The 40th FIS suffered the loss of two pilots during this period of combat operations.
No enemy aircraft were destroyed in the air or on the ground during this period. This organization lost two pilots and two (2) F-51 aircraft. Special comments by the Commander: Napalm proves to be the best weapon for attacking tanks, vehicles, and troops. Rockets are not accurate enough to be a dependable weapon. 50 cal. guns were effective against all targets except medium and heavy tanks. Strafing of defended targets while carrying external fuel tanks is deemed not advisable. Also, the
Joint Operations Control (JOC) had the responsibility to coordinate
activities between air, ground and naval units as well as close
support missions. One heartening result for this squadron was
the fact that several missions flown which were thought to be
failures were later verified by ground forces as having been extremely
successful in the annihilation of hundreds of enemy troops and
large amounts of equipment.
Editor's note: 1st Lt William J. Levi was not credited with any sorties during the month even though he was KIA. This is because Lt. Levi was lost in weather on a take-off from Tsuiki AB. It is not known how many combat sorties Lt. Levi had flown at the time he went down. He is cited as the wingman for Lt. William R. Tubbs on July 17, 1950 when Tubbs was shot down and rescued at sea. See the ROA magazine, July 2000 issue, p. 21. October 1950NarrativeThe first day of Oct 1950 found the 40th Fighter Interceptor Squadron still at Tsuiki Air Base, Japan. From there combat missions were flown in support of the all-out offensive of the United Nations forces in Korea. On 7 Oct 1950 the long anticipated move finally took place. The 40th FIS returned to Po Hang Dong, its original site of operations in the present conflict. Fortunately, the ground fighting which caused the 40th to evacuate in August 1950 left the airfield virtually intact, so that it was possible to fly combat missions from K-3 before the last elements of the squadron had ever completed the move. Facilities and accommodations were a bit primitive at the beginning, but Tsuiki had conditioned members of the 40th. So even in this respect the move was not for the worse. Efforts were made from the start to improve the air strip and various facilities with highly gratifying results. A Group Mess Hall was set up in close proximity to the flight line and was in operation by 15 Oct 1950. In addition to hot food thusly provided, cold drinks were made available in the recently established Non-Commissioned Officers and Officers clubs. After completion of a shower house, the winterization of the tents was begun and is rapidly progressing. The reopening of K-3 has made it possible for this organization to intensify its efforts to support the advancing United Nations forces. All these factors combined have kept the morale of the members of this organization on a high scale and, as victory moves rapidly into sight, the men of this organization look forward to the return to a permanent base in Japan. OperationsDuring the
period 1 Oct 1950 to 31 Oct 1950 the 40th Fighter Interceptor
Squadron flew a total of three hundred thirty seven (337) combat
sorties. Listed below are the pilots participating in the squadron's
effort with total sorties flown.
b. The 40th Fighter Interceptor Squadron suffered the loss of two pilots during this period from combat operations.
c. No enemy aircraft were destroyed either in the air or on the ground during the period covered by this report. d. This organization lost two pilots, reference paragraph b. above and three (3) P-51 aircraft. e. The below listed officers of the 40th Fighter Interceptor Squadron were recommended for the following Awards and Decorations: Capt. Lester L. Arasmith: Distinguished Flying Cross, 3rd to 5th Oak Leaf Cluster to the Air Medal, 1st Oak Leaf Cluster to the Disting- uished Flying Cross. 2nd Lt. Neil R. Bartimus: Distinguished Flying Cross, 3rd to 4th Oak Leaf Cluster to the Air Medal. 1st Lt. Charles W. Cadwallader: Air Medal, 1st and 2nd Oak Leaf Cluster to the Air Medal. 1st Lt. George M. Edwards, Jr.: Air Medal. 1st to 5th Oak Leaf Cluster to the Air Medal, Distinguished Flying Cross, 1st Oak Leaf Cluster to the Distinguished Flying Cross. 1st Lt. Aubrey S. Gaskins: Air Medal, 1st and 2nd Oak Leaf Cluster to the Air Medal, Distinguished Flying Cross. Capt. Arthur B. Guernsey: 1st to 3rd Oak Leaf Cluster to the Air Medal, Distinguished Flying Cross. Capt. James D. Hannon: 1st to 3rd Oak Leaf Cluster to the Air Medal, Distinguished Flying Cross. 2nd Lt. Alan E. Helseth: Air Medal, 1st and 2nd Oak Leaf Cluster to the Air Medal, Distinguished Flying Cross. Capt. William M. Meek: Air Medal, 1st and 2nd Oak Leaf Cluster to the Air Medal, Distinguished Flying Cross. Capt. Everett L. Hundley: Air Medal. 1st Lt. Richard M. Lamp: Air Medal, 1st and 2nd Oak Leaf Cluster to the Air Medal. 1st Lt. Joseph F. Marling: 1st and 2nd Oak Leaf Cluster to the Air Medal. 1st Lt. Joseph C. Miles: 1st to 6th Oak Leaf Cluster to the Air Medal, Distinguished Flying Cross, 1st Oak Leaf Cluster to the Distinguished Flying Cross. 1st Lt. Howard B. Roberts: Air Medal, 1st to 4th Oak Leaf Cluster to the Air Medal, Distinguished Flying Cross. 1st Lt. Jay Williams: Air Medal, 1st to 6th Oak Leaf Cluster to the Air Medal, Distinguished Flying Cross, Silver Star. The below named officers of the 40th Fighter Interceptor Squadron received the listed decorations during the period covered by this report: Capt. Lester L. Arasmith: Air Medal, 1st and 2nd Oak Leaf Cluster to the Air Medal. 2nd Lt. Neil R. Bartimus: Air Medal, 1st and 2nd Oak Leaf Cluster to the Air Medal. 1st Lt. Walter
