Units
8th Bombardment Squadron
13th Bombardment Squadron
90th Bombardment Squadron
731st Bombardment Squadron
Decorations
Three Presidential Unit Citations for actions June 27-July 31, 1950; April 22-July 8, 1951; and May 1-July 27, 1953.
Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation for period June 27-July 31, 1950.
The 3rd BG conducted its first combat missions in Korea on June 27, 1950. Its B-26 pilots flew reconnaissance sorties and protected allied shipping in Korean waters. The next day, the group attacked rail and road targets at Munsan. A day later, the B-26s attacked Pyongyang Airfield. On July 1, the group and its squadrons moved with a forward echelon of the wing to Iwakuni AB, Japan to be closer to Korea. Fifth Air Force exercised direct operational control of the group from July 20, 1950, later attaching it to the 6133rd Bomb (later, Tactical Support) Wing. After September, the 3rd BG flew mostly at night against airfields, vehicles, and railways. Hindered by a lack of light over the target areas, the night Intruders experimented with parachute-dropped flares, wing-mounted naval searchlights, and C-47 "Lightning Bugs." The "bugs," flown by the attached 731st BS, dropped flares from low altitudes, illuminating target areas. But B-26s soon replaced the C-47s, which flew too slowly to accompany the Intruders to the target area. The 3rd BG moved to Korea in August 1951 to continue combat missions, receiving three Distinguished Unit Citations before the armistice in July 1953.
Combat Components
8th Bombardment Squadron: duration.
13th Bombardment Squadron: duration.
90th Bombardment Squadron: June 25, 1951-.
731st Bombardment Squadron: attached November 1950-June 25, 1951.
Stations
Johnson AB, Japan, -July 1, 1950; Iwakuni AB, Japan, July 1, 1950; Kunsan AB, South Korea, August 22, 1951-.
Decorations
Three Presidential Unit Citations for actions June 27-July 31, 1950; April 22-July 8, 1951; and May 1-July 27, 1953.
Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation for period June 27-July 31, 1950.
The 3rd BG conducted its first combat missions in Korea on June 27, 1950. Its B-26 pilots flew reconnaissance sorties and protected allied shipping in Korean waters. The next day, the group attacked rail and road targets at Munsan. A day later, the B-26s attacked Pyongyang Airfield. On July 1, the group and its squadrons moved with a forward echelon of the wing to Iwakuni AB, Japan to be closer to Korea. Fifth Air Force exercised direct operational control of the group from July 20, 1950, later attaching it to the 6133rd Bomb (later, Tactical Support) Wing. After September, the 3rd BG flew mostly at night against airfields, vehicles, and railways. Hindered by a lack of light over the target areas, the night Intruders experimented with parachute-dropped flares, wing-mounted naval searchlights, and C-47 "Lightning Bugs." The "bugs," flown by the attached 731st BS, dropped flares from low altitudes, illuminating target areas. But B-26s soon replaced the C-47s, which flew too slowly to accompany the Intruders to the target area. The 3rd BG moved to Korea in August 1951 to continue combat missions, receiving three Distinguished Unit Citations before the armistice in July 1953.
Combat Components
8th Bombardment Squadron: duration.
13th Bombardment Squadron: duration.
90th Bombardment Squadron: June 25, 1951-.
731st Bombardment Squadron: attached November 1950-June 25, 1951.
Stations
Johnson AB, Japan, -July 1, 1950; Iwakuni AB, Japan, July 1, 1950; Kunsan AB, South Korea, August 22, 1951-.
Entry: 102168
Subject: CAPT. JACK MELVIN BEESON MIA
Subject: CAPT. JACK MELVIN BEESON MIA
Dani Waljer wrote on February 11, 2025
City and State: AL
Unit: 5TH, 9TH, AND 17SOS 1967-2003
Service or Relationship: Air Force
Comments: Hello,
I requesting information on Jack Melvin Beeson. He was a pilot with the 3rd Bombardment
Squadron during the Korean War. On December 19, 1951. Flew a night mission flying a B-
26 Intruder. After 45 minutes. No contact. They were listed as MIA. I met his daughter.
She was very young when her father went MIA. Just trying to see if there is anyone that
knew Captain Beeson. Think it would very helpful to make contact with her that knew her
father. Thank you for your time on this important matter.
Sincerely submitted,
Dani Walker Msgt, USAF (Ret.)
Keywords: Beeson
3rd Bombardment Squadron
MIA
Korean War
Entry: 99734
Subject: APPROACH CHART / MAP
Subject: APPROACH CHART / MAP
JB Wiles wrote on September 16, 2020
City and State: ARLINGTON VA
Unit: DEFENSE POW / MIA ACCOUNTING AGENCY
Service or Relationship:
Comments: I am a Korean War Air Loss Analyst and I am looking for a 1950 version of an approach chart for Kunsan AB (K-8).
