12, 1951. Landed safely in Seoul, but was struck by a jet while on the ground. No personnel losses. See Yalu Railroad Bridge section of this page. Names of crew members unknown.
Our Gal (44-61932) - When 40 to 70 MiGs attacked a B-29 formation, aircraft 44-61932 was damaged to the degree that the crew bailed out over Wonsan Harbor near Tri-yom-do on October 24, 1951. US Navy aircraft flew RESCAP over the crew.
Over Exposed (44-61813) - Damaged by MiG-15 on November 09, 1950. (This plane was also known at one time as the Pacific Princess.) On this date a 91st Strategic Reconnaissance Squadron gunner, Sgt. Henry J. Lavene of St. Louis, Missouri, scored the first B-29 victory in the Korean War by destroying an attacking MiG15. The RB-29 limped back to Japan where five crewmen died in the crash landing. William F. " Bill" Welch, who flew combat missions in B-29's during the Korean War, remembers this about the incident: "Plane #461813 was jumped by MiG15s while taking pictures of Yalu River bridges. It was the first time that MiGs had entered Korea. Sgt. Harry Lavene shot down one of the MiGs but the plane had both engines on the left side shot out. The plane made it back to Johnson AFB on two engines but on the final approach the left wing stalled and it went in. Everyone in the forward compartment was killed except Harry Lavene who had been up front for the expected crash landing." The aircraft overshot the runway. The air frame broke into five major portions. Five crew members died and the plane was written off.
Its seven crew members were:
Police Action* (44-86295) - This B-29, also known as "B Flight", was shot up at Namsi and crash landed at Kimpo Airfield, South Korea on October 23, 1951. The navigator was the only crew member killed in action. Loss of aircraft. See also Black Tuesday.
The crew members were:
*It should be noted that there were two B-29s with the name "Police Action" in the Korean War. This one was the first one. According to Kenneth Russell, a crew member of the later version of "Police Action", the second one (tail number not known) was brought over from the States in June of 1952. Its new crew was the crew of "Trouble Brewer", a B-29 that had crash-landed earlier that year. A sexy female sheriff was painted on the later "Police Action".
**Bill Reeter received a Silver Star for actions associated with the first "Police Action" on October 23, 1951. The citation (General Orders: Headquarters, Far East Air Forces, General Orders No. 14, January 8, 1952) reads:
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant William E. Reeter, United States Air Force, for gallantry in action as Aircraft Commander of a B-29, 372d Bombardment Squadron, 307th Bombardment Wing, FIFTH Air Force, on 23 October 1951. On that date, Lieutenant Reeter flew in a strike against the key enemy airfield at Namsi, North Korea. While on the bomb run, the formation was attacked by approximately 150 enemy MIG-15 jet fighters. In the ensuing battle, Lieutenant Reeter's aircraft was severely damaged and he and seven crew members were injured. Three separate fires developed in the aircraft, but with Lieutenant Reeter's aid and supervision, they were extinguished. Damage sustained included numerous gaping holes in the fuselage, wings, and tail surfaces, severed aileron cable and fuel lines. In spite of his wounds, Lieutenant Reeter elected to fly his crippled aircraft to an emergency airfield in Korea rather than attempt a bailout of his wounded crew members. By remaining in formation, he afforded greater firepower and protection to the other damaged aircraft. A successful landing was made with no further injury to his crew. The courage, skill and devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Reeter reflected great credit upon himself, the Far East Air Forces and the United States Air Force.
Rapid Rabbit (44-61776) - The aircraft lost #1 and 4 engines en route to a secondary target on April 01, 1952, and the crew bailed out successfully approximately three miles north of Kansong. They were all rescued.
The crew:
Raz-'N-Hell (44-61535) - There is a message on the Korean War Project regarding an incident that damaged this B-29. It reads: "During maintenance they forgot to replace the barrel stops on one of the top turrets. During the course of the mission, they were under orders to expend all ammunition before returning to base. One of the crew--not a gunner--wanted to shoot the guns, and he swiveled the turret and promptly shot-out their #2 engine when the guns depressed farther than they should have been able due to the missing stops.
The crew included:
This B-29 eventually ended up on display at Castle Air Museum, Atwater, California.
Sad Sac (T.D.Y.) (44-61676) - Piloted by Tollson and Collins, this aircraft was damaged by MiGs on November 14. 1950. It was able to make it to Kimpo, but crashed into a parked aircraft. Three crew members were injured. The KWE believes that "Sad Sac" was one of nine B-29s sent to drop 1,000 bombs on a bridge at Sinuiju on that date. Two of the nine B-29s were damaged. The following day a much larger contingent of B-29s was once again sent to the Yalu River to try to destroy the bridge. The mission was not accomplished.
SB-29 (44-69982) - This search and rescue plane of the 52d Air Rescue Squadron, 6th Air Rescue Group, based at Harmon Air Force Base, Newfoundland, was sent out to assist in search efforts on March 18, 1953 to find a missing B-36 bomber (Convair B-36H 51-13721). The B-29 disappeared shortly before landing, crashing into St. Georges Bay, a few miles from the runway, killing all ten crew members.
The crew:
SB-29 (44-84124) - An SB-29 Superfortress rescue aircraft with the 3rd Air Rescue Squadron, U.S. Air Force, on January 31, 1951, while on a rescue mission, engines three and four failed and the electric system of this B-29 went out. The aircraft crashed three miles south of Johnson Air Base.
The crew members were:
September Song/Charlie's Wagon (44-69946) - See Charlie's Wagon.
Shady Lady/Double or Nuthin' (42-65357)* - Shot down by MiGs at night 10-12 miles south of Pyongyang (18 miles east of Sariwon) on January 29, 1953. At 0026 a "mayday" call was heard. The B-29 caught fire and exploded upon ground impact. By the light of the explosion four parachutes were seen by a gunner in another B-29. Flashlights and red flares were seen in the vicinity shortly thereafter. (Persons on the 71 List were interrogated by Soviets and held after the war.)
Its crew members were:
Short Time Only (44-69951) - Salvaged (junked) in South Korea after an emergency landing due to battle damage. No further information found.
Slick Chick (44-61874) - Forced down at Kimpo in 1952.
Snugglebunny (44-69667) - This plane flew 34 missions with the 6th Bomb Group before being assigned to the 98th Bomb Group and flying 78 missions during the Korean War. It was damaged March 1, 1951 by AA or premature explosion of own bombs, but was again present in the formation attacked by MiG's on April 12, 1951. The aircraft was scrapped in 1954.
So Tired/Seven-to-Seven (RB-29A - 44-61727) - shot down by MiG while on a photo reconnaissance mission over Sinanju, North Korea on July 04, 1952. 11 crew survived/2 missing in action (presumed dead). Eight of the 13-man crew became POWs that were eventually released. A Soviet transcript report stated, "...elements of the 351st lAP encountered a USAF B-29 while on a combat sortie. At 2246 hours, Major Anatoly Karelin (Russian Ace) observed one B-29 in the searchlight beams near Khakusen at an altitude of 7200 meters and attacked it. Orienting on the flaming aircraft, the pilot conducted three more attacks and shot down the B-29. The bomber started to break up midair and fell two kilometers west of Khakusen. Four engines and the burnt fuselage were found at the crash site. Eight crew members of the B-29 were taken prisoner by our Chinese comrades."
The crew members were:
Southern Comfort (44-61749) - On November 07, 1950, this aircraft crash landed at Itazuke AFB in Japan following an in-flight fire. The plane was written off because it was damaged beyond repair. Two crew members were injured in the accident on November 07, 1950.
Jack M. Goss died in March of 2007. A newspaper article written at the time of his death provides some details about the crash of the "Southern Comfort": "While flying aboard the plane Southern Comfort, it was hit and seriously damaged by enemy fire. Though severely burned on his hands and face and suffering from shock, Mr. Goss used his forearms to crank down the bomber's damaged wheels, enabling the plane to land. Mr. Goss spent two years in a burn unit and underwent 14 skin graft operations to repair his injured face. For his action in helping to save the B-29 and its crew, Mr. Goss was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross." Also of note is the fact that this particular aircraft received major battle damage earlier in the war on September 19, 1950. This aircraft had operational loss not due to enemy action on December 13, 1951 and was salvaged at Itazuke.
Southern Comfort (44-61810) - On June 13, 1952, the aircraft departed Yokota Air Base, Honshu, Japan on an electronic surveillance mission. It was shot down by 2 Russian MiG-15's over the Sea of Japan south of Mys Ostrovnoy, 100 miles north of Hokkaido and 120 miles from the Russian coast. The official records state that the aircraft was on a classified surveillance mission of shipping activity over the Sea of Japan. The plane was followed by radar over the course of the flight until 1320 hours at which time the radar contact was lost. The aircraft failed to return to Yokota Air Base and although several attempts were made to establish radio contact, no communications from the crew were received. The missing aircraft was known to have three six-man and 11 one-man life rafts on board and sufficient food and medical supplies to care for all 12 crew members for three days. On June 14 1952, during the search, an empty six-man life raft was sighted, right side up, at a point about 100 miles off the Russian coast, but search planes were unable to salvage the raft due to prevailing conditions. An unconfirmed report indicated that a second six-man life raft was seen four miles south of the first raft, but this sighting could not be verified. The search continued until June 17, 1952 but no wreckage was found and no survivors were sighted.
The 12 crew members were:
Star Duster/Rough Roman (44-69818) - The aircraft was low on fuel and it crash landed on July 7, 1953 during landing approach after returning from a combat mission. There was poor weather at recovery airfields. All 13 crew members were killed in the crash.
They were:
Stardust Four Zero (44-62217) - On January 13, 1953, while on a mission of dropping leaflets over enemy territory, the aircraft was attacked by 12 MiGs. Crew of 14 - Three crew members were killed and eleven were taken prisoner. Shot down on night mission. 11 of crew POW (Col Arnold's plane); released in 1955.
The crew members were:
Stateside Reject (44-62152) - This aircraft was battle-damaged at K-14. It crashed on November 15, 1950 during takeoff at Kadena and was written off as damaged beyond repair. The crew was injured, but all were rescued. It was attached to the 19th Bomb Wing. Crew names not yet found:
Sunbonnet King (44-61815) - shot down by two Soviet LA-11 fighters near Yuri Island while on a photo mission over Northern Hokkaido on October 07, 1952. Three regular crew members did not fly that day. All eight remaining crew members were lost. They included:
Tail Wind/Burke's Jerks/Sweet Judy II (#45-21721). On February 7, 1952, while departing on a combat mission, this aircraft crashed during snow three miles northwest of Yokota Air Base, Japan. KORWALD and other accident reports list only two crew members (Baker and Smith), who were both fatalities.* The crew consisted of:
*When B-29 veteran Earl "Mac" McGill was asked by the KWE if a B-29 could be flown by only two people, his reply was: "No. Minimum flight crew required a Flight Engineer to start engines and set various controls that pilots did not have available. Regulations also required two scanners. It is also highly unlikely that they would have flown without a navigator and radar operator. Data (including photos) on Tail Wind has always been questionable. The photos seem to indicate WWII markings (or lack of). A possible reason that only two are listed is that the rest bailed out without casualty (also highly unlikely). Most likely is records goof."
TB-29A (44-62299) - Enroute from Hamilton Air Force Base in California to Great Falls Air Force Base in Montana, this aircraft's engine failed and caught fire. The crew was forced to bail out and shortly thereafter the plane crashed on Mount Stuart, about four miles northeast of Philipsburg, Montana. The plane, which was destroyed on impact, caused a small forest fire that was quickly extinguished.
The crew members were:
TB-29 (44-86382) - On December 18, 1953 this USAF Boeing TB-29 Superfortress, formerly Silverplate Boeing B-29-55-MO, 44-86382, of the 7th Radar Calibration Squadron, Sioux City Air Force Base, Iowa, was destroyed by post-crash fire when the pilot and co-pilot mistook Ogden Municipal Airport, Utah, for nearby Hill Air Force Base, put down on a much shorter runway, overran the threshold, bounced across a deep ditch, 10-foot-wide (3.0 m) canal, crossed a highway, and came to rest in pieces, followed by immediate fire. There was one fatality on crew and two others were injured.
TB-29 (44-87656) - Based at Griffiss AFB, Rome, New York, this aircraft was involved in a taxiing accident at Wright-Patterson AFB on November 21, 1952. The pilot was Homer S. McCollum.
The Fry' In Pan/Sucoshi Ni (44-69812) - This aircraft received AAA damage while conducting a bombing mission over Pyongyang. Damage was to the engine and outboard left wing. It landed safely on its home base that day, March 01, 1951.
The Outlaw (44-65306) - According to Earl "Mac" McGill, the co-pilot on the B-29's final flight day, the aircraft had taken a hit from a Soviet MiG 15 cannon to the right outboard engine on a previous combat mission. The engine had been replaced, but several test flights thereafter were aborted due to failed run-up checks. On October 2, 1951, just at takeoff, flames came from the #1 engine. The left wing clipped a storage tank located on top of a slight hill at the air base. The plane smashed through a scrubby, sub-tropical forest, the nose gun mount and bomb sights broke off and were flung into the cockpit, the nose gear strut sheared and was driven into the cabin ceiling, and the fuselage broke in two. The crew was five men that day and all escaped injury.
The crew members were:
Tiger Lil (42-94000) - shot down over Sea of Japan by two Russian MiGs on November 07, 1954 (after truce was signed) while on a routine photo mapping mission. After the aircraft caught fire, the eleven-man crew bailed out. All but one survived. The aircraft crashed on the island of Hokkaido, 10 miles east of the town of Kenebetsu. It descended into an area at Nemuro, Japan and crashed into an unoccupied house. The plane was a total loss.
Its crew members were:
To Each His Own (44-62207) - Diverted to K-2 due to poor weather conditions at Yokota Air Base, Japan. Landed on runway under construction. Substantial damage to aircraft but no injuries to crew. The accident took place at Taegu, Korea on June 09, 1952. Crew members included (incomplete listing):
Tondemonai/Eight Ball (44-62237) - At an altitude of 150 feet following take-off on a combat mission, #4 engine caught on fire. At an altitude of 500 feet, #2 engine caught fire. Bombs were salvoed. Then two explosions from #2 engine occurred. The aircraft went out of control. The crew started bailing out at an altitude of approximately 650 feet. There were three fatalities.
