618th Air Control and Warning Squadron

Air Force BBS

Legacy Messages - 1995-1999

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Mary Killmer wrote on February 11, 2024

Send Email To MARY KILLMER

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City and State: ST JOSEPH MN

Unit:

Service or Relationship:

Comments: I’d like more information about my brother Jim’s time on Mishima island. He was in the Airforce, stationed in Japan from May, 1952-July, 1954. Might anyone remember him? Mary Killmer

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Richard Hall wrote on May 22, 2016

Send Email To RICHARD HALL

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City and State: RIVERSIDE CA

Unit: 618TH AWCRON

Service or Relationship: Family Member

Comments: My Dad, 1st Lt. R. Scott Hall, was stationed with the 618th AWCRON at Mijo, 1954-1956 and I was born at 6407th USAF Hospital, Tachikawa on 11/7/55. Does anyone remember my Dad? He passed away in 2006.

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Gordon Nieburg wrote on March 20, 2015

Send Email To GORDON NIEBURG

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City and State: NEW HOPE PA

Unit: 527TH AC&W SQDN, DET 7, MIHO, JAPAN

Service or Relationship: Air Force Veteran

Comments: I served in Det 7, Miho, Japan 1954-55. From 1955-57 I was attached to 1951st AACS Sqdn, Itami AFB, Japan . This was followed by duty 1957-58 with the 1955th AACS Sqdn, Itazuke, Japan with rank of S/Sgt, . Later after college, I served with the ANG in Hawaii and later In PA with the rank of 1/Lt.

Many memories of Japan and have lots of photos from those days.

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Cynthia L. Hallen wrote on September 14, 2014

Send Email To CYNTHIA L. HALLEN

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City and State: PROVO UT

Unit: 618TH A.C.&W. SQD. APO 75-1

Service or Relationship: Family Member

Comments: From December 1949 through 1950, my father Richard J. Hallen Dick served in Japan in the 618th Air Control & Warning Squadron, APO 75-1 during the Korean War. He took photos at Yonago City, Honshu; at a Japanese gun with a Sgt. Arron in Saitozaki, Kyushu; Fukuoka, Kyushu; a candy store at Shoakumia, a street car at Iwataya, Hakozaki shrine, Shigajima Island, and with a soldier named Cecil in front of an electronics store in Shinkukan. He took photos of Japanese female friends Yoyko, Kazio, as well as Kazios father, mother, and daughter Sumiko. Dick had once reported that he fathered a daughter in Japan, but I do not know if that could be Sumiko. I have copies of his letters home as a soldier from 1947-1954, included the letters from Japan during the Korean War.

Keywords: Nickname: Dick. Fellow soldiers: Sgt. Arron; Cecil. Friends: Yoyko, Kazio, Sumiko.

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Joe Coughlin wrote on February 21, 2014

Send Email To JOE COUGHLIN

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City and State: COLORADO SPRINGS CO

Unit: 610TH-618TH AC&W, DET 17, MISHIMA

Service or Relationship: Air Force Veteran

Comments: I was at Det 17, MIshima from Sept. '54 to Aug '55. Then from Jan '56 to Mar '58. The break was my assignment to K-55 Osan AB, for 5 months. My 1st memory of Mishima, was my replacement at the dock. He was taking the same AKL I came in on. He was AIC in charge of Ground Power (Power Production) as an A2c. As an A2C, I became AIC. In '57 we replaced 4 International Harvesters, 50 KW, with 3 Cummins LGA 100s. Best diesel generator system I ever worked on. 2nd best was the Deutz diesel generators in Germany. as NCOIC, In Jan of '58, turned over the Power Plant to the JASDF, and took over the job as Mess Sgt.

There has already been several 610th-618th reunions including the ones in the '80s.

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Harry V. Smith wrote on July 24, 2013

Deceased

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City and State:

Unit: 618THACWS

Service or Relationship: Air Force Veteran

Comments: Just want to say that I know of three old timers from 618th who are still kicking:
Myself, Keith Thompson, and Gratton Brotherton. We all served 1947-1950 at
Hanshin airfield near Osaka and later at detachments.

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Robert Burke wrote on November 25, 2012

Email Update Needed

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City and State: SLIPPERY ROCK PA

Unit: 618TH AC&W SQUADRON DET #7 MIHO,JAPAN

Service or Relationship: Air Force Veteran

Comments:

Keywords: Bob Burke served at 618th AC and W Squadron from56to58
some friends I remember are Bill Doyle,Marv
Askew,Cox,Shumaker,Sgt.Trahan

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Robert W. Smith wrote on March 25, 2012

Send Email To ROBERT W. SMITH

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City and State: LAKESIDE MT

Unit: DET 21 527TH AC&W GRP.

