1/Lt Von Christenson

Comments: Looking for any information on Lt Von Christenson who was my OIC at Osan.

Keywords: Osan - K-55 1956-1957

Lt Bob Belles

Comments: 'Way back in 2000, I submitted a request for info on Captain Tommy Tomlin and Lt Bob Belles, 311th FBS, Osan AB 1957-58 and never received any response.

I just learned from his son that Belles died in 2000 from heart disease. Have not heard anything about/from Tomlin.

Keywords:

311th Fighter Bomber Squdn

Comments: My dad was part of the 311th Fighter Bomber Squdn in Taegu Korea 53-54. He is still alive and living in CA. He has told me some stories about being over there and all the friends that he losts. Interesting pictures of a horse in the barracks. Joking around was part of staying sain while there! Interesting to read the comments posted.

Keywords: Bob Darby - Fighter pilot

Time passes and memories fade

Comments: I was a Crew Chief on aircraft #627(albeit not all that a talented one) in the 311th FBS. I served at K-55 from 1957 until the shut down and transfer of the aircraft of the unit. Moving on from there to Plattsburg, NY, and then on to the RAF Brize Norton UK with the 308th Bomber(Med)SAC bomber outfit. I was good buddies with A2c's Milt Greer of Mississippi and A1c Willie Williams of Tacoma, Washington, and A2c Roy Lindsey of Mossy Head, Florida, having served with them in the 27th Strategic Fighter Squadron at Bergstrom AFB in Austin Texas. Time passes, people mature and I left the USAF in 1964 for a career as a local police officer in Fort Lauderdale,Florida. Luck placed me into Federal service and I retired in the year 2001 as a Special Agent<>(assimilated grade) Lt.Col. in the U.S.Customs Service. I was a simple child in the 1950's and admit I miss those simple days. Korea. An adventure for young men and participation in a slice of history that cannot be equaled by todays tattooed youngsters, taking nothing from those heros of the Iraq war. The ordinary protoplasm of American's youth are less than I would have wished for. maybe every generation feels that way.

Keywords:

OSAN (K55) & FORMOSA - 1956-57

Comments: Hi,

I was in the 311th (Apr 1956 to Apr 1957) and lost all my photos of that time. Looking for photos of our TDYs to Tainan, Formosa, and also of our time at Osan in between. I was in the Fire Control/Airborne Radar section. Looking for any friends who were there in the 311th or support squadrons, i.e., Bill Best, Jerry, Joe (can't remember their last names -- Jerry was Caucasian, Joe was Hispanic).

Would love to hear from you.

God bless,

Bill Gray

Keywords: 311th, Formosa, Osan, Bill Best

Lt. Col. Marshall Smith

Comments: My dad was Lt. Col. Marshall Smith, who was with the 311th at Taegu in (I believe) 1954-55. He passed away in 1980 from cancer. I regret now that I never sat down with him and pumped him for information about his military service, both in Korea and in WWII. I still have his flight jacket, his logbook, some other odds and ends, and a handful of pictures, but I really wish I knew some stories to go along with them. I'd appreciate hearing from anyone who remembers him.

Keywords:

Comments: The war ended in Oct 53 and we got there in Feb 54 and the unit ran short on supplies to keep flying hours up. But we still had excitment in the air!

Jan Moffatt wanted to know info of Major DeCoursey:

Major DeCoursey was my Ops Officer in February 1954 at K-2 Teagu, Korea. We flew F-84 Thunderjets. He smoked good cigars and drank warm Scotch. He caught me drinking Scotch and seven-up and made me throw it out and drink it straight. That is the way I drank it from then on. Major Klapel was the Old Man who caught a richochet on a gunnery pass and had to jump out 35 miles north. He made it okay but was surrounded by Koreans who quickly dispersed when he brandished his 45. Shortley after that we changed over to F86s. The war was "over" but 8 Migs were "lost" over South Korea. One by Lt. McVay when he slit S very close to the terrain (3000 ft!) with a Mig hot on his tail. McVay made it but the Mig did not. One day on cap, my Flt lead and I saw a Mig and gave chase. I had just read intel on the Mig 15 where they supposedly had a ceailing of 49,000. Well, we were well over 49 and I am sure he was still more than 8 above us! I remember thinking how did this subperior Mig get up there and why would he come down and meet the superior Sabre! Also the flack was about 15000 below us. Well, we hit Bingo and returned uneventful. I had returned many more times to Korea during my Air Force career and have many memories of it all.