The final flight crew members were:
*Kerrin Coyne wrote a detailed account about this plane crash and posted it on RB-29 Net.
Top of the Mark (44-69763) - Damaged on March 30, 1951, but was repaired and returned to battle. The plane shows up in 1953-53 mission reports.
Trouble Brewer/Snake Bit (44-86390) - This aircraft crash-landed on its 9th mission on June 25, 1952. Weather conditions did not permit the aircraft to land at its planned return base. It crashed at Ashia AFB due to lack of fuel and a short runway. Its main gear stopped the plane from going over a 500-foot cliff. There was no loss of life, but among the seriously injured was the bombardier, who put his feet through the nose glass.
The crew* included:
*According to Ken Russell, who was on this aircraft, after the crash some changes were made to the crew. Lt. Frank Zitano was bombardier, Sergeant Eversol was engineer, and Max Kinnard was the aircraft commander.
Typhoon Goon II (44-69770) - On October 26, 1952, while making a low-level penetration of Typhoon Wilma, this aircraft went down 300 miles east of Leyte in the Philippines during a 14-hour over-water flight to obtain information about Typhoon Wilma. The aircraft was attached to the 54th Weather Reconnaissance Squadron at Andersen AFB on Guam. The original "Typhoon Goon" was Aircraft 45-21838, which was stationed on Guam from January 1948 until December 1950, during which time she flew at least 25 typhoon missions. When Aircraft 770 arrived on Guam in January of 1951, she was given the name "Typhoon Goon II" to keep the tradition alive. The crew's last radio message indicated they were close to the eye and were attempting to make a low level fix. They reported that their radar altimeter had "burned out", and that they were going to fly in anyway, using just pressure altimetry to maintain the proper altitude. This was an extremely dangerous prospect, since Wilma was a Category 5 super typhoon with 185 mph winds at the time of penetration, and had a very sharp change in pressure near the eye. If the plane was attempting to fly at a constant pressure altitude, the pilot would have been forced to perform a steep descent in the eyewall. It is likely the aircraft hit a strong downdraft that carried them into the sea, or that severe turbulence caused the aircraft to go out of control, with insufficient time for the pilot to recover.
The crew was reported missing when the aircraft failed to arrive at Clark AFB at 10:00 p.m. that day, the estimated time of fuel exhaustion. Surface winds in the typhoon were 125 knots, 144 miles per hour--a category 5. Reports indicated that native fishermen witnessed a four-engine aircraft plunge into the sea and quickly sink into the water six to eight miles off San Ricardo Point, the southern tip of Leyte Island. No parachutes were observed. Concentrated efforts to recover wreckage or debris failed. Ten airmen were onboard, and their remains were not recovered.
The crew:
United Notions (44-62084)* - This aircraft was hit by AAA on September 09, 1950 and exploded in mid-air near Wolbong-ni. Five chutes cleared the aircraft.
The crew members were:
United Notions (44-27326)* - Crashed into a mountain near Taeam-dong approximately 3-5 northeast of K-2 (Taegu) on September 13, 1951. The pilot of this "United Notions" aircraft was McNeely. All 14 on board were killed.
The lost were:
Vicious Roomer (44-62042) - This aircraft took off from Yokota Air Base, Japan on March 28, 1952, for a combat mission over North Korea. During the flight to North Korea, the aircraft experienced mechanical problems (engine fire) over the Sea of Japan and the pilot ordered the crew to bail out. After five of the crewmen bailed out, the pilots regained control of the situation and successfully flew the aircraft back to Japan where they landed safely. Of the five men who bailed out, only one survived.
The crew included (partial list):
Wanderer (44-62224) - Damaged by Soviets December 06, 1950.
WB29 (44-87756) - Attached to the 55th SRS (M) Weather at McClellan AFB, California, this B-29 weather plane crashed on April 05, 1952 as it approached for landing at McClellan Air Force Base, Sacramento, California. The crash occurred three miles short of the runway after returning from a 19-hour flight.
The following crew members died:
TEN ARE KILLED IN PLANE CRASH.Sacramento, Cal., April 6. 1952 -- (UP)
An air force B-29 weather plane, returning from a 19-hour flight, crashed on a farm three miles short of the McClellan air base runway Saturday night, killing all 10 crew members. An air force spokesman said the big bomber received routine landing instructions three minutes before it crashed and gave no indication of trouble at that time. The four-engined plane apparently caught fire in the air and smashed into a pasture at a 45-degree angle. The main sections of the craft remained intact, but the wreckage was a roaring mass of flames by the time crash crews from the air base reached the scene minutes later.
Captain Kizer, whose home station is Travis Air Base, Cal., was getting flight time while serving on temporary duty at McClellan field. The B-29 was attached to the Fiftieth strategic reconnaissance squadron. An eyewitness to the crash, Everett Furman Jr.V, confirmed the plane was afire before it struck the ground. "I saw flames in the sky, and when I stopped my car I saw the plane come down at a 45-degree angle," Furman said. "If smashed into a pasture about half a mile from me." George Shuler, a civilian member of the McClellan fire department, said he and fellow firemen saw the flames from the base and were en route to the scene before an alarm was sounded. "When we arrived we found the plane mostly intact," he said. "It looked like it had just nosed down and started to burn. Some pieces of debris and bomb bay doors were scattered around the area but the main bulk of the plane was in one piece." ShulerH said the fire fighters were hampered by jammed traffic and crowds of spectators who were attracted to the scene by the flames. An air force board of inquiry was slated to investigate the cause of the crash. - Billings Gazette Montana 1952-04-07
WB-29 (45-21872) - On September 25, 1953, this WB-29 (converted from B-29-100-BW 45-21872) was destroyed in a crash near Eielson AFB, Alaska, while assigned to the 58th Strategic Reconnaissance Squadron (Medium), Weather.
Wolf Pack (44-86343) - This aircraft was shot down by AAA September 13, 1952 over Suiho Hydroelectric Plant, Korea. Recently released files show that it was shot down by a MiG-15 flown by a Soviet pilot. Eleven of the twelve crew were MIA (presumed KIA).
The crew included:
To learn more about the missions of Wolf Pack #44-86343, click HERE to read a letter sent to Dane Hays, the son of crew member Jimmie Hobday. The author of the letter, former Korean War POW Fred Parker, was the only crew member to survive.
Wright's Delights, The Chosen Flew (44-86392) - At 0131 hours on November 19, 1952, this aircraft was on a bombing mission over Songhon. On return it was hit by fighters. The aircraft went down approximately eight miles north of Chodo Island after fire and order to bail out. Maj. William F. Sawyer, aircraft commander, landed safely on a friendly island. He stated that he ordered the crew to follow normal bailout procedure and was satisfied that he was the last man to leave the aircraft. Major Sawyer saw the aircraft hit the water approximately a half mile north of Chodo.
The crew included the following:
*According to Richard W. (Dick) Iler, a B-29 left gunner who roomed with Jensen and had the bunk next to his, "Jensen had volunteered to extend his tour two or three times, and was lost on his 100th mission. A celebration of this accomplishment, with bells and whistles and the press in attendance at Wing Headquarters was planned for Jensen's return, but for obvious reason fell flat."
[KWE Note: Most of the information for this page was supplied by Capt. Jim Bard, USAF (Ret.), Secretary, 91st SRW Association.]
The “91st” in World War II was the 91st Bomb Group that suffered more losses than any other Bomb Group. They flew B-17s over Europe out of Bassingbourn, England; including the Memphis Belle. They deactivated in 1945 after the war. While the 91st became famous during the war, the group's glory came at a high human cost. Along with the 197 B-17 aircraft lost on combat missions, over 600 men lost their lives and over 1,150 spent time as prisoners of war. The 91st Bomb Group Memorial Association is still very active.
The 91st Strategic Reconnaissance Wing was activated on 10 November 1948. You have the story of just one squadron (91st SRS) detached to FEAF for the Korean War. The squadron's aging propeller-driven aircraft proved vulnerable to the enemy's faster jet fighter aircraft. As a result, the 91 SRW's 323d SRS sent a 3-plane detachment of the reconnaissance version of the Air Force's first multiengine jet bomber aircraft, the RB-45C. Because no other reconnaissance wing in the Air Force flew the RB-45, the wing continued to provide maintenance and logistical support to the detachment, even though the Far East Bomber Command had operational control of the detachment. The wing deactivated on November 7, 1957.
The wing was reactivated as the 91st Bombardment Wing 15 November 1962 equipped with B52s. They flew missions in Vietnam. In June 1969 the wing was designated as the 91st Strategic Missile Wing and moved from Glasgow AFB to Minot AFB; it is equipped with Minuteman Missiles. It remains active today as the 91st Missile Wing.
The 91st Strategic Reconnaissance Squadron was detached from the Wing at McGuire AFB and placed under operational control of the Far East Air Force. On November 15, 1950, at Johnson AB, Japan the 91st SRS absorbed the personnel and resources of the 31st Strategic Reconnaissance Squadron. The squadron moved to Yokota AB, Japan, December 19, 1950.
Using the RB-29 and RB-50 Superfortress aircraft, it performed target and bomb-damage assessment photography and visual reconnaissance for FEAF Bomber Command, flew other special photographic missions, and conducted electronic "ferret" reconnaissance to determine frequency, location, and other characteristics of enemy ground radar. They were assisted for a time by other squadrons of the 91st Strategic Reconnaissance Wing flying the RB-45 Tornado the reconnaissance version of the first all jet bomber.
The squadron also performed shipping surveillance over the Sea of Japan near the Siberian coast and leaflet drops over North Korea. Beginning in late 1952, rotating aircrews of the Philippine-based 581st Air Resupply and Communications Wing augmented the 91st SRS in flying leaflet missions.
November 9, 1950
RB-29A “Over Exposed” Aircraft Number: 44-61813
A Superfortress reconnaissance aircraft with the 31st Strategic Reconnaissance Squadron, U. S. Air Force, on November 9, 1950, while returning from a combat mission, the aircraft was damaged by a MiG-15. It crash landed short of the runway at Johnson Air Base, Japan. Killed were:
The remaining crew members survived the crash. Flying alongside the 91st, the 31st Strategic Reconnaissance Squadron was scheduled to be officially absorbed by the 91st SRS November 15, 1950, the following occurred six days prior to the official date. On this flight Cpl Harry J. Lavene was credited with downing the first bomber to jet MiG. Corporal Lavene survived the crash.
The only RB-45C lost in combat during the Korean War was 48-015, which was assigned to the 323rd SRS, 91st SRW. The crew was from the 19th BW, Langley Air Force Base, on temporary duty to the 91st SRW. The RB-45 was shot down by MiGs on 4 December 1950. The co-pilot, Major Jules E. Young, and navigator, Capt. James J. Picucci, were killed in action. The pilot and an observer were taken prisoner. The Pentagon assigned observer, Col. John R. Lovell, was killed by North Koreans on 10 December 1950. The pilot, Major Charles E. McDonough, died 31 December 1950 while a prisoner of war.
Casualty details:
A good source of information about this lost aircraft is an Associated Press news article dated December 18, 1994 by Robert Burns. It is entitled, "Mystery of Korean War's Secret Air Force Mission Is Unraveled: Military: Relatives say they finally have pieced together how a U.S. spy plane and its crew members were shot down in 1950 by the Soviets."
Another source is "RB-45C Tornado loss in Korea remains a mystery" by Robert F. Dorr, Special to the Times. [KWE Note: This article originally appeared in Air Force Times and is reprinted here with permission from Robert Dorr.]
As the Korean War heated up in late 1950, the Air Force decided to send a trio of jet-propelled North American RB-45C Tornado reconnaissance planes into combat. They were developed from the B-45, which was the first operational American jet bomber and made its maiden flight in 1947.
A B-45A squadron was formed at Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana, the following year. A proposed B-45B version was never built and only a handful of B-45C models were completed as bombers. In atmospheric nuclear tests in the Pacific in 1951 and 1952, the B-45 dropped real atomic bombs twice. Both times, the weapon was the Mark 7 warhead intended for the Thor missile.
The B-45 made the first-ever European deployment of tactical nuclear weapons from Langley Air Force Base, Va. to Sculthorpe, England, in 1954. But an early decision was taken to shift the plane's job from bombing to reconnaissance. As a result, most of the Tornados in service were RB-45C models. They were powered by four General Electric J47-GE-13/15 turbojet engines, reached a maximum speed of 570 m.p.h., and were armed with two 50-cal. M-7 machineguns in a tail turret.
In September 1950, three RB-45Cs reached Yokota Air Base, Japan. They belonged to Detachment "A" of the 84th Bomb Squadron, 91st Strategic Reconnaissance Wing.
Compared with propeller-driven planes, the RB-45C could carry more fuel and more cameras and fly faster. Tornados embarked on risky night-photography missions, often flying out to a radius of 500 miles or more, searching out targets and evading radar-directed antiaircraft guns.
The Soviet-built MiG-15 jet fighter appeared in Korea weeks after the RB-45C. On December 4, 1950, an RB-45C piloted by Capt. Charles E. McDonough disappeared. Today, Russian records confirm that a MiG shot down the RB-45C. At the time, McDonough's wife Mary Jo in Glen Rose, Tex. received a telegram saying only that the plane had disappeared.
Also aboard were Col. John R. Lovell, a Pentagon intelligence officer, Capt. Jules E. Young, the co-pilot, and 1st Lt, James J. Picucci, the navigator. There was no crew seat for Lovell and his role has never been explained. He was the highest-ranking intelligence officer lost during the Korean War.
