512th Weather Reconnaissance Squadron
Based in Japan at the beginning of the Korean conflict, the 512th RS, flying RB/WB-29s, performed daily strategic weather reconnaissance missions over the combat zone, conducted shipping surveillance and visual reconnaissance, and accomplished electronic countermeasures reconnaissance until February 20, 1951.In the early days of the conflict, the squadron also dropped leaflets. Initially unarmed, and later only lightly armed with two .50-caliber machine guns in the tail turret, the WB-29s flew daily missions over enemy-held territory.
During June 27 through December 27, 1950, the squadron flew over 200 combat missions, making over 5,000 vitally needed weather observations. These missions were exceptionally hazardous because of extremely varying weather conditions and exposure to attack over enemy territory.
One of the squadron's WB-29s served as an aerial command post and weather station, giving on-the-spot weather data and directions to incoming bombers on the first B-29 strike (July 13, 1950) against North Korean installations. On this and several later such missions, the WB-29 carried Maj. Gen. Emmett O'Donnell, Jr., USAF, Commander, FEAF Bomber Command.
The 512th RS was replaced by the 56th SRS in February 1951.
Yokota AB, Japan, -August 11, 1950; Misawa AB, Japan, August 11, 1950-February 20, 1951.