Korean War aces enlighten multitudes about their exploits

  • Published
  • By Orville F. Desjarlais Jr.
  • Air Force News Agency
SEOUL, South Korea (AFPN) --  After they dined with dignitaries, fielded questions from international media and signed hundreds of autographs, eight Korean War Aces are on the final leg of their visit here.

After laying a wreath on the morning of Sept. 15 in a commemoration of Incheon landing operations, that evening they are attending a ball celebrating the Air Force's 60th anniversary, marking the end of their tour in South Korea.

Every veteran who hadn't returned here since the Korean War, 1950-1953, was amazed at South Korea's growth and prosperity.

"When I left here, Seoul was nothing but rubble," said retired Col. Pete Carpenter, once an F-80 Shooting Star fighter pilot. "It has really changed. It's like watching a film that has been (time lapsed) and it rises up in front of you," said the resident of Montgomery, Ala.

Despite their age, the group toured South Korea at a furious pace. If they couldn't be driven to an event in less than an hour, they were flown in helicopters, to places like Kunsan Air Base and the Republic of Korea Air Force Academy. They wanted to see, and be seen.

They told their war stories many times, each time adding a little more detail as their memories returned to those days when 16 American F-86 Sabres would fearlessly attack 50 MiG-15s in air-to-air combat. The kill ratio was 10 to one in favor of U.S. forces. They all agree that training was the factor in winning all those dog fights.

While visiting the Korean demilitarized zone in Panmunjeom on Sept. 13, they came eye to eye with their former enemy, the North Koreans. While there, they shared stories with other Korean War veterans from Hawaii and the Philippines who happened to be touring there at the same time. 

In addition to having a panel discussion with Airmen at Yongson Army Garrison on Sept. 11, they shared their stories and gave sage advice to South Korea's future officer corps at the Republic of Korea Air Force Academy on Sept. 14. The group of Air Force warriors kept the young crowd of cadets enthralled by their stories of bravery.

And at each place they visited here, the South Koreans, both military and civilian, showed their appreciation for the veterans' past sacrifices.

"We're thankful for the freedom and democracy we enjoy today," said Rae Hyuk Park, director of the Korean Revisit Program, part of the Korean Veterans Association. "We are grateful for the sacrifices made by these Korean War veterans."

Seeing South Korea's growth and prosperity firsthand showed the veterans that what they did more than half a century ago -- and paid for in blood and loss of friends -- was not all for nothing.

These men know that freedom and democracy comes at a price, a price they paid so many years ago.  Today are seeing the benefits.

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