Declassified records confirm that the Soviets assigned high priority to capturing an RB-45C or interrogating crew members. In an August 3 interview, the pilot's daughter, Jeanne McDonough Dear, of Fort Worth, Tex., said she has evidence that her father initially survived the shootdown and was, at one time, alive in Soviet hands. A 1996 British Broadcasting Company television program featured a former Soviet official who claimed to have interrogated Lovell. The men’s fate remains unresolved.
Dubbed by another pilot "a highly classified aircraft. jammed with the most modern reconnaissance-gathering apparatus available," the RB-45C continued its hush-hush snooping in the Korean War. One of them acquired a unique paint scheme to foil the searchlights used by North Koreans to guide MiGs at night. In addition to Korean War flying, RB-45Cs conducted intelligence flights over China and the Russian port of Vladivostok. The RB-45C Tornados performed their mission superbly but the loss of one aircraft remained a heavy blow to all involved.
RB-45Cs also operated in Europe during the Cold War. A handful were flown on penetrations of Soviet airspace by British crews after the aircraft were temporarily painted in Royal Air Force markings.
RB-29A Superfortress with the 91st Strategic Reconnaissance Squadron, U.S. Air Force. On June 13, 1952, the aircraft departed Yokota Air Base, Honshu, Japan on an electronic surveillance mission. It was shot down by 2 Russian MiG-15's over the Sea of Japan south of Mys Ostrovnoy, north of Hokkaido and 120 miles from the Russian coast. Crew of 12 - No survivors or remains recovered. All were listed as Missing in Action and were presumed dead on November 15, 1955.
RB-29A Superfortress with the 91st Strategic Reconnaissance Squadron, U.S. Air Force. On July 4, 1952, while on a photo reconnaissance mission over Sinanju, North Korea and possibly China, the aircraft was shot down by a MiG. Crew of 13 – 11 survived; 2 MIA:
RB-29 "Sunbonnet King" of the 91st Strategic Reconnaissance Squadron was on a photo mission over Northern Hokkaido and was shot down by two Soviet LA-11 fighters near Yuri Island on October 7, 1952. Crew of 8 - All eight members were lost; no remains were recovered at the time:
Three regular crew members did not fly that day: Clyde King (now deceased), the regular pilot, had a leg injury. Mel Renshaw (now deceased), gunner, Severna Park, MD; still looking for name of last crew member.
RB-29A Superfortress from the 91st Strategic Reconnaissance Squadron. On January 13, 1953, while on a mission of dropping leaflets over enemy territory, the aircraft was attacked by 12 MiGs. Crew of 14 - Three crew members were killed and eleven were taken prisoner. Shot down on night mission 11 of crew POW (Col Arnold's plane); released in 1955.
MIA/KIA were:
POWs were:
On July 29, 1953, the plane was shot down by two Russian MiG-15's over the Sea of Japan off the coast of Russia. Crew of 17 - 1 survivor, 1LT John Roche; 2 remains recovered; 13 unaccounted for; 1 definite KIA, body not recovered:
Lost:
Following the Korean cease fire, the 91st SRS continued surveillance in the vicinity. During one such flight on November 7, 1954 their aircraft took fire from MiGs and decided to return to Japan; but not sure of reaching land. The aircraft had been shot up by MIGs over the Sea of Japan, 7 miles from the coast of Japanese territory; 15 miles from Soviet controlled Kurile Islands. When the pilot thought that they may not make it, he gave the order to bail out. The navigator did so immediately. Seeing the coast, the pilot rescinded the bail out. It was reported that the crew member that departed the aircraft hit a coastal cliff and died in the ocean. Remainder of crew survived a crash landing on Hokkaido soil and deplaned rapidly. The aircraft burned after the crash.
Lost:
During the Korean War, the 91st SRS was augmented from time to time by other squadrons of the 91st Strategic Reconnaissance Wing flying RB45Cs – the reconnaissance version of the first all jet bomber. Included were: the 322nd Strategic Reconnaissance Squadron, the 323rd Strategic Reconnaissance, and Squadron 324th Strategic Reconnaissance Squadron.
While on temporary duty to Japan one of our 323rd SRS RB45Cs (48-015) was lost to MiGs on 4 December 1950. The crew was from the 19th BW, Langley AFB, TDY to the 91st SRW. Little was said about it at the time, due to the secrecy surrounding the use of the jet reconnaissance aircraft. Soviet MiG-15 Fagots shot down an RB-45C Tornado of the US Air Force 323rd Strategic Reconnaissance Squadron, 45 miles east of Andung People's Republic of China (just across the Yalu River from Sinuiju North Korea). Soviet pilot Aleksandr F. Andrianov received credit for shooting down the aircraft. Co-pilot Jules E. Young and navigator James L. Picucci were killed in the crash. Pilot Charles E. McDonough and passenger John R. Lovell bailed out and landed south of the Yalu River. McDonough was badly burned when he landed on the Tornado's wreckage. Both were captured the next day by the North Koreans. McDonough was murdered during an interrogation by North Korean and Soviet officers two weeks later. Lovell survived brutal interrogation sessions, but was finally taken into a North Korean village, where the residents were encouraged to lynch him. Crew members of the first RB-45C lost in combat were:
A US Air Force RB-45C Tornado of the 323rd Strategic Reconnaissance Squadron, based in Yokota Japan, conducted a night overflight 500 miles into Manchuria. The crew of Stacy D. Naftel, Edward Kendrex and Bob Dusenberry reported that they were attacked by MiG-15 Fagots while approaching their target in Harbin People's Republic of China. They managed to escape damage by outrunning the intercepting fighters.
On a RB45C mission, number 3 engine blew up on take off, number 4 engine flamed out; on fire, the plane crashed near Yokota AB; the crew successfully bailed out.
U.S. - Russia Joint Commission on POW/MIAs
Joint Commission Support Directorate (JCSD)
Cold War Working Group
The Cold War Working Group (CWWG) was established within the structure of the U.S.-Russia Joint Commission on POW/MIAs in 1993, and is chaired by A. Denis Clift and Colonel Vladimir Konstantinovich Vinogradov. The Cold War Working Group’s research focuses on ten specific cases involving U.S. military reconnaissance aircraft lost over or near Soviet territory. As a result of those losses, 89 aircrew members remain unaccounted for. The working group’s efforts have led to the recovery of the remains of 18 aircrew members from two separate losses on the territory of the former Soviet Union. These remains were repatriated and buried at Arlington Cemetery with full military honors.
The CWWG continues to investigate aircraft losses in the former Soviet Union. Because most of the Cold War losses took place over water, much of the research has been concentrated in the Central Archives of the Naval Forces of the Russian Federation at Gatchina, near St. Petersburg. In addition to its program of archival research, U.S. and Russian representatives of the Joint Commission also conduct a vigorous interview program with witnesses throughout the former Soviet Union.
The CWWG has also assisted the Russian side in clarifying its Cold War aircraft losses and a submarine loss. In addition, information from U.S. government sources helped to shed light on the fates of dozens of Soviet POW/MIAs from the Afghanistan War.
Source: www.aiipowmia.com/reports
“Little Red Ass” Tail Number 47-145 modified as RB-50G with additional radar and B-50D type nose. Shot down 27 July, 1953 south of Askold Island near Vladivostok, USSR by MiG-17s over the sea. 18 on board, several prisoners, 1 survivor. (The list says 27 July, but 29 July is correct.)
On November 10, 1992, the Task Force Russia (TFR) Committee heard testimony of some members of families who have lost servicemen in Cold War situations take a more positive view on the possibility of survivors. One of the most intriguing and convincing cases that can be made showing Soviet duplicity in retaining members of U.S. air-crews shot down by Soviet fighters during the Cold War involves the USAF RB-50, tail number 47-145A, which was attacked by two MIG-15s on July 29,1953, over the Sea of Japan.
The sons of one of the crew, 1st Lt. Warren Sanderson, have made an intensive search for the truth regarding possible survivors. One of the sons, Bruce W. Sanderson, of Fargo, North Dakota, testified before the Committee. Bruce Sanderson has enjoyed the full support of and considerable assistance from TFR, including personal attention from Gen. Loeffke and Col. Herrington in his research and visit to Russia, where he participated in interviews with Russian sources and was given access to Russian archives. He has been partially successful in obtaining U.S. Government records involving the case, but the search for relevant documents is incomplete.
Facts that make this case particularly important are:
Mr. Bruce Sanderson provided the Committee with a possible insight into what might have happened to his father and to other American servicemen who flew missions to collect intelligence along the Soviet frontiers during the Cold War. He told the Committee that he located a Russian citizen who was personally involved in the interrogation of American servicemen in the U.S.S.R. from 1950 to 1954. According to Mr. Sanderson, this is what he was told. He also reaffirmed the information from the first meeting that all U.S. personnel under Soviet control were photographed, finger-printed, and given Russian names, that these men were then moved frequently from camp to camp. It was common practice to create a false death certificate or record when a prisoner was moved. .
Crew of 12 - No survivors or remains recovered. Mr. Gregg Skavinski of Virginia, testified about the case of his uncle, MSgt William R. Homer, who was aboard a USAF RB-29 when it disappeared over the Sea of Japan on June 13, 1952. The Air Force recorded the loss as an "accident, a non- battle casualty." But Mr. Skavinski testified to information that two radar blips were seen approaching the plane just before it disappeared; that a Russian radio transmission discussed the rescue of a member of the crew; that an empty six-man life raft, that might have been from the RB-29, was sighted; and that Soviets reportedly interrogated an American aviator in Manchuria about Major Sam Bush, the commander of the RB-29. What was the Soviet interest in Major Bush, Mr. Skavinski speculated, if he was at the bottom of the Sea of Japan? (Bush is actually Busch.)
The case of Sgt. Steve E. Kiba demonstrates conclusively that, whether or not prisoners were transferred from North Korea to the former Soviet Union, at least some were transferred to the People's Republic of China (PRC). Sgt. Kiba was interned in China for 32 months as a POW during the Korean War. An Air Force pilot (the transcriber wrote pilot, but he was not.), Sergeant Kiba was transported to Red China about three days after his capture on January 12, 1953, and remained there until his release on August 4, 1955. Throughout his time as a POW in China, he experienced degrading and harsh conditions. As Sergeant Kiba testified:
They were sadistic and barbaric. . . threatened me with all kind of horrendous tortures, and they even did some of them. . . They told me I would never go home unless I cooperated. And they threatened to keep me for life. And they kept some of my friends for life. They're still there.
Sergeant Kiba testified that American POWs were abandoned after the 1953 cease-fire, and that he was one of them, but that others, unlike him, never returned. He stated that either he or others in his crew saw ten to fifteen caucasians whose fates remain undetermined. As he testified:
It is a known fact that we abandoned American servicemen after [World War II, Korea, and Vietnam] and let their families down. I know we abandoned some because I saw some of them.
President Harry Truman was the first President to leave Americans behind. Then President Eisenhower abandoned American POWs after the Korean War in North Korea, Red China and the Soviet Union. In a press conference on April 29, 1959, President Eisenhower acknowledged that not all American POW's were repatriated after the Korean War ceasefire.
According to Sergeant Kiba, the Communists he met while he was in captivity demonstrated to him that they were sadistic and needed no reason to keep Americans, because "a Communist is different." As he testified:
For almost 40 years, I've been trying to inform the American people and the news media of the heinous crime of enslaving the bodies and minds of our courageous fighting men by the godless communists.
Mr. Kiba said that in the final analysis, he could understand why he was so badly treated by the Communists, but he could not understand why his own government had asked him to remain silent after his return about the others he had seen in China while he was a POW.
Source: www.ibiblio.org/pub/academic/history/marshall/military/vietnam/pow_mia/
Although not 91st SRW, here are two examples of cold war losses:
[KWE Note: This article originally appeared in Air Force Times and is reprinted here with Robert's permission. For more information about Air Force Times, or to read other columns and articles by Mr. Dorr, go to www.AirForceTimes.com.]
As the Korean War heated up in late 1950, the Air Force decided to send a trio of jet-propelled North American RB-45C Tornado reconnaissance planes into combat. They were developed from the B-45, which was the first operational American jet bomber and made its maiden flight in 1947.
A B-45A squadron was formed at Barksdale Air Force Base, La, the following year. A proposed B-45B version was never built and only a handful of B-45C models were completed as bombers. In atmospheric nuclear tests in the Pacific in 1951 and 1952, the B-45 dropped real atomic bombs twice. Both times, the weapon was the Mark 7 warhead intended for the Thor missile.
The B-45 made the first-ever European deployment of tactical nuclear weapons from Langley Air Force Base, Va. to Sculthorpe, England, in 1954. But an early decision was taken to shift the plane's job from bombing to reconnaissance. As a result, most of the Tornados in service were RB-45C models. They were powered by four General Electric J47-GE-13/15 turbojet engines, reached a maximum speed of 570 m.p.h., and were armed with two 50-cal. M-7 machineguns in a tail turret.
In September 1950, three RB-45Cs reached Yokota Air Base, Japan. They belonged to Detachment "A" of the 84th Bomb Squadron, 91st Strategic Reconnaissance Wing. Compared with propeller-driven planes, the RB-45C could carry more fuel and more cameras and fly faster. Tornados embarked on risky night-photography missions, often flying out to a radius of 500 miles or more, searching out targets and evading radar-directed antiaircraft guns.
The Soviet-built MiG-15 jet fighter appeared in Korea weeks after the RB-45C. On December 4, 1950, an RB-45C piloted by Capt. Charles E. McDonough disappeared. Today, Russian records confirm that a MiG shot down the RB-45C. At the time, McDonough's wife Mary Jo in Glen Rose, Tex. received a telegram saying only that the plane had disappeared.
Also aboard were Col. John R. Lovell, a Pentagon intelligence officer, Capt. Jules E. Young, the co-pilot, and 1st Lt, James J. Picucci, the navigator. There was no crew seat for Lovell and his role has never been explained. He was the highest-ranking intelligence officer lost during the Korean War.
Declassified records confirm that the Soviets assigned high priority to capturing an RB-45C or interrogating crew members. In an August 3 interview, the pilot's daughter, Jeanne McDonough Dear, of Fort Worth, Texas, said she has evidence that her father initially survived the shoot-down and was, at one time, alive in Soviet hands. A 1996 British Broadcasting Company television program featured a former Soviet official who claimed to have interrogated Lovell. The men’s fate remains unresolved.