H. Bryan: Air Medal, 1st and 2nd Oak Leaf Cluster to the Air Medal.
November 1950NarrativeDuring the first part of November the 40th Fighter Interceptor Squadron continued to operate from Po Hang Dong. Combat missions were flown from there in support of advancing United Nations Forces steadily moving north. As had been the case at Tsuiki, Japan the scene of hostilities had moved so far from our base that the move had to be undertaken in order to maintain full effectiveness of the squadron. The move took place on 10 November 1950 and the 40th Fighter Interceptor Squadron was part of the 35th Fighter Interceptor Group conducting operations at Yon Po Base, Hamhung. The base itself did not interfere with the mission of the Squadron and combat missions were flown without interruption. In general, the move to Hamhung proved to be a benefit to the morale of the squadron personnel. Although the climate at Hamhung was less agreeable than that at Po Hang, facilities included several buildings which were far more adequate than before. Also, Hamhung would probably be the last stop before returning to Japan. Due to the proximity to the front lines, our squadron could more effectively carry out its mission of close support for advancing United Nations ground forces. a.
During the period of 1 November 1950 to 30 November 1950 the 40th
Fighter Interceptor Squadron flew a total of four-hundred twenty
(420) combat sorties. Listed below are the pilots participating
in the squadron effort with the total number of sorties flown
by each pilot.
c.
No pilots of the 40th Fighter Interceptor Squadron were lost during
this period of combat operations. d. Claims made by the 40th Fighter
Interceptor Squadron are listed below:
e. The below listed officers of the 40th Fighter Interceptor Squadron were recommended for the following Awards and Decorations: 1st Lt. Oakley
C. Allen: Air Medal The below listed officers of the 40th Fighter Interceptor Squadron received the listed decorations during the period covered by this report: Capt. Lester
L. Arasmith: 1st and 2nd Oak Leaf Cluster to the Distinguished
Flying Cross. f. (Editors Note: p. 2179 of the 40th History was partly readable so a synopsis is offered in lieu of exact wording) Bombs and napalm dropped, rockets fired, and ammo .50 cal. fired - the amounts were not readable. g. During the first part of November most missions necessitated utilization of a mixed load, i.e., one napalm tank and one external fuel tank. Fittings for the drop tanks remained scarce, so drop tanks had to be retained and returned to base. Paraphrased - The armament section received all the badly needed K-14C gunsights. F-51 bomb racks, .50 cal gun barrels, and gun cleaning materials were scarce. h.
For the first time since returning to Korea we have been able
to get the daily information on the friendly and enemy order of
battle. With X Corps and 3rd MAAG nearby it made this possible.
In the last days of November the squadron was in close coordination
with 3rd MAAG and X Corps Headquarters in flying missions to relieve
the pressure on the 1st Marines and 7th Army troops in the Chosin
Reservoir area.
December 19502.
During the
period 1 December 1950 to 31 December 1950 the 40th Fighter Interceptor
Squadron flew a total of five hundred four (504) combat sorties.
