511th Air Control and Warning Group

Air Force BBS

Legacy Messages - 1995-1999

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Franklin Detrixhe wrote on May 21, 2025

Email Update Needed

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City and State: ALPINE TX

Unit: 511 AC&W

Service or Relationship: Air Force

Comments: Trying to contact former members

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Robert Martin wrote on April 2, 2022

Send Email To ROBERT MARTIN

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City and State: GARDEN GROVE CA

Unit: 511TH

Service or Relationship: USAF

Comments: Was @ Misawa H'dqtrs August 51 thru Dec 53 and random"TDY" to all detachments. Col Sutherland was CO @ the time. Major Dole Intelligence Officer. Was there during "Sunbonnet King" incident. Flew with Lt. Reid on the B26 & many times on our Gooney Birds to Chitose & else where. Anyone there for the SA16 wheels down landing on the lake ?. Lots of memories .. most good .. some not so much .. & probably not a lot of us still around?? Anybody

Keywords: Anybody still there

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Donald (Don) Simmons wrote on June 4, 2018

Send Email To DONALD (DON) SIMMONS

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City and State: RICHARDSON TX

Unit: 511TH AC&W GROUP

Service or Relationship: USAF

Comments: Leroy, we had reunions for several years and during that time we put 2 plaques in the AF Museum to the guys that spent their time on Hokkaido

Keywords: Nice that you are doing this

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Leroy E. Grover wrote on March 6, 2018

Send Email To LEROY E. GROVER

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City and State: KOKOMO IN

Unit: 613 AC&W

Service or Relationship: Air Force Veteran

Comments: I was stationed at the Rock from Oct '53 to Aug '55 as a radar operator and later a Crew Chief.
I played on the baseball team and basketball team. I have met with Art Jencson and Bert Hogland several years ago. I exchange letters with Jim Bluin, he retired from Control Tower Operator in Baton Rouge, LA. This contacts were made probably ten years ago. Several of the guys I worked with have passed away. If any one cares to contact me I would welcome the contact. It's been quite a long time ago and we were a whole lot younger then too.

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Christopher Block wrote on June 16, 2017

Send Email To CHRISTOPHER BLOCK

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City and State: KY

Unit: 511TH AC&W GROUP

Service or Relationship: Family Member

Comments: I am searching for anyone who knew my father (Kenny) when he was in Korea and
Japan. He was a Staff Sergeant assigned to a radar post when he was in Japan
(Hokkaido, I think), but also saw combat in Korea. He was also a Police Sergeant
while stationed at Keesler AFB in Biloxi, MS. Thanks.

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Ed (Mizu) Waters wrote on April 17, 2016

Send Email To ED (MIZU) WATERS

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City and State: SYKESVILLE MD

Unit: 511TH AC&W GROUP

Service or Relationship: Air Force Veteran

Comments: I am still in contact with Jesse Hamilton, a fellow crew member. Other friends include William M. Smith and Lou Gagliardi, both of whom died. My best wishes to all i knew and all with whom I served from 1954 to 1956.

Keywords: Mizu

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Joseph Poydence SR. wrote on February 24, 2016

Send Email To JOSEPH POYDENCE

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City and State: QUINTON VA

Unit: 511 AC&W SQUADRON

Service or Relationship: Air Force Veteran

Comments: loved every minute at site#30 from 1951 to 1953 hello takahashi the barber

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Shirley Hlavaty wrote on July 8, 2015

Send Email To SHIRLEY HLAVATY

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City and State: SOUTH PLAINFIELD, NJ

Unit: 511TH AC/W APO 919

Service or Relationship: Family Member

Comments: Has anyone who served at the radar site developed or died of cancer,especially leukemia?

The VA claims there was no exposure to any cancer causing ionizing or agents at the site, but I don't beleive that to be so.

My husband Michael served at site34 three years, he was diagnosed with hairy cell leukemia in 2000 and passed away in 2010.

They barely had proper warm clothing or socks during the brutal winters, let alone any proper safety protection.

Any feedback will be greatly appreciated. Mike was one of the good guys and we miss him dearly.

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Jack Dimond wrote on June 28, 2015

Send Email To JACK DIMOND

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City and State: OCEANSIDE CA

Unit: 511 AC&W SITE 45 & MISAWA AFB

Service or Relationship: Air Force Veteran

Comments: just found this website. Anyone remember me or bob coughlon
or jerry olson.bruce nobles was there, also. If you were there you'll
remember the pol dump in winter rolling 50 gal deisel drums in the snow.
Like to hear from you.

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Valerie Kulesa JR. wrote on May 14, 2014

Send Email To VALERIE KULESA

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City and State: WAILUKU HA

Unit: NOT SURE

Service or Relationship: Air Force Veteran

Comments: Yokota Air Base Honshu, Japan
1952 Softball First Place Squadron, pitcher.
Control Tower Operator. S. Sgt.

My father would like to connect with anyone that served during this time. He doesn't remember his unit, but was a S.Sgt, Control Tower Operator. He is 83 and would really enjoy your help.

