Under the direct operational control of Far East Air Forces and with electronic countermeasures as the primary mission, the 31st Strategic Reconnaissance Squadron (SRS) on June 29, 1950, began flying combat missions to provide FEAF Bomber Command with target and bomb-damage assessment photography. By July 12, it had moved to Japan in order to provide developed pictures as soon as possible. On October 18, foreshadowing the Chinese intervention, a 31st SRS RB-29 crew observed more than seventy-five enemy fighters parked at Antung Airfield, across the Yalu River. Effective November 15, the 31st SRS moved on paper to join the 5th Strategic Reconnaissance Wing at Beale AFB, California, to be replaced by the 91st SRS.
Stations
Kadena AB, Okinawa, -July 11, 1950; Yokota AB, Japan, c. July 12, 1950; Johnson AB, Japan, August 14-November 15, 1950.
Entry: 100728
Subject: 31ST & 91ST STRATEGIC RECONNAISSANCE SQUADRONS
Subject: 31ST & 91ST STRATEGIC RECONNAISSANCE SQUADRONS
James F. Bard JR. wrote on May 20, 2022
City and State: WESTMINSTER MD
Unit: 91ST STRATEGIC RECONNAISSANCE WING
Service or Relationship: Air Force
Comments: The personnel and equipment (including aircraft) of the 31st SRS were transferred to the 91st SRS effective 15 November 1950.
Keywords:
Entry: 96203
Subject: 9 NOV 50 CRASH
Subject: 9 NOV 50 CRASH
David Wilson wrote on August 20, 2018
City and State: BELLEVILLE IL
Unit:
Service or Relationship: Major, USAF Ret
Comments: Does anyone have a crew list for the 9 Nov 50 crash of 44-61813 at Johnson AB? I believe that SSgt Walter E O'Laughlin was a gunner in the rear compartment on that mission. He is credited with a Purple Heart at Sinanju Korea on that date and was a member, possibly TDY to, the 31 SRS. He was transferred to the 91SRS a few days later, and returned CONUS shortly after that.
Keywords: Sinanju, O'Laughlin, Johnson AB, 44-61813
Entry: 95219
Subject: MARGIES MAD GREEK III
Subject: MARGIES MAD GREEK III
Wick Humble wrote on January 1, 2018
City and State: CHICO CA
Unit: ARMY MEDICAL FIELD SERVICE SCHOOL
Service or Relationship: Army Veteran
Comments: To requester; I have a good clear b&w photo of Margies Mad Greek III on Okinawa. My dad, Tech Sgt Jim Humble (1914-1958) had his pic taken in front of the a/c before leaving Oki for Korea in Fall, 1945. Let me know at whumblez@sbcglobal.net if you wish a copy downloaded. I also have the B-29 Miss-Laid. Thanks, Wick Humble, Chico, CA
Keywords:
Entry: 90909
Subject: RESEARCH REQUEST F-13A/RB-29A 44-61843 MARGIE'S MAD GREEK III
Subject: RESEARCH REQUEST F-13A/RB-29A 44-61843 MARGIE'S MAD GREEK III
Dimosthenis Chouliaras wrote on April 2, 2015
City and State: THRAKOMAKEDONES
Unit:
Service or Relationship: Interested Person
Comments: Hi everyone,
I am a scale modeller and aviation history enthusiast and I'm interested in the history of F-13A/RB-29A 44-61843 'Margie's Mad Greek' III, that served with the 31st Strategic Recon Squadron. I've found photos of the noseart, but I would love to know the story of this a/c as well as any other photos of it or its sister aircraft of that squadron in the timeframe shortly after WW2.
Did the 31st have any special emblem on the rudder or similar? Any information is more than welcome! Thank you!
Best regards,
Dimosthenis Chouliaras
Keywords: RB-29A F-13A Superfortress Margie's Mad Greek 31st Recon 44-61843
Entry: 82715
Subject: THANKS!! TO KOREAN WAR PROJECT
Subject: THANKS!! TO KOREAN WAR PROJECT
Robert D. McDonald SR. wrote on April 10, 2012
Email Update Needed
City and State: SPRINGFIELD IL
Unit: 31ST/91ST STRAT. RECON SQ.
