3rd Bombardment Wing (L)

Components

3rd Bombardment Group

On the first day of the war, the 3rd BW's tactical units flew B-26s from Iwakuni AB, Japan on combat missions in Korea. On July 20, 1950, the group was detached and the wing assumed a supporting role at Yokota AB, Japan until December 1. It then regained control of its combat units at Iwakuni AB and began night intruder missions to Korea. The 3rd BW moved to South Korea in August 1951 and attacked main supply routes in western North Korea until the war's end. In the summer and autumn of 1952, the wing devised a "hunter/killer" B-26 tactic for nighttime interdiction of transportation targets.

Stations

Johnson AB, Japan, -August 14, 1950; Yokota AB, Japan, August 14, 1950; Iwakuni, AB, Japan December 1, 1950; Kunsan AB, South Korea, August 22, 1951-.

Air Force BBS

Legacy Messages - 1995-1999

---

---

Eugene Newman NEITHE wrote on November 14, 2023

Send Email To EUGENE NEWMAN

---

City and State: PARSIPPANY NJ

Unit: 3RD COMM. SQDN

Service or Relationship: USAF

Comments: I was a USAF S/Sgt cryptographer at Kunsan AFB in 1952-3. We never got a detailed explanation of the bomb dump explosion in 1952. Our sqdn radiomen received a North Korean message claiming the bombing was caused by North Korea but with no details. Sabotage? A bomber plane?...We had had previous air raid alerts, that never materialized and we crawled out of our slit trenches. As a cryptographer I should have known more, but didn't. I've always been curious about the bomb dump's huge explosions . (I have 1 photo) The base was sealed off that day and anyone on R&R in Japan was not allowed to return. Lucky guys!

Keywords: bomb dump explosion 1952. Kunsan USAF air base.

---

---

Dallas Spriggs wrote on August 14, 2017

Send Email To DALLAS SPRIGGS

---

City and State: OKEECHOBEE FL

Unit: 8TH BOMB SQ. 55 56 57

Service or Relationship: Air Force Veteran

Comments: I served with 8th bomb sq during the transitioning of b26 to the martin b 57 aircraft1955 1956 and 1957 would love to hear from any the old gang dallas spriggs home phone 8632635302

Keywords: I was very close too bob spurlock larry losse

---

---

Brad Taylor wrote on May 11, 2017

Send Email To BRAD TAYLOR

---

City and State:

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Family Member

Comments: My dad Normal Taylor, served in the 8th Air Force, 3rd Bomb Wing. Not sure of which squadron. He was a machine gunner. He was from Lampasas, Tx and while in the service contracted polio. He retired out due to the polio. He lives in Lexington, KY and turns 87 years old this month. Ornery as ever.

Keywords:

---

---

Harry Yates wrote on May 21, 2016

Send Email To HARRY YATES

---

City and State: TAZEWELL VA

Unit: 3RD BOMB WING

Service or Relationship: Air Force Veteran

Comments: I served at K-8 AFB Kunsan South Korea 3rd Bomb Wing April 1953 until April 1954.

Keywords:

---

---

James Smith wrote on May 8, 2016

Send Email To JAMES SMITH

---

City and State: NORTH SALT LAKE UT

Unit: 13TH BOMB WING

Service or Relationship: Family Member

Comments: I was wondering if any one remembers Lt. Thomas Redford. He was my grandfather. he flew with the 3rd Bomb wing from 1954 onwards.

Keywords: Thomas Redford

---

---

David Hemmer wrote on August 5, 2014

Send Email To DAVID HEMMER

---

City and State: MOUNTAIN DALE NY

Unit: THIRD BOMBARDMENT WING (LIGHT), FIFTH AIR FORCE.

