Introduction
The Korean War Educator was contacted by Mary Foulks in March of
2015. Her father-in-law was Capt. James Arch Foulks Jr., a
B-29 pilot assigned to the 372nd Bomber Squadron, 307th Bomber Wing,
in 1951. In September of 1951, U.S. aerial
reconnaissance discovered a build-up of 18 new North Korean
jet-capable airfields in the Saamcham area. The US decided to
destroy the airfields before they became operational. The
largest of these airfields was Namsi. With new concrete
runways, the airfield would have the capability to stage jet
aircraft.
On the
morning of October 23, 1951, nine B-29 Superfortresses took off from
Kadena Air Base in Okinawa to strike the airfield at Namsi.* They
were in three flights--Able, Baker, and Charlie.
- Able - 44-61816 (Fogler's B-29), 44-87760 (Lewis' B-39),
42-94045 (Krumm's B-29)
- Baker - 44-86295 (Reeter's B-29), 44-61940 (Foulks' B-29),
44-27347 (Griner's B-29)
- Charlie - 44-70151 (Shields' B-29), 44-61824 (Dempsey's
B-29), 44-86395 (Field's B-29)
Russian MiG15's attacked the B-29s, and the result was that six of
the nine American aircraft were lost. It was the highest
percentage of U.S. bombers ever lost in a single mission, hence the
name "Black Tuesday". There were numerous
casualties.
More information about the nine B-29's involved in Black Tuesday
(and their crew members) is being sought by the Korean
War Educator. To add to this new page contact: Lynnita Brown,
111 E. Houghton St., Tuscola, Illinois 61953; ph. 217-253-4620
(home) or 253-5171 (work); or e-mail
Lynnita@thekwe.org. See also: "B-29s in the Korean War" on
this page of the Korean War Educator.
[*KWE Note: According to Earl McGill, author of
Black Tuesday Over Namsi, "Official records show eight
aircraft, but official records are in error. There were nine, a
fact that took me the better part of my research to uncover. I
have theories as to why the ninth was left out, but no documentation.
Lead navigator’s log also shows nine. (There were ten, including
spare and one aborted.)"]
Page Contents:
Back to Page Contents
Serial Number 44-61940
When the plane engine of B-29 (44-61940) caught
fire, the B-29 headed for safety, but before it could get back to
base the crew had to bail out in the Yellow Sea. Of the crew
of 13, one was picked up after landing in the Yellow Sea by an
Australian destroyer, one man's body was found the next day washed
ashore. Five of the men were taken prisoners of war and
returned in 1953. The remaining men were not heard from again.
Back to Page Contents
Crew Members
- Black, Cpt. Wayne Forrest - MIA (radio operator)
- Botter, TSgt William Joseph - MIA/POW (flight engineer)
- Cogswell, Maj. Robert Whitney - MIA/POW
- Foulks, Cpt. James Arch Jr - MIA/KIA (commander-pilot)
- Coffey, Cpl. Arthur G. - KIA (tail gunner)(Body recovered)
- Beissner, 1st Lt. Fred Jr. - (rescued at sea) co-pilot
- Fuehrer, SSgt Alios Anton - MIA/POW
- Jones, Sgt James H. - POW returned '53 (left gunner)
- Kisser, TSgt Kenneth E. - POW returned '53 (gunner)
- MacClean, Cpl Gerald Charles - POW returned '53 (right
gunner)
- Mooradian, 1st Lt. Ara - POW/MIA (bombardier)
- Strine, TSgt John T. - POW returned '53 (radio operator)
- Wentworth, 1st Lt. Lloyd G. - POW returned '53 (navigator)
Back to Page Contents
In Memoriam - Crew Members
The public is welcome to add photos and information about the
following crew members of this B-29 Superfortress.
1st Lt. Fred Beissner, Jr.
He was rescued by the Australian destroyer Murchison
northwest of Chinnampo.
NEWPORT NEWS - Fred L. Beissner, Jr., a resident of Newport
News since 1972, passed away on July 28, 2015 at the age of 87.
Predeceased by his parents, Fred L. Beissner, Sr., and Lucille
Smith Beissner, and his younger brother, Kenneth C. Beissner,
Fred is survived by his wife of nearly 47 years, Karen S.
Beissner; his four children from his first marriage: Sherri Lynn
Beissner of California, Kenneth C. Beissner, and wife Colleen
Pilliod of Virginia, Mark S. Beissner, and wife Kim of
California, and Fred L. Beissner, III (Trey) of Arizona; his
three grandchildren: Jeremy J. Beissner and Heather L. Beissner
of California, and Fred L. Beissner, IV of Arizona; and his
former daughter-in-law, Sonia Beissner of Arizona. Born in
Houston, Texas and raised in San Antonio, Fred graduated from
Brackenridge High School in 1946, and was accepted into the Army
Air Corps Cadet program at Texas A&M. Because of his interest in
airplanes, he moved on to Pilot training, flying B-29 Bombers.
During the Korean Conflict, he was based in Okinawa and
completed over 40 missions as Co-Pilot. In October, 1951, his
plane was one of many B-29s shot down in "MiG Alley" in a battle
over Namsi. After leaving the Air Force, Fred attended the
University of Texas, earning an Aeronautical Engineering Degree,
followed by a Master's Degree from Southern Methodist
University. During his working career, Fred was employed at
Convair, General Dynamics, and Ling-Temco-Vaught in Texas before
coming to Virginia as a Contractor for 22 years with LTV and
Lockheed-Martin at NASA Langley. Fred donated his body to the
Virginia State Anatomical Program. At his request, no Memorial
Service is planned. The family suggests donations to a favorite
charity if friends desire.
Published in Daily Press on Aug. 1, 2015
Capt. Wayne Forrest Black
Possibly transferred to POW camps in Russia and/or China.
He was born May 29, 1927 in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, son of
James Hillard and Eva Grooms Black. He attended Lascassas
High School in Lascassas, Tennessee (1945) and Murfreesboro
State Teacher's College, Murfreesboro (1949). Among the
military schools he attended were: San Antonio, Texas (OCS, AAF
administrative OCS, November 1946); Scott AFB, Illinois
(communication officer course, February 1948); Randolph Field,
Texas (basic pilot, October 1948); Williams Field, Arizona
(advanced pilot, December 1948); Ellington AFB, Texas
(navigation, October 1950); Randolph AFB, Texas (B-29 combat
crew training, March 1951). His previous occupation was
automobile parts salesman. There are memorial markers for
him in three places, including a stone in Milton Cemetery,
Milton, Tennessee. He was married to Ava Black of Clovis,
New Mexico. His siblings were
Hubert "Pete" G. Black, William Denny Black, Buddy Black, Sam
Black and Bob Black.
TSgt. William Joseph Botter
TSgt. William Joseph Botter
(Click picture for a larger view) |
Born on August 27, 1924, in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, TSgt.
Botter was the son of William Thomas Botter (1898-1965) and
Martha L. Botter (1904-1992). He enlisted at New Cambria,
Pennsylvania, serving in World War II from 30 January 1943 until
10 August 1945. His home of record when he died as a POW
was Dawson, Tulsa, Oklahoma. He graduated from Johnstown
Central Catholic High School in 1943. He was married to
Wilma Jean Dugger, and their son, Thomas
John Botter, was born during 1950 in Topeka, Kansas.
He was awarded the Air Medal with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters, the
Purple Heart, the Prisoner of War Medal, the Korean Service
Medal, the United Nations Service Medal and the National Defense
Service Medal.
Cpl. Arthur Gerard Coffey
Born May 24, 1933 in Lowell, Massachusetts, he was the son of
Augusta C. Brock Coffey (1894-1946). His remains were
recovered by a crash boat near Taehwado Bay, Korea. He is
buried in St. Patrick Cemetery, Lowell. His siblings were
Mrs. Gerard Maurice (Marie Geraldine Coffey) Marchand
(1920-1995) and Mrs. Edward D. (Gertrude T. Coffey) Flanagan
(1921-2015). Sergeant
Coffey was awarded the Purple Heart, the Korean Service Medal,
the United Nations Service Medal, the National Defense Service
Medal, the Korean Presidential Unit Citation and the Republic of
Korea War Service Medal.
Maj. Robert Whitney Cogswell
Maj. Robert Whitney Cogswell
|
Born August 18, 1917, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, he was from Bridgeport, Connecticut
at the time of his service in Korea.
He served in the European Theater in World War II. He was
the son of Wesley Herbert and Emma Alberta Cogswell of Mount
Lebanon, Pennsylvania. He was married to Dorothy Gene Vellbrecht
Cogswell of Pittsburgh.
After graduating from Eigewood High School, Pennsylvania in
1935, he attended the University of Pittsburgh for three years
from 1935 to 1939. From 1935 to 1941 he was a bookkeeper and
clerk. He was the District Representative General Electric
from 1945 to 1947.
