136th Fighter Bomber Wing

The 136th FBW of the Texas Air National Guard was ordered to active duty in October 1950, transitioned to the F-84 ThunderJet in early 1951, and moved incrementally from May to July to Japan, integrating with, then replacing, elements of the 27th Fighter-Escort Wing at Itazuke AB. The wing headquarters remained behind as most of its components moved to Taegu AB, South Korea, in late September. In November, the headquarters also moved to Taegu, leaving mostly rear-echelon maintenance elements in Japan. After almost a year of federal service, the 136th FBW was returned, without personnel or equipment, to the Air National Guard on July 10, 1952.

Combat Components

136th Fighter-Bomber Group: duration


Don Paul's stories of the Wing

Stations

Itazuke AB, Japan, May 1951; Taegu AB, South Korea, November 16, 1951-July 10, 1952.

Unit Casualty List By Last Name

Unit Casualty List By Date

Air Force BBS

Legacy Messages - 1995-1999

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John Lehr JR wrote on May 11, 2016

Email Update Needed

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City and State: NEW BRAUNFELS TX

Unit: 182ND FTR SQDN 136 FTR WING

Service or Relationship: Air Force Veteran

Comments: Would like to get any info avaible about a C-47 Acft crash into hanger at Itazuke AFB Japan,Dec 1951

Keywords: C-47 Acft crash

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James Boomer wrote on January 19, 2013

Send Email To JAMES BOOMER

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City and State: FORT WAYNE IN

Unit: GRIFFISS AFB BASE OPS

Service or Relationship: Air Force Veteran

Comments: Ray was a test pilot in Maj. Robert Barney's Flight
Test and Instrumentation unit at Griffiss AFB, New
York. I was the Base T-33 Instructor Pilot.

As part of my duties, after conducting a class to check
out WWII and Korean War pilots in the T-33, we recalled
some F-80s from Air Force Reserve units, and Ray loved
to fly them!

We flew together a number of times, in formation and
together in the T-33. He was a great friend and super
pilot!

Before he departed Griffiss he gave me, a then 25-year-
old, some advice I have lived by ever since. That was-
-Don't lose your spunk, and fight for what is right!

I am now an 81-year old retiree after more than 35
years in the electronics industry. And, I think of Ray
often, how much fun we had flying the jets, and his
invaluable advice.

Best regards,

Jim

Keywords: Flying with Capt. Ray Moeckel in 1955-57

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Donald Jack Paul wrote on September 6, 2012

Send Email To DONALD JACK PAUL

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City and State: DESERT HILLS AZ

Unit: 154TH FBS/136TH FBW

Service or Relationship: Air Force Veteran

Comments: I have written and published a book about my time
with the 154th in Japan, at Itazuke, and Korea, at
K2. It's title is My Short (But Exciting) Time With
The Military. It was published by Trafford
Publishing and can be found at either Google or
Amazon. Look it up and buy it if you are interested.
Thanks, Don Paul.

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Benton R. Markham JR. wrote on April 30, 2012

Email Update Needed

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City and State: SUN CITY CA

Unit: 136TH FIGHTER BOMBER WING

Service or Relationship: Air Force Veteran

Comments: For any reading this who might remember Thomas
Russellwho served with the 136th F/B Wing, Maint.
Sqdn. at Itazuke AB from June 1951 - June 1952.
Tom passed away on July 28, 2011 in Assonet, MA from
heart failure at age 82. Tom was a proud AF vetern
and served his country proudly during the Korean War.
Tom was in the hanger when the C-47 crashed through
the hanger, and was instrumental is helping evacuate
the wounded. God rest Tom Russell.

Keywords: Personal Friends

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Julia Robinson wrote on August 27, 2010

Send Email To JULIA ROBINSON

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City and State: AUSTIN TX

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Family Member

Comments: Hi All,

I'm looking for remembrances, photos, stories of my grandfather Captain Hugh F. Larkin. He went by the nickname "Sam" in his unit. He disappeared after a rail cutting mission on Dec. 5, 1951 when he was shot down by a MiG. Other pilots saw him eject but could not see if/where he landed and a later search found no wreckage of the plane which was 10 miles off the west coast, north of Pyongyang.

We have some photos of Hugh hanging out with other pilots in our family's possession that I would love to pass on to others. I'll get those online and post the names if we have them.

Thanks so much for anything you can relate.

-Julia

Keywords: 136th Fighter Bomber Wing, Hugh Francis "Sam" Larkin, F-84, K-2, Taegu, MIA

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Julie Fuller wrote on March 3, 2009

Email Update Needed

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City and State:

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Interested Person

Comments: I am trying to assist a SCARWAF veteran with locating information regarding a F-86 crash that killed quite a few of the men in his engineering unit at K-14 (he is not certain it was K-14).

Keywords: SCARWAF, K-14, F-86 crash at end of runway killing engineering team

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Paige Brock-Irving wrote on April 13, 2008

Email Update Needed

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City and State: MILTON FL

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Family Member

Comments:

Keywords: My father has mourned his favorite uncle, Jack Brock, shot down over North Korea, since the 50s. Jack was a fighter pilot, his wing-man saw no eject...plane down, no chute...Jack Brock was from Englewood, TN...any news, info would be appreciated to bring my dad peace...

