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36th FS 8th FBG F-86F's


72modeler

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I wanted to share this with all of my fellow Sabre fanatics; great video of my favorite F-86F group and my favorite squadron. My late father was the group adjutant when they  were based at Suwon during the Korean War. The 8th began the war flying F-80's out of Itazuke, Japan, but the short loiter time forced the 35th and 36th squadrons to trade their F-80's for P-51D's until such time as the airstrips in Korea could accommodate jets. Later on, all three squadrons  were re-equipped with F-86F-10's and then brand-new F-86F-30's. The 8th was a dedicated fighter-bomber group, so IIRC, they only scored two Mig-15 kills during the conflict. The C.O.'s Sabre carried nose and tail stripes for each of the three squadrons. (35th Sq- blue; 36th Sq- red; 80th Sq- yellow) The thrill of my life was getting to sit in the C.O. Col. Woodrow Wilmot's F-86F-30, "Miss Teena," at an Itazuke AB airshow in 1955 with his helmet on- I was seven at the time and I still remember how hot the cockpit was and the heavenly aroma of sweat, hydraulic fluid, and  the webbed seat harness! They had to pry me out of the cockpit! I hope you enjoy the video and pause a moment  to think about the men who flew and maintained them, as most of  them have probably gone west.

Mike

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dsAO_i7t-yQ

 

I just found another video of 8th FBG Sabres being serviced, so I have added it for your viewing pleasure!

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MHVu55gE6jk

 

Edited by 72modeler
added text for clarity
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Great video Mike ... A beautiful yet sad tribute to men just doing there part. There part in what has become a sad blight in U.S.History, a forgotten war. Im sure the Majority of these men have passed on to a better place now. May they forever rest in piece knowing they did a job well done. :poppy:

 

Dennis

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4 hours ago, Corsairfoxfouruncle said:

Hello Mike @72modeler have a personal question. Your Father was in the Air force in the early 50’s. Do you remember the color of his flight suits ? Green or Blue ? 

 

Dennis

At 1:34 in that clip there are two pilots if you look under the G Suits one has a green flying suit, the other blue. 

 

Also this time period the USAF were changing over from Pre USAF uniforms so there were people in both.

 

This article from the USAF Museum looks at this; https://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/Visit/Museum-Exhibits/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/196393/army-green-to-air-force-blue/

 

Also of interest might be a Brief History of the USAF Uniform; https://media.defense.gov/2015/Apr/21/2001329833/-1/-1/0/Uniform Goldberg.pdf

 

Julien

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