He attended the following military schools: Santa Ana,
California (pre-flight, 1942); Cal Aero, California (primary,
1942); Polaris Flight Academy, California (basic training,
1942); Victorville, California (advanced training, 1942); Hobbs,
New Mexico (B-17 transition, 1943); Tyndall AFB, Florida (air
tactical school, 1950).
Major Cogswell was listed as Missing in Action and was
presumed dead on February 28, 1954. His name is inscribed on the
Courts of the Missing at the Honolulu Memorial.
For his leadership and valor, Major Cogswell was awarded the
Distinguished Flying Cross with Oak Leaf Cluster, the Air Medal
with 4 Oak Leaf Clusters, the Purple Heart, the Korean Service
Medal, the United Nations Service Medal, the National Defense
Service Medal, the Korean Presidential Unit Citation and the
Republic of Korea War Service Medal.
---
Newspaper article - "Missing Korean War Soldiers' Families
Still Suffer" (excerpt)
Greenwich Time Digital Edition, authored by Anne Amato,
published Tuesday, May 29, 2012
BRIDGEPORT HERO
Robert Whitney Cogswell, a major in the U.S. Air Force who
was from Bridgeport, was a crew member of a B-29A superfortress
bomber that was attacked by enemy MIGs near the Namsi Airfield
on Oct. 23, 1951. The plane headed toward the Sea of Japan and
crashed. His body was lost at sea. He was listed as missing in
action and presumed dead on Feb. 28, 1954.
Cogswell had also served in World War II and was a hero. He
had been medically grounded after aborting a mission to Nantes,
France, in October 1943. According to published reports,
Cogswell was the pilot of a B17 that suffered a runaway prop and
fire in one of the engines that caused the crew to bail out.
Cogswell stayed with the plane and made sure it didn't crash in
a populated area. The plane, called the Lady Luck, crashed near
the Medstead Airdrome near Winchester, England. The bombs on
board didn't explode, but Cogswell, then a lieutenant, tore
ligaments in his back.
In a letter to his family following the incident, he was
almost nonchalant about what happened, saying losing an engine
wasn't unusual. He said he couldn't jettison the bombs because
he was over England. He said no one was killed or injured and no
property was damaged "except a few cabbages." In 2003, the town
of New Alresford, England, where he ditched the plane, honored
Cogswell with a permanent marker to his memory. But whatever
family he had never got to bury his body from Korea.
---
Eddie Deerfield of Palm Harbor, Florida submitted the
following to The Graybeards magazine and it appeared in
the March-April 2008 issue:
"Captain Robert W. Cogswell was my B-17 pilot in the 303rd
Bomb Group during World War II. Returning from our 14th mission
against a Nazi submarine base in Occupied France on 26
September 1943, we had to bail out over the south of England as
our bomber began to disintegrate. Injuries were minor among the
10-man crew, with the exception of the pilot, who was last to
jump. The opening of the chute tore ligaments in his back. He
never flew another mission during WW II, but went on to train
and serve on B-29s during the Korean War. I was based in Pusan
in 1951-52 as commander of a detachment of the 1st Radio
Broadcasting and Leaflet Group. Bob and I had exchanged letters,
when one of mine addressed to him at his air base in Okinawa
came back stamped MISSING IN ACTION."
Capt. James Arch Foulks Jr.
Captain Foulks was born March 3, 1922 in Union City,
Tennessee, son of James Arch Foulks Sr. and Fannie B. Wilson
Foulks of Union City. He graduated from Union City High
School in 1939. From April 1941 to February 1942 he was a
telephone repairman.
After joining the Air Force he attended the following
military schools: San Antonio, Texas (pre-flight, June 1944);
Sikeston, Missouri (primary pilot, September 1944);
Independence, Missouri (basic pilot, December 1944); Waco, Texas
(advanced training, March 1945); Hendricks Field, Florida (B-17
transition, May 1945); Maxwell AFB, Alabama (B-27 transition,
August 1945); Kelly Field, Texas (salvage course, April 1946).
His World War II service was in the Zone of Interior.
Captain Foulks had a wife Alma, and a four-year old son, James "Jay" Arch Foulks III. The Captain's wife was pregnant with a
daughter, but lost her while carrying her after she got the
Missing in Action wire.
Capt. James Foulks Jr.
(Click picture for a larger view) |
Capt. James Foulks Jr. in Okinawa, 1951
(Click picture for a larger view) |
SSgt. Alios Anton Fuehrer
Sergeant Fuehrer was born November 08, 1927 in Rosemont,
Pennsylvania, son of Albert and Elizabeth Fuehrer of Rosemont,
Pennsylvania. He graduated from Wayne High School,
Pennsylvania, in 1946. After joining the Air Force he
attended military school (radio operator-mechanic course 2756,
April 1947). His wife was Nancy L. Fuehrer of Drexel Hill,
Pennsylvania.
He was a POW who was possibly transferred to POW camps in
Russia and/or China. Staff Sergeant Fuehrer was awarded
the Air Medal, the Purple Heart, the Korean Service Medal, the
United Nations Service Medal, the National Defense Service
Medal, the Korean Presidential Unit Citation and the Republic of
Korea War Service Medal.
Sgt. James H. Jones
From Charlotte, North Carolina.
TSgt. Kenneth Eugene Kisser
Born November 3, 1919, he died February 04, 1999 and is
buried in Florida National Cemetery, Bushnell, Florida. He
was married to Leonila Aligada Pelayo (1941-2011). TSgt.
Kisser was a World War II, Korea, and Vietnam War veteran of the
US Air Force.
Cpl. Gerald Charles MacClean
At one point he and his wife Norma Jean (Harris) MacClean were living in
West Melbourne, Florida. Believed to be living in Spring,
Texas.
1st Lt. Ara Mooradian
Born November 11, 1924 in Fresno, California, the son of Nish
Toros and Annie Mooradian of Fresno. He graduated from
Sanger (California) high school in 1943 and attended Fresno
State College, Fresno, industrial education. The military
schools he attended included Sioux Falls, South Dakota (radio
school, 1943); Sioux City, Iowa (cadet training detachment,
aircrew, 1944); Santa Ana, California (bombardier preflight,
1944); Victorville, California (advanced bombardier,
dead-reckoning navigation, 1944).
He was taken
POW and was possibly transferred to POW camps in Russia and/or China.
Captain Mooradian was awarded the Air Medal with four Oak Leaf
Clusters, the Purple Heart, the Korean Service Medal, the United
Nations Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the
Korean Presidential Unit Citation and the Republic of Korea War
Service Medal. He was not married.
TSgt. John T. Strine
OZARK, Mo. — John Thomas Strine, 90, died at 11:09 a.m.
Monday, August 17, 2015, in Ozark, Missouri. Born July 6,
1925, in Milton, he was one of three sons born to Lester Leland
Strine and Helen Mary (Richardson) Strine. He was married to
Ladema (Gray) Strine, who preceded him in death on May 19, 2004.
His wife of 10 years, Ruby Charlene Strine, survives.
On July 20, 1943, at the age of 18, he enlisted in the United
States Army Air Corps and was a radio operator on a B-17 flying
25 missions over Germany. On November 16, 1945, he was
discharged due to the ending of World War II. On October 5,
1948, he re-enlisted during the Korean War, also as a radio
operator on a B-29, flying 24 successful missions over Korea. On
October 23, 1951, on his 25th mission, their plane was shot down
over China. Only six of the 13 crew members survived with the
rest captured by the Koreans and Chinese. Mr. Strine was taken
by the Chinese and held Prisoner of War for 22 months, being
released after the truce was signed by China and the United
States.
He and Mary lived in England for four years and adopted a
2-month-old German boy, Roy Andrew Strine. On June 30,
1966, he was discharged from the military following 20 years of
service. He and Mary lived in Washington State, where he was a
member of the Church of Christ, serving as deacon for several
years. He also drove a gas truck for the next 20 years, retiring
from the Teamsters.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by his son and
daughter-in-law, Roy Andrew and Carrie Strine of Washington;
stepson and daughter-in-law, Mike and Vicki Morgan of Wichita,
Kansas; nephew, George Strine and wife Anette of Shippensburg;
nephew, Jime Strine and wife Mary Jean of Edgewood, Ky; nieces,
Gloria Hoedle, Joanna Haught, Kay Beaver, Linda Leiby and
Deborah Miller; stepchildren, Michael and Anna Osborn of Iowa,
Beverly and David Wilson of Crane, Mo., Jeff and Charlott Akins
of Crane, Mo., Bruce Harp of Nixa, Mo; and a host of
grandchildren, stepgrandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Graveside services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday in Jamesville
Cemetery, Stone County, Mo., with full military honors.
