Criteria The Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation (Gallantry Cross Colors) was authorized to be worn by units individually cited for service in military operations in support of the government of Sout... The Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation (Gallantry Cross Colors) was authorized to be worn by units individually cited for service in military operations in support of the government of South Vietnam. The actions cited are for the same services that would have resulted in the award of a Valorous Unit Citation by the Army or a Navy Unit Citation. MoreHide
Description
Awarded to Detachment 15, 1st Combat Evaluation Group for Tactical Air Operations 2 June 1967 to 28 June 1973 S.O. 312, 1975, DAF
Criteria The Air Force Commendation Medal may be awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States below the grade of Brigadier General who, while serving in any capacity with the Air Force, distingu... The Air Force Commendation Medal may be awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States below the grade of Brigadier General who, while serving in any capacity with the Air Force, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement, or by meritorious service not of a sufficient nature to justify a higher award. MoreHide
Comments
Awarded for exemplary service 1973-1974 S.O. G-8, 12 Mar 1974, Hdqtrs 24th AD
Criteria It is awarded to all service members of the U.S. Air Force who complete four years of honorable active or reserve military service with any branch of the United States Armed Forces. The Air Force Long... It is awarded to all service members of the U.S. Air Force who complete four years of honorable active or reserve military service with any branch of the United States Armed Forces. The Air Force Longevity Service Award is a ribbon that replaces the Federal Service Stripes previously worn on the uniform. MoreHide
Comments
Awarded for AF service from 1949-1974. Six awards. AFR 900-10
Criteria It is awarded to all service members of the U.S. Air Force who complete four years of honorable active or reserve military service with any branch of the United States Armed Forces. The Air Force Long... It is awarded to all service members of the U.S. Air Force who complete four years of honorable active or reserve military service with any branch of the United States Armed Forces. The Air Force Longevity Service Award is a ribbon that replaces the Federal Service Stripes previously worn on the uniform. MoreHide
Criteria It is awarded to all service members of the U.S. Air Force who complete four years of honorable active or reserve military service with any branch of the United States Armed Forces. The Air Force Long... It is awarded to all service members of the U.S. Air Force who complete four years of honorable active or reserve military service with any branch of the United States Armed Forces. The Air Force Longevity Service Award is a ribbon that replaces the Federal Service Stripes previously worn on the uniform. MoreHide
Criteria It is awarded to all service members of the U.S. Air Force who complete four years of honorable active or reserve military service with any branch of the United States Armed Forces. The Air Force Long... It is awarded to all service members of the U.S. Air Force who complete four years of honorable active or reserve military service with any branch of the United States Armed Forces. The Air Force Longevity Service Award is a ribbon that replaces the Federal Service Stripes previously worn on the uniform. MoreHide
Criteria It is awarded to all service members of the U.S. Air Force who complete four years of honorable active or reserve military service with any branch of the United States Armed Forces. The Air Force Long... It is awarded to all service members of the U.S. Air Force who complete four years of honorable active or reserve military service with any branch of the United States Armed Forces. The Air Force Longevity Service Award is a ribbon that replaces the Federal Service Stripes previously worn on the uniform. MoreHide
Criteria It is awarded to all service members of the U.S. Air Force who complete four years of honorable active or reserve military service with any branch of the United States Armed Forces. The Air Force Long... It is awarded to all service members of the U.S. Air Force who complete four years of honorable active or reserve military service with any branch of the United States Armed Forces. The Air Force Longevity Service Award is a ribbon that replaces the Federal Service Stripes previously worn on the uniform. MoreHide
Best Friends
Tsgt Hankins Jean Hankins Tsgt Rigby Tsgt J. Grahaom Beverly Graham
Best Moment
When my retirement orders were approved, and I was scheduled for retirement.
Worst Moment
Just being at Opheim. Because of the isolated conditions and the operations we conducted, morale was very low. With a few exceptions, no one wished to be there, and most were just awaiting reassignment. The manning was approximately 55% of necessity, and radar maintenance troops were forced to work in MCC, supply, as well as pull maintenance shifts. Most personnel lived in housing procured by the government. This housing was about 50 miles from the site. A bus brought crews to and from the site, except when the weather would not allow it. As a consequence, those few personnel who lived in the makeshift barracks had to pull their own duty plus. Not a good place for morale.
Chain of Command
779th Radar Sqdn reported to 24th AD, then to ADC
Other Memories
I did not want to be at Opheim (especially after 5 years at Aiken) so I took the assignment only to complete 26 years of service. As soon as pratical, I put in for retirement. Meantime, I did the best I could as acting Chief of Maintenance with short crews, people with no motivation except another remote in Alaska, or the thought of discharge. We kept the radars performance to optimum, and passed all ORIs, and fought the weather together. Snow, ice, wind, fog, and temps in lower -40s did nothing to improve the other conditions we faced. But we were for the most part professionals who were determined to suceed, but I cannot help but think of my retirement orders as the gateway from Opheim.
Criteria The Meritorious Service Medal may be awarded to members of the Armed Forces who distinguish themselves by outstanding noncombat achievement or by meritorious service to the United States, but not of a... The Meritorious Service Medal may be awarded to members of the Armed Forces who distinguish themselves by outstanding noncombat achievement or by meritorious service to the United States, but not of a degree that would warrant the award of the Legion of Merit. MoreHide
Comments
Awarded for service 1967-1973 S.O. G-169, 18 Jul 1973, Hdqtrs ADC
Description Operation Arc Light was the 1965 deployment of B-52F Stratofortress as conventional bombers from bases in the US to Guam. Arc Light missions continued until the cessation of hostilities by all U.S. foOperation Arc Light was the 1965 deployment of B-52F Stratofortress as conventional bombers from bases in the US to Guam. Arc Light missions continued until the cessation of hostilities by all U.S. forces on August 15, 1973.... More
Criteria The Outstanding Unit Award may be awarded by the Secretary of the Air Force to numbered units such as Air Forces, Air Divisions, Wings, Groups, and Squadrons and to Medical Facilities such as hospital... The Outstanding Unit Award may be awarded by the Secretary of the Air Force to numbered units such as Air Forces, Air Divisions, Wings, Groups, and Squadrons and to Medical Facilities such as hospitals, clinics, and medical centers (whether or not they are numbered) for exceptionally meritorious service or exceptionally outstanding achievement that clearly sets the unit above and apart from similar units. Heroism may be involved, but is not essential. MoreHide
Description
Awarded to Detachment 15, 1st Combat Evaluation Group, serving in RVN. S.O. GB -11, Hdqtrs DAF
Criteria The Presidential Unit Citation may be awarded to units of the Armed Forces of the United States and cobelligerent nations for extraordinary heroism in action against an armed enemy occurring on or aft... The Presidential Unit Citation may be awarded to units of the Armed Forces of the United States and cobelligerent nations for extraordinary heroism in action against an armed enemy occurring on or after December 7, 1941. MoreHide
Description
Awarded to Detachment 15, 1at Combat Evaluation Group, serving in RVN. S.O. GB-235, 1970, Hdqtrs DAF.
Best Friends
SSgt Stan Parker Tsgt Don Bradford Tsgt O.D. Smith Tsgt Shuford Belk
Best Moment
I met and married the love of my life because of this assignment. We wed in Dec 1969 and had 37 wonderful years together before she unexpectedly passed away in 2006. I arrived at Aiken AFS in 1968. The first promotion cycle, I made SMS (3 years as MSgt). Three years later, I made CMS.
Worst Moment
When I made CMS, I was informed I would be transferred as the unit had no authorization for a CMS.
Chain of Command
861st Radar Sqdn reported to 20th AD, and in turn to ADC
Other Memories
Because I was assigned as Radar Maint Super intendent and did not know any of the AC&W equipment (I had been an auto-tracker for 20 years) I divulged the fact that I had been running QC so to speak for the last 4 or 5 years in SAC. There was not a QC section or procedures in place, so I was given an office, 2 TSgts, and the authorization to "build a QC section." We developed tests, checks, and checklists for all the equipment, and within 6 months had a system in place. After 20th AD heard of this, they took the system we had developed, modified it slightly for extra equipment, and made it mandatory for the 20th AD. Soon after this, when I made SMS, I took over the supervision of the FPS-7 tower. I was in this position for more than a year when the SMS who was acting as Chief of Maintenance made CMS and was transferred out. I then became Chief of Maintenance and assisted the Maintenance Officer in this position until I made CMS and was also to be transferred out. I had 5 great years at the 861st Radar Sqdn, and made many good friends. Believe me, I hated to go.
Best Friends
Nurse Lt Pepper Nurse Cpt "Mickey" Spillane
Best Moment
When I had recovered from my 7th abdominal surgery and 6th period of rehabilitation, I was allowed to leave the ward (in wheelchair.) I would go to ground floor level, out onto the patio, find a place not shady, not sunny, and listen to country music on my transistor radio. I was now approaching 7th month in hospital, and longed to "breathe free."
Worst Moment
Propped in bed on left side, unable to move except for ritual cleaning and rebandaging wounds and surgery sites each day.
Chain of Command
I only know I was PCS to the hospital because I was expected to be there for more than a year.
Other Memories
I was PCS to Wilford Hall USAF Hospital as I was severely wounded in Vietnam during the Tet 1968 offensive. I required a long period of surgery, recovery, and rehabilitation, so I was PCS instead of TDY in patient status. At first, I was propped on my left side in bed, unable to move except once a day. As I began getting my strength back (when wounded, I weighed 200 pounds; I now weighed 135) I was allowed to move about the ward except when new sutures required healing. Food was good and plentiful. I was the only patient in the general surgery ward that had been wounded in 'Nam, so I was pretty much well taken care off. Other people were there for routine surgery. I was visited by a Colonel who was preparing information so I could meet a medical board and be medically retired. When he discovered I had 20 years service, that was forgotten and upon my release from the hospital, I was assigned (limited duty) to a radar site in SC.