Service or Relationship: Air Force Veteran
Comments: Thanks to you, I finally made contact with the family
of CWO Frank Gooder, Col Kevork Ghourdjian, who resides
in Ca., and two other members of the old 31/91st. Strat
Recon Sq. from 1950- 1951. It was a great feeling to
reconnect with some of the few remaining old crowd.
Again, hats off to you!
Keywords: Located old comrades
Entry: 77140
Subject: 31ST SRS AND FRANCIS R, GOODER
Subject: 31ST SRS AND FRANCIS R, GOODER
Robert D. McDonald SR. wrote on December 16, 2010
Email Update Needed
City and State: SPRINGFIELD IL
Unit: 31ST/91ST STRAT. RECON. SQ.
Service or Relationship: Air Force Veteran
Comments: I was assigned to the old 31st Strat. Recon Sq. [later called the 91st SRS.] from Jan 1950 to Dec 1951,i.ie., from Kadena AFB to Yokota. Have been looking for my old friend CWO Francis [Frank] R. Gooder and others of the crew: Maj. Paul R. Springer,Lt. Ambrose, Lt. Fike, Maj. Kevork Gourjain, Sgts. Goins, Rhodes, "Strech" Bohr and other old timers that may still be around, including some of the crew chiefs and maintenance people. Would like to hear from some of the old crowd.
Keywords: , 31st.@ 91st Strat.Recon Sq. members and the crew of B-29 Tail #1813 [Nose art inscribed 'Ah S0000oooooo....]
Entry: 76742
Subject: 31ST SRS AND FRANCIS R, GOODER
Subject: 31ST SRS AND FRANCIS R, GOODER
Robert D. McDonald SR. wrote on November 13, 2010
Email Update Needed
City and State: SPRINGFIELD IL
Unit: 31ST./ 91ST. STRAT RECON SQ.
Service or Relationship: Air Force Veteran
Comments:
Keywords: Correction: The crew of B-29, Tail #1813, Capt. Laden and crew, shot down the first enemy acft. FROM A B-29, on Nov. 9, 1950, not the first enemy fighter of the Korean War. My email to Steve Gooder [searching for info. on his father] mistakenly indicated that the enemy fighter [MIG or Yak] shot down was the first of the war while a number of other enemy were destroyed by USAF fighters and other means.
Entry: 76741
Subject: 31ST SRS AND FRANCIS R, GOODER
Subject: 31ST SRS AND FRANCIS R, GOODER
Robert D. McDonald SR. wrote on November 13, 2010
Email Update Needed
City and State: SPRINGFIELD IL
Unit: 31ST./ 91ST. STRAT RECON SQ.
Service or Relationship: Air Force Veteran
Comments:
Keywords: Correction: The crew of B-29, Tail #1813, Capt. Laden and crew, shot down the first enemy acft. FROM A B-29, on Nov. 9, 1950, not the first enemy fighter of the Korean War. My email to Steve Gooder [searching for info. on his father] mistakenly indicated that the enemy fighter [MIG or Yak] shot down was the first of the war while a number of other enemy were destroyed by USAF fighters and other means.
Entry: 76671
Subject: 31ST SRS AND FRANCIS R, GOODER
Subject: 31ST SRS AND FRANCIS R, GOODER
Robert D. McDonald SR. wrote on November 9, 2010
Email Update Needed
City and State: SPRINGFIELD IL
Unit: 31ST./91ST STRAT. RECON SQQ.
Service or Relationship: Friend of Veteran
Comments:
Keywords: The son of CWO Frank Gooder was searching for info. on his dad. I was a close friend for years, but we lost touch in 1963. Frank was a CFC gunner on B-29 #1817, Maj Paul Springer's crew. We met again in 1955 at Loring AFB and often had dinner together with our families. Have tried to contact his son; no luck so far. On this date, 60 years ago, I also witnessed the terrible crash of B-29 #1813 that took the lives of Capt. Laden and three others at Johnson AFB. This was the first B-29 loss of the war [2 engines shot out on one side and a large hole on the wing flap by a MIG]. They also had just shot down the first enemy acft [MIG or Yak/] of the war; historic and tragic in every respect. Laden was a first class guy and it is also sad that few, if any, know of or remember the final sacrifices of this and other crews that gave everything for our country.