1st Lt. Lloyd Goodwin Wentworth
1st Lt. Lloyd Goodwin Wentworth
(Click picture for a larger view) |
Col. Lloyd G. Wentworth, Jr., Ringgold, Georgia, died
Wednesday, June 15, 2005, at Palmyra Medical Center.
Entombment was at Crown Hill Mausoleum with full military
honors. Chaplin Andy Goode and Rev. Roy Cook officiated.
Colonel Wentworth was born September 17, 1928. He
retired from the U S Air Force serving in World War II, the
Korean War, and Vietnam. He was a former POW who received a
Purple Heart. He flew over 200 combat missions in Korea.
Colonel Wentworth was a member of the American Legion Post
40, the VFW, Past Master at Masonic Lodge #708. He was a Worthy
Patron twice with the Order Eastern Star #450, Hasan Temple and
the Scottish Rite. He was a member of the Southwest Georgia
Sportsmen Club, Georgia Defense Force, Air Force Sergeants
Association and the Golden Eagles with the NRA.
He was preceded in death by his wife Carlene E. Wentworth and
a son Lloyd G. Wentworth, III. Survivors include his
daughter, Dawn E. Smith, Chattanooga, Tennessee; sons, Raymond
Wentworth and his wife Lynn, Jasper, Georgia, Mahlon Wentworth
and his wife Teresa, Albany, Georgia; and seven grandchildren.
Back to Page Contents
Serial Number 44-87760
"Nip-pon-ese"
This B-29 was damaged during Black Tuesday, but was
repaired and reassigned to the 98th Bomb Group. The list of crew members was supplied by Robert
Bergstrom of Minnesota in January 2016.
Back to Page Contents
Crew Members :
-
Bata, T/Sgt. Frank B. "Pappy" - right gunner
-
Bergstrom, 1Lt. Robert L. - VO
-
Bruegeman, S/Sgt. Donald A. - left gunner
-
Carpenter, Sgt. Charles C. - RO
-
Fairchild, T/Sgt. Malcolm L. - central fire controller
-
Lewis, Capt. James R. - aircraft commander
-
Myles, 2Lt. Robert D. - pilot
-
Pennington, 1Lt. Jerry L. - navigator
-
Puett, T/Sgt. Joseph E. - FE
-
Thevenet, 1Lt. Charles J. Jr. - bombardier
-
Webb, S/Sgt. Jerry M. - tail gunner
In Memoriam - Crew Members
T/Sgt. Frank B. "Pappy" Bata
FRANK BATA
Memories of World War II
Taken from the Eastern Arizona Courier, Safford, Arizona
July 29, 1998
Staff Writer D. R. Hall In World War II, it was unlikely that any man would live through
more than five missions while serving a tour of duty with the United States Air Force. Frank Bata,
however, successfully flew 54 missions during World War II and 43 more during the Korean conflict.
Flying those missions earned him the right to be buried in Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia in
June. Over the course of his career, Bata was stationed in England and took part in
several historical events including the first three daylight raids to occur over Berlin. He lost several
friends and had many close encounters with death while fighting for the government he believed in. After
one mission over Korea, when his scanner blister was shot through by enemy jet fighters, he said, "If it
hadn't been for the hand of God holding me back, I would've been blown out without a parachute."
His fearlessness and dedication to the United States during his 26 years of service earned him several
medals, including the Distinguished Flying Cross and the AF Commendation Medal. Bata's
mother and father came to he Untied States from the Czech Republic in 1905. His family share his
dedication to this country and at one point during World War II, five Bata boys were serving in the
military. Bata's wife, Doris, said, "Because his parents came over to this country, he felt he owed it
to the country (to serve in the military). This was his way of paying it back." Bata met
Doris in California and the two were married in 1961. After he retired in 1967, they moved to Arizona to
take care of Doris' mother. He began working for the State of Arizona in 1969 at the Franklin Port of
Entry. The couple settled between Duncan and Three-Way where they lived until 1990. They moved to
Thatcher that year so Frank could be close to medical services the hospital offered.
While living in the Gila Valley, Bata was a member of the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign
Wars. He spent much of his free time talking to area youth about the benefits of having a military
career and convinced many to enlist. He flew a United States flag in his front yard every day that
weather permitted and was very humble about his military achievements, Doris said. "The kids in the
neighborhood knew how much flying the flag meant to him," she said, "and after he died, the little girl
across the street, who is probably about seven, brought over a little flag that her teacher had given
her on Memorial Day and asked that it be put with Frank." Doris granted the girl's wish and the flag
rests in the same niche at Arlington that Frank does. "The people at Arlington acted like it (the little
flag) was ten-feet long," she added. "Everyone there was so nice. I will be buried there with him also."
Frank Bata escaped death many times while serving as an armored gunner for the United States Air Force.
He is pictured here after surviving a mission in Korea in 1951. During that flight, an estimated 150
MIG-15s attacked the formation he was in. He lost his radio headset and got a bump on the head after MIG
shells pierced his scanner blister. NOTE: Recently I received a call from the owner of
this newspaper. He said that he had heard of the incident regarding the MISUNDERSTANDING about an
obituary for Frank and asked if he could send a reporter to get the information regarding the Arlington
burial. I agreed. Corrections: Frank was buried July 7, 1998 with full Military Honors. He served 20+
years. We came to AZ and bought my mother's house when she returned to the East." PS.
Frank flew on B29s during the Korean War doing over 40 missions before his blister was shot out. Then on
B66s doing recon out of Japan. His last service was with SAC on B52s out of Travis AFB, California."
1Lt Robert L. Bergstrom
T/Sgt. Donald Arthur Bruegeman
Donald Arthur Bruegeman was born in Idaho in
1925, a son of Arthur A. and Sybella K. Bruegeman. Bruegeman was the top turret gunner and engineer during the
following incident that occurred in World War II:
"Mission 355 for the 429th Bomb Squadron was scheduled for 14 February 1945 from
Amendola. The day was cloudy as the B-17’s took off for a bombing run to the Schechat oil refinery
near Vienna, Austria. 1st Lt. Robert E. Davis was piloting the crew of “Hell’s Angel”, a B-17G with
aircraft serial number 44-6659. The Davis crew was flying their 13th mission. They had completed
bombs away over the target when at about 1245 hours the aircraft was hit by flak. The plane began
to lose altitude and stray from the formation. All crew members were able to bail out and deploy
their parachutes. The aircraft crash landed in the Boesing Modra area near Pezinok, Slovenia. The
entire crew were captured and taken to a collection point. Missing Air Crew Report 12107, which was
filed after the aircraft failed to return home, includes captured German records relating to the
interrogation of the crew by intelligence officers."
Sgt. Charles C. Carpenter
T/Sgt. Malcolm L. Fairchild
Capt. James R. Lewis
2Lt. Robert D. Myles
1Lt. Jerry L. Pennington
Lieutenant Pennington was born September 20, 1924 and died March 14, 1989. He is
buried in Memorial Park Cemetery, Tulsa, Oklahoma.
T/Sgt. Joseph E. Puett Sr.
Sergeant Puett died October 25, 1983 in
California. The following recollection of Joseph Puett
Jr.'s memories of his father was sent to the Korean War
Educator:
My Dad
by
Joseph E. Puett Jr.
January 07, 2018
When I first met my dad, he was just a man that
I had never seen before. I was only maybe 18 months old
when my mother took my older half-brother, who was 18 months
older than me, and myself, who was still in diapers, to meet
someone. At the time I couldn't tell you where we went,
since I was too young to realize and was more interested in just
playing on the floor where my mother had put me. I
couldn't know how long we were at this place where we were, but
from outside came a loud roar. Shortly after the sound
stopped, people started coming in through the door from the
direction the sound had come from. Most were men dressed
in tan or brown clothing that were met by their wives or
girlfriends who hugged and kissed them before leaving hurriedly
out through another door. But, when one tall, lanky,
dark-haired man who was dressed in the same kind of tan clothes
that the other men wore entered the room, my older brother leapt
to his feet and ran to meet him. I just continued to play
on the floor, but then the man came over to me and started to
talk to me and my mother, who was standing over me. I
wasn't sure I liked this man or not, so really didn't want
anything to do with him. I just wanted to keep playing on
the floor. Little did I know that he was just coming home
from Japan and Korea after having been gone for some time.
You see, I was born at Fort Reilly Army Hospital on September
26, 1951, just about a year and a half before the reason for
this child's account of when I first met my dad.
Recently I received a late-night phone
call from Lynnita Brown, a representative from the Korean War
Educator website at
www.koreanwar-educator.org, who had told me that she was
researching the name of my father in conjunction with something
that had happened during the Korean War while he was serving
with the United States Air Force. She referred me to an
air battle that had taken place on October 23, 1951 called Black
Tuesday, where U.S. B-29 aircraft had been on a mission to bomb
an airfield in North Korea called "Namsi".