Service or Relationship: Air Force Veteran

Comments:

Keywords: I was stationed at Det 21 from Feb 1952 to Nov 1952 and have
found some beautiful views of the site location via Google. Here is
How to view them. Go to Lighthouses of Japan: Tsushima www.
Unc/rowlett lighthouses on Tsushima. Scroll down to: Kanesiro
Iwa (Tsutsu Saki (1). You can see a beautiful Color view of the old
Light house on the left (the one we used to see from the radar
Operations every day); up on the forested hill to the right you can
see the new lighthouse (was not there in 1952). Then just to the
Right, observe the new micro wave tower. This is exactly where
Radar operations and the AN/TPS-1B search radar set was located.
What great memories come back in this beautiful scene. We were
Stationed in paradise and didn't know it! I would like to dedicate
This scene to the following 30352 AC and W radar maintenance per-
Sonnel that I served with at Det 21: Sgt's Prater, Cross and Arvin.
A2C's McCaleb, Taylor,Turner, Gatchell, Carper, and Smith.

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Brigitte Gonzalez wrote on March 21, 2012

Send Email To BRIGITTE GONZALEZ

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City and State: SAN DIEGO CA

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Family Member

Comments: I am looking for anyone that may have some information
related to my father Rudy Gonsales. He served
appoximately from 1950-1958. He passed away on March
6,2012 and we are having a hard time getting proof of
his military service. The depart of national archives
can't seem to locate him. I know from prictures that
he was with 618th Air Control and Warning Squadron.
Any information additional information such as where
he was stationed would be greatly appreciated. Thank
you.

Keywords: Rudy Gonzalez

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Sheldon Sutherland wrote on October 1, 2011

Send Email To SHELDON SUTHERLAND

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City and State: HUDSON OH

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Air Force Veteran

Comments: I was a 1st Lieutenant at Mishima Det 17 from about
Feb 1957 to Feb 1958. A big part of our job was to
train the JASDF to take over the base and I believe
they were going to shut it down. It was quite an
experience for a new officer. I have a lot of good
memories from the Island though.

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William Hosey wrote on March 14, 2011

Send Email To WILLIAM HOSEY

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City and State: JUNEAU AK

Unit: 618 AC-W SQUADRON DET. #17

Service or Relationship: Air Force Veteran

Comments: I was at Mishma 11956-1957.

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Anita Kaiser wrote on October 29, 2010

Send Email To ANITA KAISER

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City and State: 42855 REMSCHEID

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Family Member

Comments:

Keywords: My Father Charles Owen Smiley. He was served 1948-1950 in Freising, Germany.
He was not married with my Mather Marianne Hackner. Charles Owen Smiley was served in Freising, Baviara PFC 604th tac cont sqdn apo W207 US Army. He died on 03.09.1952 served in Japan. This answer comes from his father Charles K. Smiley. He write me 1966. Mrs. Rita Smiley Losh write (Entry Number 69097)her father is Charles Owen Smiley and died 03.09.1952 in japan. Who remember on Charles Owen Smiley and the time in Bavaria Germany. Was he married and have I a sister?
Mr. Charles Kelly (EntryNr. 71801) remember on Charles Owen Smiley. Please send me a answer. Thank you. Anita Kaiser

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James (Sonny) Mercer wrote on June 3, 2010

Send Email To JAMES (SONNY) MERCER

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City and State: STAFFORD VA

Unit: 618TH ACW, DET 1

Service or Relationship: Family Member

Comments: My father, James David Mercer (Dave, Sonny)was stationed at the 618th, Det 1 about 1952 and I am trying to find anyone who remembers him or which base that would be attached to. He is deceased now, but I have learned that I have a Japenese half-sister who was born around 1952-1953. From the information I have gathered, I belileve her name was Sato. My father basically abandoned her and her mother and I have only recently found out about this. I am trying to locate a town near the base he was at. I am not sure which base the 618th, Det 1 was at. If anyone can help me, I would sincerely appreciate it.

Diane Kelly

Keywords: Detachment 1, Det 1, Radar Tech, Sato

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Robert Puterbaugh SR. wrote on March 22, 2010

Send Email To ROBERT PUTERBAUGH

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City and State: DAYTON OH

Unit: 618TH AC-W SQD.

Service or Relationship: Air Force Veteran

Comments: Radar,Radio,Hill Site over looking sea of japan

Keywords: Corns. Hays,

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Charles Kelly wrote on September 29, 2009

Send Email To CHARLES KELLY

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City and State: YELLVILLE AR

Unit: 527TH AC@W GROUP

Service or Relationship: Air Force Veteran

Comments: I was at today's reunion of this group, remember Charles Smiley very well and can tell his daughter the cause of his death. She wants to know.

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Rita Smiley Losh wrote on February 12, 2009

Send Email To RITA SMILEY LOSH

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City and State: CEDAR FALLS IA

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Family Member

Comments: My father was Staff Sergeant Charles O. Smiley. His unit built the base on Mishima Island in 1952 from what I understand. He died under suspect conditions on Sept. 3, 1952. I would like to hear from anyone who knew him, knew what happened and details about the area where he was stationed.