I would like to get copies of all the charts used by our pilots in Korea during the Korean War.
Today's specific question is what is the location of the KS Beacon at K-8 (May 30, 1953).
Keywords: Korean War Approach Charts
Entry: 98369
Subject: 1LT HOWARD BENTON ONLEY, PILOT, K-8 JULY '52 TO FEB '53
Subject: 1LT HOWARD BENTON ONLEY, PILOT, K-8 JULY '52 TO FEB '53
Joe Hamrick wrote on August 1, 2019
City and State: LUFKIN TX
Unit:
Service or Relationship:
Comments: Any information on my Uncle, 1Lt Howard Benton Onley, from Sherman Texas would be appreciated. His combat tour was from July 1952 to February 1953. We think he was at Kunsan K-8 with the 3rd BW. He was a B-17 pilot in WW2 with the 305BG, 422BS. He was a reservist who got called up from his B-26 pilot instructor job at Perrin Airfield outside Sherman. He survived Korea. Thanks. Joe
Keywords: Howard Benton Onley
Pilot
Sherman Texas
Entry: 89752
Subject: LEE DUBAY K-8 1950-52
Subject: LEE DUBAY K-8 1950-52
Lee Dubay wrote on October 6, 2014
City and State: CHATTAROY WA
Unit: 5TH AF, 3RD BOMB WING, 8TH BOMB SQ
Service or Relationship: Air Force Veteran
Comments: I was a crew chief in Aircraft Maintenance K-8 1950-52. I crewed A-26 Invader with the question mark on the tail and A-26 the Bette'. We were Rush's Renegades. Also remember Capt Baugh.
Would like contact with anyone there at that time on my crew
I am 86, well and strong. Made Aviation my life work and fun.
call or write
Keywords: 5th AF, 3rd Bom Wing, 8th Bomb Sq, K-8
RUSH'S RENEGADES,
A-26 Invader ?, A-26 Invader Bette', Captain Baugh, Col. Rush
Entry: 86443
Subject: JOE MACCORD-B26 NAVIGATOR KOREA
Subject: JOE MACCORD-B26 NAVIGATOR KOREA
Damien MacCord wrote on June 6, 2013
City and State:
Unit:
Service or Relationship: Family Member
Comments: Just doing some research on my grandfather and trying to find out
more about him. He was 1st Lieutenant Joseph MacCord, navigator
for B-26 Invader during Korea. Please email me if someone know
anything of him.
Keywords: Joe MacCord, Sukchon, Navigator, B-26, Citation May 10 1952
Entry: 79513
Subject: 6114TH TOW TARGET/6TH TOW TARGET
Subject: 6114TH TOW TARGET/6TH TOW TARGET
Donald Hudson wrote on July 3, 2011
Email Update Needed
City and State: BELLEVILLE MI
Unit: 6114TH/6TH TOW TARGET SQ.
Service or Relationship: Air Force Veteran
Comments: Was in 6114th at yokota ab in Japan 1949-51 then moved to
Johnson ab Japan 1951-53. Have many photos of try trips to
Okinawa k-14 Korea with our B-26's..would like to hear from
anyone that is interested
Keywords:
Entry: 75150
Subject: 5TH AF, 3RD BOMB WG., DET. #1, PAD
Subject: 5TH AF, 3RD BOMB WG., DET. #1, PAD
Brad Jinkins wrote on June 19, 2010
City and State:
Unit:
Service or Relationship: Family Member
Comments: My grandfather served in the Army Air Corps and the Air Force from 42 to 71. Retired as an O-6. He served in the 8th Air Force during WWII and in the 5th AF in Korea and beyond. Ended up at the Pentagon. I have no records of his service and I need help. Who do I contact to request his records? Do I need to invoke FOIA? His name is Col. Martin (Marion) Monroe Brewer. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance.
Brad
P.S. He died on June 14th, 2010...
Keywords: 5th Air Force, 3rd Bomb Wing, Det. #1, Pad C Alert Force
Entry: 74314
Subject: LT. DONALD M. DONAHUE
Subject: LT. DONALD M. DONAHUE
Kevin Donahue wrote on April 12, 2010
Email Update Needed
City and State: OVERLAND PARK KS
Unit:
Service or Relationship: Family Member
Comments: I am looking for information on my fathers tour of duty in Korea from 1951-1952. His name was Donald M. Donahue (from Missouri) and he was a 1st Lieutenant who flew multiple missions during that period on the B-26.He passed away in 2003 and I am trying to find anyone out there who might remember him or perhaps may have flown with him.Any information would be appreciated.
