Units
Replaced by the 19th Bomb Wing on June 1st, 1953, absorbing the 19th Bomb Group
28th Bombardment Squadron
30th Bombardment Squadron
93rd Bombardment Squadron
Older messages for unit
MIA
On Tue, 13 Aug 1996 Rodney S. Harpe Email address wrote: lst Lt John Shaddick B29 shot down over Wonson by Migs. Apx 3 survivors all pows, later released at Big Switch. some pows knew him in prison. he is one of the 389 unaccounted for. any info? Rodney S. Harpe RHarpe@aol.com --more from Rodney-- the serial number for 1st lt. john shaddick usaf mia is ao2221920. based at kadena afb, i think in the 19th bomb group. he was shot down jan 29 1953 over pyang-yang by migs after bombing wonson. thanks again for your help. --from the KWP-- Lt. Shaddick was from Coral Gables, Fl.
Samuel Yonan
Dear Mr. Barker: Thank you for your response of 8/17. I have received a little more information and I will check on the DD-214. This serviceman 'Samuel M. Yonan' Joined the U.S. Air Corps in 1948. After being honorable discharged he joined the Air Corps Reserve in 1949. He was recalled to Active Duty in June 1950 and was sent to GUAM where he was with the "Peacetime Mission" of the 19TH BOMBARDMENT WING under the command of Brig Gen. A. H. GILKESON. Based on the above, do you think of anyplace where I may find rosters of the personnel in the 19th Bombardment wing? Thank you again for the help you've provided up to this time. Sincerely, Mr. Esha Tamras Esha Tamras esha_tamras@novell.com
Command Decision
On Thu, 14 Nov 1996 Updated: 4/11/98 Tom and Debbie Cox Email address 1204 24th Ave Ct. # F Milton, WA 98354 phone: (206) 926-8539 fax: (206) 926-1406 My wife's father was Lt. Col. Donald M. Covic, aircraft commander of the "Command Decision". This aircraft established many records including most number of missions, most decorated crew and the only B-29 to have shot down 5 MIGs. It is the only bomber "ace" of the Korean war to have downed 5 jet aircraft, and possibly all of Air Force history. An exhibit of the aircraft and crew is on display at the Air Force Museum at Wright- Patterson. We would be interested in establishing contact with any former squadron members, crew or members of their families who knew Don. Our E-mail adress are: TangoChuck@msn.com In answer to your inquiry, Don and the "Command Decision" were with the Okinawa based 19th Bomb Group. The aircraft flew 128 combat missions, of which, Don commanded 121. This was more more missions than any other bomber of the war. He was A/C on all the missions on which this B-29 downed the 5 MIG-15's In addition, a press release from the National Air Show on August 3, 1953 in Dayton, Ohio advertised this B-29 as the "World's most decorated bomber". From all the newspaper articles that Debbie, my wife and Don's daughter has I'd say that the accomplishments were well recorded and this recognition is well established. In the war she logged more than 1,500 combat flying hours while dropping 2, 500,000 tons of HE. Don's personal awards included 2 DFC's, Bronze Star, 4 Air Medials, plus 18 other medals and commendations. Thanks for your assistance. While there is much, much more to say about this pilot, aircraft and crew, we'll be glad to share these facts and events with any interested party. Tom and Debbie Cox
More on Command Decision
On Thu, 22 Oct 1998 Frank Farrell Email address wrote: The subject Aircraft had a very illustrious record and I have visited it in Dayton a few years ago. One minor correction in the statistics that I'm sure you would want to know for the sake of accuracy. The B-29 carried a maximum load of up to 40 -500lb. bombs or 20,000 Lbs, 10 Tons per mission and thus would have probably carried a maximum tonnage on 128 missions of 1,280 TONS of HE . During the whole Korean War the B-29,s were credited collectively with having dropped 167,000 Tons of HE Bombs! What an incredible record Col. Covic had!!!! Although I was just a Gunner in the 19th I KNOW what is represented in hjust this segment of his very illustrious career!! Best Regards Frank Farrell Durango, Colorado Phone 970-247-5892 (93rd BS)
Earl McGill
On Sun, 16 Mar 1997 Earl McGill wrote: 6830 N. Cocopas Rd Tucson, AZ 85718 520 299-9262 I flew combat missions as a B-29 copilot, 19th Bomb Group, Okinawa (1951-52)
Billy Beach
On Wed, 3 Jun 1998 Henderson Email address wrote: comments: I am trying to get more information on Sgt Billy Beach of the Air Force 19th Bomb Group during the Korean War. It is to my understanding that he was the first Aerial Enlisted Gunner of the B29. If you have more information on this person please let me know. Go to Top