Dubbed by another pilot "a highly classified aircraft. jammed with the most modern reconnaissance-gathering apparatus available," the RB-45C continued its hush-hush snooping in the Korean War. One of them acquired a unique paint scheme to foil the searchlights used by North Koreans to guide MiGs at night. In addition to Korean War flying, RB-45Cs conducted intelligence flights over China and the Russian port of Vladivostok. The RB-45C Tornados performed their mission superbly but the loss of one aircraft remained a heavy blow to all involved.
RB-45Cs also operated in Europe during the Cold War. A handful were flown on penetrations of Soviet airspace by British crews after the aircraft were temporarily painted in Royal Air Force markings.
At 0131 hours on November 19, 1952, the aircraft known as 44-86392 (Wrights' Delights', They Chosin Flew) was on a bombing mission over Songhon. On return it was hit by fighters. The aircraft went down approximately eight miles north of Chodo Island after fire and order to bail out. Maj. William F. Sawyer, aircraft commander, landed safely on a friendly island. He stated that he ordered the crew to follow normal bailout procedure and was satisfied that he was the last man to leave the aircraft. Major Sawyer saw the aircraft hit the water approximately a half mile north of Chodo. The two crew members who survived, Major Sawyer and 1Lt. Allan R. Winchester, survived were later interrogated by government officials regarding what took place that fateful day.
Ray Sestak is an Ohio resident who also happens to be the nephew of Myron F. "Smokey" Sestak, a fatality in Maj. William Sawyer's crew. At one point in time Ray created a website on the internet that honored the service and sacrifice of the men on Sawyer's crew. Unfortunately, like many websites that provide information on various Korean War-related subjects, Ray's site went down. In 2015, Ray generously shared all of the website information with the Korean War Educator so that the men on Sawyer's crew will never be forgotten.
For those interested in the fate of the Sawyer crew and who these brave men were, this tribute page is a must see. It includes: individual and group photos of the crew, accident reports, photos of Wright's Delight's B-29 nose art, news article about the search for Kassel Keene, and a combat report. Click HERE to see the Ray Sestak data preserved as a PDF File. Links are non-functional.
[KWE Note: The following short memoir was written by John L. Baker and published in The Pyramidiers newsletter of the 98th Bomb Group/Wing Veterans Association in its November 2014 issue. It is reprinted on the KWE with the permission of Bill Seals, President and Editor.]
While reading Kenneth E. Ackerman's recollections of his service during World War II in The Pyramidiers (the August 2014 issue), memories of some of my experiences during the Korean War came to life in my mind and I was inspired to write some of them down. I don't have a diary like Kenneth did, so if my remembrances don't jive with yours, or with history, I apologize.
I joined the Army Air Force on November 4th, 1943, which was about three weeks after turning 18. I volunteered in order to select the branch of service I preferred. I only knew of two men in our community who didn't serve in the military during World War II. One man had polio and was crippled. The other man had psychological problems. Following training, I graduated from Aviation Cadet Navigator School at Selman Field, Monroe, Louisiana in March 1945, and received my navigator wings and gold bars.I expected to be assigned to crew duties on a B-24 as I waited for assignment. The B-29 had just come out (figuratively), so I was surprised and happy to find I was going to the 29. They were new and hot, fast, and pressurized. I thought only the elites got assigned to them.
I didn't go overseas during WWII. The first crew I was with did go, but I had suffered a fractured right wrist during a practice drill and was replaced on that crew. That crew made seven or eight missions over Japan before the war ended, and made many reconnaissance flights over Korea and Manchuria before coming home. I think those flights enabled us to have reliable maps of Korea during the later war. Thank you, fellows.
The B-29 was quite a change from the B-24. I hesitate to say "step-up", but it was more comfortable to fly in. The three pressurized compartments--front, mid, and tail, meant we didn't have to wear sheepskin or heated clothing or oxygen masks--except over the target. All our combat missions were eight to ten hours in duration flying out of Yokota AFB located in the northwest suburbs of Tokyo, Japan. It was a longer mission out of Okinawa where the other two B-29 groups were based. [The Pyramidier editor: The other two groups were the 19th and the 307th.] The 98th had three squadrons--the 343rd, 344th, and 345th. All of our missions "counted double", just as the more dangerous B-24 missions had during WWII.
If I remember correctly, our bomb loads were typically thirty-eight 500-pound bombs. [The Pyramidier editor: Per other sources, the normal load was forty 500 pounders which were filled with 250 pounds of RDX composition D explosive, which is more powerful than TNT.] Quite some difference from the ten 500-pounders the B-24 carried on long missions.
All of our bombing missions were flown at night. A B-29 would have been a sitting duck against a MiG in daylight. As it was, only one B-29 from the 98th was lost to a MiG during our tour. The bomber was caught in a searchlight. I can still recall the excitement and anguish in Ed Loskot's voice over the intercom describing the sequence of events. (Ed was in the top aft bubble.) The navigator of that plane, Bob Bird, and his wife and two small daughters lived in a trailer across from ours in San Antonio while we were at Randolph Field. He did not survive. He was a retread also, having flown "The Hump" in WWII. I understand only three crewmen survived the loss of their plane.
The B-29 carried an ECM (Electronic Counter Measures) operator. These men flew three times as often as the other crewmen. I think men with their skill were in short supply. Their electronic equipment could be turned on to confuse the enemy radars and the proximity fuses on the anti-aircraft shells so they would explode at lower altitudes. I can remember Don Dressler's (the bombardier in the nose) voice of alarm as he observed the rising altitude of the bursting AAA shells when the ECM Operator had to replace a fuse in one of the systems. His panic would change to one of relief as the system resumed operation. It was said that an ECM Operator's most critical skill was how fast he could find and replace a blown fuse. They always carried a bag of spares. Our plane, 61872, didn't have a skin puncture from AAA fire in the six months of our tour from June 1952 to January 1953. Thank you, ECM!
We flew three types of missions: strategic bombing of specific targets, front line support of ground troops, and propaganda leaflet drops. The ground support drops were controlled by ground observers and ground radar that directed us by radio to a specific location and heading and then gave us the command to drop a specified number of bombs--usually, three to five. We would then circle back around and repeat the maneuver until our bomb load was gone.
Shortly after arriving at Yokota, while we were still in temporary quarters and before our crew flew a mission, there was an apparent max effort underway when a B-29 crashed on takeoff straight down the line of the runway. It shook us "newbies" up quite a bit. It was the only crash while we were there.
The propaganda drops were entirely different. The "bombs" were hinged clamshell-type containers with tail fins. They were filled with printed materials on toilet paper-sized leaflets, but the paper was too slick to be of practical usage. These missions had as many as 17 plus or minus drop points all over North Korea. Don Snyder, our Aircraft Commander (A/C), asked me if I minded these missions because of so many targets and heading changes. I didn't. I didn't think the Commies had so many defense assets that they would chase a solo B-29 while the rest of the group was hitting a single target. In later years, I've wondered if all those containers only had propaganda leaflets, or did they contain other items too? We sure scattered a lot of paper all over North Korea from 20,000 feet.
Twenty-five missions (fifty "counters") were required to complete our tour. On three occasions we had to divert to an alternate airfield because of low fuel or engine oil. On one mission we were forced to land at Kunsan, a base for F-84 fighter/bomber jets on the west coast of South Korea. A regular preflight for the B-29 took four hours. While we were preparing our plane for return to Yokota, an F-84 across the parking ramp taxied out and returned four times. Someone inquired of a local maintenance man if "they were practicing touch and goes." The man replied that they had completed four missions! But, they needed 100 missions to complete a tour.
In navigation school they always emphasized that the navigator's job is not complete until the wheels touch the runway. I endorse that edict wholeheartedly. We were returning to Yokota with one engine feathered in weather. We asked for a GCA (ground controlled approach) with a mayday priority heading. They gave us one--but it wasn't correct (it may have been that they were looking at another plane). If we had followed their heading we would have let down on a mountain top. Thank goodness for that APN-13 radar. With good maps it was almost like pilotage at low altitude in daylight. We landed successfully (to the approach end of the runway) after a course correction.
As a lead crew, whatever that's worth, we often had senior officers aboard. The lead navigator announced the time of arrival at the initial point (IP) for the bomb run based upon the coast in time of the other planes in the bomber stream and then radio silence was maintained until "bombs away." The object was to close up to a point with about one minute spacing, although we took off with wider spacing. The Radar Navigator passenger suggested a dog leg course to let the following planes catch up. I declined the course change and the Commanding Officer, who was a passenger, suggested to the A/C, Don Snyder, to follow my course. At bombs away, Ed Loskot, who was looking through the aft bomb bay window to observe our bomb impacts, saw some impacts that were ahead of the usual reference points. It turned out that one plane had dropped ahead of us. We were the lower altitude plane. The entire bomb group dropped in about three minutes. Near catastrophe? Maybe, but I doubt that a dog leg route would have offered any safer outcome.
Our plane #61872 had some nose art when we were assigned the aircraft. At our crew's request, a local Japanese artist everyone called "Rembrandt" changed the nose art. Two versions of the art are shown on page 75 of the book Superfortress, the Boeing B-29, by Steve Birdsall. The book is a Squadron/Signal publication, ISBN 0-89747-104-0. I found the book at the Air Force Museum during a crew reunion, and all of us bought a copy. We signed each other's copies as a memento of our crew. Years later, B/G Paul Tibbets and some WWII groups were at an air show at Lunken Field in Cincinnati, Ohio, and the General signed my book over the photo of the "Enola Gay." The book is an important keepsake to me.
The following paragraph was taken from the book B-29 Superfortress Units of the Korean War, by Robert F. Dorr. This entry was made to identify a profile of the aircraft created by artist Mark Styling shown on page 40 of the book. According to Dorr, the profiles were produced following exhaustive research of group records, studies, or original photos, and correspondence with veterans and their families. The profile of 44-61872 shown in the book has the name, Ace in the Hole and has a black underside. Apparently it was done after the crash landing and the recovery of the aircraft. Dorr notes that changes in the aircraft's name and other factors created some "confusion relating to the identity" of the aircraft. [The Pyramidier editor: In my research of the history of the 98th, I have found that details are often confused. Therefore, reader, beware of possible differences that may arise while reading the paragraph below.]
B-29, 44-61872 was originally named Ace in the Hole, but following the application of black paint to the undersides, it wore two versions of the name, Sac's Appeal. The bomber was damaged by flak on 22 April 1952 and crash-landed at Kimpo, in South Korea, without sustaining casualties. Like many 98th BG aircraft, Ace in the Hole was previously assigned to the 92nd BG. Indeed, its nose art was applied by the same artist that had painted the group's B-29 44-69805 Deal Me In. In fact, he used the same five playing cards for both bombers, with the ace reversed in an attempt at subtlety. The words "Deal Me In" also appear in small letters below the artwork, which has caused confusion relating to the identity of this B-29.
The navigator's position in the 29 is adjacent to the forward gun turrets. There are four 50 caliber machine guns in the upper turret and two more in the lower. All are remotely operated. Luckily, we didn't have to fire them at any enemy aircraft; however, there were thousands of cases of 50 caliber ammunition remaining from WWII which we were directed to use to test fire the guns. On the return flight from Korea, the navigator would announce over the Sea of Japan that the gunners were cleared to fire the weapons in a northerly direction. On a couple of flights the gunners emptied their guns, and even though I knew the guns were going to fire, I couldn't help but jump when they did.
For crew safety, we had to make sure all of our bombs were gone before landing, and on one flight we had a 500-pound bomb hang up. Don Dressler, the bombardier, asked our radio operator to go out onto the walkway to the bomb bay and trip the shackle holding the bomb. As it happened, I needed a time back from Joe Kuchinsky, the radio man, which meant that Don would have to release the bomb. So Don had to squeeze by the gun turret and crawl into the bomb bay himself. When he was able to release the bomb over the sea, we all breathed a sigh of relief.
Our crew was given an R&R (rest and recuperation) break in December. I spent some time in Tokyo Christmas shopping, and then went o a military hotel on Lake Chuzengi, which was a very scenic location. Upon returning to the base on a Saturday evening, I was told that there was a telegram for me at the telegraph office. Unfortunately, the office wouldn't open until Monday morning, and I knew what the telegram had to be about. My dear wife, Doris, had delivered our second child, a son, on December 5, 1952, in Cincinnati. Yokota had some pluses like good mess hall with tasty food, but towards the first of December, I began to feel the stress. It seemed even the mashed potatoes were getting hard to swallow.
Eventually we finished our tour and flew back to Travis AFB on the same DC-4 that had taken us to Japan the past June. Upon arrival, I declined to remain in the Air Force Reserves and separated from the service. I took a train (three days) to Cincinnati. Home at last!
Dear Bill,
I read with interest in the November Pyramidiers John Baker's reminiscence of his experiences flying with the 98th Bomb Wing out of Yokota AFB during the Korean War. John's tour pretty much paralleled my own. I flew 29 missions with the 345th Bomb Squadron between July 1952 and January 1953 as left gunner on 1st Lt. Byron Anderson's crew. Our B-29 had tail number 44-69668, but had no nose art, it having recently been reconditioned in the States. At one time it was called, Wild Goose.
I would like to expand on John's comments in a couple of regards. First, Editor's comment notwithstanding, John was correct in stating that the normal bomb load on our missions was thirty-eight 500 pound bombs. In addition, we carried a 250 pound photoflash bomb in each bomb bay timed to light up the target triggering an on board camera photographing bombing results.
John also discussed the loss during his tour of a 98th B-29 to a MiG attack. That was Maj. William F. Sawyer's 345th Bomb Squadron crew which went down on the night of November 20, 1952, with only two survivors, the Aircraft Commander, Maj. Sawyer, and the Radar Operator, 1st Lt. Allan R. Winchester. Two bodies were recovered, one in the water, and the other on the North Korean main land with a bullet hole in his head. The remaining ten crew members, including a spare Pilot and a spare Radar Operator, and including John Baker's friend, Navigator Robert J. Bird, were declared missing in action and after a year were declared presumed dead.