Listed below are the pilots participating in the Squadron's effort
with tactical sorties flown:
b. Two (2) F-51 type aircraft of the 40th Fighter Interceptor Squadron were lost during combat operations. c. The 40th Fighter Interceptor Squadron suffered the loss of two (2) pilots during this period of combat operations: Major Neil
R. Johnson Killed in Action d. No enemy aircraft were destroyed in the air or on the ground during the period covered by this report. e. The below listed officers of the 40th Fighter Interdeptor Squadron were recommended for the following Awards and Decorations: Captain Clarence C. Veatch: 3rd to 11th Oak Leaf Cluster to the Air Medal. Captain Paul H. Wilkins: 15th to 25th Oak Leaf Cluster to the Air Medal. Major Neil R. Johnson: 8th to 13th Oak Leaf Cluster to the Air Medal. 1st Lt. Walter H. Bryan: Distinguished Flying Cross, 3rd and 4th Oak Leaf Cluster to the Air Medal. 1st Lt. Richard E. Lamp: 1st to 6th Oak Leaf Cluster to the Air Medal, Distinguished Flying Cross, 1st Oak Leaf Cluster to the Distinguished Flying Cross, Purple Heart. 2nd Lt. Alan E. Helseth: 4th to 6th Oak Leaf Cluster to the Air Medal, Distinguished Flying Cross, 1st Oak Leaf Cluster to the Distinguished Flying Cross. Captain Herbert L. Nicholson: 3rd to 6th Oak Leaf Cluster to the Air Medal, 2nd and 3rd Oak Leaf Cluster to the Distinguished Fkying Cross. The below listed officer of the 40th Fighter Interceptor Squadron received the listed decorations during the period of this report: Captain Allan C. Priday: Distinguished Flying Cross, 1st and 2nd Oak Leaf Cluster to the Distinguished Flying Cross. f. The 40th Fighter Interceptor Squadron expended the following amount of bombs, rockets, and ammunition during the period covered by this report: Bombs, Frag
250 lb. 36
Editor's footnote: There is an inference here that would indicate that 1st Lt. Olin W. Johnson was flying one of the two lost aircraft above. Actually, he was on duty as a FACP with the 7th U. S. Army Division in the Chosin Reservoir area. He was listed as KIA 1 December 1950. January and February Reports are missing from the microfilm file March 19501.
The 40th Fighter Interceptor Squadron continued to be based at
K-9 (Pusan) Korea during the month of March 1951. However, a detachment
was stationed at K-13 (Suwon) during the month. This detachment
consisted of from two to four aircraft each from the 39th and
40th Squadrons and necessary pilots and ground crews to fly, maintain,
and re-arm and refuel the aircraft. This detachment proved to
be very effective since it moved aircraft nearly two hundred miles
closer to the front lines and enabled them to fly as many as seven
sorties per aircraft in one day. During the latter part of the
month this detachment was stabilized at four aircraft each from
the 39th and 40th Squadrons with a sortie rate of four per day
for each aircraft. This squadron rotated planes and pilots every
three days and ground crews weekly. All personnel were enthusiastic
about the K-13 detachment. it increased our sorties considerably
and was welcomed by the ground forces since in several instances
the planes from K-13 were the only ones flying due to weather
in the rear areas. Pilots flying four missions per day became
very familiar with with the terrain covered and could readily
locate targets. Missions for the squadron during March continued
to place emphasis on armed reconnaisance with close support, interdiction,
and escort missions also being flown. To everyone's surprise the
weather remained good for the month of March contributing to the
fact that the squadron had its second largest sortie month since
entering the Korean conflict in July 1950. The flow of replacement
pilots fell off during March with the result that the squadron
was very low on pilots as the month ended. The following officers
were transferred from the Squadron during March:
No airmen
were transferred from the Squadron during March. The following
officers were assigned to the Squadron during March:
Sergeant Samuel Garcia was the only airman assigned to this Squadron during March. A total of 40 officers and 152 airmen were assigned to the Squadron as of 31 March 1951. a.
During the period 1 March 1951 through 31 March 1951 the 40th
Fighter Interceptor Squadron flew 989 combat sorties totalling
2113 hours and 40 minutes flying time. Listed below are the names
of the pilots participating in the Squadron's effort with the
total number of sorties flown by each pilot:
b. Four F-51 aircraft of the 40th Fighter Interceptor Squadron were lost during combat. Of these four, two pilots returned and two were lost. One F-51 was lost when engine failure occurred enroute to the target, and the pilot made a forced landing in friendly territory. c. Major Carl L. Aubrey and Capt. Edward J. Williams are missing in action as of 12 March 1951 and 30 March 1951, respectively. Major Aubrey was shot down by enemy automatic weapons fire near Songchon and Captain Williams was shot down by similar fire near Suchchon. It is interesting to note that Captain Williams had been Major Aubrey's wingman when the later was shot down. d. The following claims were amde by the 40th Fighter Interceptor Squadron during March 1951: Destroyed Damaged Trucks 160 61 Buildings 907 450 Gun Positions 65 30 Tanks 5 3 Supply Dumps 49 0 Porpelled Guns 2 0 Ammo Dumps 15 0 RR Tunnels 3 0 Box Cars 7 0 Locomotives 2 0 Bridges 8 0 Motorcycles 1 0 Horses 20 0 Enemy Troops Killed 1198 e.
The following officers were recommended for the following awards
and decorations during March 1951:
The following officer received the decoration listed: 1st Lt. William R. Tubbs: 1st OLC to the Distinguished Flying Cross f.