Having never been told anything about my dad's
deployments, even from him, I had no idea what she was talking
about--just that I knew that my dad had been a flight engineer
for most of his career and I had seen some picture albums that
my mother had kept hidden from us kids when we were young.
These were lost some time long ago and were not available for my
adult viewing.
He had met my mother, who was from Junction
City, Kansas, while stationed at Fort Reilly or the airfield at
Topeka, Kansas, or at a newly-built airfield in Salina, Kansas.
He had spent time training at Chanute Air Force Base at Rantoul,
Illinois, where he was trained as a flight engineer and ended up
deploying to Japan sometime after hostilities broke out between
North and South Korea. In my entire time growing up Dad
was very much a closed-off, stoic individual who didn't talk
that much about what he did during his war-time deployments.
It took the phone call from Lynnita Brown and
the little bit of information she gave me to put me on a path
that I knew little about. Even after spending time myself
with the USAF during Vietnam and having been deployed to the Far
East for two years, my dad never talked about his missions over
North Korea. I do remember that he always insisted that he
did not dream or that he had blocked out whatever he had done
during that period in his life. I now wish he had been
more open with me, as I had spent two years roaming around the
Far East. I was stationed at Yokota AB, Japan, from
November 1970 to November 1972 after having been trained in
Automatic Flight Control Systems at Chanute AFB in Illinois
also.
My dad and I were not as close as a father and
son might have been. Because of differences, my father and
mother got divorced sometime around my tenth birthday. I
spent the rest of my teen years with my mother until going out
to visit my dad in California in the summer of 1968. You
see, Dad had remarried and retired from the Air Force at Travis
AFB in California in 1966 after having been a flight engineer on
many different aircraft over the years of his career. He
made flying missions to and from Vietnam on what he told me was
the "Coffin Run", bringing those who had died in battle in
Vietnam home. After having to perform this soulful solemn
duty for some time he felt that he had had enough of war and
retired as an Air Force Senior Master Sergeant in 1966.
Under his leadership and control, a wild,
directionless kid (myself) decided to finish high school in
California. I went from D's and F's in Kansas to a High B
average at a school in California, but had to take six solids
and a night school class in American history to graduate.
I didn't have any time to get into trouble and learned that
school wasn't quite as bad as it had been back in Kansas.
After graduating from high schoo,l Dad let me kick around for
the summer, but one night sat me down for a father to son talk
about where I was headed in life. He asked me a simple
question, "Son, do you think you're ready for college?" to which
I said, "NO!" Then he asked the question, "Do you think
you could do better going into the service?", to which I
replied, "Yes, Dad, now that I will probably be going anyway
when I turn eighteen because of the draft." The next day
he and I went on a man's journey to the Air Force recruiter in
Vallejo, California, where I was introduced to the Air Force and
its many options and where I was given a little time to decide
if I wanted to join. Officially I joined the USAF in July
and reported for induction in August of 1969 at age 17. I
had to get permission from my mother back in Kansas because of
my age. Dad sent my draft notice to me after I turned 18
as I was in basic training at Lackland AFB in San Antonio,
Texas. We had a pretty good laugh at the absurdity of it
because I was already in the Air Force.
When I received the late-night phone call asking
about my dad, I was at first surprised as it was about 9:30 at
night, long after telemarketers can call. But once my wife
answered the call and handed the phone to me, I tentatively
answered the questions that were asked of me. I know I was
kind of short and cryptic, but, hey, it was late and it was a
pretty out of the blue phone call. But it put me on a path
of research into what the lady had talked about, which led to my
researching the subject of Black Tuesday and B-29s over
Korea--which led me to look on Amazon for a certain book by Earl
J. McGill, Lt. Col. USAF (Ret.) called Black Tuesday Over
Namsi. In it, my dad, who I'm named after as a Junior,
was listed as being a crew member on one of the planes that were
involved in the mission over "Namsi". In one of the
pictures of an aircraft and crew on page 30, my dad is standing
in the middle of the back row almost directly under the hole in
the tail section of the plane he was flight engineer on.
I'm sorry to say that Dad died in Vallejo,
California, in Solano County, October 25, 1983 of an aortic
aneurism. According to his wishes he was to be cremated
and his ashes were to be scattered over the Pacific Ocean from a
small plane as he had flown over this ocean many times during
his long Air Force career. At the time of his death, I was
attending a small junior college in Northern Arkansas. It
was just after I had reported my mid-term grades by phone to
him. We had made plans, he and I, for me to move back to
California after finishing my associate's degree in business and
data processing. I was to join in business with him at his
Northern California insurance brokerage firm. Due to the
distance involved and the timing of his desires, I was not able
to be at his planned-for and quickly-scheduled burial as were
his wishes.
I struggled with his untimely death for some
time, but was able to finish my associate's degree. After
losing Dad I felt I no longer had a reason to return to
California. My step-sisters out there even said that was a
better decision on my part. I did what Dad always told
me--that when you start something you need to finish what you
started. I finished my degree and continued here in the
Arkansas Ozarks. I have for the last 23 years worked for a
major poultry processing company here in the Ozarks, was able to
go back to school to get a second associate's degree in general
studies, and have been able to complete my bachelor's degree in
Professional Studies in Information Technology in 2014. I
am soon to graduate with a Masters in Information Systems and
Technology Management from Capella University by way of their
online courses.
So, Dad, if you are up there in the wild blue
with other members of your long-ago crew, I've done what you
said to do. I've finished what I started. Maybe now
I've become the "educated idiot" that you warned me about!
I sincerely thank you, Lynnita Brown, for
putting me on this very interesting search into memories of long
ago. I was not quite a month old when my father was on
this fateful mission. I do still have his burial flag and
his last Air Force dress uniform that his second wife sent to
me. I've also received his enlistment records from the
National Personnel Records Center, but still need to acquire his
deployment and assignment records if they're available.
1Lt. Charles J. Thevenet Jr.
Lieutenant Thevenet was credited with flying 33
combat missions during World War II. He served as a
bombardier/navigator with the 547th Bombardment Squadron
(Heavy). Born November 27, 1920, he died May 26, 1999.
He and his wife Bettie E. Thevenet are buried in Seminole
Cemetery, Seminole, Florida.
SSgt. Jerry M. Webb
Back to Page Contents
Serial Number 42-94045
This B-29 was shot down by Lt. Col. Aleksandr P.
Smorchkov near Namsi airfield. Last seen in a tight spiral.
The aircraft crashed on a mud flat near Namsi, Chagang, North Korea,
and was found six days later, on October 29, 1951. The remains of
three crew members were recovered. Lt. Walter J. Kurtz, 0948814,
interrogated the partisan troops who found the aircraft. There were
two bodies under the tail of the crashed aircraft. One was
unrecognizable and the other was in good condition, except for three
holes in the head. Kurtz surmised that one person was shot after
parachuting safely and was then placed near the aircraft by North
Korean troops. At least three crew members were taken prisoner
of war.
Back to Page Contents
Crew Members:
-
Gallant, James Alvin - MIA
-
Hays, Melvin Blaine - MIA
-
Horner, John Joseph - MIA
-
Hudson, Laurence Harold - MIA
-
Johnson, Gerald Emmett - POW
-
Johnson, Johnny Menlo - POW
-
Krumm, Capt. Robert Mitchell (pilot) - MIA
-
Marshall, Isreal Jr. - KIA
-
McAdoo, Ernest Robert - MIA
-
Newswanger, Quentin L. - KIA
-
Nutting, John Mainard - KIA
-
Osborne, Jess Alan Jr. - POW
-
Poynor, 1Lt. Con Foley - MIA
Back to Page Contents
In Memoriam - Crew Members
Gallant, A/1c James Alvin -
Born October 10, 1931, he was born in Williamstown, Ohio,
son of Harold Allen and Kathryn Elizabeth Gallant. His
mother later married Robert Claphan. James graduated from
Dola, Ohio High School and then attended military schools at
Lowry AFB, Colorado (primary weapons, August 1950); Lowry AFB
(flexible gunnery, January 1951). He was not married.
According to Air Force Manual 200-25, "There was sufficient time
between the emergency and the crash for the crew members to
abandon the B-29. Therefore, it is possible that the
Communists have knowledge of Airman Gallant's fate."
Hays, A/2c Melvin Blaine "Spud" -
Born August 18, 1920, in Britton, South Dakota,
he was the son of Joseph Henry and Pansy Hays of Elkton, Oregon.