Criteria The Bronze Star Medal may be awarded to individuals who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces of the United States in a combat theater, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding ac... The Bronze Star Medal may be awarded to individuals who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces of the United States in a combat theater, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement, or by meritorious service not involving aerial flight. MoreHide
Comments Awarded for combat heroism during enemy attack on unit in RVN (TET Offensive)
S.O. G-1060, 8 Apr 1968, Hdqtrs 7th AF
1st OLC awarded for Meritorious Service between 12 Sept 1967 through 13 April 1968, S... Awarded for combat heroism during enemy attack on unit in RVN (TET Offensive)
S.O. G-1060, 8 Apr 1968, Hdqtrs 7th AF
1st OLC awarded for Meritorious Service between 12 Sept 1967 through 13 April 1968, S.O. 1185, 22 April 1968, 7th AF Hdqtrs. MoreHide
Criteria The Bronze Star Medal may be awarded to individuals who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces of the United States in a combat theater, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding ac... The Bronze Star Medal may be awarded to individuals who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces of the United States in a combat theater, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement, or by meritorious service not involving aerial flight. MoreHide
Comments
Awarded for Meritorious Achievement 1967-1968
Criteria The Purple Heart may be awarded to any member of the Armed Forces of the United States who, while serving under competent authority in any capacity with one of the Armed Forces, has been wounded, kill... The Purple Heart may be awarded to any member of the Armed Forces of the United States who, while serving under competent authority in any capacity with one of the Armed Forces, has been wounded, killed, or who has died or may die of wounds received in armed combat or as a result of an act of international terrorism. MoreHide
Comments
Awarded for wounds received in action during night attack on Detachment 15, 1st Combat Evaluation Group in RVN (TET Offensive) S.O. G-185, 22 Apr 1968, 7th AF Hdqtrs
Criteria The Vietnam Service Medal was awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who served at any time between July 4, 1965, and March 28, 1973, in Vietnam or its contiguous waters or airspa... The Vietnam Service Medal was awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who served at any time between July 4, 1965, and March 28, 1973, in Vietnam or its contiguous waters or airspace; or, for any period of service during the same time period in Thailand, Laos, or Cambodia or the air spaces thereover and in direct support of operations in Vietnam. MoreHide
Comments
Awarded for service in Vietnam 1967-1968 Vietnam Counteroffensive Phase III Tet Counteroffensive
Criteria The Vietnam Service Medal was awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who served at any time between July 4, 1965, and March 28, 1973, in Vietnam or its contiguous waters or airspa... The Vietnam Service Medal was awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who served at any time between July 4, 1965, and March 28, 1973, in Vietnam or its contiguous waters or airspace; or, for any period of service during the same time period in Thailand, Laos, or Cambodia or the air spaces thereover and in direct support of operations in Vietnam. MoreHide
Description This period was from January 22-July 7, 1968.
The air campaign in defense of Khe Sanh, an outpost held by the U.S. 26th Marine Regiment. began on January 22. 1968. For 2 and 1/2 months Allied tacticalThis period was from January 22-July 7, 1968.
The air campaign in defense of Khe Sanh, an outpost held by the U.S. 26th Marine Regiment. began on January 22. 1968. For 2 and 1/2 months Allied tactical air forces continuously attacked targets surrounding the base and B-52s dropped bombs near Khe Sanh on an average of every 90 minutes. At night AC-47 gunships provided illumination and close air support. Air Force and Marine airlifters. mostly C-130s. frequently landed under fire at the Khe Sanh airstrip. bringing in supplies and reinforcements and flying out the wounded and refugees. When the transports could no longer land because of intense mortar and artillery fire. their crews used parachutes and arrester cables to extract cargo from the aircraft as they flew a few feet above the ground over the airstrip. Beginning on March 6 the Seventh Air Force provided fighter escorts to suppress enemy fire and lay down smoke screens until the C-130s dropped their cargoes. Gen. William C. Westmoreland, MACV Commander, encountered difficulties coordinating the air resources of the USAF and U.S. Marines to meet both the military demands at Khe Sanh and the requirements introduced by the Tet Offensive that the North Vietnamese and Viet Cong launched on January 30, 1968. On March 8 he appointed the Seventh Air Force Commander. Gen. William W. Momyer, as Deputy Commander for Air Operations. MACV. to manage all tactical air resources in South Vietnam.
Late in March 1968 the North Vietnamese surrounding Khe Sanhmwithdrew. leaving only a single NVA division to oppose the Allied advance. On April 1, the 1st Marine regiment and the Army's 1st Cavalry Division moved along Route 9. relieving Khe Sanh 5 days later. On April 10. for the first time in 48 days. no shells fell on the base.
A week later, on April 19. the Allies mounted a helicopter-bome attack against A Shau Valley on the Laotian border. 30 miles south- west of Hue. The Viet Cong and NVA had built a vast stores and logistical base in this area since 1966. Preliminary USAF and Allied air strikes. including B-52 bombings between April 8 and 13, 1968. failed to clear the enemy from landing zones. In spite of the heavy resistance. on April 24, the U.S. Army seized the A Luoi airstrip at the northwest end of the valley. USAF transports airdropped supplies. often during bad weather and without tactical air support, because intense ground fire prevented the landing of C-130s until May 4. The Viet Cong and North Vietnamese withdrew into Laos in mid-May, leaving behind large caches of weapons and supplies.
Earlier in the year. on January 30, the Viet Cong and North Vietnamese launched the Tet (Buddhist New Year) Offensive throughout South Vietnam in an effort to regain the political and military initiative that they had held 2 years previously. At Bien Hoa and Tan Son Nhut Air Bases. alert base defenders successfully repulsed initial attacks, but in the next 2 weeks the air bases came under frequent mortar and rocket attacks; in all, the USAF lost 14 aircraft on the ground and another 114 damaged. During the Tet Offensive. Seventh Air Force pilots provided close air support for Allied troops. and C-7s and C-130s hauled ammunition, supplies, and reinforcements to isolated areas. Within 2 or 3 days Allied forces cleared the Viet Cong troops from all cities except Saigon and Hue. By February 5, the Allies had driven the Viet Cong from Saigon, although a large force remained in the vicinity. North Vietnamese forces that had taken the old imperial city of Hue were more difficult to dislodge. The Seventh Air Force used close air support carefully to avoid indiscriminate and unwanted damage in Hue; AC-130 gunships that could deliver precise fire day or night provided the most effective support. On February 25, Allied forces succeeded in driving the enemy from the city. Although
the Allies successfully and rapidly countered the Tet Offensive. the Communists gained a significant propaganda victory. Many Ameri- cans believed that a failure of U.S. military policy had permitted the Communists to mount so extensive a battle throughout South Vietnam.... More
Best Friends
LT Col Fred McGowan LT Col Norman McCurdy Tsgt Bob Lundy Tsgt Al Romero Tsgt Lowell Smith SSgt John Nicholson
Best Moment
Going into the field to assist the radar sites with maintenance problems. The crews at these sites were rotated on 90 days TDY, so got to renew acquaintances with many people in auto-track radar that I had met over my 18 years in the field.
Worst Moment
Feb 24, 1968. Our unit, Detachment 15, was attacked by VC and VNA forces. Tsgt Smith (Det 15), SSgt Rose (SACADVON), SSgt Norman Thomas (SACADVON) were killed. The remainder of the personnel (7) were wounded, including myself.
Chain of Command
Detachment 15 acted as a go-between for 1st Combat Evaluation Group in Barksdale AFB, LA and the radar sites in Vietnam.
Other Memories
I arrived at Detachment 15 on 12 Sept 1967. TSgt Bobbie Lundy had accompanied me from Barksdale, so we went to work. We worked a rotating basis and visited all the radar sites to check the maintenance procedures and assist in supply, T.O. requisitions, etc as necessary. We worked 7 days a week and were in the field about three weeks of each month. In the attack on the site, I received serious shrapnel wounds, and spent 90 days in ICU at the 3rd Field Hospital in Saigon before being evacuated to Wilford Hall USAF Hospital at Lackland AFB for further treatment and rehabilitation.
Criteria This medal is awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who: 1. Served for 6 months in South Vietnam during the period 1 Mar 61 and 28 Mar 73; or 2. Served outside the geographical l... This medal is awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who: 1. Served for 6 months in South Vietnam during the period 1 Mar 61 and 28 Mar 73; or 2. Served outside the geographical limits of South Vietnam and contributed direct combat support to the RVN Armed Forces for an aggregate of six months. Only members of the Armed Forces of the United States who meet the criteria established for the AFEM (Vietnam) or Vietnam Service Medal during the period of service required are considered to have contributed direct combat support to the RVN Armed Forces; or 3. Did not complete the length of service required in item (1) or (2) above, but who, during wartime, were: a. Wounded by the enemy (in a military action); b. Captured by the enemy during action or in the line of duty, but later rescued or released; or c. Killed in action or in the line of duty; or 4. Were assigned in Vietnam on 28 Jan 73, and who served a minimum of 60 calendar days in Vietnam during the period 29 Jan 73 to 28 Mar 73. MoreHide
Comments
Awarded for service in Vietnam 1967-1968.
Best Moment
Being selected to go to Lackland AFB, TX to act as Subject Matter Specialist to write 30353 and 30373 SKTs.