Keywords: 3rd Bombardment Group, 8th Bombardment Squadron. B-26 flight crews.
Entry: 72121
Subject: SERVICE IN 3RD BOMB GROUP, 8TH BOMB SQ
Subject: SERVICE IN 3RD BOMB GROUP, 8TH BOMB SQ
Bruce Geil wrote on October 29, 2009
Email Update Needed
City and State: OZAMIZ CITY 7200
Unit: 8TH BOMB SQ, 3RD BOMB GROUP
Service or Relationship: Air Force Veteran
Comments: I would like to correspond with anyone who is from that era or descendents of those who were there when I was. My email address is registered with KWP. May god rest those who have gone.
Keywords: I was in Japan at Johnson Air Base when the Korean War began. I was immediately drafted into the 3rd Bomb Group. I stayed with the 8th Sq until October of 1951 at Kunsan (K-8) Korea. I rotated to the US at that time. I am now 80 years old and probably one of the few from that era that is still alive at this writing. I am writing a narrative of my military career and included much about the 3rd Bomb Group in the Korean war. I may be contacted for any information I can furnish. I worked in Group Intel and briefed and debriefed aircrews.
Entry: 68813
Subject: LOOKING FOR PHOTOS B-26 8TH BOMB SQ-3RD BOMB GROUP
Subject: LOOKING FOR PHOTOS B-26 8TH BOMB SQ-3RD BOMB GROUP
Dennis Delk wrote on January 24, 2009
City and State: MANASSAS VA
Unit: 8TH BOMB SQUADRON-3RD BOMB GROUP
Service or Relationship: Family Member
Comments: Looking for any photos or historical information on B-26-C model intruders serving HQ 6133D Tactical Support Wing in Sept-December 1950s. Great Uncle, SSgt Marvin Lee Guthrie MIA on the night of 28 December 1950. I have a couple photos from his B-29 days (WWII) but none from B-26 intruder days.
Keywords: 5th Air Force,8th Bomb Squadron,3rd Bomb Group, B-26-C Intruder, 6133D Tacktical Support Wing,APO 954,Special Order No.81.
Entry: 67906
Subject: NORM SILVERS, THIS IS WHERE YOU CAN REACH ME
Subject: NORM SILVERS, THIS IS WHERE YOU CAN REACH ME
Paula Helm Murray wrote on November 17, 2008
Email Update Needed
City and State: KANSAS CITY MO
Unit: FATHER, RALPH M. HELM, WAS IN THE GRIM REAPERS
Service or Relationship: Family Member
Comments: I'm willing to talk to anyone who knew my father.
Keywords: Grim Reapers, Ralph M. Helm, Korea
Entry: 67073
Subject: LOOKING FOR AIRMAN WHO MAY OF SERVED WITH JAMES E. BRAND
Subject: LOOKING FOR AIRMAN WHO MAY OF SERVED WITH JAMES E. BRAND
Timothy Brand wrote on September 2, 2008
Email Update Needed
City and State: PIERSON MI
Unit:
Service or Relationship: Family Member
Comments: may massacre, Dam at yalu river,railroad raids
Keywords: B-26
Entry: 62469
Subject: LOOKING FOR ED MOYNAGH
Subject: LOOKING FOR ED MOYNAGH
Mark Koegel wrote on September 30, 2007
Email Update Needed
City and State: SAN ANGELO TX
Unit: CIVILIAN
Service or Relationship: Family Member
Comments:
Keywords: william bunn
Entry: 58651
Subject: 90TH BOMB SQ..B-57..AUG.58 TO FEB.60
Subject: 90TH BOMB SQ..B-57..AUG.58 TO FEB.60
Robert (Bob) Deck wrote on August 27, 2006
Email Update Needed
City and State: THE VILLAGES FL
Unit: 90TH BOMB SQ.
Service or Relationship: Air Force Veteran
Comments: WENT TO k-8 {kunsan]about every 3 mo.....great sq. ,great bunch of guys
Keywords: " DUKE ".....WALTER "RED"....TEX...SKIP.....B-57 AIRCRAFT ......great first/sgt SHIPLEY
Entry: 57886
Subject: REMEMBERING CAPTAIN RIPLEY GAGE
Subject: REMEMBERING CAPTAIN RIPLEY GAGE
Mike Rogers wrote on June 28, 2006
City and State: OREGON CITY OR
Unit: 1/18FA WEST GERMANY 1982-83
Service or Relationship: Army Veteran
Comments: Ripley W. Gage
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gage, Ripley W., 1st Lieutenant, 3D Bombardment Division (H), Army Air Forces, United States Army is awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while serving as pilot on many high altitude heavy bombardment missions over Germany and German occupied Continental Europe. Under the duress of heavy fighter attacks, anti-aircraft fire, and often under adverse weather conditions, Lieutenant Gage, by his superior airmanship, contributed to the success of all of these operations. The untiring effort, skill and determination under stress of combat displayed by Lieutenant Gage are in keeping with the highest traditions of the Army Air Forces of the United States.