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Michael Modica wrote on July 23, 2007

Email Update Needed

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City and State: WEBSTER TX

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Air Force Veteran

Comments: I am working on a research project on the 136th during the Korean War. I have the unit histoy's from the Air Force. I am looking for family documents (letters, journals, or photos)that individuals assigned to the units kept. If you have any information, please call. Also, if any members are still alove, I would be interested in meeting with them.

Thanks,

Keywords: 136TH, 111TH, 154TH, AND 182ND

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Cecil W. Davidson wrote on April 21, 2007

Email Update Needed

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City and State: HOUSTON TX

Unit: 136 FBW - 608 AC-W SQDN.

Service or Relationship: Air Force Veteran

Comments: As a member of the 136 FBW, I arrived at Itazuke AFB, Japan in June 1951. Shortly after arrival I was assigned to the motor pool as one of the night dispatchers. In January 1952 I was transferred to the 608 AC and W Sqdn. near K18 and near Kangnung, Korea. At first I was the only motor pool dispatcher; however, due to boredom I was allowed to trade jobs with another airman and became a driver. In May 1952 I was promoted to S/Sgt. at the ripe old age of 18 and in late June I departed Korea. In late July 1952 I was released from active duty and returned to Dallas, Texas. I welcome any communications from former members of the 136th or 608th. Cecil Davidson, Houston, Texas

Keywords: 136 Fighter Bomber Wing, Itazuke AFB, Japan - 608 AC and W Sqdn., Near K18 and Near Kangnung, Korea

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Chris Carey wrote on July 5, 2006

Email Update Needed

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City and State:

Unit: USAF 862ND MEDICAL GROUP, MAFB

Service or Relationship: Air Force Veteran

Comments: Searching for any information relating to a USAF Republic F-84D Thunderjet flown (reportedly) by the 136th Fighter Bomber Wing. Aircraft tail number was 48-0758(N?). This aircraft reportedly was destroyed when it was flown into a hill in 1952, but no details are known. Please contact if you have any further information on this aircraft or personnel associated with it, in either aircrew or support roles. Thank you.

Keywords: Aircraft Thunderjet F-84D 136th FBW ejection egress lifesupport USAF Republic

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Leslie Yep wrote on May 24, 2006

Send Email To LESLIE YEP

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City and State: MORENO VALLEY CA

Unit: 136 FIGHTER BOMBER WING K-29

Service or Relationship: Family Member

Comments: Bill Ewen was kind enough to direct me to this website.
I called my dad and read him some of the names, dates, units and letter...wow! What a reaction I got! For a man who hasn't seen or heard from anyone he served with; who has only given his wife and kids snippets of memories; who has steadfastly insisted that he doesn't want to talk about it or remember his time there-well, he ran my cellphone battery down to nothing! Many of the names I read were kind of familiar-but he wasn't sure....I really ticked him off by suggesting that there were plenty more vets just like him who weren't connected to the Internet! I hope that anyone who served '51-'53 will get in touch, because my dad really needs this, and just maybe he can help someone else talk, too.
He did come up with 2 names for me: a guy whose nickname was Jinx that kidded around with Dad; and an O.J. Harpey (or Harkey), from the National Guard Unit from Arkansas- Harkey from Arky he called him. Dad said Harkey knew he wanted on the football team in Japan, and was tackling him all the time.
My dad was on a plane that he had helped repair (he was a mechanic), and the pilot took him up on a test run, which he wasn't supposed to be doing. The plane crashed, or made an emergency landing, and Dad was the only injury, because he had taken off his safety belt and had jumped up to look at something just as the dive began. He consequently got tossed and had his shoulder blade crushed-and sustained a massive concussion. He spent 6 months in a military hospital in Japan. He says after he regained consciousness, he was told he scared the bejesus out of the medical personel by getting out of bed the same day, trying to report for football practice, very upset that he couldn't find his uniform.
He also told me of one time that he ended up on guard duty one night, in the hangar where he worked. There had been enemy forces close by earlier, and he was very nervous. His buddies slithered away, leaving him (he thought) all alone. As he patrolled, gripping his rifle with all his might, he listened to all the weird noises you hear in the hangar at night. The guys crawled up to the back side of the hangar and threw handsful of gravel at the corrugated metal roof. Dad thought he was under attack and emptied his clip, yelling for help. Guess he raised quite a ruckus, because there was a large response-ending with all of them being disciplined for the bs instead of business.
My dad's full name is Michael Paul Derby, born in Mississipi, raised in Louisiana and California. He wanted to be a pilot, but was deaf in 1 ear, so he was trained as an airplane mechanic instead. He was a motorcycle nut, who used to sneak offbase to ride home to see my mother every chance he could when he was stationed in Ca. I believe he finished out his medical in S.F., and got shipped to Tulle, Greenland before his tour was done.
All my brothers and I knew of his service as kids was that if you burned a candle in the house while Dad was asleep, he would wake up yelling, and be completely dressed by the time his feet hit the last stair! We knew he had "nightmares" but never knew they were flashbacks until we were adults.
I hope this triggers some memories for anyone out there, that would like to write back! I will print out any responses and take them to Dad! He is 74 now, and I hope that others can remind him that all who served are remembered and appreciated now. Thanks.