Chain of Command
1st Combat Evaluation Group reported to Hq SAC
Other Memories
I was sent to Barksdale when 10th RBS Sq at Carswell AFB closed. My first position was as Technical Order NCOIC on the QC Inspection Team. This was soon given to another person, and I became the team radar maintenance inspector. THe 1st CEG was responsible for approximately 10-12 RBS sites across the U.S., and our team visited each one at least twice each year. This was a real inspection in that if we found discrepancies, we were obliged to suggest a cure. In many cases, this meant extending one or more personnel's time at the site to insure adherence to policy. I have been left more than once to assist ( and I mean hands-on) site personnel in bringing radar systems up to spec.. I also was responsible for the installation and overseeing of the first two MPQ-T6 SAM training radars. These were used to train SAC air crews on ECM methods to deal with SAMs. By August 1967, the unit had deployed at least 7 ground-directed bombing radar systems to Vietnam. I was asked to volunteer to go to Vietnam and act as consultant and chief of maintenance practices for these radar sites. I agreed, and departed Barksdale AFB for Vietnam in September 1967.
Criteria The National Defense Service Medal is awarded for honorable active service as a member of the Armed Forces during the Korean War, Vietnam War, the war against Iraq in the Persian Gulf, and for service... The National Defense Service Medal is awarded for honorable active service as a member of the Armed Forces during the Korean War, Vietnam War, the war against Iraq in the Persian Gulf, and for service during the current War on Terrorism. In addition, all members of the National Guard and Reserve who were part of the Selected Reserve in good standing between August 2, 1990, to November 30, 1995, are eligible for the National Defense Service Medal. In the case of Navy personnel, Midshipment attending the Naval Academy during the qualifying periods are eligible for this award, and Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC) Midshipmen ae only eligible if they participated in a summer cruise that was in an area which qualified for a campaign medal. MoreHide
Criteria
The NCO Professional Military Education Graduate Ribbon is awarded for successful completion of all levels of resident professional military education.
Comments
Outstanding graduate of SAC NCO Academy, Runner-up Academic award. 2nd AF, Barksdale AFB, LA. Jan-Mar 1966. AFR 900-10
Best Friends
MSgt Alex Cardenas (Chief of Maintenance) SSgt Larry Clark
Best Moment
Although the assignment was still in RBS, I now knew enough of the unit's work that I could easily fit into any position, and that I knew I had been selected for this staff job as a result of my performances at Winslow, St, George, RBS Express, and White Sands.
Worst Moment
When told that the 1st Combat Evaluation Group was being overhauled, and that squadrons would be eliminated.
Chain of Command
10th Sq reported to 1 CEG (SAC) at Barksdale
Other Memories
I arrived at Carswell AFB, TX in November 1964. I was assigned as Maintenance & Liaison for all the detachments that utilized a certain tracking radar. My job was to forward orders for spare parts, check the supply system, and co-ordinate with sole-source providers to ensure replacement parts were available for all systems. I was also tasked to make staff inspections to all 10th Sq detachment in the US and ensure maintenance standards were met and maintained. I also inspected and gave guidance on the Technical Order system file maintained by each site. In January 1966, I was selected to go to SAC NCO Academy at Barksdale AFB, LA. Upon return, I took up the same duties I had previously performed. In March 1966, I was informed that the RBS Sqs were being closed, and that I had been selected for a maintenance staff function at 1 CEG at Barksdale. I left Carswell the last of March 1966 for my new assignment.
Best Friends
SMSgt Lebaron A/1c David Richards SSgt Don Wonders
Best Moment
Staying on maintenance crew and working shift that allowed me to pursue other interests.
Worst Moment
Selected as the only maintenance man to man the RBS Express, a train that traveled to remote areas and simulated a RBS site. This was 90 days TDY and invloved maintenance duties for several pieces of equipment, alone. I averaged probably less than 3 hours sleep each 24-hour period for the entire 90 days.
Chain of Command
Detachment 9, although moved to a new location, reported in same manner as when located in Winslow, AZ.
Other Memories
A small crew headed by myself moved the MSQ-2 system to St. George, set it up, and became operational. We began running missions while the other radar and ECM systems were being brought up from AZ. A limited number of personnel made up the detachment so as we had in AZ, we all took rations and quarters and pretty much lived as civilians except for duty time. Again, the maintenance shift hours allowed time for area travel and sightseeing. In December '63 I was assigned to the RBS Express and spent until March '64 there at Thoreau, NM on a railway siding. After that I returned to the site, and continued my duties until I was informed that I was being transferred to 10th RBS Squadron at Carswell AFB, TX. I departed St. George in October 1964.
Criteria The Army Good Conduct Medal is awarded on a selective basis to enlisted members of the Army who distinguish themselves by exemplary behavior, efficiency and fidelity during a specified period of conti... The Army Good Conduct Medal is awarded on a selective basis to enlisted members of the Army who distinguish themselves by exemplary behavior, efficiency and fidelity during a specified period of continuous enlisted active service (normally three years in peacetime). MoreHide
Comments
Awarded for exemplary service 1949-1963. 4 awards, details DD214.
Criteria The Army Good Conduct Medal is awarded on a selective basis to enlisted members of the Army who distinguish themselves by exemplary behavior, efficiency and fidelity during a specified period of conti... The Army Good Conduct Medal is awarded on a selective basis to enlisted members of the Army who distinguish themselves by exemplary behavior, efficiency and fidelity during a specified period of continuous enlisted active service (normally three years in peacetime). MoreHide
Criteria The Army Good Conduct Medal is awarded on a selective basis to enlisted members of the Army who distinguish themselves by exemplary behavior, efficiency and fidelity during a specified period of conti... The Army Good Conduct Medal is awarded on a selective basis to enlisted members of the Army who distinguish themselves by exemplary behavior, efficiency and fidelity during a specified period of continuous enlisted active service (normally three years in peacetime). MoreHide
Criteria The Army Good Conduct Medal is awarded on a selective basis to enlisted members of the Army who distinguish themselves by exemplary behavior, efficiency and fidelity during a specified period of conti... The Army Good Conduct Medal is awarded on a selective basis to enlisted members of the Army who distinguish themselves by exemplary behavior, efficiency and fidelity during a specified period of continuous enlisted active service (normally three years in peacetime). MoreHide
Best Friends
SMS Lebaron (Maintenance Chief) A/1c David Richards TSgt Bob Spotts
Best Moment
Being chosen for maintenance crew, and going TDY to White Sands, NM.
Worst Moment
Finding I was assigned to RBS - a unit I had tried to avoid for a number of years. However, my internal assignment (maintenance rather than operations) somewhat soothed my feelings.
Chain of Command
Detachment 9 reported to 11th Radar Bomb Scoring Squadron, located in March AFB,CA. In turn, 11 RBS reported to 1st Combat Evaluation Group (SAC) at Barksdale AFB, LA.
Other Memories
I was assigned to Detachment 9 (1962)from overseas (OL 8, 601st TCS) in Landshut, Germany. I had been an autotrack maintenance man since 1951 but I had never been assigned to an RBS unit. So, most of the equipment was new to me; all the operations were a mystery. However, I was assigned to the maintenance crew. We performed all the preventive and reactive maintenance, and slowly, I learned the equipment. In 1962, I was selected to attend the first school on a new radar being developed by Reeves Instrument Co. of New York. The class was held in Garden City, Long Island, NY from September '62 until December '62. In early '63, I was again selected, this time to participate in the field testing of the AN/MSQ-35 system at White Sands, NM. I was the only maintenance man assigned, and worked with civilian engineers to maintain the radar while operational tests were being conducted. After 193 days, the tests were determined as failures and the mission dropped. I returned to Winslow in time to be advance party to move one of the older radar susytems to a new location - St. George, UT.
Description The Cuban Missile Crisis, also known as the Caribbean Crisis or the Missile Scare, was a 13-day (October 16–28, 1962) confrontation between the United States and the Soviet Union concerning American bThe Cuban Missile Crisis, also known as the Caribbean Crisis or the Missile Scare, was a 13-day (October 16–28, 1962) confrontation between the United States and the Soviet Union concerning American ballistic missile deployment in Italy and Turkey with consequent Soviet ballistic missile deployment in Cuba. The confrontation, elements of which were televised, was the closest the Cold War came to escalating into a full-scale nuclear war.
In response to the failed Bay of Pigs Invasion of 1961, and the presence of American Jupiter ballistic missiles in Italy and Turkey, Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev decided to agree to Cuba's request to place nuclear missiles in Cuba to deter future harassment of Cuba. An agreement was reached during a secret meeting between Khrushchev and Fidel Castro in July 1962 and construction of a number of missile launch facilities started later that summer.
The 1962 midterm elections were under way in the United States and the White House had denied charges that it was ignoring dangerous Soviet missiles 90 miles from Florida. These missile preparations were confirmed when an Air Force U-2 spy plane produced clear photographic evidence of medium-range (SS-4) and intermediate-range (R-14) ballistic missile facilities. The United States established a military blockade to prevent further missiles from entering Cuba. It announced that they would not permit offensive weapons to be delivered to Cuba and demanded that the weapons already in Cuba be dismantled and returned to the USSR.
After a long period of tense negotiations, an agreement was reached between President John F. Kennedy and Khrushchev. Publicly, the Soviets would dismantle their offensive weapons in Cuba and return them to the Soviet Union, subject to United Nations verification, in exchange for a U.S. public declaration and agreement never to invade Cuba again without direct provocation. Secretly, the United States also agreed that it would dismantle all U.S.-built Jupiter MRBMs, which were deployed in Turkey and Italy against the Soviet Union but were not known to the public.
When all offensive missiles and Ilyushin Il-28 light bombers had been withdrawn from Cuba, the blockade was formally ended on November 20, 1962. The negotiations between the United States and the Soviet Union pointed out the necessity of a quick, clear, and direct communication line between Washington and Moscow. As a result, the Moscow–Washington hotline was established. A series of agreements sharply reduced U.S.–Soviet tensions during the following years.... More
Best Friends
Sigmund Deutscher Bruce Mansfield Robert Royer
Best Moment
Being able to tour some of the German countryside, unlike when I was stationed there before.