He was the husband of Nellie Emma Hays and the father of Melvin
H. Hays. He attended grammar school in Britton in 1934.
After joining the Air Corps, he took training at the following
military schools: Laredo, Texas (flexible gunnery, 1942);
Lowry Field, Colorado (aircraft armorer school, 1943); Camp
Carson, Colorado (SAC Survival School, July 1951). His
previous occupation was that of galvanizer. Like Gallant,
the Communists might have knowledge of Airman Hays' fate.
Horner, 1Lt. John Joseph -
Born March 29, 1924, in Swedesboro, New Jersey,
he was the son of Warren S. and Eva R. Horner of Swedesboro.
He graduated from Camden, New Jersey high school in 1942 and
then attended a half year of college in 1942 at the Lawrence
Institute of Technology in Michigan. A former electric
welder, he was divorced from Norinne V. Horner. He served
in the U.S. Navy in the Zone of Interior from January 1943 to
December of 1945. He attended military schools in
Jacksonville, Florida (Class-A, mechanic, Navy, August 1943);
Chicago, Illinois (Class-B, advanced engineering, Navy, November
1945); Memphis, Tennessee (instructor school, Navy, October 1946
and July 1949); Vance AFB, Oklahoma (basic and advanced pilot,
December 1950); and Randolph AFB, Texas (pilot, June 1951).
It is possible that Communists know Horner's fate.
Hudson, 1Lt. Laurence Harold -
Born November 20, 1921, in Brooklyn, New York,
he was the son of William N. and Alice Hudson of New York, New
York. He was the husband of Gloria Marie Hudson,
Clearwater Beach, Florida. He attended the following
civilian schools: Public School No. 170, Brooklyn, 1935;
Brooklyn Technical High School, Brooklyn, 1939; and Pace
Institute, New York, New York, 1948. He attended the
following military schools: Amarillo, Texas (airplane mechanic,
March 1943); Boeing Aircraft, Washington (airplane mechanic, May
1943); Montana State College (cadet training detachment, January
1944); Santa Ana, California (preflight navigation, March 1944);
Kingman, Arizona (serial gunnery, May 1944); Kirtland Field, New
Mexico (advanced bombardier, December 1944); Boca Raton, Florida
(radar, March 1943); Ellington AFB, Texas (radar observer,
refresher, March).
Johnson, A/2c Gerald Emmett -
Born March 17, 1933, in Youngstown, Ohio, his home
address was Arcadia, Pennsylvania at the time he went missing.
He was the son of Charles Lewis Johnson (1904-1983) and Virginia
Dare Kerr Johnson (1912-1982) of Arcadia.
He was not married. His siblings were Gilbert Zane (1932-2015)
and Theodore A. (1929-2017).He attended grammar school in Youngstown
(1946) and high school in Arcadia, Pennsylvania (1950). He was senior patrol
leader in Boy Scouts. After joining the Air Force he took
training at Lowry AFB, Colorado (primary weapons, November 1950).
Johnson, M/Sgt. Johnny Menlo -
Born December 18, 1918, in Norse, Texas, he was the
son of Will L. and Matilda Johnson of San Angelo, Texas. He
attended grammar school in Milburn, Texas and graduated from Milburn
High School in 1935. He attended military school at the
Missouri Aviation Institute (engine mechanic, March 1942); Chanute
AFB, Illinois (flight engineer, ground phase, February 191); Camp
Carson, Colorado (SAC Survival School, July 1951). His
previous occupation was carpenter and riveter. During World
War II he served in the European Theater, North Africa, and
Trinidad. He was in Soviet custody as a
POW.
X-BRADY MAN MISSING WITH HEAVY BOMBER - "Tech-Sgt Johnny M. Johnson 33, son of Mr. and Mrs. Will Johnson, 831 E. 20th is missing in action with his heavy bomber crew after
his fifth mission over Korea, the Defense Department has notified his parents. Johnson is a combat veteran of World War II, heavily decorated, and has been in the Air Force
11 years. He has been in Korea since mid-September, and was reported missing on October 23. His parents moved here from Brady two years ago, and he formerly worked in Brady
as a truck driver. He was discharged after World War II in 1945, but re-entered the Air Force in 1947. His decorations include the Air Medal with 4 clusters, ETO ribbon with
7 battle stars, and Distinguished Unit Badge with 3 clusters. Two of Sgt. Johnson's brothers are also in service now, they are S/SGT. William L. Johnson and CPL. Olson Curtis
Johnson."
Krumm, Capt. Robert Mitchell -
Born March 30, 1918 in Atkins, Iowa, Capt.
Robert Mitchell Krumm was the son of Jacob N. Krumm (1891-1966)
and Grace E. Krumm (1896-1965). His home address was Cedar
Rapids, Iowa. He attended high school in Van Horne, Iowa
(1935); Penn State, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania (extension course,
1/2 year, 1942); and Spartan School of Aeronautics, Tulsa,
Oklahoma (1947). He was formerly a carpenter and crop
duster. After entering the military he took training at
the following military schools: Maxwell Field, Alabama
(pre-flight pilot, October 1942); Decatur, Alabama (primary,
February 1943); Walnut Ridge, Arkansas (basic, April 1943);
Seymour, Indiana (advanced, May 1943); Lockbourne, Louisiana
(4-engine, B-17, July 1943).
He and his wife Aline M. (Sally) had no children.
His siblings were Dorothy, Irene, Donald, Edmond, and Casey.
Donald and Edmond were pilots in the U.S. Army Air Corps. Donald
was killed in a bomber plane training accident in California in
March of 1943. The Krumm family was grieving over his
death when they received news that Robert was missing in action.
He was declared dead in 1954.
In Loving Memory of Captain Robert Mitchell Krumm
Captain Robert Mitchell Krumm was killed in action Tuesday, October 23, 1951 over the
South China Sea. He was 33 years old. Captain Krumm was a member of the 307th Bomber
Squadron based in Kadena, Okinawa.
He was born in Van Home on March 30, 1918, to Jacob and Grace Mitchell Krumm. He
was survived by his wife Sally, his parents, brothers Edmond (Roberta) and Keith (Corrine), sisters
Ilene (Frank) Novak, and Dorothy (Robert) Gaines. He was preceded in death by his brother Donald.
Bob was a fun-loving adventurer. He enjoyed motorcycles, sports, and was a member
of the Van Home baseball and basketball teams in high school. He was a member of the Civilian
Conservation Corps (CCC).
His true love was flying and prior to World War II, he operated a crop dusting service
where he honed his flying skills. He enlisted in the Army Air Corps on February 10, 1941.
After graduating from flight school, he was stationed in England with the 8th Bomber Group. He
completed 25 missions over Germany, including the D-Day invasion of Normandy. His plane, the
Flak Dodger, was shot down and he crash landed in Sweden where he and his crew were interned as
guests of the Swedish government. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal,
the Purple Heart, and seven Oak Leaf Clusters.
After the war, he returned home and resumed his crop dusting business. He remained
on active reserve in the newly formed United States Air Force and was recalled to active duty when the
Korean War began. Captain Krumm was flying a bombing missions which would later be known as "Black
Tuesday Over Namsi." It was the first time Russian MiGs were used to attack the American bombers.
The faster MiGs decimated the squadron. Of the nine B-29s that took off that day, only three
returned. Bob's plane crash landed on the beach. Six of the crew members' bodies were
recovered, but five (including Captain Krumm's) were never found.
None of us ever got the chance to meet Uncle Bob. We've heard many wonderful
stories about this amazing man from our parents, families and friends. His parents were still
feeling the pain of losing their other son Donald (killed in a flight training mission in March of 1943)
when Bob was declared deceased. They declined the full military service for Robert, being too
painful to relive. Although it's 60 years later, we feel he still deserves this honor. Our
family invites all to honor this man who so gallantly laid his life on the alter of freedom. Full
military rites will be held at Cedar Memorial on August 6, 2016 at 10 a.m.
Marshall, Pfc. Isreal Jr. -
Born August 19, 1932, he was from Jacksonville, Florida.
McAdoo, SSgt. Ernest Robert -
Born July 27 1932, in Josephine, Pennsylvania, he was
the son of William Emerson and Anna Marie McAdoo of Black Lick,
Pennsylvania. He attended civilian schools: Grammar School, Black
Lick (1947) and Blairsville, Pennsylvania high school three years, 1950).
After joining the military he had schooling at Lowry AFB, Colorado
(primary weapons, December 1950). He was not married.
Newswanger, TSgt. Quentin L. "Curly" -
Born March 24, 1924, in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania,
he was the only child of Harry Ellsworth Newswanger (1891-1942) and
Winona Ressler Newswanger (1896-1977). His widow Doris Newswanger
later remarried to Eugene Peiffer and they live in Quarryville.