Keywords: Units, personal friends, aircraft, remembrances

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Benton R. Markham JR. wrote on December 19, 2005

Email Update Needed

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City and State: SUN CITY CA

Unit: 136TH MAINT. SQDN 136TH FB WING

Service or Relationship: Air Force Veteran

Comments:

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Orville Weale SR. wrote on November 29, 2005

Email Update Needed

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City and State: BRACEY VA

Unit: 368TH FIGHTER GROUP - 396TH FIGHTER SQUADREN

Service or Relationship: Air Force Veteran

Comments: He was a great Officer to work under, an excellent Pilot, and just a GREAT individual all round. We miss him.

Keywords: Looking to find out any information about a Lt. Edward Lockey, a P-47 pilot with the 368th Fighter Group, from 1945-'46 at Henry Field in Straubing Germany. He was the Supply Officer in Headquarters during this period. I left to return to the USA in August of '46, while he was still there. The 368th ceased operations on August 20th of '46 He was having some problem with his marriage, but signed up for another hitch. I understand he went to Korea, and flew F-80's or F-86's, and was shot down in that area. Anyone with information please contact me at Keep them FLYING, Orville.

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Philip Bilsky JR. wrote on October 31, 2005

Email Update Needed

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City and State:

Unit: 136 MXS

Service or Relationship: Interested Person

Comments: I am doing unit lineage research concerning the 136th Airlift Wing to expand the 136 Silver Eagles website http://136thsilvereagles.org/lineage/index.htm

If anyone can contribute information or pics it would be greatly appreciated.

Keywords: 136 FBW, F86

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Gregg Kiely wrote on October 15, 2005

Send Email To GREGG KIELY

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City and State: SCOTTSDALE AZ

Unit: N/A

Service or Relationship: Family Member

Comments: Hello all. I am a 51 yr old Air Force brat, son of late Lt. Col. George A. Kiely--retired later in 1966 as bird Colonel--who was Comptroller (of Western PACAF) at Itazuke from Summer 1961 to June 1964. Our family joined from Virginia in June 1962. Height of the Cold War as you all know, as a school kid remember having "real" air raid drill(s) from schooyard with 102s escorting Russian Mig(s) out of our airspace. Squadron of F-100s when we first arrived got replaced with F-105s. The latter ended up being one of the first (if not first) to go to Vietnam (Thailand), thus shutting down the base and turning back over to Fukuoka Airport, which had the other side the runway anyway. That ended our stay as well, of course. F-102s I think remained throughout for above duty. Also as a kid, my friends and I would venture over to Brady Beach (an Air Force administrative annex?) on weekends and "play war" on the beach which was remarkably like (from pictures) Normandy, what with Japanese WWII defense pill boxes still there with some rusted armament still in place! For us kids the colder and wetter and more scraped up we got the better. Naive kids! We hid from Air Force MPs by digging foxholes in the sand dunes underneath the pine bushes...as this area was (supposedly - heh heh) off limits. Great time (for family) in Japan. My father had been the computer operation manager for the Pentagon before his assignment in Japan, and prior to that his first love for many years an instructor pilot...including B-17s and A-20s (his specific first loves) and B-29s, among others. Never did take kindly to desk work and would occasionally comandeer a T-33 to go to a meeting up in Yakota or Tachikawa! In our first year there, we lived out in the paddies in Futsukaichi..on a litle hill with houses reserved for Air Force personnel/family. Beautiful living at the base of Mt. Tempai. 2nd year we moved in (maybe since others had along with their kids) to the base. Not nearly as unique/interesting a life there. Weekends we'd venture to places like Shimanoseki, Nagasaki, Sasebo, Unzen, Aso, and Asahi where there was still a squadron of Korean War F-86s given over to the Japan Air Defense command..all lined up on the runway...you could just walk out on it among them--what a different day! Also an adventure up to Iwakuni (Marine base on Honshu) for Little League championships. Father talked the admiral into his Teak decked PT boat giving the team a cruise out into the Inland Sea between Honshu and Shikoku. One of our Colonels lost his life piloting in a F-105 accident in Korea--sorry forget the name but I believe somewhat of a Polish-descent type name? Another name from the base, one of my father's cohorts--Lt. Col. or Col. Parks? Sorry, others escape me...I was only 8-10 afterall but not a bad memory of our adventures there otherwise! Would be great to hear from other Itazukeans! Regards.

Keywords: Itazuke, F-105, F-100, F-102

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Edward Francis Unser SR. wrote on June 23, 2005

Send Email To EDWARD FRANCIS UNSER

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City and State: SUFFOLK VA

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Air Force Veteran

Comments: To contact Ed Unser use his daughter's email address.:)

Keywords:

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Robert Haney wrote on June 10, 2005

Email Update Needed

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City and State: STEWARTSVILLE NJ

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Family Member

Comments: My Uncle Leroy Stanland was a pilot and flew over 50 missions as I understand it. Also lost one F-84 on take off due to engine failure. I'd like to know if anyone rememebers him or had any details about his time in the unit.