Chain of Command
The unit was OL 8, a dual-radar system from the 601st Tac Control Sqdn, reporting to 38th Tac Missile Wing at Sembach.
Other Memories
THe site was equipped with 2 MSQ-1A radar systems, state-of-the-art. We ran simulated Matador missile missions just as when I was in Germany before. It was not isolated, but it was about 4 miles from the nearest town, Landshut. We lived with the Army 2nd Armored Division, but had our own barracks. The personnel at the site were divided into 4 complete crews - with all support staff (supply, admin, ground power, etc also) The crews rotated duty so the site was manned and operational 24/7. We were selected as test site for implementation of AFM 66-1 maintenance records system as well as checking the basic P.M. cards for the new system. Maintenance, operations, and other activities made for a smooth running site. I enjoyed the time spent there.
Best Moment
When I was selected to take a three-man detachment downrange to Appalachicola (Cape San Blas) and set up a radar system to track and monitor a new missile system that was being developed.
Worst Moment
When I returned from Keesler AFB and found I was no longer assigned to site A-3 but rather A-5. This was a site equipped with the new radar system I hoped I was going to school for.
Chain of Command
Air Proving Ground Command was eliminated, I think, and we were part of the AF Armament Center under Test Group.
Other Memories
After working at site A-5 for a month or so, I was chosen to take one of the new radars and set up a tracking station out of Port St. Joe, FL. (Cape Can Blas). We established the system, and waited to monitor weeklt runs. The radar was equipped with telescope on antenna, movie cameras, and telemetry gear. After each mission, I would collect all the data and drive to Eglin AFB and turn it over to the Analysis Lab. This TDY kept being extended until in March 1959, I was assigned to a Matador missile unit in Germany.
Best Moment
Being the operational crew that first successfully tested the MB-1 Genie rocket. Going to Frenchman's Flats, NV for A-bomb test monitoring.
Worst Moment
None, to speak of.
Chain of Command
3208th Test Sqdn reported to 3208th Test Grp who reported to AF Armament Center. They reported to Air Proving Ground Command.
Other Memories
I was assigned to site A-3 on the strip of sand they called Santa Rosa Island. This was a dual-radar system site who controlled, scored, safety-monitored missions to test new and developing AF weapons systems. We also directed and scored other USAF units that wished to drop live ordnance. There were several sites in the Southern Sector, but the 5 on the beach had the best missions. Many of the missions were night bombing runs, but we also tracked missiles that were being developed. Because of my experience in Korea, I was utilized many times as controller although we had assigned controllers. Work was good.
Best Moment
When I was informed I was finally going to official training on the MSQ equipment.
Worst Moment
When I found out it was on the MSQ-1, a system I had been assigned to for more than 8 years. I thought the newest equipment would be the one I got.
Chain of Command
TDY to Keesler AFB from Eglin. I was assigned to the 3394th Student Sqdn, and the same baracks I had gone to fundamental training some 8 years before.
Other Memories
As stated, I was assigned school on the MSQ system, a system I was familiar with. Although I will admit I learned the technical aspects of what I had been doing, it was rather a boring time as I had thought I was going to school on the newest equipment. After graduation I returned to Eglin AFB.
Best Friends
Alex Stahelek Hansel Bigham John Gerloft
Best Moment
Getting on the "movie circuit" so we could have entertainment.
Worst Moment
Weather. No spring r summer. Snow all year, frost - often freezing, winds, and ice. Frozen fuel oil, attempting to use coal bricks for stoves.
Other Memories
For the few months I stayed at Idarkopf after returning from Frankfort were dismal. Misions were scheduled, and maintenance performed. No entertainment until we got on movie run. Did not have a club until we built one and stocked it ourselves. The nearest village was many miles away, and the roads were usually so bad (weather) we never left the mountain. The squadron deployed as a unit; therefore, everyone had the same rotation date. As replacements came in, a lottery was held to see who got to go home. My rotation date was some 30 days late.
Best Moment
Because of shift arrangements and up-time on guidance missions, as well as nearby transportation, got to spend 6 days each month in Amsterdam, Holland.
Worst Moment
Constant inspections of equipment, deployment exercises, training,and operational readiness test missions. Shifts consisted of 12 hours at equipment site; 12 hours at ready room, for 24 days. This is why the 6 day breaks.
Chain of Command
Detachment 4 reported directly to 69th PBS headquarters located at Hahn AB. However, administratively, we were supported by units at Rhein Main.
Other Memories
In January 1955, after having operated at Idarkopf with Detachment 2, Detachment 4 was transferred to Rhein-Main AB, Germany. I was NCOIC of radar maintenance. We moved to Rehein Main and set up in an abandoned run-up area on the edge of the base. Here we ran practice missions and prepared to go to Libya for live-firing of Matadors. I was hospitalized with appendicitis in Nov 1955, missed the deployment. When released from the hospital, I was transferred to Idarkopf and became NCOIC of Detachment 2 until my return to the US in 1956.
Other Memories
Radar system went operational and we ran simulated Matador missile runs. Weather on Idarkopf was bad all year, but winter brought extra snow, freezing fog, and ice. There seemingly wasn't any spring or summer there. We operated radar system in conjuction with Det 2 on Idarkopf until Jan '1955 when I was selected to take our detachment to Rhein-Main AB in Frankfort.
Other Memories
I was sent to Patrick AFB, FL in 1954 where a new squadron of B-61 Matador missiles was being formed. At that time, the plans called for 3 detachments of guidance radar (MSQ-1) but subsequently a 4th detachment was assembled. I was given crew chief status within this detachment (tentatively called #4.) After training with the guidance system, the actual Matador missiles to learn the electronic components, the squadron was shipped to Hahn AB, West Germany.
Other Memories
After arriving at Hahn AB in Germany, the unit set about checking out all equipment and deploying to certain areas of Germany as the tactical plan was dispersal of assembly, lainch, and guidance sites. Detachment 4's location was to have been at Hamm, Germany, but the deal to procure the land fell through. We set up and began operating on the outskirts of Hahn AB and began running practice missions. Some time later, it was announced that the land deal would not be done, therefore we were ordered to take up residence on another site already occupied by Detachment 2. This was a ridge named "Idarkopf," in the Idar Forest section of West Germany.
Criteria The Army of Occupation Medal is a military award of the United States military which was established by the United States War Department on 5 April 1946. The medal was created in the aftermath of the ... The Army of Occupation Medal is a military award of the United States military which was established by the United States War Department on 5 April 1946. The medal was created in the aftermath of the Second World War to recognize those who had performed occupation service in either Germany, Italy, Austria, or Japan. MoreHide
Comments
Awarded for service in Japan and Germany between 1945-1954. AFR 35-50 (one entry on DD 214 shows AFR 900-10).
Criteria
The Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation is a military unit award issued by the government of South Korea to both South Korean and foreign military units.
Description
Awarded for tactical air operations in Korea 1951-1953 FEAF G.O. 117, 1954
Best Friends
Richard Darden Bob Friend George Callaway
Best Moment
When assigned to maintenance shop instead of as instructor. Also when given night shift.
Worst Moment
Pulling CQ at Wing Headquarters
Chain of Command
Not really sure.
Other Memories
When I returned from Korea to Keesler, I was assigned as instructor, but lobbied heavily for maintenance work. I was assigned to the maintenance shop for the school. This shop was responsible for maintainig all the training equipment used by the students. As we used to say, "They break 'em in the day; we fix 'em in the night." I was assigned (SSgt) as night crew chief for auto-track equipment. We worked from midnight to 6 an, 6 days a week. Exempt from all squadron duties and parades. I was married and lived off-base, so went to work just like civilian job. Did this for almost 2 years before I was transferred to Patrick AFB. FL
Criteria The Presidential Unit Citation may be awarded to units of the Armed Forces of the United States and cobelligerent nations for extraordinary heroism in action against an armed enemy occurring on or aft... The Presidential Unit Citation may be awarded to units of the Armed Forces of the United States and cobelligerent nations for extraordinary heroism in action against an armed enemy occurring on or after December 7, 1941. MoreHide
Description Awarded for services in Tactical Air Support in Korea against enemy forces.
FEAF General Order 309, 1953, Hdqtrs Far Eastern Air Forces.
1st OLC awarded for service in Tactical air operations by 1st Com... Awarded for services in Tactical Air Support in Korea against enemy forces.
FEAF General Order 309, 1953, Hdqtrs Far Eastern Air Forces.
1st OLC awarded for service in Tactical air operations by 1st Combat Evaluation Group in RVN, S.O. GB-235, 1970, Hdqtrs, DAF MoreHide
Criteria The Outstanding Unit Award may be awarded by the Secretary of the Air Force to numbered units such as Air Forces, Air Divisions, Wings, Groups, and Squadrons and to Medical Facilities such as hospital... The Outstanding Unit Award may be awarded by the Secretary of the Air Force to numbered units such as Air Forces, Air Divisions, Wings, Groups, and Squadrons and to Medical Facilities such as hospitals, clinics, and medical centers (whether or not they are numbered) for exceptionally meritorious service or exceptionally outstanding achievement that clearly sets the unit above and apart from similar units. Heroism may be involved, but is not essential. MoreHide
Description Awarded for combat actions against an emeny force, including parachute assault at Munsan-ni, Korea in March, 1951. FEAF G.O. 281. March 1952, FEAF Hqs. Initially awarded as Distinguished Unit Citation... Awarded for combat actions against an emeny force, including parachute assault at Munsan-ni, Korea in March, 1951. FEAF G.O. 281. March 1952, FEAF Hqs. Initially awarded as Distinguished Unit Citation; later changed designation when AFOUSA was authorized.
