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First aerial victory of the Korean War happened ...

Tue Jun 28, 2016 9:01 pm

... two days ago, 1950. (6/26/1950)

"On the morning of June 26, 1950, one day after the start of the Korean war, the U.S. Air Force's 68th Fighter (All-Weather) Squadron sent four F-82G aircraft from Itazuke Air Base in Japan to protect two Norwegian ships evacuating civilians from Seoul. While covering a motor convoy of civilians on the Seoul-Inchon road, two of the F-82s were attacked by two Soviet-made La-7 fighters, presumably flown by North Korean pilots. Rather than endanger the civilians below, the two F-82s pulled up into the clouds instead of engaging the La-7s.

The next day, North Korean aircraft attacked the early morning USAF flight. This time, however, the F-82 crews accepted the challenge and shot down three enemy aircraft.

An F-82 piloted by Lt. William G. Hudson and carrying Lt. Carl Fraser as radar operator, claimed a Yak-11 over Kimpo airfield in full view of those on the ground. As Hudson fired at the Yak, Fraser attempted to photograph the action with a malfunctioning 35mm camera. Meanwhile, after a North Korean La-7 fighter damaged the tail of his F-82, Lt. Charles Moran shot down it down. Maj. James Little, flying high cover nearby, also shot down an La-7."
http://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/Visit/ ... ories.aspx

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First on the left is Lt. Charles Moran. In the center is a sergeant writing out an intelligence report on the aerial battle. Second from the right is Lt. William Hudson. Stooping is Lt. Carl Fraser, the radar operator who flew with Hudson. (U.S. Air Force photo)

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Lt. Moran's F-82G. (U.S. Air Force photo)

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An La-7 caused damage to the F-82's right tail before Lt. Moran shot it down. (U.S. Air Force photo)

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Lt. Hudson’s victory, taken with a malfunctioning camera by his radar operator, Lt Fraser. The North Korean insignia on the Yak-11 and the observer in the rear cockpit is just visible. The observer failed to parachute and was killed when the plane crashed. The pilot bailed out, but South Korean troops shot him to death after he fired at them with a handgun instead of surrendering. (U.S. Air Force photo)

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F-82G of the 68th Fighter (All Weather) Squadron based at Itazuke Air Base, Japan. (U.S. Air Force photo)

Re: First aerial victory of the Korean War happened ...

Tue Jun 28, 2016 9:59 pm

Just last night I was reading an old Air Enthusiast from the 80s...about the F-82s in Korea.
It mentioned this...and the other kills by Twin Mustangs.

Re: First aerial victory of the Korean War happened ...

Wed Jun 29, 2016 9:11 am

Is it sheer bravery or stupidity to engage a flight of Twin Mustangs in a Yak-11?!!!

Re: First aerial victory of the Korean War happened ...

Wed Jun 29, 2016 4:29 pm

HA - my vote is for brain washed stupidity - seriously what did that North Korean pilot think was going to happen?

Tom P.

Re: First aerial victory of the Korean War happened ...

Wed Jun 29, 2016 4:52 pm

wendovertom wrote:HA - my vote is for brain washed stupidity - seriously what did that North Korean pilot think was going to happen?

Tom P.



"Glorious victory over the Imperialist dogs" <patriotic music playing>. The pilot probably still though he was winning as he died.
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