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Gary Peterson wrote on December 25, 2004

Send Email To GARY PETERSON

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City and State: POULSBO WA

Unit: 8TH MUNITIONS MAINTENANCE SQ.

Service or Relationship: Interested Person

Comments: I was stationed at Itazuke from 1961-'63 and 1965-'67. Assigned to TOF, Itazuke Munitions Storage Area and Yamada Amunition Depot. Would be interseted to hear about these places. I was last there in 2002. TOF is an Olympic class sports stadium, the bomb dump is tennis courts and no one knows that Yamada ever existed.

Keywords: Yamada, Kokura, TOF, Itazuke

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Bob Borum wrote on November 7, 2004

Email Update Needed

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City and State: METROPOLIS IL

Unit: 136 TH FIGHTERWING

Service or Relationship: Air Force Veteran - Korea

Comments:

Keywords:

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Bill Shaw wrote on October 24, 2004

Email Update Needed

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City and State: DESOTO TX

Unit: 136TH FIGHTER-BOMBER WING, HQS SQ

Service or Relationship: Air Force Veteran - Korea

Comments: Hoping to reconnect with wingman of Wing Cmdr Col. Al Prendergast on his final fatal sortie from Taegu when he ran out of fuel over Pusan on returning from the front in 1951. This pilot, whose name I cannot now recall, graciously told me all about the incident a couple years ago in personal email. Unfortunately, my computer crash lost all his email and that information, and I would be most grateful to have it again for my personal memoirs now in progress. Many thanks to anyone who can help.

Keywords: Hqs Squadron, Advance Unit Itazuke Japan, 1951,
Materiel Div clerk with Major John Caulfield; then sent to Taegu AB Korea in same job.

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Thomas A. (Tom) Roussell wrote on February 6, 2004

Email Update Needed

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City and State: ASSONET MA

Unit: 136 FBW 136 MAINTENANCE SQD

Service or Relationship: Air Force Veteran - Korea

Comments: 1951-1952 fukuoka afb japan

Keywords: f-84

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Matt Paige wrote on December 25, 2003

Email Update Needed

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City and State:

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Family Member

Comments: Gentleman

I'm looking for any personal recollections of 1lt Harry Garman. He flew with the 154th FBS and was killed 13 Mar 52.
His family recieved a letter from the Squadron Commander with a brief note about his service. What his family is looking for is a better understanding of what he did during in time in Korea. thanks for any help you can lend.

Major Matt Paige

Keywords: Personal Friends

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LuAnn Mims wrote on December 21, 2003

Email Update Needed

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City and State: WILMINGTON NC

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Friend of Veteran

Comments: My dad is recently widowed and now lives to talk about his Korean experience. I am looking for anyone that may have been part of his group in Okinawa. After the war he lived in the mid-west for a number of years as a feed sales man until he got a job with General Electric in the late '60s. Any one hwo might remember the name John Mims please contact me.
Thanks

Keywords: South Sea Sinner - B-29 Bomber pilot

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Andrew Longo wrote on January 30, 2003

Email Update Needed

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City and State: KATY TX

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Family Member

Comments: I am a cousin of Thomas. He died in 1957 (aprox) when I was in high school. I was wondering if I could find any record of him on the web. When I searched I found your site which has him listed as one you wish to contact. Tommy died while on active duty. His aircraft flamed out over Grant, New Mexico. He and his co-pilot bailed out. Owing to the 40 mph surface wins, Tommy did not survive. His co-pilot did. I would like to contact anyone that knew him while he was in the service.
Andy Longo
longoap@ev1.net

Keywords: Tommy was known as "Stinger" according to a notation on the reverse of one of his photos taken in Korea.

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Gerri Montgomery Prescott wrote on December 27, 2002

Email Update Needed

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City and State: ESTILL SPRINGS TN

Unit: 136TH FIGHTER BOMBER GROUP

Service or Relationship: Family Member

Comments: My father, Lt. Col. Gerald Emerson Montgomery was the deputy wing commander of the 136th FBG, 136th FBW from 1951 - March 3,1952 when he was shot down in North Korea and became missing. I have been looking for men who flew with my father on his last mission, or those who capped the area after he was shot down. I also would like to know if the 136th has a reunion group? Anyone with any information, I would love to hear from you. Thank you.

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Tom Shytle wrote on December 11, 2002

Send Email To TOM SHYTLE

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City and State: BLACKSBURG SC

Unit: 136TH COMM SQ/58TH COMM SQ

Service or Relationship: Air Force Veteran - Korea

Comments: email update to message 61773

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Michael Modica wrote on October 8, 2002

Email Update Needed

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City and State:

Unit: 147TH FW

Service or Relationship: Interested Person

Comments: I am writing an article concerning the 136th FBG while they were activated in Japan and Korea. I need information from vets. when were assigned to any of the subordinate squadrons (111, 182, and 154).