Keywords: 618th AC and W Sqd. Mishima Island, Japan 1952

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Bobby Cornelison wrote on July 13, 2008

Send Email To BOBBY CORNELISON

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City and State: CULLMAN AL

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Family Member

Comments: My father in law, Hoyt Perdue was stationed in Japan from 1947 to 1949, he was a radar operator, he is from Trade Alabama, he played baseball with the locals. he was the one who made a movie theater at det. B. he is still alive, he is 80yrs old. He does not have a computor so i'm writing this for him. If anyone can remember Hoyt Perdue, please drop me a line and I will read it and give it to him

Keywords: Miho Airdrome, 1947-1949

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Keith R. Thompson wrote on January 19, 2008

Email Update Needed

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City and State:

Unit: 618TH ACWS, DET. B

Service or Relationship: Air Force Veteran

Comments: I arrived at the 618th ACWS at Kahiwara (near Osaka) Japan in December 1947. Was assigned the duties of reading a Radar Scope (scope dope). A short time later I was sent to Johnson AFB to attend the Radar Operator School for a few weeks. Returned to Kashiwara and worked until I was transferred to Radar Detachment "B" on the north shore of Honshu next to the Kyogamisaki Lighthouse. Worked there until the Radar equipment was moved from the shore location to the Kyogamisaki Lighthouse hill top site. It was an old Japanese Radar site during WW2. About that time I was sent to Keio University the 8th Army Signal Corp School for RADAR maintenance training (MOS 953). Returned to Det "B" and performed duties until around March of 1950 when my 32 month tour of duty was over.

The Commanding Officer of the 618th ACWS at that time was Lt. Co.Haberstat.

The Commanding Officers at the 29 man Detachment B were 1st Lt. Noel J. Hienke and 1st Lt. Miraldi.

The living conditions at the DET B were outstanding. The view overlooking the Japan Sea at sunset was inspiring. And at night there would be fishing boats off shore with lights fishing all night. We were next to a fishing village called "Oa" where the camp cook would periodically go and purchase fresh shrimp, prepare them, and serve for an evening of shrimp and beer for the men. We had some good times out there isolated.

Keywords: Kyogamisaki LIghthouse, Det "B"
U.S.A.T. General John Pope (over to Japan)
U.S.N.S. M. M. Patrick (return home)
Harry Smith, friend

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John Rosso wrote on December 30, 2006

Deceased

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City and State: BAKERSFIELD CA

Unit: 618TH-610THACWSQ AND 527THACWGP

Service or Relationship: Air Force Veteran

Comments: We have a reunion association and large website in being, which includes the 527th AC and W Group, 610th AC and W Sqdn, 618th AC and W Sqdn,ADCC Itazute and 43rdAD (ADCC) Please get in contact with me.

Keywords: 618thACWSq-610thACWSq-527thACWGp w/ADCC Itazuke AB,Japan

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Keith Thompson wrote on May 15, 2005

Email Update Needed

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City and State: KAMIAH ID

Unit: DETACHMENT

Service or Relationship: Air Force Veteran

Comments: I remember meeting Harry V. Smith at the Air Base north of San Francisco before we boarded the troop ship "Pope" to JAPAN.

Performed as a RADAR repairman MOS 953.

Left JAPAN around March of 1950. Got discharged and entered Civil Service working for the Air Force and ultimately the Federal Aviation Administration. Retired in 1995.
Like to hear from anyone serving then in the 618th.

Keith R. Thompson

Keywords: Detached out of Miho Air Base to RADAR Detachment "B" which as 50 miles up the coast to Kyogo Misaki (light house). It was next to the city of OA.

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John Shaposky wrote on May 15, 2003

Send Email To JOHN SHAPOSKY

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City and State:

Unit:

Service or Relationship: -

Comments: I was stationed on Mishima from 7/56 - 7/57 as a radio operator. Contacts from "old" buddies or acquaintances are welcome.

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Tom Santarlas wrote on December 13, 2001

Email Update Needed

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City and State: VALRICO FL

Unit: 618TH AC-W SQD. DET 17

Service or Relationship: Interested Person

Comments: I SAW THE COMMENTS ABOVE ANDHAD TO RESPOND.. I WAS THERE IN 1957 FROM FEBRUARY TO FEBRUARY 1958..I WAS A 29350 RADIO OPR. CALL SIGN THEN WAS T-83...ATTACHED TO THE 8TH COMM. SQD.43RD AIR DIVISION FAR EAST AIR COMMAND AT THE TIME DETACHMENT 17 WAS PART OF A NET OF SOME EIGHT EARLY WARNING STATIONS. EIGHTY FIVE OFFICERS AND ENLISTED MEN ALONG WITH JAPANESE SELF DEFENSE FORCES...BRINGS BACK MEMORIES---CAME ACROSS THE SITE BY LOOKING UP MISHIMA ISLAND ON THE WEB.AND SAW SOMETHING ABOUT THE 527AC and W...

Keywords: TOMSASON

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