Thank you!
Valerie
likelike1010@gmail.com

Keywords: Yokota Air Base Honshu Japan 1952 Softball Control Tower Operator Air Force

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Charles Walker wrote on August 3, 2013

Send Email To CHARLES WALKER

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City and State: PICTURE ROCKS PA

Unit: 511

Service or Relationship: Air Force Veteran

Comments: Looking for anyone that was at site #30 Rumoi Hokkaido Japan
1950-1952 when airman, Charles Walker was accidentally shot and
wounded. Call 570-584-3706. Email: skyeleah@comcast.net

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Pete Arizcuren JR. wrote on November 1, 2012

Email Update Needed

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City and State: MANTECA CA

Unit: 511TH AC&W GROUP

Service or Relationship: Air Force Veteran

Comments: Sgt Richard Kummer was my roomie at Misawa AFB In
1954 and 1955. His wife at that time lived in New
York state. I would like to say hello if he can be
found.
Pete Arizcuren

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Patricia Dickinson (Lively) wrote on September 4, 2012

Send Email To PATRICIA DICKINSON (LIVELY)

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City and State: MEADOW BRIDGE WV

Unit: VP-6

Service or Relationship: Family Member

Comments: Looking for anyone with information regarding loss of
ten crewmen and a Neptune cleared by the 511th ACW
Squadron in Japan, 314th Air Division, on November 6,
1951, either forced down or shot down near
Vladivostok area, USSR. All ten crewmen are MIA and I
have recently discovered all ten names on a POW list
reported to have been presented to communist
countries 3 January 1952. If anyone has any info or
can direct me to another source, I would greatly
appreciate it. My brother, Jack Lively, was one of
the crewmen.

Thank you,

Patricia

Keywords: P2V-3W Neptune Shootdown Vladivostok area 11/6/51
VP6 ten crewmen

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Pete Arizcuren SR. wrote on October 19, 2011

Email Update Needed

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City and State: MANTECA CA

Unit: 511TH AC&W A

Service or Relationship: Air Force Veteran

Comments: My entry here should read. "Served in ADCC Misawa AFB
as radio operator speed key CW in 1954 and 1955. I was
there in "54 when the ferry sank with loss of hundreds
of lives. I sent radio reports of winds to 120 miles
and hour.

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Shinta Inagaki wrote on October 19, 2011

Send Email To SHINTA INAGAKI

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City and State: OKUSHIRI

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Other

Comments: I am curator of Okushiri island.

Keywords: 511th Okushiri island

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Bradley Gribler wrote on March 26, 2011

Send Email To BRADLEY GRIBLER

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City and State:

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Family Member

Comments: Looking for information and photos of Chitose air base. My father John Gribler was stationed there 1952-1954? I would like photoes of the air base ,aircraft, personnel, etc. Especially interested in aircraft. I am making a memorial for my father who is gravely ill. Any help would be appreciated.

Keywords: Hokkaido, Camp Chitose

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Richard Snow wrote on October 23, 2010

Email Update Needed

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City and State:

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Air Force Veteran

Comments: I have been looking for airmen 1st class Donald Ludwig
from 1955 until
now 2010. He lived in Hartford Ct

Keywords: radar sit 29 located on the island of Okushiri shima
from 1952 to 1954

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Richard Snow wrote on April 6, 2010

Email Update Needed

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City and State: BELOIT WI

Unit: 511TH AC-W

Service or Relationship: Air Force Veteran

Comments: I was stationed on the island of Okushiri Shima from early 1952 to late 1953 27 months. We were scheduled to spend 3 years until we got it changed due to the Trumen year. I worked in the ground power section and was reponsible for the power required to maintain a working radar site. 24-7.
one of the airmen I worked with was Don Ludwig. we worked togeather for approx. 6 months and became good friends.
I last seen him in 1953 when I was resigned state side.If anyone knows of his location Please contact me. he was seen in New Yark around 1998 .
Thank you.

Keywords: Ac and w okushiri shima Japan 1952 - late 1953 site 29

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William Kull wrote on December 22, 2009

Email Update Needed

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City and State: ST CHARLES MO

Unit: 6921ST RSM USAFSS

Service or Relationship: Air Force Veteran

Comments: I was stationed at Detachment 26 from 1953 to 1957

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Larry Goldstein wrote on July 15, 2009

Send Email To LARRY GOLDSTEIN

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City and State: ARDEN NC

Unit: 511 - 847 AC-W

Service or Relationship: Air Force Veteran

Comments: I ARRIVED AT MISAWA SEPT 1951 ASSIGNED TO 511 AC and W GRP AS COMMUNICATIONS SUPERVISOR UNDER LT/COL SUTTHERLIN AND CAPT BIANCO
TRANSFERRED JAN 1952 TO 847 SQD SAME ASSIGNMENT UNDER MAJOR FRAZIER.
ANY ONE REMEMBER ME. I ORGANIZED SQD SOFTBALL UNDER ORDERS OF MAJ FRAZIER. ALSO WAS QUARTERED WITH T/SGT ED LADERS. MY RANK T/SGT. LEFT MISAWA OCT 1952

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Richard Snow wrote on April 5, 2009