Awarded for exemplary completion in mission of RBS at 1Cmbat Eval Group. G.O. GB-18, 13 May 1964, DAF Hqs
Awarded with "V" for Tactical Air operations, Det 15, 1 CEG by DASFO GB-11/71 MoreHide
Criteria The National Defense Service Medal is awarded for honorable active service as a member of the Armed Forces during the Korean War, Vietnam War, the war against Iraq in the Persian Gulf, and for service... The National Defense Service Medal is awarded for honorable active service as a member of the Armed Forces during the Korean War, Vietnam War, the war against Iraq in the Persian Gulf, and for service during the current War on Terrorism. In addition, all members of the National Guard and Reserve who were part of the Selected Reserve in good standing between August 2, 1990, to November 30, 1995, are eligible for the National Defense Service Medal. In the case of Navy personnel, Midshipment attending the Naval Academy during the qualifying periods are eligible for this award, and Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC) Midshipmen ae only eligible if they participated in a summer cruise that was in an area which qualified for a campaign medal. MoreHide
Comments
Awarded for active service 1950 - 1954 and 1960 -1974. AFM 900-3
Criteria To be eligible for this medal, the Service member must have: Served between the outbreak of hostilities (June 25, 1950) and the date the armistice was signed (July 27, 1953); Been on permanent assignm... To be eligible for this medal, the Service member must have: Served between the outbreak of hostilities (June 25, 1950) and the date the armistice was signed (July 27, 1953); Been on permanent assignment or on temporary duty for thirty consecutive days or sixty non-consecutive days, and Performed duty within the territorial limits of Korea, in the waters immediately adjacent thereto or in aerial flight over Korea participating in actual combat operation or in support of combat operations. MoreHide
Criteria To be eligible for this medal, the Service member must have: Served between the outbreak of hostilities (June 25, 1950) and the date the armistice was signed (July 27, 1953); Been on permanent assignm... To be eligible for this medal, the Service member must have: Served between the outbreak of hostilities (June 25, 1950) and the date the armistice was signed (July 27, 1953); Been on permanent assignment or on temporary duty for thirty consecutive days or sixty non-consecutive days, and Performed duty within the territorial limits of Korea, in the waters immediately adjacent thereto or in aerial flight over Korea participating in actual combat operation or in support of combat operations. MoreHide
Criteria To be eligible for this medal, the Service member must have: Served between the outbreak of hostilities (June 25, 1950) and the date the armistice was signed (July 27, 1953); Been on permanent assignm... To be eligible for this medal, the Service member must have: Served between the outbreak of hostilities (June 25, 1950) and the date the armistice was signed (July 27, 1953); Been on permanent assignment or on temporary duty for thirty consecutive days or sixty non-consecutive days, and Performed duty within the territorial limits of Korea, in the waters immediately adjacent thereto or in aerial flight over Korea participating in actual combat operation or in support of combat operations. MoreHide
Criteria To be eligible for this medal, the Service member must have: Served between the outbreak of hostilities (June 25, 1950) and the date the armistice was signed (July 27, 1953); Been on permanent assignm... To be eligible for this medal, the Service member must have: Served between the outbreak of hostilities (June 25, 1950) and the date the armistice was signed (July 27, 1953); Been on permanent assignment or on temporary duty for thirty consecutive days or sixty non-consecutive days, and Performed duty within the territorial limits of Korea, in the waters immediately adjacent thereto or in aerial flight over Korea participating in actual combat operation or in support of combat operations. MoreHide
Criteria To be eligible for this medal, the Service member must have: Served between the outbreak of hostilities (June 25, 1950) and the date the armistice was signed (July 27, 1953); Been on permanent assignm... To be eligible for this medal, the Service member must have: Served between the outbreak of hostilities (June 25, 1950) and the date the armistice was signed (July 27, 1953); Been on permanent assignment or on temporary duty for thirty consecutive days or sixty non-consecutive days, and Performed duty within the territorial limits of Korea, in the waters immediately adjacent thereto or in aerial flight over Korea participating in actual combat operation or in support of combat operations. MoreHide
Comments Awarded for service with 83rd Troop Carrier Squadron, 6132nd AC&W Squadron, and 606th AC&W Squadron. Period of service Jan 1951 to May 1952.
CCF Intervention G.O. 218, 1952 FEAF Hdqtrs
1st UN Counteroffensive G.O. 218, 1952, FEAF Hdqtrs
CCF Spring offensive G.O. 218, 1952, FEAF Hdqtrs
UN Summer offensive G.O. 595, 1952, FEAF Hdqtrs
2nd Korean winter G.O. 502, 1952, FEAF Hdqtrs
Korean Summer-Fall offensive G.O. 114, 1953, FEAF Hdqtrs... Awarded for service with 83rd Troop Carrier Squadron, 6132nd AC&W Squadron, and 606th AC&W Squadron. Period of service Jan 1951 to May 1952.
CCF Intervention G.O. 218, 1952 FEAF Hdqtrs
1st UN Counteroffensive G.O. 218, 1952, FEAF Hdqtrs
CCF Spring offensive G.O. 218, 1952, FEAF Hdqtrs
UN Summer offensive G.O. 595, 1952, FEAF Hdqtrs
2nd Korean winter G.O. 502, 1952, FEAF Hdqtrs
Korean Summer-Fall offensive G.O. 114, 1953, FEAF Hdqtrs MoreHide
Criteria The United Nations Korean Medal was generally awarded for any period of service while assigned as a member of the Armed Forces dispatched to Korea or adjacent areas for service on behalf of the United... The United Nations Korean Medal was generally awarded for any period of service while assigned as a member of the Armed Forces dispatched to Korea or adjacent areas for service on behalf of the United Nations. Service in qualifying organizations had to be certified by the United Nations Commander-in-Chief as having directly supported military operations in Korea. In the case of the United States, such certification was issued in General Orders 31 (June 20, 1955); General Orders 33 (July 11, 1955); and General Orders 36 (July 13, 1955). MoreHide
Comments
Awarded for service in Korea 1950-52. DD 214.
Criteria Criteria for award of the Republic of Korea Korean War Service Medal (ROK KWSM) have been established by the ROK government. To qualify for the medal, the veteran must have: Served between the outbrea... Criteria for award of the Republic of Korea Korean War Service Medal (ROK KWSM) have been established by the ROK government. To qualify for the medal, the veteran must have: Served between the outbreak of hostilities, June 25, 1950, and the date the armistice was signed, July 27, 1953, Been on permanent assignment or on temporary duty for 30 consecutive days or 60 non-consecutive days Performed his / her duty within the territorial limits of Korea, in the waters immediately adjacent thereto or in aerial flight over Korea participating in actual combat operations or in support of combat operations MoreHide
Comments
Awarded by ROK in 1952. As a foreign decoration, it was not approved by Congress for wear until 2004.
Description The new UN strategy sought to increase military pressure on North Korea and thus force the Communist negotiators to
temper their demands. In May 1952 the Fifth Air Force shifted from interdiction missThe new UN strategy sought to increase military pressure on North Korea and thus force the Communist negotiators to
temper their demands. In May 1952 the Fifth Air Force shifted from interdiction missions against transportation networks to attacks on North Korean supply depots and industrial targets. On May 8 UN fighter-bombers blasted a supply depot and a week later destroyed a vehicle repair factory at Tang-dong, a few miles north of Pyongyang. The Fifth Air Force, under a new Commander, Maj. Gen. Glen O. Barcus, also destroyed munitions factories and a steelfabricating plant during May and June. Meanwhile, Gen. Mark W. Clark took over the United Nations Command.
Beginning on June 23, U.S. Navy and Fifth Air Force units made coordinated attacks on the electric power complex at
Sui-ho Dam, on the Yalu River near Sinuiju, followed by strikes against the Chosin, Fusen, and Kyosen power plants,
all located midway between the Sea of Japan and the Manchurian border in northeastern Korea. The aerial reconnaissance function, always important in target selection, became indispensable to the strategy of increased aerial bombardment, since target planners sought the most lucrative targets. One inviting target was the capital city of Pyongyang. It remained unscathed until July 11, when aircraft of the Seventh Fleet, the 1st Marine Air Wing, the Fifth Air Force. the British Navy, and the Republic of Korea Air Force struck military targets there. That night, following day-long attacks, the Far East Air Forces Bomber Command sent a flight of B-29s to bomb 8 targets. Post-strike assessments of Pyongyang showed considerable damage inflicted to command posts, supply dumps, factories, barracks, antiaircraft gun sites, and railroad facilities. The North Koreans subsequently upgraded their antiaircraft defenses, forcing UN fighter-bombers and light bombers (B-26s) to sacrifice accuracy and bomb from higher altitudes.
Allied air forces returned to Pyongyang again on August 29 and 30, destroying most of their assigned targets. In September the Fifth Air Force sent its aircraft against troop concentrations and barracks in northwest Korea while Bomber Command bombed similar targets near Hamhung in northeast Korea. Along the front lines, throughout the summer and fall of 1952, the FEAF joined the U.S. Navy and Marines to provide between 2,005 and 4,000 close air support sorties each month. For example, FEAF Bomber Command not only flew nighttime interdiction missions but also gave radar-directed close air support
(10,000 or more meters from friendly positions) at night to front-line troops under Communist attack.
During the daytime the Mustang (F-51) pilots flew preplanned and immediate close air support missions. The 315th Air Division also supported the ground forces, flying supplies and personnel into Korea and returning wounded, reassigned, and furloughed personnel to Japan. C-124s, more efficient on the long haul, carded personnel and cargo. C-47s provided tactical airlift to airfields near the front lines, and C-l 19s handled bulky cargo and airborne and airdrop operations.