All of this is set out in graphic detail in the post-incident interrogation report and the finding of death memorandum which I enclose herewith.
The door to Lt. Anderson and Mort Jensen's room in the 345th Bm.Sq. barracks, Yokota AFB, 1952.
As an aside, T/Sgt. Morton H. Jensen was the ECM Operator flying with Maj. Sawyer on the night they went down. Mort bunked with our enlisted crew members in the 345th Bomb Squadron's barracks. As the old saying goes, fact is sometimes stranger than fiction. This was Mort's 100th mission, that number being virtually unheard of, and a celebration of that accomplishment was planned to take place at Wing Headquarters on his return with dignitaries and the press all present. I was also there. Obviously, the party came to an abrupt end when news of the loss of Maj. Sawyer's crew reached Headquarters.
I also enclose a copy of the November 17, 1952 Order awarding Mort his Fourth Oak Leaf Cluster to his Air Mene of those declared presumed dead by the attached memorandum. Coincidently, John Baker's friend, Robert J. Bird, received the Air Medal by the same Order.
For an excellent narrative of the B-29s part in the Korean War, I recommend the book, Black Tuesday over Namsi by Earl J. McGill, Lt Col., USAF (Ret.), published in 2008 by Heritage Books, Inc.
Dear Sir;
I read with some interest your Pieces of My Mind in the August issue of The Pyramidiers. I agree with Mr. Ed York in that many missions were flown by the "98th." I served in the 345th squadron, and I knew, quite well, Morton Jensen who flew 100 missions, although he was shot down on that bomb run and never made it back. I like to believe that he did, indeed, complete the 100th run.
Mort was a quiet person with a very strong sense of duty, and I liked him. He told me his goal was to have a hundred missions before his tour was over, and I told him then that he did not need to prove anything to anyone. He said that was not on his mind, he just wanted to have a hundred missions.
A few months before his last mission, Jensen was flying ECM and they encountered a lot of either fighters or flak, I don't recall which, and that the plane became hard to manage. At any rate, the A/C gave the order to bailout, and ECM was the first in the bailout order. Well, something told Jensen not to jump. He stepped back and said, "I can't." Not waiting for Mort, the rest of the crew (in the aft compartment) bailed out leaving Jensen all alone in the rear of the plane. Jensen began having second thoughts about what he was doing. He made it to the rear door to try to jump when he noticed he still had his ear phones on. Instead of taking them off, he plugged into the intercom box and called the A/C. The A/C answered with, "Don't Jump", and Jensen said that he was the only one back there. So the A/C instructed him to watch the engines and report any problems. Mort was hungry and went to work on his in-flight lunch and when that didn't satisfy him, he ate two more lunches before they made an emergency landing in a field in South Korea. I don't recall him saying any more about that incident.
Somehow, word got to the Air Force news people about him going to make his 100th run. They arrived in time to set up, film, and interview our preparations for the mission. All planes got off OK, despite the rolling cameras. Our run was completed and we made it back to Yokota without incident. Our truck dropped us off at operations. It was there I noticed the news people were loading their gear with downcast faces. When we went into operations, I learned the reason. Major Sawyer's plane had been hit by fighters and they bailed out into the cold ocean on the way to Chodo, which was a safe pick-up island off the coast of North Korea, manned by the Navy.
The following day, I was at my desk and looked up to see Capt. Winchester coming in. We spoke a little about the mission and he told me that he nearly froze trying to get into the dingy. By his recollection, he spent a lot of time at that and another five hours in the dingy before the Navy found him. Major Sawyer, the lucky devil, never even got his feet wet as his chute carried him to the island. The only survivors were the A/C, Major Sawyer, and the radar man, Capt. Winchester.
Interrogation of: Major William F. Sawyer, A)660295, Aircraft Commander
1st Lt. Allan R. Winchester, A)288660, Radio Operator
(Aircraft Serial Number: 44-66392)
Time: 1615 hours, 20 November, 1952
The take-off was normal and the mission was flown as briefed to the I.O., a point on the shoran arc on approach #3, station pair Baker-Charlie. The planned I.P. time was 00291, and to the best of the knowledge of the two survivors being interrogated, actual I.P. time was 00311. The only equipment failure at this time was the IFF, which was completely out. The run into the target was normal, at an altitude of 23,250 FLPA. The target time was unknown, however, it was approximately 1 1/2 minutes prior to the "bombs away" time of aircraft #2173 which was 0049. Shortly after the bomb impact and the taking of strike photos, three flares were dropped in the path of the bomber. The first was 5000 feet high. Again a 20 degree turn to the right was made and approximately 20 seconds later, the third flare appeared at about 2 o'clock, and still at 5000 feet high. Immediately after this, two (2) searchlights came on and locked on the B-29, followed by between fifteen (15) to twenty (20) more. The lights remained locked on the B-29, followed by more for approximately four (4) minutes. At the time they came on the ECM equipment was operating fully, and the ECM operator, Jensen, said over the interphone: "There are too many frequencies. I haven't enough equipment to jam them all." At this time the tail gunner called out two (2) aircraft at 6 o'clock high, however, no pass was made at this time. Approximately two (2) minutes later, four (4) burst of fire described as "Red Tennis Balls" were received from 6 o'clock level and hits were received in the number 2 engine which caused damage and had to be feathered. As soon as this was accomplished, hits were received in the number 3 engine which was almost immediately feathered. Hits were then received on the wing between the fuselage and number 3 engine. A fire was started here and could not be put out. All crew members were on oxygen during the bomb run, and no difficulty was encountered due to loss of pressurization. Right after the hits were received, the lights went off the aircraft, and the fighter made no more passes. Dutchboy was contacted on Dog Channel right after leaving the lights. At a point approximately ten (10) miles north of the Chongchon River, the heading of 200 degrees was received as an initial steer. At a point abeam of Pyongyang, and approximately 5 miles off shore, a corrected heading of 220 degrees was received from Dutchboy. At this time, the aircraft was decending [sic] at from 500 to 200 feet per minute, at an indicated airspeed of 280 miles per hour. At a point 10 miles northwest of Chinnampo, a third correct heading of 236 degrees was received. The route south at all times was generally parallel with the coast, and at no time more than 5 miles off shore. Right after the searchlight left the aircraft, the crew was alerted for bail-out, and all crew members prepared for bail-out. The situation was so critical that the task of taking off the chute to put on the anti-exposure suit and (get it) re-adjusted was not considered feasable [sic]. The aircraft kept trim and was flown manually until two (2) minutes prior to actual bail-out. The radar equipment was functioning at all times and the V.O. was able to make radar images [?] up to the time just previous to leaving his station for the bail-out. The vacuum system and the majority of generators were out, the fluxgate compass was out, and shortly after receiving the last steer, the VHF faded out. The last message received from Dutchboy was that they were sending up flares. At this time the fire was burning the right wing, very close to the gas tanks, and streaming back as far as the Right Scanners blister, and the final decision to bail-out was made. The aft door was tied back, the bomb bay door was opened, the nose wheel lowered and the hatch salvoed. Approximately two (2) minutes later, having not seen any flares, the order to "bail-out" was given both verbally and on the alarm bell. The actual location of the island of Cho-do was unknown, but Major Sawyer felt they could wait no longer. The altitude was believed to be slightly more than 4000 feet. The bail-out order was as follows: AFTER ESCAPE HATCH-ECM Operator, Spare V.O., Tail Gunner, and V.O. AFTER BOMB BAY - CFC, Left Gunner, Right Gunner. FORWARD BOMB BAY - Radio Operator, and Navigator. NOSE WHEEL HATCH - Spare Aircraft Commander, Bombardier, Engineer, Pilot, and Aircraft Commander. The estimated time taken to clear the aft section was forty (40) seconds, and for the front section one (1) minute. At the time the Aircraft Commander bailed out, the aircraft was approximately at 2800 feet altitude. After leaving the aircraft made a slow 270 degree turn to the left and hit the water approximately 1/2 mile north of the northern tip of Cho-do.
Major Sawyer's bail-out was accomplished in the following manner. After observing the crew members bail-out, and getting interphone calls from the rear saying the last man was leaving, he got out of the seat and stepped over the crash bar which was in position, climbed down the rungs on the side of the nose wheel well, and let go. As soon as he was clear of the aircraft, he pulled his rip cord and the chute opened normally with no perceptable shock.
He was starting to slide back into the seat when he observed the first flare approximately 1 1/2 miles north of him, and could see he was over the island and close to the ground. He slipped the chute to prevent severe oscillation and to be sure of hitting the island. However, due to closeness to the ground, he soon stopped this measure and hit the ground backwards at the start of a new oscillation. He struck on the side of a hill and was rather gently lowered to a prone position on his back. The Major then rolled over, collapsed his chute and got out of his harness. He could see a glow from lights to the north of him, so he started walking in that direction. Shortly after starting off, he encountered a ROK Marine, and asked him if there were Americans to the north, and the ROK nodded "Yes" and left him. Major Sawyer then walked the balance of approximately 1 1/2 miles to the Americans.
Lieutenant Winchester's experiences were as follows. After seeing the men in the rear bail-out, he called the Aircraft Commander and told him he was leaving the ship. He went through the after pressurized door and stood by the escape hatch in a croutched [sic] position with his arms crossed and leaned out falling into the slip stream. As soon as he encountered the block [?] of the slip stream, he pulled the ripcord and the chute caught without a noticeable jar. He had tightened his harness straps to the point where he could not sit back in the seat, which caused him to hang in a slightly flexed position. He could not see the shore and tried slipping the chute to guide him in that direction. At this time he observed one (1) parachute to the southeast of him, and two (2) to the northeast. He had unfastened the chest strap prior to hitting the water. The leg straps were not unfastened because he could not sit in the harness. His striking the water was described as "just sitting down in it", and he was submerged less than in a dive. He popped his Mae West and then collapsed his chute. Due to the tightness of the leg straps some difficulty was encountered in getting free of the harness. However, this was accomplished by slipping the straps down on his legs and unsnapping them. Because he could not open the dingy [sic] case by the zipper strap, he reached inside and released the CO2 bottle, which immediately inflated it fully. The Mae West was holding him in almost a horizontal position and he attempted to slide into the dingy [sic] on his back. This was unsuccessful and he finally climbed in at the small end in the approved fashion. He covered himself with the poncho cover of the dingy [sic] and opened the equipment case. Due to the cold and nervousness, he was only able to get out one paddle. He checked other equipment and decided not to use any of it at that time. However, he did attempt to contact some of the others by means of the whistle, but with no results. He visually fixed his position in relation to two mountains on the shore and attempted to paddle towards Cho-do. He could see no apparent motion and decided it was due to still having his parachute, harness, and dingy [sic] cover attached to the dingy [sic] and acting as a sea anchor. After paddling for an indefinite period of time, Lieutenant Winchester passed out due to coldness and exhaustion. After daylight he came to, and noted his position to be apparently off the west coast of Sokto island, in almost the same position in which he was the night before. Shortly afterward, a sam-pan sent from Cho-do picked up up [sic].
Lieutenant Winchester was wearing long handled winter underwear, his wool coveralls, and the L-2 flying jacket as well as a winter-type flying helmet and jump boots. His probable length of time spent in the water was approximately fifteen (15) minutes and from bail-out to rescue about seven (7) hours.
The remains of 1st Lt. Beverly A. Swingle, Pilot, and 2nd Lt. Myron F. Sestak, Spare Radar Observer, were located soon afterward. The remaining crew members are officially listed as Missing in Action and are as follows: Major Kassel M. Keene, Spare Pilot; 1st Lt. Robert J. Bird, Navigator; 1st Lt. James K. Peck, Bombardier; M/Sgt. Horace H. Tiller, Flight Engineer; T/Sgt. Morton H. Jensen, ECM Operator; A1C James H. Porter, Radio operator; A/1C Raymond Thompson, Left Gunner; A/1C William Whitman, Right Gunner; A/2C James L. Nichols, CFC Gunner, and A/2C Robert J. McLoughlin, Tail Gunner. - End of Report
AFPMP-12-E-3/RT/ns/42755
Rm 26 2 Nov 53
AFPMP-12-E-3 704 Missing (19 Nov 52) SR&D Case #474
Memorandum for: Deputy Chief of Staff, Personnel
Subject: Finding of Death
Major Kassel M. Keene (blacked out)
Captain Robert J. Bird AO 793227
Captain James K. Peck (blacked out)
Master Sergeant Horace N. Tiller (blacked out)
Technical Sergeant Morton H. Jensen (blacked out)
Staff Sergeant Raymond Thompson (blacked out)
Staff Sergeant William H. Whitman (blacked out)
Airman First Class James H. Porter (blacked out)
Airman First Class Robert J. McLoughlin (blcked out)
Airman First Class James L. Nichols (blacked out)
Jensen, Morton H., T/Sgt. AF 27358781
Category #5, B-29, (Missing 19 Nov 52)
The aircraft was on a combat mission on the Sonchon supply dump, North Korea. As the 3rd flare was dropped, 20 search lights were locked on the B-290. Approximately, two minutes later, four bursts of fire were received and hits made on No. 2 and ? engines which had to be feathered out, and on the wing between the fuselage and No. 3 engine, causing fire to start. Four parachutes were sighted at different locations inland from Cho-do Island. A flight of F-51s discovered a parachute hanging in a tree in the vicinity of coordinates (SC 7273) and about 100 ft. inland. Two of the crew members were rescued and the remains of two other crew members were recovered from the sea.
[The following was taken from 6004th AISS, Det #2, Downed Aircraft Report Nol. 92, Nov 52.]
The aircraft was placed under attack by enemy night fighters at Sonchon (XE 6307). An emergency call sent out at 0100 stating that the aircraft had lost two engines. The aircraft commander bailed out and landed on the island of Cho-do (XC 5563), and he stated that he was the last one to leave the aircraft. Parachutes were observed on the ground at (XC 7173), (XC 675506), (XC 665485) and (XC 645660). A white parachute was observed approximately 75 yards from the shoreline at (XC 7172). It appeared to be attached to a ten-man raft.