Service or Relationship: Family Member

Comments: Edmund Parker Hemmer, a resident of Norwood, MA since 1959, died Tuesday, June 10, 2014 at the West Roxbury VA Hospital in Boston. He was 83. Ed was born February 4, 1931 in Dorchester, Massachusetts, one of the two sons of Edmund C. and Mary Pearl (Stewart) Hemmer. He graduated from the High School of Commerce in Boston and enlisted in the US Air Force in 1951. He served honorably and was discharged with the Korean Service Medal with 2 Bronze Battle Stars, the Air Medal with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters, and with the Distinguished Flying Cross. Ed owned and operated the B&E Gulf Service Station in Brighton for 20 years and then spent 18 years as a Sales Representative for Stewart Warner Alemite Corporation in Canton until his retirement in 1994. He was an active member of the First Congregational Church in Norwood where he served asa Deacon and as Church Moderator for many years. Ed is survived by his wife, Phyllis H. (Kleiner) Hemmer; his daughter, Shirley H. Fickett, and her husband Joel A., of Westford; his three sons, Lawrence E. Hemmer, and his wife TinaMarie, of Mt Airy, Maryland, Robert W. Hemmer, and his wife Kimberlee, of Mason, New Hampshire, and David S. (Hemmer) and Ian B. Newhem of Mountain Dale, New York; and his four grandchildren, Brandi, Kristi, Mariah, and Mitchell. He was the brother of the late Paul S. Hemmer. Relatives and friends are invited to attend his Memorial Service Sunday, June 22, 2014 at 3 PM at the First Congregational Church, 100 Winter Street, Norwood, MA 02062. Private interment was in Knollwood Memorial Park in Canton. In lieu of flowers donations to the First Congregational Church (address above) would be appreciated.

Keywords:

---

---

Steve Brown wrote on September 25, 2013

Send Email To STEVE BROWN

---

City and State:

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Family Member

Comments: I am searching for any information about my grandfather Ronnie
L. Winters. He was an A-26 Invader pilot during the Korean War.
I don't know for sure which unit he served with, only in the
5th Air Force and that he was awarded the Distinguished Flying
Cross. He was born in Oklahoma and lived in Siloam Springs,
Ark. He was married to Margaret McLeod from Dallas, Texas
during the war. Ronnie died in an airplane crash in 1958. If
anyone knew him I would appreciate you contacting me.

Keywords: A-26, Invader

---

---

Bryan Mitchell wrote on July 25, 2011

Send Email To BRYAN MITCHELL

---

City and State:

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Family Member

Comments: Looking for my information about my grandfather, Fred Alvin Ward, who was killed during Korean War. He was a crew member on a B-26B Invader bomber with the 13th Bomber Squadron, 3rd Bomber Wing. Thank you in advance.

Keywords: B-26B Invader bomber 13th Bomber Squadron 3rd Bomber Wing 

---

---

David Smith wrote on December 15, 2010

Send Email To DAVID SMITH

---

City and State: WABASHA MN

Unit: 3RD MEDICAL GP

Service or Relationship: Air Force Veteran

Comments: I would like to hear from anyone from the 3rd Medical Gp.or from the crash crew.I was there from January 1952-Desember 1952.I worked in all areas of the hospital and drove ambulance on the flight line.

Keywords: George Heishman

---

---

Richard Parvin wrote on October 2, 2010

Email Update Needed

---

City and State:

Unit: 15TH AF WW II

Service or Relationship: Family Member

Comments: Son of Capt. James "Pat" patton wants to contact anyone who knew his father, a B-26 pilot at HQ 3rd Bomb Wing, Yokota before and during Korean war.

Grand Uncle Dick Parvin

Keywords:

---

---

Janis Tomasek wrote on September 15, 2008

Send Email To JANIS TOMASEK

---

City and State:

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Other

Comments: Do you have any information on Robert J Ramsey, navigator with the USAF 3re Bom wing. He was a resident of Costa Mesa, CA His squadron was, "The Devil's Own GrimReapers". Missing in Korea

Keywords: Bob Ramsey, B-26 light bomber

---

---

Donald Kuehn wrote on June 28, 2008

Email Update Needed

---

City and State: RIVERVALE NJ

Unit: 3RD BOMB WING--KOREA

Service or Relationship: Air Force Veteran

Comments: MADE 26 MISSIONS AS ENGINEER ON THE B-26. I THOUGHT I WAS ELAGIBE FOR THE AIR METAL, BUT WITH THE WAR ENDING AND ALL THE COFUSHION I NEVER FOLLOW UP ON IT ,. NOW IN MY OLDER YEARS I WOULD LKE TO FIND INFO HOW TO GET IT.CAN ANY ONE GIVE ME SOME IDEARS,SENT OUT MANY LETTERS WITH VERY FEW RETURNS AS I GET OLDER I WOULD REALY LIKE TO GET IT.I BELIEVE REGULATIONS HAVE CHANGED TO OBTAINE THE METALE.BUT IT SHOUD STAND AT THE OLD DATE,1952/53THANK YOU FOR ANY HELP

Keywords: FLIGHT ENGINEER ON B-26. ONLY MADE 26 MISSIONS WHEN WAR ENDED.