Entry: 75179
Subject: FRANCIS R GOODER
Subject: FRANCIS R GOODER
Steve Gooder wrote on June 22, 2010
City and State: AZ
Unit:
Service or Relationship: Family Member
Comments: my father francis r gooder was there in 1950 then the 91st 1950-51 if anyone has info about him ,his crew the plane he was on ect please e-mail me he was a stf.s
thank you
Keywords: 31st unit 1
Entry: 55053
Subject: PHOTOS AND INFORMATION ON 5TH SRW RB-29'S
Subject: PHOTOS AND INFORMATION ON 5TH SRW RB-29'S
Robbie Robinson SR. wrote on January 7, 2006
City and State: LISKEARD
Unit:
Service or Relationship: Air Force Veteran
Comments: I AM RESEARCHING PHOTOGRAPHS AND INFORMATION ABOUT B-29 / B-50 DEPLOYMENTS TO ENGLAND 1947-1953,FOR A FUTURE BOOK.
THE 5TH STRAT.RECON .WING , DEPLOYED TO ENGLAND IN DEC.1949 - MAY 1950 AND CONSISTED OF THE 23RD AND 72ND
SQUADRONS BOTH GOING TO RAF SCULTHORPE, NORFOLK.
THE RB-29'S WERE WEARING " CIRCLE X " TAIL CODE.
THIS WAS APPLIED IN BLACK ON SILVER AIRCRAFT AND IN YELLOW ON AIRCRAFT WITH BLACK UNDERSURFACES AND THE ARCTIC RED PAINTED TAIL UNIT AND OUTER WINGS.
I WOULD LIKE ANY INFORMATION CONCERNING THE DEPLOYMENTS AND ALSO TO BORROW ANY PHOTOS OF THE AIRCRAFT PLEASE. ALL PHOTOS WILL BE RETURNED TO THE RIGHTFUL OWNER.
SINCERELY,
ROBBIE ROBINSON.
Keywords: RB-29'S OF 5TH STRATEGIC.RECON.WING 1949/1950.
Entry: 49152
Subject: RESEARCH REQUEST MARGIE'S MAD GREEK III
Subject: RESEARCH REQUEST MARGIE'S MAD GREEK III
Bob Marshall wrote on February 21, 2005
Email Update Needed
City and State: FORT WAYNE IN
Unit:
Service or Relationship: Interested Person
Comments: I am researching my father’s, Robert D. Marshall, military service, I requested his service records but they were destroyed in a fire at Fort Benjamin Harrison. I know that he served in the US Army Air Force from 1944 unit late 1945 or early 1946 as a radar operator on a B-29 reconfigured as a F-13A, named Margie’s Mad Greek III (Picture attached) tail number 44-61843 out of Kadena, Okinawa.
He told me that he arrived in Okinawa just after the Japanese surrender. He also said that most of the missions he flew were radar and photoreconnaissance. Also my father said that the aircraft commander received a DFC for the penetration into the eye of a typhoon and that he, my father was on that mission. Unfortunately he passed away in 1975.
I would like to know what squadron, wing, or group Margie’s Mad Greek was assigned to. I found the tail number and the attached photo on the web, but have been unsuccessful in uncovering any additional information regarding the plane or crew.
We have a few of my father’s photos from Okinawa and if anyone thinks they may help or is interested I will scan them.
Regards,
Bob Marshall
Keywords: B-29/F13A Margie's Mad Greek III
Entry: 47182
Subject: YOKOTA AB BASEBALL TEAM 'ATTACKERS' ABT 1948
Subject: YOKOTA AB BASEBALL TEAM 'ATTACKERS' ABT 1948
Michael (Mike) Carter wrote on November 30, 2004
City and State: PENSACOLA FL
Unit:
Service or Relationship: Family Member
Comments: I have a scan of the "Attackers", a baseball team from the late 1940's. The photo was taken atYokota AB, Japan, during the 1947-49 timeframe. Looking to identify people in photo
Keywords: 31st SRS, Yokota, Attackers, Baseball
Entry: 43646
Subject: SHUTTERBUG
Subject: SHUTTERBUG
Michael (Mike) Carter wrote on June 8, 2004
City and State: PENSACOLA FL
Unit: 31ST STRATEGIC RECONAISSANCE SQUADRON
Service or Relationship: Family Member
Comments: Looking for anyone who served with the 31st Recon Sqdn, during the timeframe 1947-49. In particular, anyone who flew out of Yokota AB Japan, and might have information on an RB 29 called the "Shutterbug". Thanks!