Thanks

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William E. (Bill) Ewen wrote on September 19, 2002

Deceased

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City and State: MONTROSE CO

Unit: 136TH SUPPLY BOMB DUMP

Service or Relationship: -

Comments: K-2 1952-1953

JUST FOUND THIS SITE. FOUND THE COMMENTS INTERESTING, BRINGS BACK LOTS OF MEMORIES, SOME GOOD SOME BAD.

IF ANY OTHER 136TH BOMB DUMP PEOPLE ARE OUT THEIR WOULD BE GLAD TO HEAR FROM THEM.

Keywords: 136 FBW BOMB DUMP K2 1952-1953

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William T. Hutchinson wrote on September 12, 2002

Send Email To WILLIAM T. HUTCHINSON

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City and State: DALLAS TX

Unit: 136TH MAINTANCE SQ.

Service or Relationship: Air Force Veteran - Korea

Comments: Was SGT 136th MAINTANCE SQ. Machine shop. Just exited the hanger as the A/C impacted the other end. We moved injured away from the fire. Then helped the medic move them out. Had a master role call that evening to find the missing. Lost pergonal on the maintance dock . That was a long day.

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Donald G. (Don) Putnam wrote on July 12, 2002

Send Email To DONALD G. (DON) PUTNAM

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City and State: CHARLOTTE NC

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Air Force Veteran - Korea

Comments: Some time ago I posted here, that I had an 8x11 black and white photo of 4 pilots of the 136th, taken at K-2, sept 1952,I offered the photo to anyone who may have known any of the airmen. I am pleased to say that the grandson of then 1st Lt Raymond Moeckel has contacted me. Scott Moeckel lives in Atlanta Ga, he is also a USAF vet,,as is his father Ronald. I have been corresponding (e-mail)with several members of the Moeckel family. I have sent the photo to Scott, he informs me it was shared with all the family and is now framed and sits in his home entertainment center. Scott never knew his grandfather. After Korea, moreckel continued his love of flying and his service to our country as a test pilot in the USAF, Capt. Raymond Moeckel died testing the then new F-104 whild stationed at Hamiliton AFB , California.Date, April 20,1958, The captain leaves behind seven children, twenty-four grand children and fourteen great grand children,with three more expected this year, It is sad to say his widow Wilma Moeckel joined her husband on Christmas Day 2001, she passed away suddenly after turning eighty-five years of age the week before. She was a strong force in the family after the captians death, she was proud of the direction each child would take in this life.

I am reminded of the saying "A picture is the window of the past, frozen in time" Perhaps you have an old photo or two that could bring worlds of joy to someone, as my sending the 50 year old photo to the Moeckel family..

Keywords: 4 pilots of the 136th bighter bomber group

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Clarence W. (Bill) Owens wrote on June 6, 2002

Deceased

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City and State: PINELLAS PARK FL

Unit: HQ 136TH FIGHTER BOMBER WING, ITAZUKE JAPAN

Service or Relationship: Air Force Veteran - Korea

Comments: Hq 136th Fighter Bomber Wing, Itazuke Japan

Keywords: June 1951 - July 1952

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Jonathan Strickland wrote on May 10, 2002

Email Update Needed

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City and State: CHARLOTTE NC

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Interested Person

Comments: I am interested in any recollections of Astronaut Wally Schirra's service with the 154th FBS. I am a modeler who is working on a project titled "Before they were Astronauts ..." and would like to include a model of an F-84E flown by Schirra. (Having a representative aircraft in the collection from an ANG unit is a big plus, too)

Keywords: Astronaut Schirra F-84E 154th FBS

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Tom Shytle wrote on March 6, 2002

Send Email To TOM SHYTLE

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City and State: BLACKSBURG SC

Unit: 136TH COMM. SQ

Service or Relationship: Air Force Veteran - Korea

Comments: Just returned from a visit with an old buddy from Itazuke and K-2: Tom Nesbitt in Wetumpka, Ala. We discussed the possibility of a reunion of 136th/58th Comm. Sq. Has anyone ever tried to organize such a reunion ? If so, where and when ? Is another reunion planned ? We looked at a bunch of old pictures and identified some of the people. After 50 years there may be some of them left that would be interested in a reunion to talk about the Fukuoka cabarets, among other things.

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Harold (Harry) Fanning wrote on April 15, 2001