---

---

Charles E. Irvin wrote on April 27, 2008

Send Email To CHARLES E. IRVIN

---

City and State: SHENANDOAH IA

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Army Veteran

Comments: Jess contacted me before with info. about a B-29 crash that a close friend of mine was killed in in July 1952 in Korea.Jess please get in touch with me.

Keywords: July 1952 B-29 crash Korea

---

---

Robin Blaikie wrote on April 14, 2008

Email Update Needed

---

City and State: SARASOTA FL

Unit: 3RD BOMB WING (L)

Service or Relationship: Family Member

Comments: My dad was a navigator on a B-26 "Night Intruder" . His crew included Major Harold T. Anderson, 2LT Wilbur G. Watson, and Captain Everest G. Sewell.

I have in my possession many unidentified photos, etc. and am looking for a site to upload to, so that maybe someone can either indentify persons or maybe so someone can find a photo of a loved one that they may not have. I also have a copy of a one page type newspaper called "The Invader" dated March 5, 1952. Any help, or anyone who knew my dad, please contact me.

Keywords: 3rd Bomb Wing (L), K-8, Night Intruder

---

---

Dennis Adair wrote on March 31, 2008

Send Email To DENNIS ADAIR

---

City and State: GRANT TWP MI

Unit: 3RD COMM SQDN

Service or Relationship: Air Force Veteran

Comments: We were originally 35th FIW @ JAB... Later became
3rd Bomb Wing. Looking for fellow members of the communications sqdn btwn 1954 thru 1956

Keywords:

---

---

Blaise Bifulco-Mcinerney wrote on November 20, 2005

Send Email To BLAISE BIFULCO-MCINERNEY

---

City and State:

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Family Member

Comments: Hello,
I'm looking for friends of my Father Jack E McInerney to contact me.... He was a reporter with the unit

Keywords:

---

---

Robert (Bob) Mejia wrote on May 30, 2005

Send Email To ROBERT (BOB) MEJIA

---

City and State: MISSOURI CITY TX

Unit: 3RD SUPPLY SQUADRON, 3RD BOMB WING

Service or Relationship: Air Force Veteran

Comments: I was in the area when a B-26 blew up on our flight line. Everyone scrambled for cover as the debris was coming down.

I was on Guard duty the night an F-3D belonging to the 513th VMF landed and burst into flames. I watched helplessly, not being able to leave my post, as the Pilot and Navigator tumbled out of the aircraft.One of them stuck to the side upside down by his flight suit as the other one pulled him off the burning aircraft. Fire Engines and personnel were fast approaching.

I was on duty and we were on our break when about 2:00 A.M. a 5th Mule Train transportation driver drove on to the revetment where we had been preparing M1A2s. Instead of waiting on us as we were leaving to go assist him, he backed into place to unload. He apparently backed too far into the wrong row where fused M1A2s were ready to go out. The explosion that followed inside of this revetment blew him out of the truck. We hit the deck and when we ran in his direction he was crawling our way, charred and barely alive. The explosion destroyed the entire row of bombs and his truck...and eventually him.

Keywords: B-26 Explosion, 513th F3D landing burning, 5th Mule Train Bomb explosion, Ammo and Bomb Dump Happenings

---

---

Edward Gaddis wrote on March 27, 2005

Send Email To EDWARD GADDIS

---

City and State: LANCASTER CA

Unit: 17TH BW (REMCO, MIHO)

Service or Relationship: Air Force Veteran - Korea

Comments: I am looking for any information concerning the loss of B-26B 43-22449 over the east coast of North Korea on Apr 25, 1953. I grew up with A2C Jones and we enlisted in the Air Force together on October 22, 1951. I ended up in Miho, Japan after a short time in Korea. He flew missions with the 95th Sqdn. His pilot was Capt. Doolittle and the Navigator was 1LT Hall. I would appreciate hearing from anyone that might be able to shed some light on what and where that last mission took place.

Keywords: MIA A/2C Gerald Jones. 530425

---

---

Katherine Whitehead wrote on August 12, 2004

Email Update Needed

---

City and State: BALL GROUND GA

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Family Member

Comments: Jack Burrell was my first cousin. I was too young to
remember him during the Korean War. I would like to
find anyone who remembers him and could tell me
anything about him. He was from Tate, GA.