TO BE ADDED
[KWE Note: The following article authored by Terry Kidd appeared in The Pyramidiers (November 2010), and is reprinted on the KWE with the permission of the 98th Bomb Group/Wing Veterans Association.]
Dear Mrs. Haritos,
I was somewhat taken aback upon reading the May 2010 edition of Pyramidiers, one in which I had a small article regarding the B-50. My surprise emanated from the articles by our Historian Herb Harper and Mr. Phillip Chinnery. Both had written about the loss of a B-29 on 18-19 November 1952 in the Korean War. I can elucidate to a small degree both articles since it was my crew which was lost on this mission.
Major Sawyer's crew did not normally fly A/C 6392 (B-29). Rather, our aircraft (tail # forgotten) had the Nose Art name of Reserved and a very well done depiction of a Varga girl as painted by "Rembrandt" a talented Japanese artist known for his very good art work, on the right-hand side of the aircraft nose. At the time of this mission Reserved was down for scheduled maintenance. This resulted in the use of A/C 6392 by Major Sawyer and crew.
The crew chief of our plane, Reserved, was a big southern boy called Smitty, who was about due to "rotate". It may help to understand some of the questions raised in the aforementioned articles if one knows that at that time in the war a "normal rotate" in the 98th meant 30 missions for aircrew and about seven or eight months for crew chiefs. It was a normal procedure for on-coming aircrews to fly an orientation mission with an off-going or rotating crew. However, since there were, and had been, so many interim "repl-dpl" (changes) as we called it, among both aircrew and ground crew there were few, if any, of either intact as time progressed.
This was, I believe, Major Sawyer's 30th mission as it was for several of the crew like Horace Tiller (Terry), the F.E. on the mission. TSgt. Jensen was not normally a part of the crew, but was flying in the ECM slot as a fill-in. I was told that he was on his 100th mission in Korea. Major Keene and Lieutenant Sistak were on the mission as on-coming aircrew replacements and were accomplishing their orientation flight, which would explain the number of crew aboard this mission. One correction which needs addressing is that the two known survivors were Major Sawyer ("Buzz"), and Lieutenant Winchester (Winnie), not Lieutenant Swingle who was not a survivor. Sadly, Lieutenant Swingle's remains were recovered and he is reported as KIA. I never again saw Lieutenant Winchester, however, Major Sawyer did come by to see me after his interrogation at Yokota. He was rotated state-side very soon after, and I have had no contact since. At the time, I was medically constrained to quarters, except for meals, due to allergic reaction to 100/130 grade fuel (so I was told) the symptoms were hundreds of water blisters on my lower arms and legs and my hands and feet. I healed eventually, and in early December I was assigned to an aircraft recovery crew.
A number of the B-29s with combat damage or maintenance problems were forced to recover at Suwon (K-13) or Seoul (K-14) Korea. On one of those good days/bad days late in December, we took off from K-13 in a B-29 of the 345th headed for Yokota, with a newly changed number 3 engine. Shortly after take-off, that same engine caught fire--magnesium fire. I thought we would b doing a bail out drill, but we successfully returned to Suwon with the fire extinguished. In a haste to insure that the aircraft not burn, one of the fire trucks ran into the #2 engine prop dome putting a four-inch wide one-inch deep dent in the dome. As we finally left the aircraft for the day now needing another #3 engine and a new #2 prop dome, it had become a very dark evening. As we approached the active runway preparing to cross toward our quarters, I watched a C-47 begin to taxi across the runway a few hundred feet to our right. I then saw a P-80 on that same runway on take-off roll. There was no chance for anyone to do anything in the way of avoidance. The dark evening sky was suddenly made bright as day with a huge fireball. I learned later that the C-47 was a Greek Hospital ship with a number of people on board; there were no survivors.
After a second #3 engine change and a trip to Seoul (K-14) by Jeep to pick up a new prop dome, we did return intact to Yokota. That was my last Korean mission. I flew state-side early in February 1953. Although I am not positive, I do believe that, to this day, Major Sawyer's crew suffered the last in combat loss of the 98th B.W. on 19 November 1952.
Incidentally, several aircraft from the 19th B.W. out of Kadena were also airborne on 18-19 November 1952. I later flew several missions in Vietnam during 1965-6 with Major James Faircloth, a navigator who was on a mission near Major Sawyer's flight profile during the same time. He told me that he heard the radio chatter and that he thought it was YAK fighters which shot down Buzz and crew after the search lights locked on their aircraft.
TO BE ADDED
Vern Garner's crew was assigned to several aircraft, including Miss N.C., Lucifer, Dragon Lady, Four Abreast, and others. The final aircraft they flew was known as "9999" or "Sure Thing"/"Four of a Kind". The crew included:
Herb Everett wrote,
The first time we were put together as a crew was at Randolph AFB, Texas. As I recall, we were the first group of crews training for overseas duty, this being shortly after the start of the Korean War. We were there for 2 or 3 months, then sent to Davis-Montham (?) AFB in California for processing for overseas. One of the funniest experiences while there was that we had to qualify for "Survival Training" before going into combat. The AF had a real good survival training that entailed a couple of weeks, but we didn't have that long, so they sent us on a 3-day "survival" trip to the Sierra Nevada. We were supposed to "live of the land", catching fish to eat and snare rabbits, etc. Well, as it turned out, we would have starved but for the fact that some of the officers hitchhiked to a nearby town and came back with pies, candy and other goodies!
[KWE Note: As noted on the crew list, Everett was a radio operator on a B-29 out of Kadena during the Korean War. He kept the following "mission log" that documents the various missions that he participated in as a member of Vern Garner's flight crew. The mission log was sent to the Korean War Educator by Bernie Klotz's stepson, John Thrash of Arlington Heights, Illinois.]
[Key: + = formation; * = flown with crews other than Everett's; x = ECM mission. ECM = equipment to jam enemy radar]
| Date - 1951 | Mission | Target | Results | Comments |
| May 28 | #1 - + & * | Pyongyang - night mission | Good | Flak |
| June 05 | #2 - * | Front lines - night mission | Unknown | None |
| June 12 | #3 - * | Front lines | Unknown | landed at Itazuke for gas |
| June 18 | #4 - x | Sunan airstrip at Pyongyang | Very good | Flak heavy |
| June 21 | #5 - * | Airfield north of Seoul (first golfball mission flown) | Excellent | only plane put 6 bombs in center of runway |
| June 24 | #6 - + | Airfield at Sinanju | Excellent | Moderate flak - close |
| June 27 | #7 - * | Troop concentration north of Seoul | Unknown | None |
| June 30 | #8 - + | East Pyongyang airfield | Very good | Light flak |
| July 06 | #9 | Marshalling yard in northeast Korea | Fair | Light flak |
| July 09 | #10 - + | Airfield at Sinanju | Good | Light flak, attacked by MiGs. Three MiGs shot down group lead ship. |
| July 12 | #11 | Night mission troop concentration | Unknown | First mission in new plane |
| July 18 | #12 | Night mission, troop concentration | Unknown | None |
| July 27 | #13 | Marshalling yard at Northeast Korea | Fair | None |
| August 11 | #14 - + | Marshalling yard in North Korea | Unknown | Col. Breckinridge along Bunnett has bomb fall on arm |
| August 14 | #15 - + | Barracks area NE of Pyongyang | Good | 19th, 307th & 98th together, moderate flak |
| August 23 | #16 | Supply yards | Unknown | Golfball, truce talks end today |
| August 25 | #17 - + | Marshalling yard NE Korea 15 miles from Russian border | Good | 98th, 307th &19th together |
| August 30 | #18 - + | Supply yard above Sinanju - MiG Alley | Good | Light flak close, two planes hit |
| September 10 | #19 | Cement factory (1), Supply yard (2) | Poor | Evaluation mission |
| September 12 | #20 | Supply yards (2) | Good | Evaluation mission |
| September 19 | #21 | Wonsan Supply Yard | Fair | Two shoran drops on airfield NE coast. Then supply yard |
| September 21 | #22 | Two airfields in NE Korea | Good | Evaluation mission |
| September 25 | #23 | Two airfields in NE Korea | Good | Evaluation mission |
| September 28 | #24 | Marshalling yard (last resort) | Good | None |
| October 02 | #25 | Steel factory (last resort) | Very good | None |
| October 04 | #26 | Airfield NE Pyongyang (Last resort) | Fair | None |
| October 19 | #27 | Night mission | Good | None |
| October 22 | #28 | Night shoran above Sinanju | Unknown | Enemy fighters in area. Made few passes. Couple bursts flak. One 19th plane lost during day mission. 309th hi bad. 23 |
| October 25 | #29 | Night mission | Good | In three previous days eight 29s lost |
| October 30 | #30 | Night mission - enemy troops | Unknown | First time whole crew has flown together |
| Nov. 02 | #31 | Night mission | Unknown | None |
| Nov. 05 | #32 | Night mission | Two shacks | None |
| Nov. 09 | #33 | Nigh shoran above Sinanju | Unknown | Heavy flak below us. Couple planes seen, but no attacks |
| Nov. 11 | #34 | Night mission | Good | None |
| Nov. 14 | #35 | Night Shoran | Unknown | Moderate & accurate flak |
| Nov. 18 | #36 | Two marshalling yards | Fair | Evaluation |
| Nov. 23 | #37 - x | Night shoran to bridge at Sinanju | Unknown | Moderate flak below AC |
| Nov. 29 | #38 - x | Night Shoran | Unknown | Light flak |
| December 03 | #39 | Sunchon marshalling yard (shoran) | Unknown | Moderate, inaccurate flak |
| December 07 | #40 - + | Bridge at Sinanju (shoran) | Unknown | Moderate, inaccurate flak |
| December 12 | #41- + | Marshalling yard (shoran) | Unknown | None |
| December 17 | #42 | Front lines (LR) | Unknown | Landed in Korea |
| December 23 | #43 | Ouiju AF - NW Korea | Unknown | On Manchurian border. Heavy flak. Light fighter attacks. Search lights on us 20 minutes |
| Date - 1952 | Mission | Target | Results | Comments |
| January 07 | #44 - + | Sinanju A/F | Unknown | Light flak. Last mission. |
[The following article originally appeared on pages 11-13 of The Pyramidiers, the newsletter of the 98th Bomb Group/Wing Veterans Association, in August of 2011. Permission to reprint it on the KWE was granted by Herb Harper, the 98th Historian. All credit for the article goes to Howard Whitley and The Pyramidiers.]
The mission was planned in order to bomb the rail bridges at Kwaksan, North Korea on June 1, 1951. Things went wrong on that bright sunny morning. There was a malfunction on our first bomb run. We had to go around and were on our second run when the F-86s left us. To the best of my knowledge there was no engagement between F-86s and MiG-15s that morning. I was sitting in the tunnel watching the MiG formations out of the blister (plexiglass). They looked ghostly white against a blue sky. I watched the first MiG strike, then scampered down to my radio position, grabbed my flak suit and helmet and hunkered on the floor.
Captain Cook had already made the decision to close the bomb bay doors and make a run for it. We were at the mercy of thirty MiGs. All I could do was listen on the intercom to the gunners' calls and empty shells falling into the turret from our four 50 caliber machine guns above my head. The tail guns were knocked out on the first pass. It seemed like this battle would never end. Finally, it was over and the tail gunner position had taken a direct shell hit. Thankfully the gunner was not wounded.
The A/C, Aircraft Commander told me to get off an S.O.S. "We're hit in the wing tank, on fire. Do not know the extent of damage. Will try to make South Korea." We were sprinkled with flak somewhere along the route, but no major damage. We had taken three shell hits: in the tail, in the fuselage behind the left gunner (hence the fire in the radar compartment) and in the wing between the Number 1 and Number 2 engines.
God bless the Marine Corps! They came up in a plane and looked us over. They said the fire was out and we looked fine, except our bomb bay doors were hanging open. We got to an airfield and told the tower we'd like to land except that we might bum on the way in. The crew was given a choice again of bailing out or riding the plane down. One of the crew said, "Hell, we've come this far. We've got faith. Let's go in. We made a normal landing. Only one of the four B-29 bombers was lost. I don't know why we didn't blow up. Three MiG shells had hit us. You could look in the hole in the wing and could see gasoline. You could reach right in and grab a handful. But if one is really trying there are times when there is always a way out of these types of situations.
We dropped our bombs on Sariwon probably at the lowest altitude we had ever dropped. A 1000 pound bomb stayed on the front bomb bay shackle. I told the A/C. The bombardier tried to salvo. It was a no go. The A/C said to close the bomb bay doors and take the bomb with us. About 10 minutes later there was a loud boom. Sunlight hit me in the face through the bulkhead doors. For an instant, I thought the bomb had exploded. The bomb had fallen free and buckled the doors so badly they wouldn't close. Gunners said they saw it explode on a mountain top below.
All four B-29s in our group were damaged. One went down, one went back to Yokota, one went to Kimpo or Taegu and we landed at Pusan. The A/C told us to get out fast after landing as there was concern a live shell might still be in the plane. No nose wheel exit for me as I went out the front bomb bay and ran. No shell was found.
We flew back to Tachikawa AFB that night on a NAT C-54 and took a bus to Yokota AFB arriving at 3:00 a.m. Our tent was the center of attention that morning. It seemed like every 343rd flight crew descended on our tent in jubilation. We were told that they heard we were shot down. Our missions dwindled after that. When our plane was brought back from Pusan it was never the same. TDY Widow #6335 was a damaged lady.
Captain Warren Cook as A/C came to Yokota early in 1951 from Travis AFB to replace Major Edward Dickinson who was transferred to operations. The crew that went down this June 1st, 1951 was Captain Cook's old crew from Travis AFB with a new A/C. Our crew was designated to pack up their belongings for shipment to their home. They were our next door tent neighbors. This same crew of TDY Widow #6335 with Captain Warren Cook as A/C led four B-29s in a flyover for General Douglas MacArthur on April 15, 1951 when he was leaving Haneda Airport in Tokyo. Colonel David Wade, 98th Bomb Group Commander, was onboard that day. The only reference to this flyover that I can find is in the paperback, MacArthur's War: Korea and the Undoing of an American Hero by Stanley Weintraub (page 354).