There is an empty grave for Quentin in Quarryville Cemetery,
Quarryville, Pennsylvania. A 1942 graduate of Quarryville High
School, he was an all-around athlete who was a great basketball and
baseball player. He attended Franklin & Marshall College. He
served in Europe during World War II with the 95th Bomb Group. He
was assigned to the B-17 (#42-97334) known as "H-A-A-RD Luck". He
was a postal carrier who had hoped to become a postal inspector.
When the Korean War broke out, he was recalled to military service and
was sent to MacDill AFB in March 1951. He left for Okinawa in
September of 1951 and was MIA (status later changed to KIA) during Black
Tuesday.
Nutting, Capt. John Mainard -
Born January 23, 1916, he was from North Leeds, Maine.
He was a son of John Mainard Nutting Sr. (1889-1940) and Teresa Estelle
Gavin Nutting (1890-1976). His siblings were Willis Nutting and
Dorothy Nutting Pettengill (1920-2014). There is a marker for him
in the Fairview Cemetery, Leeds, Maine.
Osborne, A/2c Jess Alan Jr. -
Born September 27, 1931 in Dante, Virginia, he was the son
of Jess Alan Osborne Sr. and Gilie Mae Hall Osborne of Castlewood, Virginia.
He attended grammar school (1944) and high school (1948) in Castlewood.
He then attended military school at Lowry AFB, Colorado (reciprocating
mechanic, June 1951) and SAC Survival School (July 1951). He was not
married. His former occupation was auto service man.
Poynor, 1Lt. Con Foley "C.F." -
Born on July 17, 1918 in Gorman, Texas, he was
the son of Murry Middleton Poynor (1878-1934) and Pearl Zella
Malear Poynor (1880-1955). His wife's name was Helen Mae
Keating Poynor. When he went missing in action, he had a
10-year old son, Paul Owen Poynor, born in 1944. His
siblings were Aubrey Lee Poynor (1906-1993) and Ola B. Poynor
(1903-1982). Con was a 1934 graduate of Ranger High
School, Ranger, Texas. After high school he attended
Hanger Junior College. He attended the University of Texas
for three and a half years before enlisting in the U.S. Air
Corps in 1941. He flew 31 missions overseas in England
during World War II. When he came home he went into the
Reserves and worked for an oil company in the Ranger, Texas
area. He was called back into service in March of 1951 and
was sent to Okinawa in September 1941. There is a marker
for him in the Colony Cemetery, Morton Valley, Eastland County,
Texas.
Back to Page Contents
Serial Number 44-27347
This B-29 crashed at Kimpo Airfield in South Korea.
Loss of aircraft, but no fatalities.
Back to Page Contents
Crew Members:
-
Cartwright, 1Lt. Oma B.
-
Cummings, T/Sgt. Archibald M. - flight engineer
-
Dickerson, Cpl. Paul S. - right gunner
-
Galloway, Cpl. Jack - left gunner [KWE Note: Not listed on KORWALD as a crew member.]
-
Griner, Maj. William R. - pilot*
-
Iantorno, Cpl. Charles S. - radio operator
-
Laird, 1Lt. Deane F.
-
Markel, Maj. Carroll B.
-
O'Deneal, 1Lt. Pinkney B.
-
Slagowski, S/Sgt. Clyde L. - central fire controller
-
Stainbrook, Cpl. Paul - left gunner (traded places with Sgt. Carl Webb)
-
Thornton, 1Lt. Glenn S.
-
Turner, Cpl. Dewell E. - left gunner
-
Whitaker, Sgt. Bill N. - tail gunner
*Fate put Major Griner in the pilot's seat that
day because the regular pilot, Captain Brisey, had sprained his
wrist.
Back to Page Contents
Serial Number 44-61816
"Sit 'N Git"
Lead bomber on the Black Tuesday mission, this B-29
landed safely, but had over 500 bullet holes in it. There were
no fatalities.
Back to Page Contents
Crew Members:
-
Blumenthal, TSgt. Bernard - radio
-
Brubaker, Capt. Robert
-
Chapman, 1Lt. James - radar
-
Dees, MSgt. Ralph - FE
-
DeJung, Capt. Clifton
-
Denson, Capt. Joe D.
-
Fields, Airman Francis - tail gunner
-
Fogler, Capt. Clarence - pilot
-
Kourafas, 1Lt. Nick - lead bombardier
-
Ledbetter, Col. Henry - observer
-
Meier, Lt. Fred C. - navigator
-
Miller, Cpl. Rolland - right gunner
-
Pyfrom, Lt. Stan - co-pilot
-
Spivey, Sgt. Fred R. - left gunner
Back to Page Contents
Serial Number 44-61824
This B-29 was shot up near Namsi, but the plane was
not a loss. According to crew member John Wagenhalls, "The
bomb doors on the right side of the aircraft were shattered from
cannon fire, while those on the opposite side suffered only minor
damage. I was able to wire the pieces of the bomb bay doors in the
up position sufficiently to allowed us to fly the aircraft back to
Kadena." There were no fatalities.
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Crew Members
-
Capt. Peter Dempsey (pilot)
-
Capt. John Wagenhalls (bombardier)
-
Capt. Michael V. Aurigemma (navigator)
-
1Lt. Paul E. Carter (radar)
-
1Lt. Paul J. James Jr. (co-pilot)
In Memoriam - Crew Members:
Aurigemma, Michael
Carter, Paul E.
Dempsey, Peter -
Peter Dempsey was born June 29, 1920 in Tacoma,
Washington. While serving with the 338th Fighter Squadron
during World War II, he was taken prisoner of war. He was
later released. He is believed to have died June 28, 2008,
but this has not been confirmed by the Korean War Educator.
James, Paul J. Jr.
Wagenhalls, John Math -
John Wagenhalls was born on July 7, 1920, and
grew up in Glasgow, Montana. He moved to California at age
20. He was working on B-24 bombers in Consolidated
Aircraft's San Diego factory when Pearl Harbor was attacked by
the Japanese. He moved to the Vallejo, California area and
worked in shipbuilding until he enlisted in the Army Air Corps.
He flew 32 missions with the 379th Bomb Group's 527th Squadron
in Europe. He received the Distinguished Flying Cross as
well as an Air Medal with three clusters. After his World
War II service he married Marie Eirich (1923-2010). They
were parents of two sons, William and Barry (1948-2010). They also had
two grandchildren and three great grandchildren. John was
recalled to service during the Korean War and flew 50 missions
with the 307th Bomb Group's 370th Squadron. After the war
he was an industrial arts instructor at Fresno City College
until he moved into administration over the vocational education
program for Fresno School District. Mr. Wagenhalls died on
May 03, 2015 and is buried in Sanger (California) Cemetery.
Back to Page Contents
Serial Number 44-70151
"D'Yachenko"
This B-29 (the lead bomber in this bombing mission) was damaged by MiG
#141
near Namsi Airfield and the crew bailed out in the Chinnampo/Inchon
area (Yellow Sea). Loss. Thirteen occupants, nine
fatalities. Curtis Bedsole, maintenance crew chief on this
aircraft in 1951, made the following entry on the Korean War Project
(www.koreanwar.org):
"These details of the aircraft's last flight
were told to me by the CFC gunner after we both returned to
MacDill AFB, Florida in 1952: 151 was targeted by MIG fighters
because it was the lead bomber of its group. A large hole was
blown in the wing and the plane began descending to the sea. Two
enlisted members of the crew refused to bail out (one waist
gunner and the flight engineer MSGT Hamblin). The waist gunner
froze in his seat and the others in the rear could not get him
to jump. They then jumped from the open hatch at the rear bomb
bay doors. Sgt Hamblin had often told me and others that he
would never be able to bail out of an aircraft. The pilot and
co-pilot decided to attempt to ditch the aircraft in the ocean
in order to possibly save the two enlisted men's lives. I found
one entry that stated that Captain Shields was awarded the
Silver Star, but have often wondered if their sacrifice was ever
documented properly."
The following account of the airplane loss was found
on page 32 of the Air Force Manual No. 200-25, located on the Korean
War Project website at www.kwp.org.
"Sgt. Dougherty's plane, accompanied by two
others, departed Kadena Air Base, Okinawa, for a mission over
Namsi Airfield, North Korea, on 23 October 1951. About
0945 hours, while on target approach, the plane was attacked by
MiG 15's which damaged the wings and set the number-three engine
on fire. It then headed for islands near Chinhampo and the
Inchon area. At 09477 hours the bailout order was given.
The plane was last seen at 0955, south of Napchongjong.
The following crew members were rescued from the
water: Capt. Ted W. Smith, navigator, A02094056; Capt. Emil B.A.
Goldbeck, bombardier, AO2001994; A/2C Stainbrook, gunner; A/1C
William A. Cross, central fire control, AF6950944. Another
crewman, Lt. Vretis, was seen in the water but could not be
recovered. He was believed dead. The reports of
those rescued indicate that Capt. Smith saw SSgt. Dougherty bail
out, but that Dougherty was not seen thereafter."
