On December 17, 1950, the skies over Korea witnessed the primary known aerial combat between swept-wing jet opponents. The Russian-constructed Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-15, delivered to the Korean battle in November, posed a sizable risk to the American fleet of B-29 bombers and their escorts. In response, the North American F-86 Sabre was hastily deployed to Korea, setting the degree for a sequence of high-stakes aerial duels.
Ward Hitt Jr., a member of the 4th Fighter Interceptor Group based totally at Kimpo Air Base close to Seoul, meticulously documented the early days of the F-86 in combat. His specific scrapbook, now a part of the National Air and Space Museum Archives’ virtual collections, affords a vivid account of these historical events.
Hitt, a native of Kansas City, Kansas, entered Air Force cadet education in 1948 and graduated from Williams Field in February 1949. By November 1950, he was stationed at Johnson AFB in Japan and soon joined the 4th Fighter Interceptor Group at Kimpo. In a letter dated December eight, 1950, he expressed his worries approximately the precarious scenario in Seoul, noting, “Our planes gained’t be right here for every week and I’m afraid Seoul won’t final that long.”
The arrival of the F-86As at Kimpo on December 15 marked a turning point. Hitt wrote, “The state of affairs right here stays the identical, tight and jumpy. Our planes arrived these days so I guess I’ll be in business the following day.” Despite the tension, he reassured his circle of relatives, “Don’t fear approximately me, we are flying top cowl right here and no one is getting shot down in jets right here anyway.”
Hitt was slated to participate in the F-86’s first task over North Korea on December 17. Although he did no longer had interaction in a fight that day because of technical problems together with his plane, he stated the sizeable information that “Colonel Hinton shot down a swept wing MIG!” This victory became a morale booster for the squadron and turned into widely protected inside the news.
Colonel Bruce Hinton, commander of the 336th Fighter Interceptor Squadron, described the come across in element. His organization tricked the MiGs into combat by way of flying at a low speed, a tactic that paid off after they engaged the enemy about 10 miles southeast of Sinuiju. Hinton stated, “I closed in step by step and after I figured I became inside range I permit cross a quick burst… I persevered to maneuver and fired an extended burst and he started to smoke and burn very badly.”
Hitt could later earn his accolades in aerial combat. In April 1951, he was offered the Air Medal for his meritorious achievements during a combat aerial patrol south of the Sinuiju-Yalu river region. His citation highlighted his bravery within the face of advanced enemy numbers.
The F-86 Sabre, designed by Edgar Schmued, who additionally created the P-51 Mustang, became a brilliant aircraft. Initially modeled after the instantly-wing FJ Fury series, it was later adapted to its signature 35-degree swept wing. The XP-86 prototype first flew in October 1947, and the plane formally entered service with the USA Air Force in 1949. The Sabre became most renowned for its contributions at some point during the Korean War, in which it destroyed almost 800 Russian-designed MiG-15s.
One terrific F-86 Sabre, the “Jolley Roger,” is housed at the Planes of Fame Museum in Chino, California. This F-86F version was added to the 359th Pilot Training Wing at Nellis Air Force Base in November 1953. It later served with the Argentine Air Force for 26 years before joining the museum. The “Jolley Roger” will pay homage to Capt. Clifford D. Jolley, the first Air National Guard “ace” of the Korean War, shot down seven Soviet-made MiG-15 aircraft.
Captain Joseph C. McConnell, Jr., a fighter pilot with the thirty-ninth Fighter-Interceptor Squadron, 51st Fighter-Interceptor Wing, changed into any other notable discern within the Korean War. On May 18, 1953, his last day of combat, McConnell shot down three enemy MiG-15 fighters, bringing his overall to sixteen aerial victories. For his exquisite heroism, he was provided the Distinguished Service Cross.
McConnell’s combat excursion in Korea turned into marked through several achievements. He flew numerous F-86 Sabres, naming them Beauteous Butch after his spouse’s nickname. Despite being shot down as soon as and rescued from the Yellow Sea, McConnell’s determination and ability made him the main American ace of the Korean War.
The legacy of the F-86 Sabre and its pilots remains a testomony to the bravery and ingenuity of folks who fought in the Korean War. The aircraft’s overall performance and the heroics of pilots like Hitt, Hinton, and McConnell continue to inspire and captivate aviation lovers and historians alike.