The 40th Fighter Interceptor Squadron expended the following amount
of bombs, rockets, and ammunition during March 1951:
g. No new tactics were used during March, although added emphasis was placed on the moving of vehicles on the main roads, and hunting in ravines and secondary roads for camouflaged vehicles and supplies. The enemy moved in a large number of automatic weapons for use as anti-aircraft guns necessitating careful flying, and increased speed and altitude on recce in some cases. Recces were tried at 2500 feet or above but were found to be less effective at this altitude, since camouflaged objects are hard to spot at this altitude. Greater attention was paid to plotted flak, and pilots attempted to avoid low flying over heavy flak areas. Increased commitments required that 30 hour inspections be running inspections again. Maintenance personnel believe this does not hanper aircraft operation. During the month Captain Vanderyerk crash landed behind enemy lines and was rescued by helicopter. He was given air cover throughout. The helicopter was alerted through K-13 tower, and rescue was effected in 57 minutes. h. Coordination with air, ground, and naval units continued on the same scale as in past months. i. None 2.
Appendix: None
April 19511. The month of April found the 40th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron still at the sortiesold" home base at K-9, Pusan, Korea. However, the detachment which had been stationed at K-13, Suwon, Korea, lost no time in following the advance of the United Nations ground forces. As soon as the dust had settled on Seoul, the K-13 detachment was in place and operating at K-16, Seoul. The initial detachment consisted of approximately ten to fifteen men from the Squadron but was steadily increased during the month in order to cope with the stepped up sortie rate of the organization, which was maintained in spite of the fact that adverse weather precluded flying for several days. The new location of the detachment was found to be of incalculable value when the enemy began his long expected spring offensive, and friendly ground forces were hard pressed for firepower. Thanks to the close proximity to the battle scene and untiring efforts frequently involving round-the-clock shifts by all personnel, the Squadron together with the 39th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron was able to fly over four-hundred (400) sorties within a four day period, which more than made up for the time lost due to inclement weather. The flow of replacement pilots continued to fall off during the month of April, and pilots who were eligible for rotation after completing 100 missions were compelled to continue flying combat missions. Among those leaving the Squadron during April was Lieutenant Colonel James F. Kirkendall, who commanded the 40th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron since the beginning of the Korean conflict and completed 104 combat missions. Lieutenant Colonel Kirkendall was replaced by Major Frank C. Malone , who prior to assignment in the 40th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron last month, was a member of the 36th Fighter Bomber Squadron and had completed over 50 F-80 missions in Korea. In addition, the following officers were transferred from the Squadron during April: Captain William J. Jordan, Jr. 1st Lt. Donne C. Harned 1st Lt. Alan E. Helseth 1st Lt. Edward A. Stinson Lt. Col. James F. Kirkendall Captain Allen H. Vanderyerk 2nd Lt. Hamilton R. White The following officers were assigned to the Squadron during April: Major Theodore J. Urban Captain Daniel S. Elliot Captain Robert E. Keyser A total of 36 officers and 167 airmen were assigned to the Squadron as of 30 April 1951. a.
During the period 1 April 1951 through 30 April 1951 the 40th
Fighter-Interceptor Squadron flew 926 combat sorties. Listed below
are the names of the pilots participating in the Squadron's effort
with the total number of sorties flown by each pilot:
b. Two (2) aircraft lost due to combat. c. No pilots lost during the month of April. d.
The following claims were made by the 40th Fighter-Interceptor
Squadron during April 1951:
e.
The following officers were recommended for the following awards
and decorations during April 1951:
The following
officers received the decorations listed:
f. The 40th Fighter Interceptor Squadron expended the following amount of bombs, rockets, and ammunition during April 1951. Ammunition, .50 cal 1,082,200 rounds Rockets 4,279 Bombs 909 Napalm 88,110 gallons g. Tactics remained generally the same throughout the month of April as in previous months. During this period it was found that the enemy has steadily increased his anti-aircraft defenses, utilizing innumerable automatic weapons positions and creating veritable sortiesflak alleys", which in quality as well as quantity surpassed anything the enemy has offered up to that point. In addition, the enemy has apparently intensified his camouflage program, making it increasingly difficult to locate targets in obvious places. In many instances pilots found that previously destroyed villages had been rebuilt over and around supply and POL dumps. Once the offensive began, however, Chinese and North Koreans once more moved by day and in the open, which in turn resulted in very effective close support missions. The road and railroad interdiction program was continued with increasing success. Although many damaged roads were made passable within hours, reconnaisance revealed many bomb craters containing trucks, indicating that traffic to the front lines from the north was successfully being slowed down. The close proximity of K-16 to enemy territory facilitated more effective armed reconnaisance missions, allowing more time over the recce area and decreasing actual flying time and pilot fatigue. h.
Coordination with Air, Ground, and Naval units continued on.
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