Keywords: Personal Friends; In 311th, Bob Hlavac, Al Surridge, George Benjamin, Don Isgrig, and, in the 310th, Del Mansfield. F-84Gs and then F86Fs.

Paul B. DeCourcey

Comments: Paul B. DeCourcey was my father. He served with 311th Fighter Bomber Squadron. I don't know what years. He died of prostate cancer August 14, 1993. He retired from the Air Force in 1965-6 as Lt. Col. After that, him and Mom moved to Redmond, Oregon where he worked as a pilot for the US Forest Service for another seven years. The proudest, happiest moments of his life were in the sky going like a bat out of hell. I have his squadron patch if anyone is interested in a picture of it.

Keywords: Paul B. DeCourcey

looking for friends

Comments: was at K-2 to formosa to K-55 would like to hear from anyone how was there at that time if anyone has a copy of the stars strips with the tail of an F-86F showing the new paint job on the tail I was sating on the slab. carl brown

Keywords:

311 F.B.S aug 1954 to aug 1955 work FLT Line crew cheif

1/LT. BOB FORD MEMORIAL WEB SITE (OSAN - 1957)

Comments: 1/Lt. Bob Ford was killed in an F-86F crash on March 11, 1957. He was a pilot in the 311th Fighter-Bomber Squadron, 58th FB Wing, Osan AFB, Korea.

I was stationed in the 311th during that time and have done a memorial web site honoring Bob Ford. At the request of his widow, Libby, I have also included my memories of that year in Korea and Formosa. Photos on the web site and in my memoirs might bring back memories. If you have photos or input which you think will enchance the web site, please e-mail them to me.

You can find the 1/LT. BOB FORD MEMORIAL web site by going to the REFERENCE page of the Korean War Project web site; or by going to http://www.BOB-FORD-MEMORIAL.com

Thank you and God bless,

Bill Gray billdory@pacbell.net

Keywords: 311th FBS, Lt. Bob Ford, Osan AFB, F-86F Pilot

311th FBW--I've got photos!!

Comments: My father was Paul G. Logsdon, Jr., a 2nd Lt during his service in Korea with the 311th Fighter Bomber Squadron, I think 1954-1955. I have a photo album and would love to share information.

Laurie Logsdon Perry toddperry@adelphia.net pietita@cybermesa.com

Keywords: Willy Williams, Lee Bounds, Mearns, Whitaker, Smith, Ray Bishop, Kleiman, Norm Deback, Griffin, Moore, Craycraft, Reeves, Fair, Suits, Orvis, Davis, Hester, K-2, K-55, F86, "1ST Lt. Rocky" (squadron dog), Jerry Fowler, Levester L. Berge, Walter Long, Formosa, J.J. Brown, sidewinder patch, "Giggi," Sullivan, Bill Kirk, Ed Cummins, Roger Cox, Al Vorhees, Tomaki, Abersol, Mearns, Ed Manz

311th FBW--I've got photos!!

Comments: My father was Paul G. Logsdon, Jr., a 2nd Lt during his service in Korea with the 311th Fighter Bomber Squadron, I think 1954-1955. I have a photo album and would love to share information.

Laurie Logsdon Perry toddperry@adelphia.net pietita@cybermesa.com

Keywords: Willy Williams, Lee Bounds, Mearns, Whitaker, Smith, Ray Bishop, Kleiman, Norm Deback, Griffin, Moore, Craycraft, Reeves, Fair, Suits, Orvis, Davis, Hester, K-2, K-55, F86, "1ST Lt. Rocky" (squadron dog), Jerry Fowler, Levester L. Berge, Walter Long, Formosa, J.J. Brown, sidewinder patch, "Giggi," Sullivan, Bill Kirk, Ed Cummins, Roger Cox, Al Vorhees, Tomaki, Abersol, Mearns, Ed Manz

311th FIGHTER-BOMBER SQUADRON

Comments: Hi to all who served in the 311th FBS,

It is always so amazing and so awesome to watch a situation unfold, knowing that you are experiencing God's hand at work. Since September 2003, I have been involved in just that kind of situation. And there is no doubt in my mind that God has orchestrated everything that has happened in the last several years.