Keywords:

---

---

David Trantham wrote on August 3, 2004

Email Update Needed

---

City and State: ARGYLE TX

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Family Member

Comments: Looking for info on archie trantham mia june 5 1952. comments from people who knew him would be appreciated

Keywords:

---

---

Eric Doyle wrote on December 19, 2003

Send Email To ERIC DOYLE

---

City and State: FALLON NV

Unit: NAVAL STRIKE AND AIR WARFARE CENTER

Service or Relationship: Interested Person

Comments: My name is Lt Eric Doyle, and I work at the Navy's Fighter Weapons School, TOPGUN, in Fallon, NV. I have been doing some research into the history of Infrared Systems and I have learned that between July and December of 1952 the 3rd Light Bombardment Wing carried a device called the AN/AAS-1 Infrared Detector on a modified B-26C. I would love to hear any stories or information about this significant time in history.
Thank You

Keywords: Third Bombardment Wing (Light), B-26C, AN/AAS-1

---

---

Carlo Ascari wrote on April 21, 2003

Email Update Needed

---

City and State: NAPLES FL

Unit: HQ 3RD BOMB GROUP AND 90TH BOMB SQ.

Service or Relationship: Air Force Veteran - Korea

Comments: I worked at Hq of 3rd Bomb Group in the capacity of: Armament officer, bomb disposal officer, air sea rescue, chemical and radiological officer Wrote some rules and regulations for the group. I also flew 32 combat missions as pilot of the A-26, night intruder with the 90th bomb sq. Would like to hear from anyone who remembers flying with me.

Keywords:

---

---

Sam Wadsworth wrote on February 11, 2003

Email Update Needed

---

City and State: ATLANTA TX

Unit: 3RD BOMB GROUP HQ SQD

Service or Relationship: Air Force Veteran - Korea

Comments: I was a combat photographer flew 26 missions with all squadrons of the 3rd. Bomb Group

Keywords: Iwakuni--Kunsan K8 B 26. June 1950 - Dec. 1951

---

---

Jerry Klann wrote on August 27, 2002

Email Update Needed

---

City and State:

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Friend of Veteran

Comments: Looking to fin current infor on the following officers that were K-8 in 1953/54

Col Eugene LaBailly Col Roger Phelan
Col Joe Moody Lt Col Milford Clark
Col Edward Nett Col Alexander Evanoff
Lt Col Hubert Routzong Maj Gerald Schiller
Col William Matthews Lt Col David Kirby
Col Robert Montague Lt Col Jesse Abott

Would like current information on the above men and addresses if possible to contact them if possible

Keywords: K-8 AFB Kunsan, officers in charge

---

---

Kalani O'Sullivan wrote on July 21, 2002

Email Update Needed

---

City and State:

Unit:

Service or Relationship: -

Comments: I made an error as to the name of the benefactor.

The name of Mr. Choe's benefactor is Joe C. Coleman.

Mr. Choe does not know what the initial "C" or what state Joe C. Coleman is from.

Keywords:

---

---

Kalani O'Sullivan wrote on July 21, 2002

Email Update Needed

---

City and State:

Unit:

Service or Relationship: -

Comments: My name is Kalani O'Sullivan and I'm writing on behalf of Johnny Choe (Choe Pyong-Hwan), 8th SPS Interpreter. He is seeking a benefactors -- SSgt Joe E. Calhoun of the 3rd BW, Ahuni Range, 1952-53 (possibly 1954).

"Johnny" Choe was an orphan. Born in 1942, he had no family to support him and became one of those faceless children in the streets. He was "adopted" by an American, SSgt Joe C. Calhoun, in about 1952-1953 (possibly 1954). Joe was the "honcho" at the Ahuni Range which was approximately 1 1/2 miles east of the base. 4-5 enlisted men were stationed at the range and lived in a tent. Joe took Johnny in and taught him to read and write English. He also encouraged Johnny to go to Korean school. Johnny returned to Korean school where he would sit silently in the rear of the class --through the generosity of the teacher.

Johnny would like to find this man to thank him personally for taking him in during those terrible times and encouraging him in his education. "Johnny" is 60 now -- with two grandchildren and one more on the way -- and wishes to find his old friend and benefactor from the past.

Searches of the rolls of the 90th Aero Squadron
Assoc., 13th Bomber Squadron (L-NI) Assoc., and 8th Attack Squadron Assoc. have all been negative.

If you have any information on Joe E. Calhoun (or remember Johnny Choe (Choe Pyong-Hwan), please contact me.

Kalani O'Sullivan
Capt, USAF (ret)
Website: http://www.kalaniosullivan.com/kunsanab
Email: kalani@korea.com.