Send Email To HAROLD (HARRY) FANNING

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City and State: KANEOHE HI

Unit: 49 - 58TH FIGHTER BOMBER WING

Service or Relationship: Air Force Veteran - Korea

Comments: On September 5, 2000,via Olympus Travel in L.A.,and Korean Airlines from Honolulu, my wife and I flew to Taegu via Seoul. We were met in Seoul by Captain Lee and Sgt. Harmon and put on the plane to Taegu where to our surprise we landed on the old K-2 runway, although it looked like downtown Taegu. We were met in an army vehicle by Sgt.Brock and taken to the Taegu Grand Hotel.
The city has grown some 5 or 6 miles to just off the runway. The next morning we were met at the Taegu Grand by Major Cox and his team and taken to K-2. There I was introduced to Lt. Col. Lee and Lt. Col. Quon who is the commander of the fighter group there. I was given a tour of the base and to my surprised given a gift belt company insignia watch from the commanding general who was then in Taegon. The base is now a part of the Korean Air Force and the American contingent is very small. The base has changed so much with trees and oriental gardens it is beyond belief, where when I was there is was dry and dusty (1952/53). Out side of our hotel in Taegu there is a highway 14 lanes wide filled with traffic whereas my photo shows a man with a bull pulling a cart in 1952. I was taken to the headquarters building and treated like a returning base commander although while there I only had a few stripes. The reason for this hospitality was my contact via email and the process going through some Korean govenment agencies who responded in kind. I was told that I was the first serviceman to return representing war times. I was embarrassed due to the attention. I only saw one Japanese airplane revetment and one oriental roof building on the hillside remaining from the 1952 days. I just happen to have a photo of that same building with me. Major Cox did an outstanding job, and afterwards took us to the train station where the following day we took a marvellous train north to Seoul where we joined 21 others for the veterans reunion group. In addition to a fantastic tour of Seoul, the DMZ and Inchon we were awarded medals at our two ceremonies in Seoul, one by the Korean War Veterans group and the other by the American Navy League. Afterwards we joined some of the others and went to HongKong and China before returning home. It was a fantastic trip and only cost about $6,000. for a 23 day trip which included Korea, Hongkong and China for my wife and me. I can send you information if you would email me. A week later, Don Paul, followed some of my footsteps and sent me some fantastic photos via email. This reunion represented an important milestone for me and I wanted to show my wife, Flo where I had been stationed during the conflict. I advise all veterans to return and make time to see the base, you won't believe the changes. The Korean hospitality was tremendous. I will be happy to communicate with any of you, and to tell you the truth if I had to relive my original time on K-2, I would do it over, which seemingly is not the view of those I have so far contacted. Aloha, Harry

Keywords: Revisit to K-2

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Jamie Warnock wrote on April 13, 2001

Email Update Needed

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City and State: REDDING CA

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Interested Person

Comments: I am in World History and we (my class and I) got in the debate on weather the people who were not on the front line where important and deserved to be called a veteran. What do you think??

Keywords: World History Project

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Carroll Hicks JR. wrote on April 8, 2001

Email Update Needed

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City and State: NORTH CHARLESTON SC

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Air Force Veteran - Korea

Comments: Would like to inform you that I located th Pilot assigned my aircraft in 1952-1953 (100) missions. His name is Ralph Gatell. He flew for civilian airlines after discharge from the Air Force His e-mail address is Rafi30@aol.com This was while assigned 310th FBS K-2 Korea. Would like to hear from anyone that was there .Ret. CMS Carroll V. Hicks Jr.

Keywords: F-84G aircraft.

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Benton R. Markham JR. wrote on December 28, 2000

Email Update Needed

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City and State: SUN CITY CA

Unit: 136TH MAINT. SQDN. 136TH F/B WING

Service or Relationship: -

Comments: 136TH MAINT. SQDN. 136TH F/B WING

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Louis Steve Basura wrote on October 13, 2000

Send Email To LOUIS STEVE BASURA

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City and State: APPLE VALLEY CA

Unit: 80TH FIGHTER SQSUWON

Service or Relationship: Air Force Veteran - Korea

Comments: Would like to know if any of my buddies are out there.I was stationed at K14 in 1952 close to the end of the year.The long cold nights on the line and hoping we would not get shot at.I left a lot of my buddies behind but Iwill never forget there names they will live in sprit and as Iam growing old I hope that the poeple of Korea will never forget what we did there,only God Knows A/1c Louis S Basura

Keywords: 8th Fighter Bomber Group Editor Note: Daughter Mary is handling any emai. Louis is in failing health

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Louis S. Basura wrote on October 13, 2000

Send Email To LOUIS S. BASURA

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City and State: APPLE VALLEY CA

Unit: 80TH FIGHTER SQSUWON

Service or Relationship: Air Force Veteran - Korea

Comments: Want to know if any of my buddies are out there.When we stationed at K14 in 1952 close to the end of the year and remember the long nights on the line,when it was cold as hell and hoping we would not get shot.Iwill always remember the fiends who never came home.,there names Iwill never forget.Iam growing old now and hoping that country will never forget for what we did to save them. A/1c Louis S Basura

Keywords: Suwon Korea, K14 and K13 8 Fighter Bomber Group Editor Note: Daughter Mary is handling any emai. Louis is in failing health

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Debbie Tice wrote on September 28, 2000

Email Update Needed

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City and State: COTTONWOOD AL

Unit: 136TH

Service or Relationship: Family Member

Comments: I am so very proud of each person who served in the Korean Conflict. My father just got his Medal today. He served as a Teletype with the 136th/58th from Feb.1952 untilDec. 1953 when he came home to ENT AFB in Colorado Springs,Co. He served with the 42nd Com Squad there.
THANK YOU!!!!! ALL of you.
Debbie Tice

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Clarence W. (Bill) Owens wrote on September 5, 2000

Deceased

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City and State: PINELLAS PARK FL

Unit: HQ, 136TH FBW

Service or Relationship: Air Force Veteran - Korea

Comments: Out of 7 years in the USAF, I served 38 months overseas, most of them at good old Itazuke Air Base.