Keywords: Ripley Gage, Passed Away 6/25/2006.'Lucky Bastards Club'. WW II.. God`s Speed !
Entry: 45531
Subject: 8TH BOMB SQ. YEAR BOOK,1951-'52
Subject: 8TH BOMB SQ. YEAR BOOK,1951-'52
Bernard Izsak wrote on August 30, 2004
City and State: BALLWIN MO
Unit: 8TH BOMB. SQ.
Service or Relationship: Air Force Veteran - Korea
Comments: Sgt. Paul Amratas , payroll clerk, and I were permanent C.Q. May-June-July- 1952
Keywords: Orderly room, 8th Bomb. Sq. Aug.'51 - Jul '52.
T/Sgt Jack P. Leon, Kingsville Texas. I have Year Books of 8th Bomb. Sq (L-NI)starting with Col. Rush(Rush's Renegades )1951/1952 and "Jan-July 1952, ending with Lt.Col Rolpf Romstead. I would be glad to share.
Entry: 33962
Subject: 3RD BOMB GROUP, 731ST SQUADRON
Subject: 3RD BOMB GROUP, 731ST SQUADRON
Robert Wacker wrote on May 3, 2003
Email Update Needed
City and State: SPRINGFIELD VA
Unit: 3RD BOMB GP, 731ST SQUADRON
Service or Relationship: Air Force Veteran - Korea
Comments: Looking for a former friend, (Jim or James Salvo)stationed together at George AFB, Victorville, CA later served in K-2 and K-8 in Korea in 1950-52.
Keywords: Unit: 3rd Bomb Gp, 731st Squadron.
Entry: 29081
Subject: A 2C JOSEPH ALBERS-INFO
Subject: A 2C JOSEPH ALBERS-INFO
Jerry Klann wrote on October 26, 2002
Email Update Needed
City and State:
Unit:
Service or Relationship: Friend of Veteran
Comments: LOOKING FOR ANYONE WHO KNEW JOE WHILE HE WAS A K-8 KUNSAN
Keywords: 90TH BOMB sQUD, 3RD bOMB wING, K-8 aUGUST 1953
Entry: 28594
Subject: SGT SPENCER R. COOPER
Subject: SGT SPENCER R. COOPER
Frank Squillace wrote on October 1, 2002
City and State:
Unit:
Service or Relationship: Air Force Veteran - Korea
Comments: I would like any information on Sgt Spencer R. Cooper, Jr. He was in the 90th Bomb Squadron and his plane went down on Apr 7th, 1952. Any info. would be appreciated. I am an active duty Airman who served for a year in Korea(K-55). I wear the MIA bracelet for Sgt Cooper. Thanks.
Keywords: Spencer Cooper
Entry: 10632
Subject: TURKISH PILOT KIA IN KOREA
Subject: TURKISH PILOT KIA IN KOREA
Ozkan Turker wrote on July 27, 2000
Email Update Needed
City and State: ISTANBUL TR
Unit:
Service or Relationship: Interested Person
Comments: has anyone could give any information for Col.Muzaffer Erdonmez,turkish pilot k.i.a in Korea
flying Invader
Keywords: turkish pilot invader
Entry: 8773
Subject: SERVED 3RD BOMB GP
Subject: SERVED 3RD BOMB GP
Bob N. Justus wrote on May 18, 2000
City and State: CLARKESVILLE GA
Unit: 3RD BOMB GP HQS
Service or Relationship: Air Force Veteran - Korea
Comments: I served in Hqs 3rd Bomb Gp at Kunsan (K-8) from Aug. 52 to Aug. 53. During this time, we had three CO's: Col. Sherman R. Beaty (had destroyed 12 enemy locomotives before becoming MIA; later declared killed); Col. E. B. LeBailly (became CO of the 3rd Bomb Wing; and Col. John G. Napier.
Assigned under the 3rd Bomb Group were three squadrons flying the B-26: 8th, 13th and 90th Bomb Sqs.
On May 21, 1953, the group celebrated the 30,000th sortie. Capt. Montgomery D. Givens (pilot), lst Lt Clarence E. Heaney Jr (nav), and A/1C Arnold D. Stone (gunner). It was also the crew's 50th mission.
Keywords:
Entry: 7317
Subject: 3RD FOOD SERVICE SQDN 3ABGRP
Subject: 3RD FOOD SERVICE SQDN 3ABGRP