In 1956-57, I was in the Air Force, stationed at Osan AFB (K55), Korea, in the 311th Fighter-Bomber Squadron, 58th Fighter-Bomber Wing, 5th Air Force. I was an enlisted man, working in the Radar/Fire Control Sighting System Section. There was a pilot, Lt. Bob Ford, whom I admired very much. On March 11, 1957, Lt. Ford was killed in an F-86F fighter aircraft crash. That day also was my mother's 40th birthday. Most of the enlisted men and officers who were at Osan during that one year period, I have forgotten. I can see many faces; I can remember some names. However, because I admired Lt. Bob Ford so much, I have always had vivid memories of him. Many time over the 48 years which have passed since his death; when talking with friends about my time in Korea, I always have told them about Bob Ford, because I recall him so fondly.

On September 11, 2003, about 3:00 AM, I was checking my e-mails and getting ready to sleep. One e-mail had a link to the Korean War Project web site. Since I was in Korea around that time, I was curious. I went to the Korean War Project web site, found my unit, and started reading messages left there over the years by others who were in the 311th FBS. At this point, I was just scanning the messages, because I wanted to get in bed.

Then, like a thunderbolt --- a name jumped out at me. It was a message about Lt. Bob Ford. The message read:

HEADER: 1 /Lt. Robert A. Ford, Jr KIA NAME: Elizabeth (Libby) Ford COMMENTS: 1/Lt. Robert A. Ford, Jr. was killed in Korea on March 11, 1957 after being extended over in Korea longer than he was supposed to serve due to the fact that he had been accepted to attend the University of Illinois to get his Masters Degree. They didn't know what to do with him before school started so they held him over there longer than he should have been there; consequently he was killed because of a faulty plane he was flying.

Her message was posted on September 11, 1999 --- I found it on September 11, 2003 --- four years to the day after she posted it. God brought me together with Libby Ford --- after almost 50 years. I truly believe this happened because He wants Libby Ford to have closure. And I will do everything in my power to honor the task God has given me.

Let me give you a short history lesson. In 1950, the North Koreans attacked South Korea, an American ally. President Truman sent American troops to Korea to help our South Korean allies. The president could send troops if he called it a "police action" --- not a war. This way he did not have to go to congress for approval.

This "war that was not a war" continued from 1950 to 1953, when a "cease fire" was signed. However, no peace treaty was ever signed; so technically we were still at war; only sitting under a so called "cease fire." To this day, no peace treaty has ever been signed with North Korea. So, technically, the Korean War is still an active war; only sitting under a cease fire. And we all know how binding a "cease fire" is --- one little flare, and boom, you are shooting again.

In 1956-57, when Lt. Bob Ford and I were in Korea, there was a definite probability of the war flaring up again. Because of this, everyone in Korea at that time was in a potential war situation. So, we, and especially our pilots, took the responsibility of being prepared and ready to heart. When our pilots went up in a simulated bombing or dogfight exercise; they knew that the next exercise might just be for real. This was the situation we lived under at that time.

So, technically, when Lt. Bob Ford was killed on March 11, 1957 --- America was still at war with North Korea.

When the Korean War Memorial was being planned; Libby Ford, Bob Ford's widow, sent a request to have Bob Ford's name included on the memorial. She was refused, because Lt. Ford had not been killed between 1950 and 1953, the day of the cease fire.

Libby Ford was devastated. This was the culmination of 47 years of frustration for this widow of one of our fallen warriors. When Bobby's death occurred, Libby received a letter from Washington DC giving her one explanation; and later another from Korea giving a different explanation. She was confused, grieving, and angry. They sent home 30 pounds of a 220 pound man in a body bad, for burial. This was all she had left of the man she loved, the father of her two children; the man who had gone to Korea to serve his country.