Keywords:

---

---

Paul J. Marcello wrote on July 9, 2002

Send Email To PAUL J. MARCELLO

---

City and State: HUDSON WI

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Interested Person

Comments: I am looking for any information on Russell J. Calvert who was a Navigator/Bombardier with the 3rd Bomb Wing. I am not sure of the squadron. He was a retread from WWII.

Keywords:

---

---

Jerry Klann wrote on June 21, 2002

Email Update Needed

---

City and State: ST. CLAIR SHORES MI

Unit: FRIEND OF JOE

Service or Relationship: Friend of Veteran

Comments: looking for nammmmmes of officers in charge at K-8
and anyone who remembers actions joe took in saving fuel dump August 4, 1953

Keywords: medal of honor, officers in charge

---

---

Valerie Lindvig Eliassen wrote on April 27, 2002

Email Update Needed

---

City and State:

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Family Member

Comments: Looking for Information: Vernon A. Lindvig, 13
Bomb SQDRN, 3rd Bomb Wing. MIA/KIA June
1950.

Keywords:

---

---

John Daley wrote on February 22, 2002

Send Email To JOHN DALEY

---

City and State: WEST HAVEN CT

Unit: 509TH F.M.S.

Service or Relationship: Air Force Veteran - Korea

Comments: served with the 3RD F.M.S. LOOKING FOR THE FOLLOWING AIRMAN ... KEVIN HUGHES , ERNIE GIORDANO, BOB WHITACKER , LIVING IN WEST HAVEN CT I AM RETIRED FROM LYCOMING A.C WORKING PART TIME AT YALE UNIV ATHLETIC DEPT. BEST WISHES TO ALL THE 3RD WAS A GREAT OUTFIT....

Keywords: WORKED ON THE B-26 THE BLACK INVADERS ...FROM JULY 1954 TO APRIL 1956 ... AT JOHNSON AFB AND KUNSON KOREA K-8.

---

---

Blaise McInerney wrote on February 7, 2002

Email Update Needed

---

City and State:

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Family Member

Comments: looking for friends of my father, Jack E McInerney

Keywords: looking for friends of my father

---

---

Kurt Andress wrote on July 23, 2001

Send Email To KURT ANDRESS

---

City and State: BALLSTON SPA NY

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Family Member

Comments: My mother, Marlene (Cooper) Andress is seeking information about her brother from anyone who might of known him.

Keywords:

---

---

Robert (Bob) Mejia wrote on April 27, 2001

Send Email To ROBERT (BOB) MEJIA

---

City and State: MISSOURI CITY TX

Unit: 3RD BOMB WING

Service or Relationship: Air Force Veteran - Korea

Comments: I was at Kunsan K-8 from August 1952 until July 1953. I worked out of the "Bomb and Ammunition dump" helping to supply the revetments and delivering Bombs and Ammo to the flight line.

Keywords:

---

---

Jim Ford wrote on January 27, 2001

Email Update Needed

---

City and State: OCEANSIDE CA

Unit: HQ FEAMCOM

Service or Relationship: Air Force Veteran - Korea

Comments: Capt. Luther Pierce, Navigator on B-26 crew lost on Intruder Mission in October 1950 North Korea.

I was Project Officer of two Gooney Birds, The Voice and The Speaker equipped with powerful loud speaker systems.On The Voice I search two days for his aircaft and crew. No luck. I would like to talk to anyone who knew Luther or who has info about his mission.            

Keywords: THE VOICE ; THE SPEAKER

---

---

Robert Lemons wrote on July 5, 1999

Email Update Needed

---

City and State: PHOENIX AZ

Unit: 3RD BOMB WG./5TH AIR FORCE

Service or Relationship:

Comments: 3RD BOMB WG./5TH AIR FORCE

Keywords:

---

---

Richard Anthony Zivalic wrote on November 20, 1998

Email Update Needed

---

City and State: LA JOLLA CA

Unit:

Service or Relationship:

Comments: I WAS PART OF THE 8TH, 13TH AND 90TH BOMB SQUAD, 3RD BOMBER WING. I INTERROGATED THE B-26 BOMBER CREWS ON KUNSAN BASE, AS PART OF AIR FORCE INTELLIGENCE. I HAVE GREAT MEMORIES OF ALL THE GOOD FRIENDS I MADE DURING THAT TIME. LET ME HEAR FROM YOU.

Keywords:

---

---