While I was stationed at Lowry AB, Denver CO, as an Instructor Supervisor at the USAF Personnel School, I saw a chance to Germany with the 136th Fighter Bomber Wing being activated in about April 1951, so I volunteered. I arrived at Langley AB sometime in June 1951 and discovered that the 136th was going to go to APO 929 and 970. The orders had been changed and I got to go along. I had previously been assigned to Itazuke from 1947 to 1949 with the 1955th AACS Sq so I settled into the idead that I was "going home".
As a matter of fact I lived in the same barracks and in the same room.

I transferred with the 136 Med Group as a temp. first sergeant and later joined wing Hq personnel dept. It was an interesting flight when the people on board found out I had spent 2 years at that location.

I look back with fond memories in spite of some horrible circumstances. I am proud to have served with the 136th FBW and got to know some real "champions" while I was there. Sorry to say, being in personnel, I can't remember too many names.

I did not begin to research this until a few weeks ago and I find I have practically no pictures or items left from that time.

I did discover that Itazuke AB was probably the Shonen Hiko Gakko, Youth Pilot Training School, Tachiarai, Fukuoka, Japan. In other words, a Kamikaze training base. When I was first there we had young men that cleaned our barracks and one I got to know said that he was in training there when the war was over.

Since I got into this and reading all the mail on this site a lot of memories have been coming back.

I was in and out of K-2 and remember this. I remember the steel mat runways, the early morning take offs so the heavy planes could get off the ground. I remember the JATO, jet assisted take off. I remember that there could be an inch of dust blowing on the ground and a few inches of mud underneath that. I guess that was because of the rice paddies.

I remember "bomb alley" across the mountain where the planes went when they returned with a "hung up bomb." and the KABOOM that we heard.

At the Itazuke repair depot, I remember planes coming in shot up and with their tails half burned
off. We did not know whether they just wore out or it was from kicking in the after-burner when their bomb load was dropped. I seem to remember the pilots talking about "Getting out of there and high-tailing for base!

We had F-51s during my earlier stay at Itazuke and then F-80s (straight wing) and F-84s (swept wing)

The guys who worked the docks were heros too. I had watched change out engines that were so hot they had to wear special gloves. That is why that C-47 crash in December 1951 shook me up so much - that's where it went - right into the top of the hanger, splitting apart, some going into the hanger and the rest sliding out over the dock areas.

It is a miracle that I am alive today. I was on the manifest to take that flight. It was overloaded and they asked volunteers to wait for the next flight the next day. They had a lot of personnel and parts on that plane that I figured they needed there more than me. So I called and cancelled about 5 minutes before the flight. Since I had spent some time with the Medical Group I went over to help. It was a sight I will never forget - especially a warrant officer that I was friends with. He was still alive when they got him to the dispensary, but he was almost crisp all over. He only lasted a few minutes.

We stayed so busy that the time went pretty fast. Most of my memories of Japan, the area and the culture are mostly of an earlier much slower time.

I returned to the US in late July 1952 when the wing was deactivated going to Montgomery AL. From there we activated the 3580th Pilot Training Wing, Foster AFB, Victoria Texas. I was discharged in 1953.

I want to greet all the Texas and Arkansas members of the 136th that read this. I was born and raised in southern Missouri.

T\Sgt Clarence W. Owens
AF 16234276

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Carroll Hicks JR. wrote on September 2, 2000

Email Update Needed

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City and State: NORTH CHARLESTON SC

Unit: 310TH FTR. BOMB SQDN

Service or Relationship: Marine Veteran - Korea

Comments: Interested in hearing from anyone who was ther at that time.
Ret. CMS Carroll V. Hicks Jr.

Keywords: Nick-name "CV" crew chief F-84 Tail NO. 467, Pilot assigned Lt. Ralph Gatell. Stationed at K2 52-53 Rotated to Bergstrom AFB, Austin, Texas. SAC FIghter Wing !@th and 27th.

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Harold (Harry) Fanning wrote on July 30, 2000

Send Email To HAROLD (HARRY) FANNING

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City and State: KANEOHE HI

Unit: 49TH AND 58TH FIGHTER BOMBER WING

Service or Relationship: Air Force Veteran - Korea

Comments: I was at K-2 for almost a year. The only exciting thing to claim was a guerrilla attack one night while watching an "outdoor movie". I was an enlisted man operating a transet billet and did odd jobs as an enlisted man, including inspection of all physical facilities. I have lots of photos.
My wife and are travelling to Seoul for the comemoration ceremonies in early September 2000. This trip is fostered by the Korean National Tourism Organization, Korean Navy League, Asiana Airlines and the U. N.Korean War Allies Association. The trip is arranged by Olympus Travel in Los Angeles and is around $1,100 from Hawaii, including all meals, housing, entertainment and travel. but first flying to Taegu in order to go on the old K-2 base which is now operated by the Korean Air Force. I am interested in knowing of anyone else who might like to join us there. I have permission forms for requesting entry. Further travel to China and Hong Kong is only another $1,900. Send me an email or call if you need other information.