Back to Page Contents
Crew Members:
-
Dougherty, S/Sgt. Joseph Stephen - MIA
-
Goldbeck, Capt. Emil Bruno Amaldo - bombardier - rescued
-
Gross, Capt. William A. - gunner - rescued
-
Hamblin, M/Sgt. Robert Warren - flight engineer - POW/MIA - held in Russia
-
O'Neal, Lt. Col. Julius - observer - MIA/POW held after the war.
-
Penninger, Capt. Roger William - co-pilot - MIA/POW held after the war
-
Shields, Capt. Thomas Lester - pilot - MIA
-
Smith, Capt. Ted W.- navigator - rescued
-
Stainbrook, A/2c Paul E. - gunner - WIA/rescued
-
Vretis, Lt. James George - KIA
-
Wahlgren, Capt. Edward Charles - MIA/POW
-
Webb, A/1c Edward Arvil - MIA/POW
-
West, Cpl. Carl Emmons - MIA/POW held in Russia
Back to Page Contents
In Memoriam - Crew Members:
S/Sgt. Joseph Stephen Dougherty
Born January 12, 1922 in Erie, Pennsylvania,
M/Sergeant Dougherty was survived by wife Marjorie Ruth, and four children
ages 5, 4, 3, and 2. The children were Sharon Denise, Mary
Christine, Sheila Maureen, and Joseph S. Dougherty Jr. He
was a World War II and Korean War veteran. Dougherty was the
recipient of the Distinguished Flying
Cross, Air Medal with 5 Oak Leaf Clusters, Purple Heart, Korean
Service Medal, the United Nations Service Medal, National
Defense Service Medal, Korean Presidential Unit Citation and the
Republic of Korea War Service Medal. He attended high
school in Erie, Pennsylvania in 1939. In October 1942 he
attended gunnery school in Las Vegas. His previous
occupation was office manager and salesman.
Capt. Emil Bruno Amaldo Goldbeck
Born January 09, 1923, Lt. Col. Emil B.A.
Goldbeck died May 05, 2002. He is buried in Arlington
National Cemetery. His children were George Amaldo
Goldbeck, Patrick Goldbeck, and Mrs. William DeWayne (Jeanette
G.) Cantrell (1948-2005). His first wife and mother of his
children was Dorothy "Dottie" Durham (later Mrs. James D. Ward)
(1925-2017). His second wife was Leonora Webb Goldbeck
(1920-1988), also buried in Arlington Cemetery. On January
30, 1963, Goldbeck was one of three survivors of another
airplane crash. He was a navigator on a B-52E
Stratofortress when it crashed in snow-covered mountains in
northern New Mexico.
Capt. William A. Gross
M/Sgt. Robert Warren Hamblin
Born March 23, 1931 in New York, New York, M/Sergeant
Hamblin was the son of Harry and Blanche W. Hamblin of Richmond
Hill, New York. He served in Brazil from December 1942 to
December 1944 during World War II. He was not married.
He attended Richmond Hill High School, Richmond Hill in 1942 and
Manhattan High School of Aviation Trades, New York, in 1942.
He was an aircraft metal worker student at Chanute Field in
Rantoul, Illinois in December 1942, followed by ground phase
school at Chanute in June 1950. He was awarded the Air Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, Purple
Heart, Korean Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal,
National Defense Service Medal, Korean Presidential Unit
Citation, Republic of Korea War Service Medal and the World War
II Victory Medal.
Ltc. Julius Elliot O'Neal
He was born March 28, 1919 in Fairfax, South
Carolina. His mother was Suzie B. O'Neal of Fairfax.
His widow was Dorothy T. O'Neal and his daughters were Pamela
Sarah O'Neal, Barbara Anne O'Neal, and Deborah Jean O'Neal. O'Neal was the C.O. of the 371st Bomb Squadron.
He attended high school in Fairfax in 1936, followed by The
Citadel in Charleston, South Carolina in 1940. He attended
Parks Air College, East St. Louis, Illinois (primary flying,
November 1940); Gunter Field, Alabama (basic flying, basic
flight training February 1941); Barksdale Fld, Louisiana
(advanced twin engine flight training, April 1943); Lockbourne
Field, Ohio (4-engine instruction, April 1943); AAF Instrument
School, Bryan, Texas (instrument pilot training, July 1944);
Roswell, New Mexico (B-29 instructor course, March 1945); Air
Command and Staff School, Maxwell AFB, Alabama (regular course,
December 1949); Langley AFB, Virginia (mobile training unit, Jet
B-45, June 1950). His previous occupation was student and
clerk.
Capt. Roger William Penninger
Born July 20, 1924 in Chicago, Illinois, he was
the son of Frank Clay Penninger of Elkhart, Indiana, and Helen
Marie Sachtleben Penninger Dunlap of Chicago. His wife was
Phyllis A. Penninger of Elsinore, California. He attended
Harper High School in Chicago and then military schools in Santa
Ana, California (pre-flight, November 1943); Tulare, California
(primary flight, January 1944); Merced, California (basic
flight); Marfa, Texas (advanced flight); Hobbs, New Mexico (4-E
transition, B-17); MacDill AFB, Florida (transition training,
February 1951). Hi previous occupation was punch-press
operator, spot welder, ranch foreman (walnuts, watermelon and
potatoes).
Capt. Thomas Lester Shields -
Capt. Thomas Lester
Shields
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Born February 11, 1925 in Rockaway Beach, New
York, he was the son of John F. and Irene V. Shields of Valley
Stream, Long Island, New York. His wife was Patricia
Flarimont Shields Quinn (remarried wife), and his children were
John Francis Shields and Kathleen I. Shields. Captain Shields received a
Silver Star as the result of his heroic actions on Black Tuesday.
He was missing in action.
During World War II he participated in the Air
Offensive, Japan, Western Pacific. He graduated from
Central High School, Valley Stream, in 1943. He attended
military schools at Maxwell Field, Alabama (pre-flight pilot,
February '44); Decatur, Alabama (primary, March 1944);
Courtland, Alabama (basic, June 1944); Freeman Field, Indiana
(advanced, September 1944); Smyrna, Tennessee (4-engine
transition, B-24, February 1945). He previously owned and
operated a tavern. He was also a commercial pilot.
His hobby was wrestling.
General Orders: Headquarters, Far East Air
Forces, General Orders No. 569 (December 4, 1951)
The President of the United States of America,
authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in
presenting the Silver Star to Captain Thomas L. Shields, United
States Air Force, for gallantry in action against an enemy on 23
October 1951 as Aircraft Commander of a B-29, 370th Bombardment
Squadron, 307th Bombardment Wing (Medium), FIFTH Air Force.
Captain Shields was leading the third flight of aircraft over
the important enemy airfield at Namsi. Twenty miles from the
target, after encountering anti-aircraft fire, the formation of
B-29s escorted by 50 friendly fighters was attacked by
approximately 150 enemy fighters. The ensuing battle was one of
the most savage on record during the entire Korean Campaign.
Captain Shields' plane was raked by enemy fighter fire. Whole
sections of the wings covering the gas tanks were blown away.
The number three engine was in flames. The aircraft rolled
violently to the right, but through great effort Captain Shields
recovered. Refusing the opportunity of an immediate bailout, he
flew the aircraft to the coast so as to make the rescue of his
crew more probable. Captain Shields was last seen at the
controls as his crew bailed out. The superlative skill,
exceptional courage, and devotion to duty displayed by Captain
Shields were in keeping with the highest traditions of the
service, and reflected great credit upon himself, the Far East
Air Forces, and the United States Air Force.
Capt. Ted W. Smith
A/2c Paul E. "Smokey" Stainbrook
A 1948 graduate of Trinity High School in
Pennsylvania, he enlisted in a one-year program in the U.S. Navy
and was stationed on an aircraft carrier. He then joined
the Air Force and participated in Black Tuesday. He
received a shrapnel wound to his leg, but was one of the four
lucky ones on the crew that bailed out and made it to safety.
He and his wife Marlene, a retired nurse, have a son Paul
(Craig) and a daughter Dana Stainbrook. Paul Stainbrook,
born August 19, 1930 in Washington, Pennsylvania, died January
13, 2018, in Washington. His obituary follows:
Paul E. "Smokey" Stainbrook Jr., 87, of
Washington, died Saturday, January 13, 2018, in Presbyterian
SeniorCare, Washington. He was born August 19, 1930, in
Washington, a son of the late Paul E. Sr. and Hazel Ann
Keener Stainbrook. Mr. Stainbrook was a 1948 graduate of
Trinity High School. He worked as a measurement regulation
technician for Columbia Gas Transmission, from where he
retired in 1992. Mr. Stainbrook served in the U.S. Navy and
the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War. His plane was shot
down over the Yellow Sea October 23, 1951. He was a member
of Sunset Lodge 623 of F&AM, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post
927, Edwin Scott Linton Post 175 of the American Legion,
Washington, and BPOE 776, Washington.
