Air War in Korea

[tempestfan]

one of the other Squadron titles Graham referred to is simply named "Air War over Korea", though in fact there's one by Larry Davis (6035) and one by Jim Mesko (6082).

Possibly included in some of the posts above, there was a series by Osprey named something like "Fighting Colours" or something comprising volumes on the F-51, F-86, F-84, A-26, F-80 and 4th FIW. The A-26 volume was authored by Bob Mikesh, pilot (or navigator ?) of Miss Mildred, and long-time curator (?) of the NASM.

"The Hunters" is a rather entertaining film IMHO, though Bridges at Toko-Ri is better on all accounts as a movie.

[Seahawk]

The Osprey series was called "Osprey Frontline Colour": 6 titles as listed, all exclusively colour and all focussed on Korea. The B-26 title is a particular favourite.

And, lest we overlook the naval/marine angle, there's Squadron 6046 USN/USMC Over Korea by Thomas E Doll. Apols if someone has mentioned it already.

[tempestfan]

Thanks for the addition, my list only has them "OFC", so I guessed - wrongly.

[Tom Cooper]

I would recommend 3-4 books 'from the other side of the fence', in no particular order:

- Red Wings over the Yalu

Although something like 'covering the Chinese only', and rather on 'academic/schoolar' side than 'for modellers & enthusiasts', this is an absolute must: once you read it, you'll understand this air war better than with help of 10-15 other books about this air war.

- Red Devils over the Yalu

This is something like 'must have' for anybody interested in Soviet involvement. It's also excellently illustrated.

- Soviet MiG-15 Aces of Korean War

Something like 'Soviet involvement light', well stuffed with photos and artworks, and thus useful for modellers too.

As additional reference about 'how did they do that' this one is simply unbeatable:

- F-86 Sabre vs MiG-15, Korea 1950-1953.

Finally, author of the latter book (F-86 Sabre vs MiG-15) also did a beautiful and incredibly well-researched series of articles about North Korean Air Force for the Small Air Forces Observer magazine, some 2-3 years back.

[Panoz]

Since I have a great interest in the Korean War and I have many of the titles mentioned, here's a brief overview which hopefully will be useful:

1) MiG Alley by Larry Davis (Squadron/Signal)

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0897470818?keywords=mig%20alley%20davis&qid=1445629022&ref_=sr_1_1&sr=8-1

Not a real history of the Air War, focuses more on air combat with pilot accounts etc

Many photos but so-so reproduction, rubbish profiles. Not recommended.

2) Air War over Korea: A pictorial history by Larry Davis (Squadron/Signal)

http://www.amazon.com/Air-War-Over-Korea-Pictorial/dp/0897471377/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1445629051&sr=8-6&keywords=korea+davis

Excellent illustrated history of the air war. Separate chapters on Interceptor, Fighter-Bomber, Bomber, Recon, Liaison,Naval etc aircraft operations.

MANY photos (some rare), tons of profiles & some colour shots (all excellent). 96 pages VERY HIGHLY recommended.

3) USN/USMC over Korea: US Navy/Marine Corps Air operations over Korea 1950-53 by Thomas Doll (Squadron/Signal)

Excellent illustrated history of Navy/Marine operations covering everything from Fighter & Attack to Patrol & Observation types.

Many photos (both colour & BW), excellent artwork. VERY HIGHLY recommended.

http://www.amazon.com/USN-USMC-Over-Korea-Operations/dp/0897472101/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1445630419&sr=1-1&keywords=usmc+aircraft+over+korea

4) Air War over Korea by Jim Mesko (Squadron/Signal)

http://www.amazon.com/Air-War-over-Korea-Aircraft/dp/0897474155/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1445629364&sr=8-1&keywords=korea+mesko

All new book, unfortunately vastly inferior to the old one.

Decent text, nice artwork but only 64 pages filled for the most part with the same old USAF official shots published dozens of times over the years

but in this instance poorly reproduced. NOT RECOMMENDED.

5) Wings of Fame (Vol 1, 2, 3, 4) by Warren Thompson

A year by year four part series on the Air War. Illustrated with colour photos from the author's extensive collection.

Articles to the very high Aerospace Publishing standards with colour artwork etc.

5) Korea: The Air War 1& 2 by Warren Thompson (Osprey)

http://www.amazon.com/Korea-Air-1950-1953-Osprey-Colour/dp/1855321157/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1445630079&sr=8-6&keywords=korea+the+air+war+thompson

http://www.amazon.com/Korea-Air-War-Osprey-Colour/dp/185532234X/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1445630079&sr=8-5&keywords=korea+the+air+war+thompson

Full colour photo albums of Korean War aircraft ranging from the usual F-86 & F-84s to captured Japanese types in North Korean Air Force service.

Easily the best references together with 2) & 3).

7) Frontline Colour series By Warren Thomson (Osprey)

http://www.amazon.com/Shooting-Units-Osprey-Frontline-Colour/dp/1841762253/ref=la_B001JP3ZG6_1_6?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1445629835&sr=1-6

http://www.amazon.com/Sabre-Fighter-Bomber-Osprey-Frontline-Colour/dp/1855329298/ref=la_B001JP3ZG6_1_9?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1445629835&sr=1-9

http://www.amazon.com/Sabres-Fighter-Interceptor-Frontline-Colour/dp/1841762873/ref=la_B001JP3ZG6_1_10?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1445629835&sr=1-10

http://www.amazon.com/Mustang-Units-Osprey-Frontline-Colour/dp/1855329174/ref=la_B001JP3ZG6_1_11?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1445629835&sr=1-11

http://www.amazon.com/Thunderjet-Units-Osprey-Frontline-Colour/dp/1841760226/ref=la_B001JP3ZG6_1_14?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1445629851&sr=1-14&refinements=p_82%3AB001JP3ZG6

http://www.amazon.com/Invader-Units-Osprey-Frontline-Colour/dp/1841760803/ref=la_B001JP3ZG6_1_19?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1445629851&sr=1-19&refinements=p_82%3AB001JP3ZG6

Same format as the old Osprey Colour Series books. Full colour; outstanding reference.

8) Series of articles on operations of various types in the Korean War by Warren Thompson published in Air Enthusiast Quarterly

during the shoulder pad era.

Decent works but generally superseded by his later work. Still worth getting if found cheap.

Edited October 23, 2015 by Panoz