VF-113 in the Korean War

Comments: I am in the process of writing several articles on Naval Aviation in the early 1950's with emphasis on the Korean War. I would like to hear from any of the guys that were with the squadron especially if they have any good stories to tell and any that might have photographs or color slides that show some of the aircraft on the deck.. You can get on line and go to www.amazon.com and where they ask for "search", type in Warren Thompson. It'll show some of the things that I have had published.

Sincerely,

Warren Thompson

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VF-113 Research Information

Comments: If anyone is looking for research information, my dad Valleau "Ed" Curtis was a Stinger in Korea. He donated film that he recorded from his cockpit in the '50's of the planes on the ship to the New England Air Museum in Connecticut. I think that there is also footage of him as an LSO officer. Also, we have a lot of pictures of his squadron . Unfortunately, my father is very ill in critical failing condition so communicating with him directly is not possible but the materials that accumulated are excellent. I would be happy to help anyone who wishes to document the Stingers' place in naval history.

Keywords: VF-113 USS Phillipine Sea USS Kearsaarge

A Proud Stinger

Comments: Winter 1951-1952 The Sea of Japan was the coldest place I had ever been. We had to wear cold weather facemasks. Chip out the ice of deck tie downs to untie the A/C and my bird flew ever mission assigned and returned my pilot safe and sound, although with a few holes in it and I always patching them with green ordinance tape. Even scraping mud off the belly at time when doing close air support for the Marines. I was a plane captain for my entire tour of duty with VF-113 untill I made AD2 and in all of their wisdom, I became an assistant L.P.O.

Keywords: Ham, PC on F4UB 308, Ens Brown was the DO. Joined VF-113 in late March 1951 at North Island as an ADAA. Sailed in the U.S.S. Philippine Sea, (1951-1952) the Boxer (1952?)and USS Kearsarge (1953-1954)

'52 cruise with VF-113

Comments: The only name I remember is Andy, but we went on many a liberty together in Yokosuka and worked hard during the '52 offensive. We left North Island 1 January 1952 and returned September 1952. Anybody from that period still around.

Keywords: Personal friends

VF 113 Opprations on 12/07/50

Comments: Sirs,

I am writing to kindly ask for some help on a small research project. I was looking for information on the flight operations of VF 113 on 12/07/50, while flying F4U-4B's from the U.S.S. Philippine Sea, pertaining to aircraft launched during a close support mission in Korea. I am in need of the following data:

1)The names of the pilots involved in this mission.

2)The aircraft assigned to these pilots. As example, was Cdr.O'Niell flying F4U-4b, Squadron plane ID# 301.

3) The aircraft serial #'s as assigned to the pilots. As example F4U-4B, Navy, S.N.# 62924

4) The plane captains assigned to the aircraft involved in the mission.

I know this is alot to ask but I have not been able to dig up this information. Your help in this matter will greatly assist me in the nailing down the details of this one day of operations. If you could supply a contact name I can call or e-mail the data or photos to assist me I will greatly appreciate the efforts.

Respectfully,

Emilio R. Diaz I/N Kote Equipment Control (866)825-0775 Ext.1638 Emilio.Diaz@ispat.com

Keywords: F4U-4B,Pilots and plane captains as assigned to VF 113 on the U.S.S. Philippine Sea

VF-113 November 1950

Comments: I am trying to gather information about the air combat operations of USN squadrons in Korea. In case of VF-113 I am especially interested in encounters with MiG’s during the November 1950 strikes on the Yalu bridges. VF-113’s Historical Report mentions encounter with MiG’s attacking the air group 9 November, as well as sightings or attacks th 10th and 12th. I am also interested in anything further on those encounter or others by VF-113 or any sdn in Philippine Sea/CVG-11 at that time. Any info, first hand or not, would be helpful.

Keywords: units, aircraft

1953 CRUISE

Comments: I was in the squadron when we made the 1953 cruise. I kept an anchor log, The first entry is 1 July 1953, the last entry is 18 January 1954.

We were between Pearl and Japan 27 July when the cease fire was announced over the loud speakers.

Keywords: 1953 cruise

Seeking 54 Cruise mates

Comments: My name is Thor Hansen. I was attached to VF113 after the cease fire. I have a new e-mail address since I first tried this.

I am trying to locate some of the shipmates who were in the squadron during the 54-55 cruise of the USS Kearsarge (CVA-33.) I am looking especially for pictures of VF113 from its beginning in 1948.

It is now a 50 year old squadron and I am researching it's history. The VFA113, now in Lemoore, CA, history page is only a sketch and I would like to fill in the missing moments. Any help would be appreciated.

Thor

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