Over the years, she has attempted to get a full report on Lt. Bob Ford's death. After about 20 years, she finally was able to get a copy of a censored report --- with many pages missing and many areas blacked out --- even Bobby's date of birth, as though this was a big military secret. Libby was frustrated and angry. She had lost the one man she would ever love, the father of her two small children, and, even after 20 years, still could not get a complete report from the U.S. government telling her what really happened.

The rejection by the Korean War Memorial was the final straw. Out of total frustration, Libby posted the message above on the Korean War Project web site. At least Bob Ford would have this one small memorial; because no one else, especially the government he died serving, cared.

It was at this point that God brought Libby Ford and me together. Four years, to the day, after Libby posted her memorial, I found it, and the next morning I called her. I introduced myself and told her of my memories of Bob. She asked if I would write my memories for her, for Bobby's children, for Bobby's grandchildren, and for Bobby's family. I told her I would, but, had no idea where to start.

The next day, I sent out e-mail inquiries. The very next day, I received an early morning call from Kirtland AFB, New Mexico. The gentleman told me that my message had been sent to him from Maxwell AFB, Alabama. This man sent the accident report to Libby and me. It was still censored and blacked out --- after almost 50 years. I really don't think that after all that time there is any security problems or risks, national or otherwise. Yet, the Air Force still refused to send a complete, uncensored report to Libby. And the photos they sent are seventh level xerox copies of xerox copies --- virtually useless. You and I both know that these record still exist, in original form, in either hard copy or on film. But, the Air Force still will not release copies of uncensored originals.

After months of communications, we received a letter from an Air Force Colonel at Kirtland AFB, telling us that this was all the regulations said he had to send. And if we wanted to get more information, we should write to the Secretary of the Air Force at the Pentagon.

Now, at this point, most people would just give up. Which is what the Colonel was counting on. But, Libby has gone through almost 50 years of wondering, frustration, and grief, never remarrying; always cherishing the memory of Bobby. This was not the time to give up. So, we wrote a letter to the Honorable James G. Roche, Secretary of the Air Force, Headquarters US Air Force, Washington DC, and waited. Several months later, we received another letter from that same Air Force Colonel at Kirtland AFB in New Mexico, responding in the same tone, for the Honorable James G. Roche. In other words, telling us to stuff it. The Honorable James G. Roche had just forwarded our letter to this Colonel, which did not care to help us in the first place, for him to do whatever he wanted. In other words, Libby and I had been caught in one of the Air Force "Catch 22" situations.

Well, my Friend, we will not stuff it. Over the last six months I have been building a Lt. Bob Ford Memorial web site on the internet. Now that it is almost finished, we intend to take our case higher. If going higher in our government than the Honorable James G. Roche will not get a full report and some closure for Libby; then we will take our case to a higher court --- the people of the United States. We will send letters to Oprah, we will send letters to news anchors, we will send letters to anyone who will listen --- asking why America is making so much effort to honor military men and women killed and wounded in Iraq and Afghanistan --- but, refuses to provide closure for the widow of a Warrior who fell almost 50 years ago.

I invite you to visit the Lt. Bob Ford Memorial web site. The latest pages I have just finished are LIFE IN THE 311th FIGHTER-BOMBER SQUADRON, OSAN AFB (K55), KOREA -- 1956-57 -- PARTs 1, 2, 3 --- my memories of that year. For those of you who were in Korea, before or after that year; this will most likely bring back many memories. I have included as many photos as I could find to add more depth to the memoirs.

Now, click on this URL and learn more about an American hero:

1/Lt. Bob Ford Memorial Web Site: http://www.ourchurch.com/member/h/HE-GAVE-ALL

I will appreciate any thoughts or feedback you might have.