Captain Cook and his crew flew both aircraft on different missions. Thus I have attached pictures of Miss Tampa and TDY Widow with its crew members.
[KWE Note: The following articleds is related to downed B-29 #44-62217. It was transcribed from an unknown news clipping source.]
Capt Eugene J Vaadi, 32-year-old Clayton pilot, whose B-29 Superfortress was shot down over North Korea on Jan 12, 1953, is being held a prisoner by the Communists, according to a telegram received by his wife, Mrs. Mary E Weller Vaadi, Clayton. Mrs. Vaadi and the parents of the Korean war prisoner, Mr. and Mrs. John Vaadi, LaFargeville, were officially advised of the pilot’s status in separate telegrams received Tuesday night from the war department. It was the first official word that Captain Vaadi is a war prisoner received by relatives since the air force officer was shot down 17 months ago. Up to now, it was only assumed that Vaadi was a war prisoner.
The telegram said that the “Communists are still holding Capt Eugene Vaadi as a prisoner.” It did not say where he is being held. The war department added that as soon as further information is available, particularly regarding possibilities of his release, it would be forwarded to them. The war department said that Vaadi’s name is among those still being held as war prisoners.
The air force captain has two children, Jean Anne, 11, and Donna Faye, 7. Last September, the defense department received from the Communists an accounting on the fate of Captain Vaadi. The announcement that he is a war prisoner presumably is the reply from the Reds of the defense departments protest. Captain Vaadi is also a veteran of World War II. During that conflict he was a German war prisoner for three months in a concentration camp.
[Source: Standard Times, May 30, 2010]
San Angelo, Texas - In the bright summer sun, a breeze carried the hum of insects into the shady porch where the two former prisoners of war sat. Wallace Brown and Eugene Vaadi were a world away from what they once endured: 32 months of torture in a Chinese prison during and after the Korean War. “It wasn’t really a picnic, I tell you,” Vaadi said. Vaadi, who lives in Florida, visited Brown and his wife at their San Angelo home last week. They reunite every few years.
In 1953, Vaadi was the pilot, and Brown the co-pilot, of a plane meant to drop off propaganda as part of a newly formed psychological warfare unit. Eight MiG fighters shot down the crew of 14. “We got hit on our first mission, within spitting distance of China,” Wallace said. “They pounced us right out of the sky.” Vaadi said the plane went down in flames, burning because of a large bladder tank of fuel that the plane was hauling. Brown said 11 survived. The bodies of those who died were never recovered, Brown said. That was Jan. 12, 1953. The Korean armistice and prisoner exchange happened on July 27, 1953. Brown, Vaadi and the others were not freed until two years later, in August 1955.
Brown said when the Chinese learned the members of his crew were part of a new psychological warfare unit, they shipped them to Beijing. Brown and Vaadi said each prisoner had his own car on the train, and they were shackled, with three to four guards for each person. “We were in the worst kind of prison you would’ve seen in the state of Texas a hundred years ago,” Brown said. “We had a cell apiece and didn’t know if anybody else was still alive from the crew. ... They didn’t let us know anything except we were going to be shot if we didn’t tell them what they wanted to know.”
Brown said the cells were 7 feet by 10 feet, and each had a 10 inch by 12 inch window and a 4 inch by 4 inch peephole in a 3-inch thick wooden door to the cell. Vaadi said the beds were three 10-inch-wide boards propped up on two 10-inch-high sawhorses. Vaadi had been a POW in World War II after getting shot down by Germans, and he said his experience in the Korean War was more brutal. “That was the biggest thing, was trying to survive because of food,” Vaadi said. “The food was very minimal.” The prisoners were fed mainly thin gruel made from others’ leftovers, with “maybe some rice in it,” Vaadi said.
Then there were the interrogations and the beatings. Brown said there were seven months of interrogations, some lasting a week at a time, and he would be forced to stand the entire time. “They had sticks, and they would beat you around the back of the head and ears,” Vaadi said. “They would always be beating you on the back of your head, and you thought your head was going to explode. You tried to reach and grab a hold of one of them, take (the sticks) away from them, and you would wind up with a gun butt against the back.” Vaadi said they were also beaten with shoes, and Brown said the interrogators would thump their eyes if they shut them. Brown said the purpose was to keep the prisoner awake. “Your body was swollen up until you can’t feed yourself. They spoon it in your mouth and pretty soon you don’t even bother to do that. The torture was the standing, and the kicking and the beating and the thumping was to keep you awake,” Brown said.
The men tapped on walls to communicate with each other, and eventually they developed a “hacking code.” They made coughing and hacking sounds since they were so common among other Chinese prisoners and were unlikely to be uncovered by the Chinese, Brown said. Brown said a faith in the influence of the United States, with the hope that U.S. intelligence knew what was happening, helped get him through the hardships. “I was a member of the United States Air Force, and nobody else would really want to shoot us, because this country is the greatest there ever was,” Brown said. “So they could threaten, but as long as they never did anything that left a scar, I thought there was hope. If they ever had done anything that did make a permanent mark, I had made up my mind that I was going to force them to shoot me by running at a guard with a gun. ... There are lots of times that you would pretty much give up hope, but then you would gain it back.”
In November 1954, after the interrogation ended, the prisoners were sent to a military trial, and a month later they received prison sentences of five to eight years on charges of attempting to overthrow the Chinese government. Months later, the prisoner were pardoned and freed. Brown said he suspects they were freed to improve China’s chances of getting a vote on the U.N. Security Council.
Family members had not known the prisoners were still alive until the November 1954 trials. After that, the men could receive mail from their families. Brown’s wife, Bobby Brown, said she was in shock when she got the news that her husband was missing in action, but she found she had to carry on. “I came home, and I went to work for a dentist, to become a dental hygienist,” Bobby Brown said. When she finally heard her husband was alive and sentenced during the trials, she prepared for the long sentence. The lone bright spot in the ordeal was that it didn’t last as long as it might have.
Both men continued to serve in the Air Force and retired in the late 1960s. The men resist being defined by the POW experience. “It was just a little blip out of a great career,” Wallace Brown said.
[12/17/2013 - Andersen Air Force Base, Guam -- The following contains research and photos from Lee Corbin for the book he wrote for the survivors and families of the victims of this accident called: "The Crash of 44-87741")
December 17, 1953, was a typical beautiful Thursday morning on Guam. Typhoon Doris had just passed north of the island two days earlier and took most of the weather with it. The sun was rising with a few patches of clouds dropping the usual rain showers.
At Jennings Manor Officer's Housing, Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, some Airmen and their families were just getting up and motivated for their day, while others wanted to catch a few more winks of sleep. Maybe some awoke at 5 a.m. by the constant sound of 20 B-29 Superfortress bombers of the 9th Bomb Wing departing in ten minute intervals after a 90-day deployment. While others may have been getting ready to orientate the new rotational 97th Bomb Wing, from Briggs AFB, El Paso, Texas, equipped with the newer B-50 Superfortress bombers. Whatever those folks were doing in Jennings Manor that morning; their lives would soon be shattered by the worst peacetime accident at Andersen AFB.
The recently departed 9th BW was on their way home to Mountain Home AFB, Idaho via a short fueling and crew rest stop at Kwajalein Island. Their bombers were full of extra passengers who wanted to be home in the U.S. for the holidays. One of those B-29s, tail number 44-87741, just took off at 6:05 a.m., but encountered an engine failure in the inboard port engine. The pilot successfully feathered the propeller while returning to Andersen. However, during the pilot's first attempt to land, he came out of the clouds too high and went around for another try. 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. This resulted in the big bomber crashing into peaceful Jennings Manor housing at a near vertical angle.
At 6:48 a.m., the B-29 bomber's crash at Andersen would become a memory that many witnesses and survivors would like to forget. Sadly, nine crewmen and passengers on the aircraft would perish in the crash. Many of those killed were in the forward part of the aircraft they included: 1st Lt. Henry G. Oetgen, age 40, pilot; 1st Lt. Sophus E. "Eddie" Larsen, age 30, co-pilot; 1st Lt. Howard L. DeBoer, age 31, bombardier; 1st Lt. Dominick J. Christopher, age 29, navigator; Tech. Sgt John M. Reilly, age 30, flight engineer; Staff Sgt. Homer A. Pickrell, age 23, left gunner/scanner; Tech. Sgt. Fred Leard, age 30, passenger; Airman 3rd Class Donald J. Wagner, age 22, passenger; and Airman 2nd Class Francis L. Murray, age 20, passenger.
Remarkably, seven Airmen would survive the crash all were positioned in the tail section of the aircraft which included: 1st Lt. Jack Patton, radar officer; Airman 2nd Class Robert L. Jensen, electronic counter-measure operator; Airman 1st Class Donald C. Van Doren, waist gunner/scanner; Airman 1st Class William J. Backman, tail gunner; Airman 2nd Class Nelson H. "Nub" Graham, passenger; Airman 2nd Class Roberto Duran, passenger; and Airman 2nd Class Walter R. Newby, passenger. One of the crewmen, Bob Jensen was very grateful for Staff Sgt. Homer A. Pickrell, who risked his life to save him. Heartbreakingly, Pickrell would die the following day because of his injuries. His father accepted the Soldier's Medal that was posthumously awarded for his heroism in 1958. Other Airmen and their families at Andersen certainly hoped those were the only casualties that morning.
In Jennings Manor Officer's Housing the destruction was horrific. Many World War II and Korean War veterans that responded to the carnage said that it reminded them of a war zone. In those days most military housing on Guam was made out of wood and metal, not very robust. More compelling was that there were more casualties on the ground than on the aircraft. Two complete families and another family's daughter's lives were taken by the accident. These families included: Lt. Col. Benjamin L. Mills, 3rd Aviation Field Depot Squadron commander, his wife Agnes, and three daughters Margaret 9, Helen 5, and Martha 2; Maj. Gerald A. Orken, 31, medical officer and commander 6319th Dispensary, his wife Shirley, daughter, Vivian, age 5, and son, Steven age 3; and lastly Bonnie "Bunnie" Kimball, 11, daughter of Capt. Stanley J. Kimball, the base weather officer with the 54th Weather Squadron.
The fire and emergency crews responded very quickly to the crash site, since they were ready to respond because of the B-29's in-flight emergency. After arriving the aircraft's nose gear strut assembly exploded. This sent the nose wheel assembly airborne 30 feet, hitting and detonating the fuel tank of a pumper truck. The burning magnesium of the aircraft's wheel assembly scattered, causing injuries to four firefighters, including the fire chief and assistant fire chief. There were a total of 14 injuries that day and many grateful survivors who had narrowly escaped death or serious injury.
In the aftermath of the crash, it's not too surprising that less than a year, a bill for the $20 million Capehart Housing area was passed through Congress and the design contract was awarded in September 1956. This built 1,050 concrete homes away from the flight pattern; building began in 1958. By 1957, Jennings Manor had become enlisted family housing. In 1962, those families had to move out because it was completely destroyed by Super Typhoon Karen. The daughter of Capt Kimball was memorialized for many years by the Bonnie Kimball Memorial Field. Back when there weren't fences surrounding the base, Little Leaguers from around the island used to play there. Today, that ball field's location is near the chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, energy weapon training site. The ex-Jennings Manor area today is still a vibrant part of Andersen mission as it contains the 36th Security Forces Squadron's (36 SFS) K-9 Unit, the recycling complex, and contractors involved with construction on the base have their workplaces there.
Though the crash and the lost life sounded terrible, that wasn't the only aircraft or lives lost from Guam that week. On Dec. 16, 1953, VJ-1 Squadron, Naval Air Station Agana sent out one of their six PB4Y-2Ss (single tail version of the B-24 Liberator) to track Typhoon Doris and it disappeared without a trace while penetrating the eye wall with its crew of nine. Then on Dec. 20 1953, a Navy R-4D Skytrain (Navy's version of C-47/DC-3) brought in to help search for the lost PB4Y also disappeared with 10 crewmen onboard. Its wreckage was later discovered inside Agrihan Island's volcano crater. These unfortunate aircraft accidents caused three aircraft lost, 38 people dead in less than five days. That ranks as the fourth worst week in Guam history's peacetime aviation history, preceded by the Aug. 6, 1997, Korean Air flight 801, Boeing 747 crash on Nimitz Hill that killed 228; the Sept 19 1960, World Airways flight 830, Douglas DC-6AB crash in Barrigada Heights that killed 80 out of 94 military, dependents, and crew; and lastly the Air Manila flight 702, Lockheed L-188 Electra in Barrigada Heights that killed 46.
On December 17, 2013, during the 60th Anniversary of this accident let us remember the 19 victims, the 14 who were injured, the survivors, and the families.
B-29 (44-87741) had taken off from Guam on its way to its base near Mountain Home, Idaho when one of the engines failed about 15 minutes after takeoff and the crew turned around to go back to Guam, which is 3,700 miles west of Hawaii in the Pacific Ocean. During emergency landing at Anderson AFB, Guam, on December 17, 1951, the plane failed to reach the runway and crashed into an officers housing area at the base, demolishing ten homes and damaging three more. Nine of the 16 crew members were killed, as were seven on the ground--an officer, his wife, and five children. The plane was damaged beyond repair and written off. [See News Clipping section for more details.] The crew members were:
*Homer Pickrell risked his life to save that of Bob Jensen. He died of injuries the following day. In 1958 his father accepted the Soldiers Medal posthumously for his heroism.
There were more fatalities (10) and injuries (14) on the ground than in the aircraft. The fatalities included:
The Korean War Educator hopes that KWE readers will help us in our search for answers to the following ongoing research efforts. If you know the answer to any of these mysteries, please let us know by contacting us.