During the summer of 1952, the 4th and 51st Fighter-Interceptor Wings replaced many of their F-86Es with moditied F-86Fs. The new Sabre aircraft had more powerful engines and improved leading wing edges which allowed them to match the aerial combat performance of the MiG-15 jet fighters of the North Korean and Chinese air forces. Even though the Communists had built up their air order of battle, they still tended to restrict their flights to MiG Alley and often avoided aerial combat with the F-86 pilots. By August and September, however, MiG pilots showed more initiative, and aerial engagements occurred almost daily. Even though the Communist pilots improved their tactics and proficiency, U.S. pilots destroyed many more MiGs,
achieving at the end of October a ratio of 8 enemy losses to every U.S. loss.
The Communists, in spite of the pressure of the air campaign, remained stubborn in the truce talks. On October 8, 1952, the UN negotiators at Panmunjom recessed the talks because the Chinese would not agree to nonforced* repatriation of prisoners of war. As winter set in, UN forces in Korea remained mired in the stalemated conflict. ... More
Best Moment
Getting to move part of the equipment to Kumwha and set up another operating location.
Worst Moment
When first arrived at detachment, was placed on guard duty. Standing out in open (-30 degrees or so) all night didn't improve my morale much, but there was access afterward to a messhall (no C-rats here) Only had a week of this.
Chain of Command
Crew transferred to 606th AC&W Squadron which reported to 502nd Tac Control Group.
Other Memories
Although moved to 606th AC&W from 608th, was still at detachment. Site was first at Chunchon, but later moved to Kumwha. Still ran bombing missions. Life as before at other detachment.
Best Moment
Getting transferred to the auto-track detachments used for ground-directed bombing.
Worst Moment
Didn't have that many. In fact, I pulled extra long tour, and looking back on it, I enjoyed my time there.
Chain of Command
We were a detachment, working in unison with I Corps and 7th Division, but administratively reporting to 6132nd AC&W Squadron.
Other Memories
We were small detachment sited near the front lines, running ground-directed bombing missions. No one bothered us much, so we operated and maintained our radar, and lived as we wanted to. Morale was sky-high for a line unit, but that was because everyone left us alone. We had none of the amenities of life, but ate C-rations most of the time, did our work, and enjoyed most days. The work was fascinating (to me, anyway) and I was acting as a controller/maintenance type most of the time.
Criteria To be eligible for this medal, the Service member must have: Served between the outbreak of hostilities (June 25, 1950) and the date the armistice was signed (July 27, 1953); Been on permanent assignm... To be eligible for this medal, the Service member must have: Served between the outbreak of hostilities (June 25, 1950) and the date the armistice was signed (July 27, 1953); Been on permanent assignment or on temporary duty for thirty consecutive days or sixty non-consecutive days, and Performed duty within the territorial limits of Korea, in the waters immediately adjacent thereto or in aerial flight over Korea participating in actual combat operation or in support of combat operations. MoreHide
Comments Awarded for service in Korea 1950-1952.
6 Campaign stars:
1.Chinese Intervention, G.O. 218, Hq FEAF
2.Parachute assault at Munsan-Ni, G.O. 281, 1952 Hq FEAF
3.1st UN Counterattack,G.O. 218, 1952 Hq, FEAF
... Awarded for service in Korea 1950-1952.
6 Campaign stars:
Criteria To be eligible for this medal, the Service member must have: Served between the outbreak of hostilities (June 25, 1950) and the date the armistice was signed (July 27, 1953); Been on permanent assignm... To be eligible for this medal, the Service member must have: Served between the outbreak of hostilities (June 25, 1950) and the date the armistice was signed (July 27, 1953); Been on permanent assignment or on temporary duty for thirty consecutive days or sixty non-consecutive days, and Performed duty within the territorial limits of Korea, in the waters immediately adjacent thereto or in aerial flight over Korea participating in actual combat operation or in support of combat operations. MoreHide
Criteria
The Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation is a military unit award issued by the government of South Korea to both South Korean and foreign military units.
Description
Awarded for participation in campaigns against enemy forces. FEAF General Order 50, Hdqtrs Far Eastern Air Forces.
Description For the first three weeks, UN ground forces advanced everywhere along the front except in a small area near the Hwachon Reservoir in the central sector. Then the communists launched an all-out spring For the first three weeks, UN ground forces advanced everywhere along the front except in a small area near the Hwachon Reservoir in the central sector. Then the communists launched an all-out spring offensive with over 330,000 troops using "human wave" tactics. By the end of the month the enemy had advanced to the vicinity of Seoul, but both men and supplies had reached their limits in the face of UN ground and aerial assaults.
In counter air operations, Fifth Air Force Sabre pilots destroyed fifteen MiGs without the loss of a friendly fighter. MiG pilots generally showed little aggressiveness but on several occasions demonstrated considerable flight discipline and improved tactics. In North Korea, the enemy constructed new airfields and rehabilitated previously damaged ones, pointing toward the possibility of a major enemy air-ground offensive.
General Stratemeyer, Commander, Far East Air Forces, consequently directed most B-29s against North Korean airfields. B-26 light bombers attacked rails, bridges, airfields, and supply storage areas during daylight. Following the start of the spring offensive, Fifth Air Force increased the number of B-26 close air support sorties from
approximately five to twenty-five per day. B-26 night operations emphasized armed reconnaissance and interdiction of communications routes and facilities.
Before the Communist offensive began, Fifth Air Force fighter-bombers flew an average of 250 armed reconnaissance and interdiction, and eighty close air support sorties per day. Following the start of the attack, however, Fifth Air Force increased its close air support sorties to an average of 140 daily.
315th AD airdrop operations through most of April suffered from the grounding of seventy-five C-119s, which left C-46s as the primary airdrop-capable aircraft. By the end of the month, sixty C-119s were once again in commission. A clandestine C-47 outfit under the control of 315th AD and known as "Unit 4/Special Air Mission (SAM)" flew leaflet and personnel/resupply drops and made aerial broadcasts and radio intercepts over enemy-held territory. The 6160th ABG's Boat Section saved one individual, assisted with three other saves, recovered one body, and retrieved the wreckage of an aircraft.
During the first half of the month of May, UN ground activity consisted mainly of patrols and preparation for another enemy offensive. By the end of the month UN ground forces had regained the initiative, advancing the front lines northward between fifteen and thirty miles across the peninsula. Far East Air Forces conducted heavy, continuous interdiction of enemy supply lines, which contributed largely to the complete failure of the communist offensive. But, the enemy increased anti-aircraft heavy guns and automatic weapons to approximately one thousand, at eighteen different locations in North Korea.
In a slow month, Fifth Air Force Sabre pilots downed five MiGs. FEAF Bomber Command B-29s initially bombed rail and highway bridges, airfields, and supply and troop centers in North Korea. When the communists initiated their offensive, however, Bomber Command shifted nearly its entire effort to close air support.
Until mid-May, Fifth Air Force flew a daily average of 171 armed reconnaissance and interdiction, and fifty-seven close air support sorties; later in the month, its aircraft averaged more than 140 close air support sorties daily. Prior to the enemy offensive, the light bomber, assisted by flare-dropping C-47s, flew night intruder sorties against enemy vehicles. With the enemy assault, Fifth Air Force shifted its B-26 effort to daytime close air support. Led by the 45th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron, between May 19 and 25, Far East Air Forces flew 388 reconnaissance sorties, a new record.
At the end of the month, Fifth Air Force and the USN Task Force 77 initiated an interdiction campaign called Operation STRANGLE to paralyze enemy transportation between the railheads and the front. Fighter-bombers hit bridges, tunnels, rail lines, and roadbeds, trying to stop rail and highway traffic carrying supplies for enemy troops along the front.
In psychological operations, B-29 and C-47 aircraft dropped millions of leaflets. Most consisted of "strategic" leaflets dropped deep behind enemy lines, while the remainder were "tactical," directed at troops near the front. The 3d ARS established an element on the island of Paengnyang-do, located off the west coast of Korea, where H-5 helicopters stood alert for rescue sorties.
The squadron began rotating the SA-16 amphibious aircraft between Japan and Korea, with three flying from Korean bases for ten to fifteen days before being replaced with new crews and aircraft from Japan. The crash rescue Boat Section of the 6160st ABG saved three lives and evacuated two hundred guerrillas from behind enemy lines to safety.
Although ammunition and petroleum products made up the bulk of airlifted items, the 315th AD began daily delivery of approximately fifteen tons of fresh vegetables from Japan to Eighth U.S. Army supply points in Korea.
In June 1951, despite enemy resistance and spring mud, UN forces regained their losses from the communist spring offensive and broke into the Pyonggang-Chorwon-Kumhwa "Iron Triangle" fortified sanctuaries, enabling them to deny the enemy access to roads that traversed the Korean Peninsula just above the 38th parallel.
FEAF bombardment operations concentrated on radar bombing attacks against the Iron Triangle sanctuaries. FEAF Bomber Command began experimenting with B-29s using the shoran bombing technique. This technique used radio navigation beacons and extremely accurate maps to aim bombs, thereby avoiding the limitations of
visual and radar bombardment.
The problem of defending B-29s against MiG-15s and the development of shoran tactics would ultimately lead to the bombers operating almost exclusively at night. Far East Air Forces concentrated interdiction attacks on enemy airfields in North Korea, since the enemy were trying to reconstruct them to accommodate more aircraft. In mid-June General Weyland directed FEAF Bomber Command to keep the thirteen most important fields out of service.
Fifth Air Force combat units completed their movement from Japan to air bases in Korea. But much of the maintenance support remained in Japan, creating some problems with aircraft readiness. On the other hand, concentration of maintenance in Japan permitted the sharing of scarce skilled personnel and other resources.