On September 4, 1954, in Winchester, Va., he married Marlene
"Marty" Bebout, who survives. Also surviving are a son, Paul
Craig (Laura) Stainbrook of Washington; a daughter, Dana Lee
Stainbrook of Washington; two grandchildren, Paul
Christopher and Samantha Marilyn Stainbrook; and several
nieces. Deceased are a brother, Warren "Bud" Howard
Stainbrook; and a sister, Mary Lou Stainbrook Hallam.
Interment was in Washington Cemetery.
Lt. James George Vretis
Born November 26, 1925, Lieutenant Vretis was
from Rock Island, Illinois. He was married. He was
awarded the Purple Heart, Air Medal, National Defense Service
Medal, Korean Service Medal, Republic of Korea Presidential Unit
Citation, United Nations Service Medal, and Republic of Korea
War Service Medal. The KWE believes (but has not verified)
that he was a son of Greek immigrant Frank Vretis (1886-1962)
and Fotine (Frances) Gounis Vretis (1889-1974) of Rock Island
and the brother of George F. Vretis (1922-1996) and Florence
Vretis Baird.
Capt. Edward Charles Wahlgren
Born July 27, 1920, in Brooklyn, New York,
Captain Wahlgren was from Valley Stream, New York. He was
the son of Esther Wahlgren of Valley Stream. His father
was deceased. He was survived by his wife Helen Wahlgren
and daughter Cheryl L. Wahlgren of Huntington Station, Long
Island, New York. He attended high school at Valley
Stream, graduating in 1938. He attended military schools:
Maxwell Field, Alabama (pre-flight, September 1942); Decatur,
Alabama (primary flying, November 1942); Walnut Ridge, Arkansas
(basic January 1943); Craig Field, Alabama (advanced flying,
January 1943); Ellington Field, Texas (pre-flight, April 1943);
Laredo, Texas (flexible gunnery, July 1943); Midland, Texas
(bombardier, October 1943); Boca Raton, Florida (radar, July
1945). He was a former bank clerk who was also a
commercial pilot. One of his classmates from Central High
School, Valley Stream, was Captain Thomas Lester Shields, pilot
of the ill-fated B-29 lost on Black Tuesday. Both men were
missing in action and later declared deceased.
A/1c Edward Arvil "Eddie" Webb
Born September 15, 1932, in Warner, Oklahoma, he
was the son of Earnest Arvil and Jackie Geraldine Webb of Oktaha,
Oklahoma. He was not married. He attended high
school in Oktaha for three years (1947). He attended
military school at Lowry AFB, Colorado (primary weapons,
general, November 1950).
Cpl. Carl Emmons West
Carl Emmons West was born November 16,
1932, in Huntington, West Virginia, son of Doy Emmons and Gladys
Eloise West.
He was not married. Carl had a twin sister, Mary Lou. Other siblings included
Eleanor and Ray. Carl grew up In Jackson County where his father
was a salesman in a hardware store and his mother taught in a
one-room schoolhouse.
Carl graduated from Ravenswood High School where
he played the snare drum in the band; it was said he loved to
wear the uniform so much that he would attend out-of-town
performances without informing his family. In 1949, Carl played
in the National Future Farmers of America band in Kansas City.
Soon after graduation in 1950, Carl enlisted in
the Air Force. He attended military school at Lowry AFB,
Colorado (primary weapons, December 1950). He became a tailgunner on B-29s in North Korea.
On October 23, 1951, the day of his death, Carl, a replacement
on an 11-man crew, was taking part in one of those missions. His
assignment that day was waist gunner, which meant manning a
.50-caliber machine gun located on the side of the fuselage in
the middle of the airplane. The B-29 was hit by a MiG-15,
resulting in damage to one of the right wing engines. Seven crew
members bailed out, four of whom survived. Carl West was not one
of them. Emil Goldbeck, the airplane’s bombardier, speculated
that perhaps Carl chose to take his chances with the airplane.
Carl’s body was never recovered, but on December 31, 1953, he
was declared dead. His twin sister had a plaque made and placed
at the foot of her parents’ graves in Ravenswood Cemetery.
Back to Page Contents
Serial Number 44-86295
"Police Action"
This B-29 was shot up at Namsi and crash landed at Kimpo
Airfield, South Korea. The navigator was the only crew member killed in action.
Loss of aircraft.
Back to Page Contents
Crew Members:
- Bisson, Sgt. N.T. - Wounded in action
- Carroll, Col. John W. - observer
- Charnall, Capt. John F.
- Edwards, Capt. Morton G. - navigator - the only fatality
- Gretchen, Sgt. J.E.
- McQuade, Capt. James R.
- Reeter, Lt. William E. "Bill" Reeter - pilot
- Richards, Cpl. D.D.
- Turpin, Cpl. Randy
- Walters, Sgt. H.L. - Wounded in action
- Williamson, Capt. Monte C.
- Wilson, Sgt. E.L.
- Victor, Sgt. Russell B.
Back to Page Contents
In Memoriam - Crew Member
Capt. Morton G. Edwards
Morton G. Edwards
Wichita, Kansas
Born November 4, 1924
Captain, U.S. Air Force
Service Number AO716392
Killed in Action
Died October 23, 1951 in Korea
Buried in Arlington National Cemetery
Captain Edwards was a crew member of a B-29A Superfortress with the 372th Bomber Squadron, 307th Bomber
Wing based at Kadena Air Base, Okinawa.
On October 25, 1951, while on a combat mission, his aircraft was attacked by enemy MiGs and he was
killed on board. Captain Edwards was awarded the Purple Heart, the Korean Service Medal, the United
Nations Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Korean Presidential Unit Citation and the
Republic of Korea War Service Medal.
Back to Page Contents
Serial Number 44-86395
This B-29 was the "spare" aircraft on the mission, used when the regularly scheduled B-29
was aborted due to engine trouble. It was known as "Charlie
Two" in the Namsi mission.
Back to Page Contents
Crew Members (incomplete):
Back to Page Contents
Black Tuesday over Namsi
A book written by Lt. Col. Earl J. McGill (USAF Ret.) provides
insight into Black Tuesday. His book is entitled: Black
Tuesday Over Namsi: B-29s vs MiGs - The Forgotten Air Battle of the
Korean War, 23 October 1951. Order information for the
book can be found at the end of this sketch.
An hour and a half before sunup, nine B-29s of the 307th
Bombardment Wing lifted off from Kadena Air Force Base, Okinawa
on a bombing mission against Namsi, a North Korean airfield
under construction in the heart of MiG Alley. Five and a half
hours later, they would engage in an air battle that would
forever change the conduct of strategic aerial bombardment. Six
of the nine would not return; the highest percentage of United
States bombers ever lost on a major mission.
Astonishingly, virtually nothing has been published about
this event. Official Air Force historical records mention it
only in passing and literature of the period too often
emphasizes the gung ho aspect than the grim reality of war.
Black Tuesday Over Namsi chronicles the calamitous B-29
daylight-bombing mission flown by the 307th Bombardment Wing on
23 October 1951 against Namsi Airfield. What many experts
consider the epic air battle of the Korean War and perhaps the
greatest jet engagement in the history of aerial warfare has
largely become another forgotten battle in a forgotten war.
Here, Lt. Col McGill presents the facts and circumstances of the
mission from first briefing to final landing.
This book also records, from verifiable historical documents,
the broader events and conditions that led up to the
confrontation, plus the first-hand accounts of aircrew members
and ground personnel who were there. Allied and Soviet
perspectives are examined; statements made by the MiG pilots
describe the attack; and eyewitnesses to the event have supplied
photographs of the mission and its aftermath, including the
aerial photo of the Namsi Airfield that was used to plan the
mission. This thoroughly researched narrative history is
enhanced by numerous photographs, a bibliography, and an index
to full names, places and subjects.
This is the story of the Americans and Russians who clashed
in the skies above Namsi, the events leading up to it, Black
Tuesday's historical impact on aerial warfare, and, for the
first time, fresh conclusions based on a careful analysis of the
specific factors that went into the execution of this and other
bombing missions.
Order Information - Amazon.com
- Kindle $11,49
- hard cover $98.43
- paperback $20.52
- Paperback: 224 pages
- Publisher: Helion & Company; Reprint edition (September 1,
2013)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 1909384380
- ISBN-13: 978-1909384385
- Product Dimensions: 0.5 x 6.2 x 9.2 inches
- Shipping Weight: 12 ounces
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