Keywords:
Entry: 37530
Subject: BOOMERANG 44-61818
Subject: BOOMERANG 44-61818
Shane Anderson wrote on October 13, 2003
Email Update Needed
City and State:
Unit:
Service or Relationship: Family Member
Comments: During the period of 1845-1946, my father Sgt. Robert W. Anderson was 8th Air Force, 316th bomb Wing, 1st Photo Recon Squadron at Kadena. I have photos of his F-13, which was Tail Number 44-61818. I understand from various sources including David Morse's article, and a message here, that the 31st Strategic Reconnaissance Squadron was activated 10/20/47 Flight A consisted of 44-61810 - Ichibon - 44-61815, 44-61817 - Shutterbug - 44-61818 Boomerang. The latter of course, is my fathyer's old ship. There is a picture of here in 31st Strategic Reconnaissance Squadron colors in David Morse's article.
I am wondering if anyone here flew that plane, or if anyone remembers her. I am currently looking for any photographs or material on this plane; anything at all. I do have the information from the IAR and also some material from the Archives Division. What I am really looking for is any personal information anyone has. On the other hand, I am happy to share sources, etc., for the material I have.
Thanks for your time.
Shane
Keywords: 31st Strategic Reconnaissance Squadron; 1st Photo Recon Squadron
Entry: 36597
Subject: 31ST STRATEGIC RECON TRAVIS
Subject: 31ST STRATEGIC RECON TRAVIS
John Pupik wrote on August 30, 2003
Email Update Needed
City and State: ROSSFORD OH
Unit: 31ST STRATEGIC RECON
Service or Relationship: Air Force Veteran - Korea
Comments: I served as a mechanic at Travis from '52-'56 and am looking for information on a possible reunion and also would like to contact anyone that posts on this site that I served with.
John Pupik
Keywords:
Entry: 34280
Subject: REQUEST
Subject: REQUEST
William (Bill) Bower wrote on May 20, 2003
Email Update Needed
City and State: AVON PARK FL
Unit: 91ST. STRAT. RECON YOKOTA
Service or Relationship: Air Force Veteran - Korea
Comments: Looking for a patch from the 91st. and info on
Reunions.
Will answer all e-mail
Keywords: 91st Strat. Recon Yokota B-29 Mech.
trans. to Korea 6147th Tac Con Gp. (Mosquitos)
Air and Ground Combat Controllers
Entry: 33012
Subject: MERRICK (RICK) NEWBOLD
Subject: MERRICK (RICK) NEWBOLD
Lance Schweizer wrote on March 23, 2003
Email Update Needed
City and State:
Unit:
Service or Relationship: Family Member
Comments: Trying to find information on my brother-in-law for his children. Unfortunately Rick died young and we know very little about his military experience. We know he was a gunner on a bomber during the Korean War. Flying out of Okinawa.
Any info you can supply would be appreciated.
Keywords:
Entry: 28697
Subject: RB-29 LINE MTC. GUNNER/ SCANNER
Subject: RB-29 LINE MTC. GUNNER/ SCANNER
Gail S. Dow wrote on October 6, 2002
City and State: MARYSVILLE WA
Unit: 9TH/31ST RECON. SQD. VLR PHOTO
Service or Relationship: Air Force Veteran - Korea
Comments: Our initial F-13s came from Okinawa early in 1947. These were 8th AF aircraft and almost new. I was assigned to 44-61847 as asst. crew chief. Flew mostly on 44-61855, and was assigned to Lt. Henry Duetchendorfs' crew.(John Denvers Dad) We did fly missions within 30 miles of Vladivostok. Was re-called from Aug. 1950 to Aug. 1951. Served with 1st Bomb sqd.- 9th Bomb wing at Travis AFB. Was asst. crew cheif on B-29 44-62314 Gail S Dow (former S/SGT USAF)
Keywords: Served at Yokota AFB from Jan. 1947- Aug.1948 --- Worked line mtc/electrical spec. on F-13A/ RB-29 aircraft. Flew as Gunner/ Scanner on mapping missions,Wx.Recon,and strat recon. Flew as electrical spec. on a/c out of mtc., to fine tune electrical systems.