Email Update Needed

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City and State: BELOIT WI

Unit: 511TH AC-W OKUSHIRI SHIMA JAPAN

Service or Relationship: Air Force Veteran

Comments: I have been looking for Donald P Ludwig for the last 50 years. We worked togeather in the ground power section located on the Island of Okushiri Shime Japan. His home town was Harford Ct. I have not been able locate him and would sure like to make contact.
If anyone knows the where abouts of Don I would be greatfull for any information.
Thank you

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Paul (Mike) Campbell SR. wrote on May 30, 2008

Email Update Needed

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City and State: TUCSON AZ

Unit: 511TH AC-W, SITE 29

Service or Relationship: Air Force Veteran

Comments: After so many years, I probably have forgotten many of those in Samani. But I am very pleased with the work and efforts of the team working to make old connections. Unfortunately, I am unable to make this reunion, but I am interested in purchasing a cap, coffe mug, and Glass stein. Is there a way I could do this?

My best to all those at the reunion.

Mike Campbell

Keywords: Nickmane: MIKE

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Zack Krebs wrote on June 30, 2007

Email Update Needed

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City and State:

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Family Member

Comments: Im looking for information for my grandpa who served at site 28 Abashiri. Anything would be helpful. Also if there is any information on Flight 1560 out of Sampson Air Force Bace during the Korean war i would appreciate that very much.

Keywords: Site 28, Abashiri, 511th air controle, Hokkaido

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Roy Couture wrote on October 22, 2006

Send Email To ROY COUTURE

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City and State: TABERG NY

Unit: 511 AC AND W

Service or Relationship: Air Force Veteran

Comments:

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Pete Arizcuren SR. wrote on March 7, 2006

Email Update Needed

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City and State: MANTECA CA

Unit: ADCC

Service or Relationship: Air Force Veteran

Comments:

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Lorenzo Blocker wrote on November 19, 2005

Email Update Needed

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City and State: MILFORD TX

Unit: 613 AC@W

Service or Relationship: Air Force Veteran

Comments: had a friend up at the rock named Loyde Becker In the air police, remember that old AKL ride more than once, pretty chilly in the Winter, went off the side of that mountain in a jeep, would love to have a list of the men stationed at the site 29, whild I was there from 53-54

Keywords: 613 th AC and W nick name was Lucky

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Dick Waldron wrote on November 15, 2005

Send Email To DICK WALDRON

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City and State: QUINCY MA

Unit: 511TH AC-W

Service or Relationship: Air Force Veteran

Comments: Two new books have recently been published about the
early days of the remote 511th AC and W radar sites in the 1950's in Northern Japan:

1) "Cold War in a Cold Place"
(compiled and edited by Jerry Hanks)
short stories and first hand accounts of the
early days of the remote radar sites on Hokkaido.

2) "Site 18: Short stories from a remote radar site
in Japan during the Korean War and the Cold War"
(written by Richard E. Waldron)
short stories, descriptions, photographs, maps,
reprints of newspaper articles from the New York
Times, Pacific Stars and Stripes, and Misawa AB
Wingspread. The settings of the stories are 1952
and 1953 at Site 18 at Wakkanai on Hokkaido and
Misawa AFB on Honshu.

3) Both books are available on-line at Amazon.com
or can be purchased by sending a check to:

511th AC and W Reunion Association
c/o Dick Waldron, Treasurer
54 Monmouth Street
Quincy, MA 02171

$15.00 for "Cold War in a Cold Place",
$12.00 for "Site 18",
both prices include postage.

Keywords: Japan, Hokkaido, radar site, Korean War, Cold War

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Herman R. Snead SR. wrote on August 29, 2005

Email Update Needed

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City and State:

Unit: 511TH AIRCRAFT CONTROL AND WARNING GROUP

Service or Relationship: Air Force Veteran

Comments: Assigned Hq 511th AC and W Group/847th AC and W Sq/848th AC and W Sq 1952-1954. See my year 2000 posting for more information.

Keywords: Misawa AB Japan, Okushiri-shima Japan, 847th AC and W Sq, 848th AC and W Sq, Headquarters 511th AC and W Group, ADCC.

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Donald (Don) Simmons wrote on January 19, 2002

Send Email To DONALD (DON) SIMMONS

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City and State: RICHARDSON TX

Unit: 511TH AC-W GROUP

Service or Relationship: Air Force Veteran - Korea

Comments: We have a reunion association in being, which includes the 511th AC and W Group, 613th AC and W Sqdn, 847th AC and W Sqdn, 848th AC and W Sqdn and 39th AD (ADCC) Please get in contact with me.

Keywords: Northern Japan AC and W Sites

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Donald (Don) Simmons wrote on January 19, 2002

Send Email To DONALD (DON) SIMMONS

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City and State: RICHARDSON TX

Unit: 511TH AC-W GROUP

Service or Relationship: Air Force Veteran - Korea

Comments: We have a reunion association in being, which includes the 511th AC and W Group, 613th AC and W Sqdn, 847th AC and W Sqdn, 848th AC and W Sqdn and 39th AD (ADCC) Please get in contact with me.

Keywords: Northern Japan AC and W Sites

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