God bless, have a wonderful day,

Bill Gray

Keywords: 311th FBS, Lt. Bob Ford, KIA, Osan AFB (K55)

Comments: Would like to contact anyone who was in the 311th FBS from Sep 57 - Jun 58. The Squadron Commander was Lt. Col. William C. Davis. I was flight Chief of "A" flight. While there we went TDY to Formosa and to Bangkok, Thailand on a SEATO exercise.I would like to hear from all former 311th members. Chuck Griffin

Keywords:

311TH FIGHTER-BOMBER SQUADRON LOGO AND/OR SIGN

Comments: 311TH FIGHTER-BOMBER SQUADRON LOGO AND/OR SIGN

Hi,

I was in the 311th Fighter-Bomber Squadron in 1956-57. Our logo was a coiled snake made up of a belt of 50 cal. rounds. I have a copy of the logo before when it said just "311th Fighter Sq" --- but the one I am looking for is the later one which says "311th Fighter-Bomber Sq"

Also, when I was at Osan (K55), there was a sign at the entry of our squadron area which had a large "311th" logo on it and the words "Home of the Sidewinders" or maybe "Home of the Fighting Sidewinders."

If anyone has a photo of either or, preferably, both of these --- I will really appreciate having you e-mail me a copy. I am doing a memorial web site for a pilot, 1/Lt. Bob Ford, who was killed March 11, 1957 -- and these will add greatly to the web site.

Really appreciate any help you can give.

God bless, have a wonderful day,

Bill Gray Riverside, CA

Keywords: 311TH FBS, 58TH FBG, Sidewinders,

Anyone Knowing Curtis E. Scott

Comments: I am trying to find any information on Curtis E. Scott. AF-18204633. K-55 I believe he served in the Korean War during 1956-1957....I AM SURE TO GO TO HEAVEN I'VE SERVED MY TIME IN HELL

Keywords:

311 TH. FIGHTER BOMBER SQ.

Comments: Worked in Gunsight section at K-2 Boss A/1c Williams. Worked with Davenport, Early, Loesh. Went to K-55 with outfit. OIC Lt. Paul Gallier at K2, and Lt. Leon Bannigan at K55 (He crashed). Like to hear from old friends.

Keywords:

I WAS IN 311TH - APR 56 TO APR 57 --- NEED YOUR HELP

Comments: Hi,

I was in the 311th FBS from Apr 1956 to Apr 1957 --- in the Radar Fire Control section. Do you remember an officer/pilot named Lt. Bob Ford? He was unusual in that he stood almost 6'5" tall and was a very nice guy. I remember that when he and a wingman came down after the A&E guys had gone to their barracks, Lt. Ford would refuel his own plane. I never saw another officer do that or have the respect for the enlisted man that Bob Ford had.

Lt. Bob Ford was killed on Mar 11, 1957, while flying back from Japan. Do you remember him and anything about him? Last week, by a miracle from God, I was put in touch with his widow and his family. For almost 50 years they have wondered how he died. They have asked me to write down any memories of Lt. Ford and also any memories of the 311th, Korea, and our TDYs to Formosa. I recall quite a bit, but welcome memories from others who were there at that time.

Capt. Simon "Andy" Anderson was the last to fly with Lt. Ford. They flew to Japan together; then Lt. Ford flew back to Korea alone — but never made it. If anyone knows how to get in touch with Capt. Anderson, that would be a great help also.

I look forward to hearing from you soon.

God bless, have a wonderful day,

Bill Gray Riverside, CA

Keywords: 311TH FBS; OSAN; K55; Bill Gray; TDY to Tainan,Formosa; Radar Fire Control Section, Lt. Bob Ford, Capt. Simon "Andy" Anderson, Col. Jimmy Stewart, Col. John Back

Comments: My father served on the Osan airbase 50-53? He was a pilot with the 51st, I think. Does anyone remember him. Crashed twice around 53, once in Japan and once in Colorado. When he crashed in Japan he was refferred to as the "one who walked out of the woods". Any info or pics would be greatly appreciated. His Name was: Richard L Ward hometown Peoria, ILL

Keywords: Nickname Snapper, 51st, DFC presented in 53

Superman Whiskey

Comments: Superman Whiskey was my famous call sign! Some may remember the mission. Flew F84Gs and then F86Fs there at Taegu from Feb to Nov 54 then went to FEAMCOM at Tachikawa for Flight Test there.