Please realize that it is difficult to locate the names of B-29 fatalities not caused by "operational loss". If anyone knows the name of a B-29 crew member who died due to mechanical failure or other reasons, and that person's name does not appear on the Losses - Flight Crew page of the Korean War Educator, please notify us so that we can recognize the fatality.
Who were the other members of #44-62042 (Vicious Roomer) on March 28, 1952? Known crew:
Knott, Cpl. Robert M. - remains recovered
McIntosh, Rudy - only surviving member of bailout
McManus, Sgt. Phillip - remains recovered
Rainey, Cpl. Samuel H. - remains recovered
Zellars, SSgt. Elliot - remains recovered
44-62181 (assigned to 307BW, 372BS) was reportedly shot down in 1951 but there is no KORWALD.
There were two B-29s known as "No Sweat". The earlier version was 44-87618. Extensive flak and cannon fire damaged this aircraft during the Yalu River Bridge mission. It crash-landed at Seoul Municipal Airport with no personnel losses. Its #2 and #4 engines were out and its hydraulic system was shot out, so the plane had to be salvaged. Who were its crew members?
Although this aircraft was not destroyed in the Korean theater of war, the crash of B-29 44-87651 occurred during the Korean War and was a devastating loss to our country's Air Force and civilian community. [See also: Airplane Crashes - KWE.]
According to the official government accident report:
On 5 August 1950, B-29, SN 44-87651, crashed, burned, and exploded 5 minutes after takeoff from Fairfield-Suisun AFB, CA, causing fatal injuries to 12 crewmen and passengers. Eight crewmen and passengers received minor injures. Extensive damage to private and government property and injuries to both civilian and military personnel were caused by a subsequent explosion of the bomb on the aircraft. The pilot, Captain Eugene Q. Steffes, was at the controls, with Brigadier General Robert F. Travis acting in command pilot capacity. At 2200 PST, the aircraft was cleared for takeoff on runway 21 left, which is 8,000 feet long. The wind was 17 knots from the southwest. A full power check (2,800 ROM and 48 inches) was made, and the brakes were released for takeoff. Just prior to liftoff, the number two engine propeller malfunctioned, and the aircraft commander ordered the number two propeller be feathered. After liftoff, the pilot actuated the gear switch to the up position, and the gear did not retract. Due to the increased drag (feathered number two engine and the lowered gear), the rising terrain ahead and to the left, and the inability of the aircraft to climb, the aircraft commander elected to make a 180-degree turn to the right back toward the base. Upon completion of the turn, the left wing became difficult to hold up. The aircraft commander allowed the aircraft to slide to the left to avoid a trailer court. A crash landing was imminent as the altitude of the aircraft was only a few feet above the ground. The aircraft struck the ground with the left wing down at approximately 120 mph. All ten people in the rear compartment were fatally injured. General Travis and one passenger in the forward compartment received fatal injuries; all other crewmembers and passengers escaped with only minor injuries."
About twenty minutes after the crash occurred, the high explosives in the bomb casing ignited. The blast, felt and heard over 30 miles away, caused severe damage (16 trailers and their contents destroyed and many others badly damaged) to the nearby trailer park on base. In addition to those killed or injured in the initial crash, as a result in large part to the explosion that occurred shortly after the crash, 180 military, civilian and dependents were killed or injured. (Seven people were killed, 49 were admitted to the hospital and 124 others received superficial injuries.) Fairfield-Suisun AFB was later renamed Travis AFB.
At the time of the crash, the aircraft was carrying a significant bomb load. According to the Travis Heritage Center:
On August 5th, 1950, Communist troops came across the Naktong River to southwest and northwest of Taegu on the Korean peninsula. They begun filtering troops to the rear of American lines, forming a tense political situation. The perimeter around Pusan was forming. The increasing hostilities, and the North Koreans numeric superiority left few options for the United Nations and American ground forces. But, on that day, a Mark IV nuclear bomb was dispatched to the eastern Pacific. It would travel in two parts. One part, the dense uranium core, and the other, the high explosive outer casing, would each be carried to the area via separate aircraft, routes, and times. A B-29 bomber left Fairfield-Suisun Air Force Base on August 5th, 1950, carrying the high-explosive portion of the Mark IV. ... About twenty minutes after the crash occurred, the high explosives in the bomb casing ignited. The blast, felt and heard over 30 miles away, caused severe damage to the nearby trailer park on base."
*Ramoneda was a decorated World War II Marine Corps veteran. A volunteer from food services that day, Sergeant Ramoneda died while attempting to rescue 12 passengers and crew trapped aboard the B-29. He was posthumously awarded the Soldier's Medal, Purple Heart, and the Cheney Medal (awarded annually since 1927 for an act of valor, extreme fortitude or self-sacrifice in a humanitarian interest performed in connection with aircraft). The Travis Airman Leadership School was later named in his honor.
This is to certify that the Cheney Award Board has selected Sergeant Paul P. Ramoneda as a member of the United States Air Force to receive the Cheney Award for the year 1950 in recognition of his act of valor and extreme courage on 5 August 1950. After a gas and bomb laden B-29 type aircraft had crashed and started to burn very close to his place of duty, Sgt. Ramoneda, with the aid of other members of his Squadron, assisted several of the dazed crew members from the wreckage. When they were advised that bombs and ammunition were aboard the blazing plane, most of the rescuers retired to points of safety, but Sgt. Ramoneda, after remarking to his comrades that he was going to "save those men", threw a cloth over his head and face and ran back into the inferno. He was seen approaching the plane at the moment of the explosion which cost this courageous airman his life. The valor, extreme fortitude, and devotion to his fellow airmen displayed by Sgt. Ramoneda exemplifies the highest traditions of the United States Air Force.
here were railroad bridges linking North Korea with Antung, Manchuria during the Korean War. These bridges, located between Sinuiju, North Korea and Dandong, China, allowed Communist aggressors to transport manpower, machinery, weapons, ammunition, and other supplies into the Korean war zone. On April 12, 1951, the railroad bridges became the target of 300 tons of Allied bombs carried to their targets on a daytime mission by 48 B-29s of the 19th, 98th, and 304 Bomb Wings. The B-29s were escorted by 34 F-84s, 18 F-86s, and 24 F-80s. The formation of Allied aircraft was attacked by 36 Russian MiGs from the 176th GvIAP and 196th IAP, ending in devastating results for the Allies.
42-65369 - (names Black Sheep and City of Jackson were associated with this serial number. This aircraft crashed and burned at Kadena. Capt. Jack W. Frost was the pilot.
44-61835 (Dragon Lady) - Lead bomber, this aircraft took a hit on the left side of the cockpit, killing the pilot and bombardier and injuring one other crew member. The co-pilot (1Lt. Willis E. Umholtz)* continued to fly the plane, continuing on to drop its bombs on target. He then flew the plane back to Suwon. Six months later, on Halloween Eve 1951, the Dragon Lady blew up shortly after take-off, 40 miles north of Kadena, when its #3 engine caught fire and a wing blew off.
Casualties on April 12, 1951 were:
*Lieutenant Umholtz received a Silver Star for his bravery during this incident.
Headquarters, Far East Air Forces
General Orders No. 395 - 17 August 1951
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant Willis E. Umholtz, United States Air Force, for First Lieutenant Willis E. Umholtz, United States Air Force. Lieutenant Umholtz distinguished himself by gallantry in action against an enemy on 12 April 1951 as pilot of a B-29, 30th Bombardment Squadron, 19th Bombardment Group (Medium) Fifth Air Force. Twenty-five miles from the target over North Korea, the formation was attacked repeatedly and aggressively by enemy fighters. Despite these attacks, combined with heavy anti-aircraft fire, a normal bomb drop was accomplished. Immediately after the bomb drop, the cockpit was struck by an explosive projectile, which killed the bombardier, mortally wounded the aircraft commander and wounded Lieutenant Umholtz in the knee, shoulder and neck. In spite of his wounds, and the violent explosive decompression and loss of oxygen, he assumed immediate control of the aircraft. In order not to divert the crew from giving first aid to the aircraft commander, he did not inform them of his wounds, and still under heavy attack, he flew the formation cross-cockpit until the area of immediate danger was cleared. After landing the badly damaged aircraft at an emergency base and only after assuring himself of the safety of the remaining crew members did he report himself as wounded. Lieutenant Umholtz's quick thinking, courage and devotion to duty reflected great credit upon himself, the Far East Air Forces, and the United States Air Force.
44-62252* - Although this plane was shot down, all of its crew members survived. The crew in the back half bailed out in North Korea and were all captured. The crew in the front of the plane bailed out in South Korea, and all were rescued. The plane crashed near Suwon. The crew members were:
*Author Dan King is the son of Marvin E. King, one of the crew members on this aircraft. According to him: "Dad's plane serial number was 44-62252, a WWII era B-29 of the 371st Bomb Squadron, 307th Bomb Group out of Kadena, Okinawa. Their plane was acting as the Electronics Countermeasure Aircraft for that particular bombing mission. Its job was to confuse enemy ground radar through the use of electronic jamming equipment combined with the dropping of aluminum foil strips called chaff. It was in the slot (last) position of the 2nd group (of 3 groups) which put it in the middle of the 3 groups. There was some space between each group. There were 3 fighter squadrons assigned to guard the B-29s but only two showed up. The "low cover" squadron failed to meet up for whatever reason, leaving the planes open to attacks from below. Dad's B-29 had some engine trouble (from age) causing it to slow down, so rather than force its own group to slow down it dropped from the last spot of the 2nd group back to become the LEAD plane of the next group (the 22nd Bomber Squadron). It was during this brief unfortunate window that the Russian piloted MiG15s attacked, and finding a lone B-29 all by itself between two groups, hammered it from the sky. The men in the front half of the plane stayed with the aircraft until it got far enough south, then bailed out and were all brought to safe lines by South Koreans or Turkish troops. The plane crashed in a placed called Suwon, in South Korea."
44-69682 (Hot Box) - When 15-20 MiGs attacked this aircraft, its #2 engine caught fire, and then the entire wing caught fire. The aircraft exploded and crashed into a mountain. The tail gunner of B-29 6323 observed the crash and saw no parachutes, but there is strong evidence that some of the crew survived the attack and were taken POW.
Crew members were:
44-86370 (Lucky Dog) -
The #1 engine of this aircraft caught fire and was ditched. Debris and an oil slick were found, but no parachutes were observed and all but one of the 12-man crew remain missing in action:
44-87618 (No Sweat)* -
Extensive flak and cannon fire damaged this aircraft during the mission. It crash-landed at Seoul Municipal Airport with no personnel losses. Its #2 and #4 engines were out and its hydraulic system was shot out, so the plane had to be salvaged. Crew members unknown. *[According to Frank "Bud" Farrell, there were two B-29s with the name No Sweat. This one (44-87618) was the earlier version. It made an emergency landing at Seoul following the Yalu RR bridge mission, but an F-51 was reported to have crashed into it on takeoff, destroying it. The serial number of the later version of No Sweat was 470134, 93rd Bomb Squadron.]
44-86343 (Wolf Pack) - A Russian MiG shot this aircraft down over the Suiho Hydroelectric Plant. Of its 12-man crew, only one (A1C Fred Parker) survived.
Missing in action are:
Only one MiG was destroyed in the aerial combat that day--shot down by Lyle R. Patterson, a central fire control gunner on the aircraft Miss N.C., 30th Bomb Squadron. During his service in the Korean War, he flew 31 combat missions, including the Yalu Railroad Bridge mission on April 12, 1951. Years later, he recounted what happened that day:
We took off at 5 a.m. from Okinawa, which would put us over the bridges about 10 a.m. After hitting the IP [initial point] and starting our bomb run, I saw shiny little arrowheads dropping down on the flight that was ahead of us-MiG-15s. Their swept wings made them look like small arrowheads at a certain distance. Every one of them had the natural polished aluminum except for the big red stars, and as they came out of the sun, they really glinted.
Our escorts on this day were straight-wing F-80s. They mixed it up with the attacking MiGs, but the latter had a great advantage in speed. Seconds later, I saw a big red tracer come whizzing by our tail, a narrow miss. We were fighting back with our .50-caliber guns, but there were MiGs everywhere. The B-29 that was right behind us took a 37mm hit in the wing and began streaming fuel as it listed to the right and fell out of formation, heading down. Our lead bomber, Dragon Lady, took a hit in the left side of the cock pit, killing the pilot. They stayed on course and dropped their bombs on target, with the copilot handling the controls. Minutes later we were attacked from our 8 o'clock position, and I put my sight right on the MiG's cockpit area while firing about 20 rounds. All impacted on his cockpit, and it immediately started tumbling tail over nose.
[Source: Warren E. Thompson, "Superforts vs. MiGs: over Korea, prop-driven bombers tackled an unfamiliar mission and faced Soviet-built jets for the first time", Aviation History, May 2013.]
After his discharge from the Air Force, Lyle Patterson became a high school teacher, coach, and principal in the State of Washington. In 1998, he finally received a Distinguished Flying Cross for the kill in 1951. Born in a log cabin in 1929, Paterson died on October 19, 2013 after a long illness. His obituary is located on the KWE.
His DFC citation reads as follows:
Sergeant Lyle R. Patterson distinguished himself by extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a central fire control gunner of the 30th Bombardment Squadron, 19th Bombardment Group, Medium, on 12 April 1951. In the vicinity of the target area, the vital railroad bridge at Sinuiju, North Korea, his formation which was flying at 17,000 feet was subjected to repeated and aggressive enemy fighter attacks. Sergeant Patterson singed out one of the MiGs which was beginning its attack from seven o'clock high and waited until the enemy fighter was in range. He commenced firing bursts from both upper turrets. The enemy jet fighter fell away in a tail forward position, then rolled over on a wing and out of control and was seen to hit the ground. Sergeant Patterson's courage, skill under fire and devotion to duty reflected great credit upon himself, the Far East Air Forces, and the United States Air Force.
Soon after the disastrous daytime mission at the Yalu, raids began to take place at night. The underbellies of B-29 Superfortresses were painted flat black to make it harder for searchlights to spot them during the night missions.