Military History 14: Air Medal

 

The Yalu River formed the border between North Korea and Manchuria. The river provided Hydroelectric power to North Korean Industry. Many of the bombing missions were directed at dams, bridges, and industrial sites on the Yalu River. The area was heavily defended by anti-aircraft gun positions, radar controlled guns and radar controlled searchlights. The site was also protected by MiG-15 fighters, based on the North side of the river at Antung, Manchuria. The base held up to 300 MiG-15s. The bombing route B-29s flew along the Yalu was referred to as MiG Alley or the Gauntlet.

MiG-15s could be seen taking off at night from the well-lit base. American planes were not allowed to cross the river.

 

One particular flight the target was on the Yalu River. The bombers were not allowed to cross the Yalu River by order of the State Department. We were lead plane and the CO decided to ride with us. I had the anti-aircraft gun position pinpointed on the chart. In order to avoid the anti-aircraft, the course had to change four times on the approach and bomb run. During this period prior to heading changes the plane appeared to be headed for certain destruction. The CO told the pilot "Let's get out of here." The pilot replied, "There is no sweat Colonel, Reasor is navigating." So we made three passes, made a bull's eye hit on the target and the plane didn't get a hole in it. The crew members all received the Air Medal (the second highest Air Force award) for the mission.

Dean Allan:

Our 20th mission was August 29 (call sign "Tango 1") against the "Chosen Hydroelectric Plant". Colonel Palister flew with us on this mission. He was wing commander for the 98th Bomb Wing. We had heavy flak and spotlights on us over the target. Sergeant Jensen was an ECM operator with us this night and he was able to jam the 88s and spotlights' radar so they couldn't zero in on us. When we approached the target and the flak was coming up thick enough to walk on, Colonel Palister turned to Lieutenant Kinnard and said, "Do we have to fly through that?" Reply, "Yes we do!"

 Air Medal

Awarded for heroic or meritorious achievement while participating in aerial flight