Keywords: Major Klapel was the Old Man. And Major DeCoursey was the Ops Officer.

K-55 Control Tower

Comments: We were MATS personnel assigned to bases (Operating Locations-worldwide) as control tower operators, GCA operators, radio/radar maintenance, etc. At K-55 from Mar 53 until May 53. Volunteered and went to K-18 as CTO. Visited Korea (Seoul, K-16, K-18 and K-55 in Nov 2001)as guest of ROKAF Chief of Staff Yi, Ok-su. 3 Americans went - 1 major and two A/2C CTOs. George Collier, CTO, Major William Soltis, F-51 pilot and myself.

Keywords: 18th Fighter Bomber Wing, F-86F, Jim,

Where they now

Comments: Looking for buddies I proudly served with in Korea 1952-1953. 311FB Sqd. Armament Group K2 Korea. Specifically my friend, Carl Seldon (African Amer)from Philadelphia, and "Mother" Racanelli from San Francisco, who inadvertanly lost his foot in an accidental shooting from an F84 Wing gun, or from anone who served in K2 311 FBSqd. during that period.

Keywords: 311 FB Sqd F84 Thunderbolt A/C Armament group K2 Taegu Korea

311 FBS USAF SIDEWINDERS

Comments: Looking for anyone who worked on the flight line from May 1954 to May 1955. Original flight chief was Sgt. Walter Stallings. Would like to hear from anyone who served during that period and mobilized from K-2 to Formosa and then to K-55.

Keywords: Sidewinders, Korea at K-2 Taegu and K-55 Osan from May 1954 to May 1955. Original aircraft F84's and later f 86D.

311th FBS Armament Section

Comments: Anyone remember the 58th Group Armament shop? I was with the 311 FBS from 9/54 to 5/55 at K2 and K55, as the Armament System Officer. Glad to hear from old friends.

Keywords:

Sidewinder

Comments: I was a weapons mechanic (armorer) with the 311 FBS from about March 1955 to March 1956, at K-55 (Osan) Air Base. We had F-86's which were great to work on. During that time, we went on TDY for 2 months to Tainan, Taipei. The great thing about that was that we went over December and January. We missed the 'frozen Chosen' syndrome, and basked in comfort in Tainan.

We had a pair of squadron pets (dogs) named 'skoshi' and 'figmo' who disdained to associate with troops from any of the other squadrons -- definitely good taste on their part.

Keywords: 311 Osan F-86 Sidewinder

Want to receive/share info

Comments: My father, Paul Logsdon, was a lieutenant at the time of the Korean War and served with some of you. He passed away in 1989 suddenly, of a heart attack--he was only 57. I thought I'd have plenty of time to document his stories...now I'm trying to gather some through his friends and fellow men. I just stumbled on this site and am very excited. I have access to photos and slides from his time in Korea if anyone is interested...

Keywords:

'B' FLIGHT 311TH K2 ANYONE

Comments: Looking for old friends who remember the cold days playing cards in the line shack and the great trips to Taegu. I was crew chief F-84 "B" Flight.

Keywords: 1952 1953 K2 Aaron F-84 127

311th Fighter Bomber Squadron

Comments: Looking for 311th people during May 57 - June 58. Especially my Flight Commander, Tommy Tomlin and a friend, Bob Belles.

Keywords:

311th Ftr. Bmb. Sqd.

Comments: Looking for anybody who was in 311th. at Osan'e AB when I was in 1956/57

Keywords: F-86, K-55, Osan'e AB

Air War Search

Comments: My son is making a historical search of my tour of duty during war in Korea. Please contact me anytime.

Lt Col Lee Bounds (USAF Ret)

Keywords: F-86 "Saber", 1953-4, K-2, K-55, 311th Fighter Bomber Squadron, 58th Fighter Bomber Wing,Lt Col Marshal Smith, Lt Ray Bishop, Lt Paul Logsdon, Capt Larry Fiero