The psychological warfare unit made sixty-six leaflet drops and twenty-five voice broadcasts, dropped eighteen people behind enemy lines and flying one resupply drop. The Boat Section, 6160th ABG, completed sixty-three missions, saving two lives, and used one boat in the Yellow Sea to insert South Korean guerrillas behind enemy lines and transport Chinese POWs to South Korea.
July 1951 marked the beginning of a new phase in the Korean War. Strategic military considerations of UN and communist commanders centered on armistice negotiations that began this month. Both sides began to bend their military efforts
to effect favorable outcomes in these negotiations.
Accordingly, Far East Air Forces increased the tempo of fighter and light-bomber activities in Operation STRANGLE, particularly against vehicular movements and targets of known troops, supplies, or installations. As the shortcomings of Operation STRANGLE became evident, FEAF planners looked for other ways to stem the flow of enemy resources toward the front.
The enormous buildup in the numbers of MiG-15 air supremacy fighters and growing experience and competence of pilots led the enemy to seek air superiority as far south as Pyongyang. Avoiding formidable jet fighter formations escorting FEAF Bomber Command B-29s, the MiGs attacked vulnerable fighter-bomber and
reconnaissance aircraft operating north of Pyongyang. Greatly outnumbered, the USAF F-86s now had to defend UN aircraft engaged in reconnaissance and interdiction operations as well as the bombers operating in the north while fighting the MiG-15s head-to-head for air supremacy.
An absence of major ground activity and decline in airlift requirements coincided with frequent periods of unfavorable weather. Far East Air Forces also faced growing shortages of aircraft because of attrition and increased numbers of aircraft out of commission. Gen. Hoyt Vandenberg, Chief of Staff, U.S. Air Force, notified General Weyland that Far East Air Forces could not expect further augmentation in jet fighters, since a general build-up in Europe required more aircraft. Also, other aircraft types, particularly B-26s and F-51s, which were experiencing high attrition rates, could not be replaced because they were no longer in production.
Description For the first three weeks, UN ground forces advanced everywhere along the front except in a small area near the Hwachon Reservoir in the central sector. Then the communists launched an all-out spring For the first three weeks, UN ground forces advanced everywhere along the front except in a small area near the Hwachon Reservoir in the central sector. Then the communists launched an all-out spring offensive with over 330,000 troops using "human wave" tactics. By the end of the month the enemy had advanced to the vicinity of Seoul, but both men and supplies had reached their limits in the face of UN ground and aerial assaults.
In counter air operations, Fifth Air Force Sabre pilots destroyed fifteen MiGs without the loss of a friendly fighter. MiG pilots generally showed little aggressiveness but on several occasions demonstrated considerable flight discipline and improved tactics. In North Korea, the enemy constructed new airfields and rehabilitated previously damaged ones, pointing toward the possibility of a major enemy air-ground offensive.
General Stratemeyer, Commander, Far East Air Forces, consequently directed most B-29s against North Korean airfields. B-26 light bombers attacked rails, bridges, airfields, and supply storage areas during daylight. Following the start of the spring offensive, Fifth Air Force increased the number of B-26 close air support sorties from
approximately five to twenty-five per day. B-26 night operations emphasized armed reconnaissance and interdiction of communications routes and facilities.
Before the Communist offensive began, Fifth Air Force fighter-bombers flew an average of 250 armed reconnaissance and interdiction, and eighty close air support sorties per day. Following the start of the attack, however, Fifth Air Force increased its close air support sorties to an average of 140 daily.
315th AD airdrop operations through most of April suffered from the grounding of seventy-five C-119s, which left C-46s as the primary airdrop-capable aircraft. By the end of the month, sixty C-119s were once again in commission. A clandestine C-47 outfit under the control of 315th AD and known as "Unit 4/Special Air Mission (SAM)" flew leaflet and personnel/resupply drops and made aerial broadcasts and radio intercepts over enemy-held territory. The 6160th ABG's Boat Section saved one individual, assisted with three other saves, recovered one body, and retrieved the wreckage of an aircraft.
During the first half of the month of May, UN ground activity consisted mainly of patrols and preparation for another enemy offensive. By the end of the month UN ground forces had regained the initiative, advancing the front lines northward between fifteen and thirty miles across the peninsula. Far East Air Forces conducted heavy, continuous interdiction of enemy supply lines, which contributed largely to the complete failure of the communist offensive. But, the enemy increased anti-aircraft heavy guns and automatic weapons to approximately one thousand, at eighteen different locations in North Korea.
In a slow month, Fifth Air Force Sabre pilots downed five MiGs. FEAF Bomber Command B-29s initially bombed rail and highway bridges, airfields, and supply and troop centers in North Korea. When the communists initiated their offensive, however, Bomber Command shifted nearly its entire effort to close air support.
Until mid-May, Fifth Air Force flew a daily average of 171 armed reconnaissance and interdiction, and fifty-seven close air support sorties; later in the month, its aircraft averaged more than 140 close air support sorties daily. Prior to the enemy offensive, the light bomber, assisted by flare-dropping C-47s, flew night intruder sorties against enemy vehicles. With the enemy assault, Fifth Air Force shifted its B-26 effort to daytime close air support. Led by the 45th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron, between May 19 and 25, Far East Air Forces flew 388 reconnaissance sorties, a new record.
At the end of the month, Fifth Air Force and the USN Task Force 77 initiated an interdiction campaign called Operation STRANGLE to paralyze enemy transportation between the railheads and the front. Fighter-bombers hit bridges, tunnels, rail lines, and roadbeds, trying to stop rail and highway traffic carrying supplies for enemy troops along the front.
In psychological operations, B-29 and C-47 aircraft dropped millions of leaflets. Most consisted of "strategic" leaflets dropped deep behind enemy lines, while the remainder were "tactical," directed at troops near the front. The 3d ARS established an element on the island of Paengnyang-do, located off the west coast of Korea, where H-5 helicopters stood alert for rescue sorties.
The squadron began rotating the SA-16 amphibious aircraft between Japan and Korea, with three flying from Korean bases for ten to fifteen days before being replaced with new crews and aircraft from Japan. The crash rescue Boat Section of the 6160st ABG saved three lives and evacuated two hundred guerrillas from behind enemy lines to safety.
Although ammunition and petroleum products made up the bulk of airlifted items, the 315th AD began daily delivery of approximately fifteen tons of fresh vegetables from Japan to Eighth U.S. Army supply points in Korea.
In June 1951, despite enemy resistance and spring mud, UN forces regained their losses from the communist spring offensive and broke into the Pyonggang-Chorwon-Kumhwa "Iron Triangle" fortified sanctuaries, enabling them to deny the enemy access to roads that traversed the Korean Peninsula just above the 38th parallel.
FEAF bombardment operations concentrated on radar bombing attacks against the Iron Triangle sanctuaries. FEAF Bomber Command began experimenting with B-29s using the shoran bombing technique. This technique used radio navigation beacons and extremely accurate maps to aim bombs, thereby avoiding the limitations of
visual and radar bombardment.
The problem of defending B-29s against MiG-15s and the development of shoran tactics would ultimately lead to the bombers operating almost exclusively at night. Far East Air Forces concentrated interdiction attacks on enemy airfields in North Korea, since the enemy were trying to reconstruct them to accommodate more aircraft. In mid-June General Weyland directed FEAF Bomber Command to keep the thirteen most important fields out of service.
Fifth Air Force combat units completed their movement from Japan to air bases in Korea. But much of the maintenance support remained in Japan, creating some problems with aircraft readiness. On the other hand, concentration of maintenance in Japan permitted the sharing of scarce skilled personnel and other resources.
The psychological warfare unit made sixty-six leaflet drops and twenty-five voice broadcasts, dropped eighteen people behind enemy lines and flying one resupply drop. The Boat Section, 6160th ABG, completed sixty-three missions, saving two lives, and used one boat in the Yellow Sea to insert South Korean guerrillas behind enemy lines and transport Chinese POWs to South Korea.
July 1951 marked the beginning of a new phase in the Korean War. Strategic military considerations of UN and communist commanders centered on armistice negotiations that began this month. Both sides began to bend their military efforts
to effect favorable outcomes in these negotiations.
Accordingly, Far East Air Forces increased the tempo of fighter and light-bomber activities in Operation STRANGLE, particularly against vehicular movements and targets of known troops, supplies, or installations. As the shortcomings of Operation STRANGLE became evident, FEAF planners looked for other ways to stem the flow of enemy resources toward the front.
The enormous buildup in the numbers of MiG-15 air supremacy fighters and growing experience and competence of pilots led the enemy to seek air superiority as far south as Pyongyang. Avoiding formidable jet fighter formations escorting FEAF Bomber Command B-29s, the MiGs attacked vulnerable fighter-bomber and
reconnaissance aircraft operating north of Pyongyang. Greatly outnumbered, the USAF F-86s now had to defend UN aircraft engaged in reconnaissance and interdiction operations as well as the bombers operating in the north while fighting the MiG-15s head-to-head for air supremacy.
An absence of major ground activity and decline in airlift requirements coincided with frequent periods of unfavorable weather. Far East Air Forces also faced growing shortages of aircraft because of attrition and increased numbers of aircraft out of commission. Gen. Hoyt Vandenberg, Chief of Staff, U.S. Air Force, notified General Weyland that Far East Air Forces could not expect further augmentation in jet fighters, since a general build-up in Europe required more aircraft. Also, other aircraft types, particularly B-26s and F-51s, which were experiencing high attrition rates, could not be replaced because they were no longer in production.
Description For the first three weeks, UN ground forces advanced everywhere along the front except in a small area near the Hwachon Reservoir in the central sector. Then the communists launched an all-out spring For the first three weeks, UN ground forces advanced everywhere along the front except in a small area near the Hwachon Reservoir in the central sector. Then the communists launched an all-out spring offensive with over 330,000 troops using "human wave" tactics. By the end of the month the enemy had advanced to the vicinity of Seoul, but both men and supplies had reached their limits in the face of UN ground and aerial assaults.