Keywords: Stationed at K-2 Air Force Base

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Karen Barnes wrote on March 29, 2000

Email Update Needed

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City and State:

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Family Member

Comments: I am trying to find anyone who knew my father, John Rowland from Dalas, TX. He passed away when I was 8 and I don't know much about him. (He and my mother divorced when I was 5 and he moved to California when I was 6 or 7).

I've read his letters that he wrote home and he mentions these names: Dobie, Murl, Jarrel, Billy Palmer, Ray, Bill, Hodge, Donald Green, Capt. Ray or (Roy) Matthews, and Maj. Biddle.

He was at Langley in Va. for awhile, then in Japan. It seems he worked in a warehouse for awhile. If you rememeber him I would appreciate hearing from you.

Keywords: 136 FTR Bomber Wing
136 Supply Sqd.
friends

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Benton R. Markham JR. wrote on January 24, 2000

Email Update Needed

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City and State: SUN CITY CA

Unit: 136TH FB WING

Service or Relationship: Air Force Veteran - Korea

Comments: I would like to communicate with anyone who
remembers when the C-47 crashed through the
136th Maint. Sqdn. Hanger...Dec 27, 1951
I was in an area at the top and front of the
hanger. Te C-47 peeled off and came through the
top, between my shop chief and myself. It was a
very tragic event for an 18 year old boy far from
home. Most of the guys on the plane were killed
as well as 11 men on the ground in the hydraulic
area. The runway was under repair so the plane(s)
were taking off of the apron. If they were using the runway, it would have crashed in a rice paddy
beyond the maintenance area, I believe. Would love
to hear from anyone in the Maint. Sqdn. during those days.

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Edward B. Unser wrote on December 28, 1999

Email Update Needed

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City and State: VA

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Air Force Veteran - Korea

Comments: I am responding to the message by Donald J. Paul concerning the 154th Fighter-Bomber (FB) Squadron of the 16th FB Wing. This Wing consisted of one Arkansas Air National Guard squadron (the 154th) and two Texas Air National Guard squadrons. I was recalled to active duty with the 10th Air Reserve FB Squadron on April 14, 1951. I hadn't flown since September 1945 but, after 10 hrs. in the back seat of an AT-6 and two hours in the back seat of a T-33, I was checked out in an F84E. I found the F84 to be quite different from the P-51s I was flying when WWII ended, but it was an easy aircraft to fly. The 10th FB Squadron was absorbed by the 154th FB Squadron. We left Langley AFB on July 4, 1951 and went to Itazuke, Japan where I flew my first combat missions. After a short time at Itazuke, the 154th/136th was transferred to K2 at Taequ, Korea. I completed 100 combat missions in February 1952 (our 154th aircraft maintenance personnel performed superb work) and was rotated back to the states where I flew F84Gs until I was released from active duty in May 1952. I would take mild exception to Don's statement about B-29 escort missions. What bothered us the most was anti-aircraft (AA) fire which caused most of our losses. After all, the MIGs were after the B29s, not the F84s. Of course the story was different when we were on interdiction missions. But the F84 was not very good at escorting B29s because the MIGs were slightly faster and, with swept-back wings, could dive much faster. They also could climb faster than the F84s. The F84 escort pilots felt bad because we couldn't keep the MIGs away from the B-29s.
I think I know of the story Don referred to about the pilots who saved a fellow pilot. I believe the story is about John Paladina who passed out from lack of oxygen while flying at high altitude. As his plane started to vere off course, Lt. McArthur and Capt. Miller saw a problem, got John to retard his throttle and then aligned themselves on either side. They kept John's plane from spiraling until a lower altitude was reached, and John regained consciousness and regained control of his aircraft. John was my flight leader but I didn't fly with him that day. I can tell you other stories about my personal experiences and about other pilots who went down over Korea. Incidentally, Don, you may remember that Wally Schirra, the astronaut, flew 20 missions with the 154th.

Edward F. Unser

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Benton R. Markham JR. wrote on November 8, 1999

Email Update Needed

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City and State: SUN CITY CA

Unit: 136TH BOMB WNG - 67TH TACRECON

Service or Relationship:

Comments: 136TH BOMB WNG and 67TH TACRECON

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Thomas A. (Tom) Roussell wrote on May 14, 1999

Email Update Needed

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City and State: ASSONET MA

Unit: USAF 136 FTR-BMR

Service or Relationship:

Comments: I have photos taken of the C-47 crash at Itasuki in 1951.

Keywords: usaf 136 ftr-bmr korean

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John T. (Jack) Walker wrote on March 4, 1999

Email Update Needed

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City and State: BRIDGEPORT WV

Unit: 136TH FIGHTER BOMBER WING

Service or Relationship:

Comments: Hometown when in Korea was Pittsburgh, PA.
Arrived Korea April, 1951 thru August, 1952.
Served in Communications Squadron of the 136th Fighter Bomber Wing as a Radio Operator. This unit was divided between Itazuke AFB in Fukuoka, Japan and K-2 Taegu, Korea. Rank while in Korea was A1/c. Prior to Korea was stationed at Langley AFB, Virginia. Post Korea stationed (1-year) at
Selfridge AFB,Michigan,Discharged October,1953.
Training at Lackland,1949 and Camp Gordon, 1950

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