Entry: 24635
Subject: LOOKING FOR 31ST RECON. MEMBERS, 1948-49
Subject: LOOKING FOR 31ST RECON. MEMBERS, 1948-49
Harold Armour wrote on April 9, 2002
Email Update Needed
City and State: BEAUMONT TX
Unit: 31ST RECON. VLR PHOTO
Service or Relationship: Interested Person
Comments: Looking for members of the 31st Recon. VLR Photo. Squadron. RB-29, Margi's Mad Greek III.
Keywords:
Entry: 23244
Subject: 9TH-31ST PHOTO RECON 46/48
Subject: 9TH-31ST PHOTO RECON 46/48
James Gates wrote on February 17, 2002
Email Update Needed
City and State: GRAND JUNCTION CO
Unit: 9TH PHOTO RECON.
Service or Relationship: Air Force Veteran - Korea
Comments:
Keywords:
Entry: 14652
Subject: LOOKING FOR OTHER MEMBERS OF HTE 31/91ST WHO SERVED AT KADENAAB, OKINAWA AND YOKOAT AFB, JAPAN
Subject: LOOKING FOR OTHER MEMBERS OF HTE 31/91ST WHO SERVED AT KADENAAB, OKINAWA AND YOKOAT AFB, JAPAN
William (Bill) Sutton wrote on January 28, 2001
City and State:
Unit:
Service or Relationship: Air Force Veteran - Korea
Comments:
Keywords:
Entry: 14369
Subject:
Subject:
William (Bill) Sutton wrote on January 17, 2001
City and State: PORT JERVIS NY
Unit: 31/91ST. SRS KADENA,OKINAWA/YOKOTA. JAPAN
Service or Relationship: Air Force Veteran - Korea
Comments: 31/91ST. SRS KADENA,OKINAWA/YOKOTA. JAPAN
Keywords:
Entry: 13852
Subject: USAF VETS-YOKOTAAFB RECON. SQDN - GROUND CREW
Subject: USAF VETS-YOKOTAAFB RECON. SQDN - GROUND CREW
William (Bill) Sutton wrote on December 26, 2000
City and State: PORT JERVIS NY
Unit: 31ST- 91ST STRATEGIC RECON.SQUADRON
Service or Relationship: Air Force Veteran - Korea
Comments: 31ST and 91ST STRATEGIC RECON.SQUADRON
Keywords: 91st Strat.Recon.
Entry: 13828
Subject: TRAVIS AFB 1951-1954. B36 MECH. I AM LOOKING FOR OTHER 31ST STRAT. RECON. PERSONAL DURING THIS PERI
Subject: TRAVIS AFB 1951-1954. B36 MECH. I AM LOOKING FOR OTHER 31ST STRAT. RECON. PERSONAL DURING THIS PERI
James T. Franklin wrote on December 25, 2000
Email Update Needed
City and State: BROKEN ARROW OK
Unit: FLIGHT LINE MAINTENANCE 3LST STRAT.RECON.
Service or Relationship: -
Comments: Interested in reunion information if available.
Would like to hear from any mechanics who worked on post flight dock crews or aircraft crews at Travis AFB 51-54 B-36.
Interested in reunion information if available. 31st Strat. Recon. Travis AFB. 1951-1954
Would like to hear from any mechanics who worked on post flight dock crews or aircraft crews.
Keywords: Assist. Crew Chief on B36 #107
Entry: 12865
Subject: PHOTO-GUNNER RB-29
Subject: PHOTO-GUNNER RB-29
William F. (Bill) Welch wrote on November 10, 2000
Email Update Needed
City and State:
Unit: 31ST - 91ST STRAT RECON SQ
Service or Relationship: Air Force Veteran - Korea
Comments: With the 31st on Okinawa Aug 49- Jul 50 then to Yakota and Johnson, Japan until May 1951. Flew as Photo-gunner, Earl H. Ambrose was our A/C. Flew my first mission 30 June 1950 with 19th Bomb Group after they moved in with 31st Recon at beginning of Korean War.
Keywords: RB-29 815
Entry: 4365
Subject: GUNNER
Subject: GUNNER
Richard L. Longbottom wrote on November 7, 1999
City and State: VIDOR TX
Unit: 31ST RECON SQDN
Service or Relationship: USAF
Comments: Im proud to be a sponsor this program is very good
I've found names of friends that I served with.
I flew as a gunner on B 29s and B 36s.
I was also A gunner on the B 36 1953 to 1955
and that Flew out of the 31st Recon Sqdn
Keywords: Member: Korean War Project
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