In counter air operations, Fifth Air Force Sabre pilots destroyed fifteen MiGs without the loss of a friendly fighter. MiG pilots generally showed little aggressiveness but on several occasions demonstrated considerable flight discipline and improved tactics. In North Korea, the enemy constructed new airfields and rehabilitated previously damaged ones, pointing toward the possibility of a major enemy air-ground offensive.
General Stratemeyer, Commander, Far East Air Forces, consequently directed most B-29s against North Korean airfields. B-26 light bombers attacked rails, bridges, airfields, and supply storage areas during daylight. Following the start of the spring offensive, Fifth Air Force increased the number of B-26 close air support sorties from
approximately five to twenty-five per day. B-26 night operations emphasized armed reconnaissance and interdiction of communications routes and facilities.
Before the Communist offensive began, Fifth Air Force fighter-bombers flew an average of 250 armed reconnaissance and interdiction, and eighty close air support sorties per day. Following the start of the attack, however, Fifth Air Force increased its close air support sorties to an average of 140 daily.
315th AD airdrop operations through most of April suffered from the grounding of seventy-five C-119s, which left C-46s as the primary airdrop-capable aircraft. By the end of the month, sixty C-119s were once again in commission. A clandestine C-47 outfit under the control of 315th AD and known as "Unit 4/Special Air Mission (SAM)" flew leaflet and personnel/resupply drops and made aerial broadcasts and radio intercepts over enemy-held territory. The 6160th ABG's Boat Section saved one individual, assisted with three other saves, recovered one body, and retrieved the wreckage of an aircraft.
During the first half of the month of May, UN ground activity consisted mainly of patrols and preparation for another enemy offensive. By the end of the month UN ground forces had regained the initiative, advancing the front lines northward between fifteen and thirty miles across the peninsula. Far East Air Forces conducted heavy, continuous interdiction of enemy supply lines, which contributed largely to the complete failure of the communist offensive. But, the enemy increased anti-aircraft heavy guns and automatic weapons to approximately one thousand, at eighteen different locations in North Korea.
In a slow month, Fifth Air Force Sabre pilots downed five MiGs. FEAF Bomber Command B-29s initially bombed rail and highway bridges, airfields, and supply and troop centers in North Korea. When the communists initiated their offensive, however, Bomber Command shifted nearly its entire effort to close air support.
Until mid-May, Fifth Air Force flew a daily average of 171 armed reconnaissance and interdiction, and fifty-seven close air support sorties; later in the month, its aircraft averaged more than 140 close air support sorties daily. Prior to the enemy offensive, the light bomber, assisted by flare-dropping C-47s, flew night intruder sorties against enemy vehicles. With the enemy assault, Fifth Air Force shifted its B-26 effort to daytime close air support. Led by the 45th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron, between May 19 and 25, Far East Air Forces flew 388 reconnaissance sorties, a new record.
At the end of the month, Fifth Air Force and the USN Task Force 77 initiated an interdiction campaign called Operation STRANGLE to paralyze enemy transportation between the railheads and the front. Fighter-bombers hit bridges, tunnels, rail lines, and roadbeds, trying to stop rail and highway traffic carrying supplies for enemy troops along the front.
In psychological operations, B-29 and C-47 aircraft dropped millions of leaflets. Most consisted of "strategic" leaflets dropped deep behind enemy lines, while the remainder were "tactical," directed at troops near the front. The 3d ARS established an element on the island of Paengnyang-do, located off the west coast of Korea, where H-5 helicopters stood alert for rescue sorties.
The squadron began rotating the SA-16 amphibious aircraft between Japan and Korea, with three flying from Korean bases for ten to fifteen days before being replaced with new crews and aircraft from Japan. The crash rescue Boat Section of the 6160st ABG saved three lives and evacuated two hundred guerrillas from behind enemy lines to safety.
Although ammunition and petroleum products made up the bulk of airlifted items, the 315th AD began daily delivery of approximately fifteen tons of fresh vegetables from Japan to Eighth U.S. Army supply points in Korea.
In June 1951, despite enemy resistance and spring mud, UN forces regained their losses from the communist spring offensive and broke into the Pyonggang-Chorwon-Kumhwa "Iron Triangle" fortified sanctuaries, enabling them to deny the enemy access to roads that traversed the Korean Peninsula just above the 38th parallel.
FEAF bombardment operations concentrated on radar bombing attacks against the Iron Triangle sanctuaries. FEAF Bomber Command began experimenting with B-29s using the shoran bombing technique. This technique used radio navigation beacons and extremely accurate maps to aim bombs, thereby avoiding the limitations of
visual and radar bombardment.
The problem of defending B-29s against MiG-15s and the development of shoran tactics would ultimately lead to the bombers operating almost exclusively at night. Far East Air Forces concentrated interdiction attacks on enemy airfields in North Korea, since the enemy were trying to reconstruct them to accommodate more aircraft. In mid-June General Weyland directed FEAF Bomber Command to keep the thirteen most important fields out of service.
Fifth Air Force combat units completed their movement from Japan to air bases in Korea. But much of the maintenance support remained in Japan, creating some problems with aircraft readiness. On the other hand, concentration of maintenance in Japan permitted the sharing of scarce skilled personnel and other resources.
The psychological warfare unit made sixty-six leaflet drops and twenty-five voice broadcasts, dropped eighteen people behind enemy lines and flying one resupply drop. The Boat Section, 6160th ABG, completed sixty-three missions, saving two lives, and used one boat in the Yellow Sea to insert South Korean guerrillas behind enemy lines and transport Chinese POWs to South Korea.
July 1951 marked the beginning of a new phase in the Korean War. Strategic military considerations of UN and communist commanders centered on armistice negotiations that began this month. Both sides began to bend their military efforts
to effect favorable outcomes in these negotiations.
Accordingly, Far East Air Forces increased the tempo of fighter and light-bomber activities in Operation STRANGLE, particularly against vehicular movements and targets of known troops, supplies, or installations. As the shortcomings of Operation STRANGLE became evident, FEAF planners looked for other ways to stem the flow of enemy resources toward the front.
The enormous buildup in the numbers of MiG-15 air supremacy fighters and growing experience and competence of pilots led the enemy to seek air superiority as far south as Pyongyang. Avoiding formidable jet fighter formations escorting FEAF Bomber Command B-29s, the MiGs attacked vulnerable fighter-bomber and
reconnaissance aircraft operating north of Pyongyang. Greatly outnumbered, the USAF F-86s now had to defend UN aircraft engaged in reconnaissance and interdiction operations as well as the bombers operating in the north while fighting the MiG-15s head-to-head for air supremacy.
An absence of major ground activity and decline in airlift requirements coincided with frequent periods of unfavorable weather. Far East Air Forces also faced growing shortages of aircraft because of attrition and increased numbers of aircraft out of commission. Gen. Hoyt Vandenberg, Chief of Staff, U.S. Air Force, notified General Weyland that Far East Air Forces could not expect further augmentation in jet fighters, since a general build-up in Europe required more aircraft. Also, other aircraft types, particularly B-26s and F-51s, which were experiencing high attrition rates, could not be replaced because they were no longer in production.
Best Friends
Vaughn T. St. Clair "Slats" Baker Fred Schroeder
Best Moment
Getting to start school. While waiting class to form, detailed to washing aircraft and steady KP. (30-something days.)
Worst Moment
See above
Chain of Command
We were Student Squadron; probably reported to a Training Squadron Headquarters.
Other Memories
Lived in old two-story War 2 barracks. Pulled detail mornings; school from noon to 6 pm. Seldom got to go off base. The night before each payday, V.T. St. Clair and I would go to every barracks in the squadron and beg for a penny from each guy. Usually wound up with 3-4 dollars. Beer at "slop chute" was 5 cents a bottle so we did quite well. Other troops never caught on.
Worst Moment
Getting assigned to, and having to stay, in this unit.
Chain of Command
83rd Troop Carrier reported to 437th Troop Carrier Wing. Then they in turn reported to 315 Combat Cargo Gp.
Other Memories
Brownie and I were sent to augment the electronics shop. The unit was a Reserve outfit out of O'Hare Field in Chicago, called to active duty, but were short on certain personnel. The discipline, conduct, bearing, and everything associated with a military unit was not only missing, it was unheard of. Cronyism and nepotism were rampant, and I tried every way I could to get back in the AF. Return to Korea finally did it.
Tsgt Hankins
Jean Hankins
Tsgt Rigby
Tsgt J. Grahaom
Beverly Graham
When my retirement orders were approved, and I was scheduled for retirement.
Just being at Opheim. Because of the isolated conditions and the operations we conducted, morale was very low. With a few exceptions, no one wished to be there, and most were just awaiting reassignment. The manning was approximately 55% of necessity, and radar maintenance troops were forced to work in MCC, supply, as well as pull maintenance shifts. Most personnel lived in housing procured by the government. This housing was about 50 miles from the site. A bus brought crews to and from the site, except when the weather would not allow it. As a consequence, those few personnel who lived in the makeshift barracks had to pull their own duty plus. Not a good place for morale.
779th Radar Sqdn reported to 24th AD, then to ADC
I did not want to be at Opheim (especially after 5 years at Aiken) so I took the assignment only to complete 26 years of service. As soon as pratical, I put in for retirement. Meantime, I did the best I could as acting Chief of Maintenance with short crews, people with no motivation except another remote in Alaska, or the thought of discharge. We kept the radars performance to optimum, and passed all ORIs, and fought the weather together.
Snow, ice, wind, fog, and temps in lower -40s did nothing to improve the other conditions we faced. But we were for the most part professionals who were determined to suceed, but I cannot help but think of my retirement orders as the gateway from Opheim.