Acknowledgement: Thanks to all the vets who provided inputs from the 808th, 809th and 841st Engineering Aviation Battalions (SCARWAF); 428th, 429th and 430th FBS of the 474th Fighter Bomber Wing; 8th, 13th and 90th BS (L-NI) of the 3rd Bomb Wing; and Marine VMF(N)-513 Squadron. Special thanks to Hans Petermann of San Diego, California for his aerial photos in 1952. Thanks to Roy MacPherson of Lincolnville, Maine for his aerial photo in 1953. Thanks to Al Gould for the 1952 landing chart for Kunsan.

429th FBS parking ramp (1953) (Courtesy Harold Locke) (Click on photo to enlarge)	429th FBS parking ramp (1953) (Courtesy Harold Locke) (Click on photo to enlarge)
90th BS Ramp (1953) (Courtesy Roy McPherson) (Click on photo to enlarge)	8th BS parking ramp (1953) (Courtesy Harold Locke) (Click on photo to enlarge)

Aerial view (1953) (Courtesy Roy McPherson) (Click on photo to enlarge)	Aerial view of Flightline (1952) (Courtesy Hans Petermann) (Click on map to enlarge)
Aerial view (1952) (Courtesy Hans Petermann) (Click on map to enlarge)	Runway landing (1952) (Courtesy Hans Petermann) (Click on map to enlarge)

Airfield Diagram (2000) (Courtesy Kunsan Airfield Manager) (Click on map to enlarge)

Aerial View of Kunsan (1999) (Courtesy MSgt John Jones) (Click on photo to enlarge)

OTHER SOURCES:

• K bases south of the 38th Parallel from the Korean War Organization Website.
• K bases north of the 38th Parallel from the Korean War Organization Website
• Korean Airfield Identification Codes (Korean War)
  

SOURCE: Robert F. Futrell, The United States Air Force in Korea, revised edition (Washington, D.C.: Office of Air Force History, 1983).

SOURCE: Robert F. Futrell, The United States Air Force in Korea, revised edition (Washington, D.C.: Office of Air Force History, 1983).

GERM WARFARE OR PROPAGANDA?

Go to Germ Warfare on the 8th Bomb Squadron page for details of the false accusations by the Chinese and their coerced confessions to support their claims.

WARNING LEAFLETS TO NORTH KOREAN CIVILIANS:

Acknowledgement: Thanks to Jack Boyer of Santa Clarita, California for providing these materials.

KOREAN AIRFIELD IDENTIFICATION CODES (KOREAN WAR):

Acknowledgement: In grateful memory of the late Jack Barclay of Bohemia, New York who compiled this list. (The original list can be found at Map Descriptions.) Jack's original list has been supplemented with information from various sources on the web and this website.

Supplemental maps can be found at: K Bases in Korea - South of 38th Parallel and K Bases in Korea - North of 38th Parallel.

Another excellent K-base page is at AFHRA/RSO maintained by A. Timothy Warnock.

An exceptional k-base page is at K-base Data.

K-1 Pusan-West Air Base - South East Point of Peninsula Length: 9000 Operational as jet field at first then stopped on 25 Sep 1950. 6 December, 1950 Stratmeyer discusses reopening as a jet base. The First Marine Air Wing operated here. At the time of the war this field consisted of a 7,000 foot runway made of asphalt. However thinly applied asphalt cracked easily and was inferior to the stronger concrete and steel plank runways on other airfields.

K-2 Taegu Air Base - Home of the 49th and 58th FBWs with F-84s. Also Hq of 136th FBW. In April 1953, two groups combined under the 58th Fighter Bomber Wing (Reinforced) in a very confusing FEAF reorganization. (Also known as Taegu No. 1) This consisted of a 6,000 ft pierced steel plank (PSP) runway completed by the first week of Aug 1950. This platform was built over a 3,800 foot clay and gravel runway built by the Japanese Air Forces in 1937. After the Japanese were removed in 1945, the US turned the field over to the ROKAF. It’s initial occupants consisted of the 7th Fighter-Bomber Squadron in Sept 1950. HQ Fifth Air Force was also located here from 24 Jul – 14 Oct 50. FEAF leadership showed concern of the security of on 5 Dec 1950. At least four Wing level units operated from this field during the Korean War years to include the 27th Fighter Wing on 1 Dec 1950 with 48 F-84 aircraft. By Sept 1950 the 49th jet group is based and operational. The 10,000 weekly landings and takeoffs took a toll on the PSP requiring major construction work on the airfield in May of 1951. The 6149th Tactical Support Wing located here flew a sweep meant for Chongjin airfield on 8 Oct at 1500 with F-80 C aircraft, instead they strafed Soviet aircraft in the vicinity of Sukhaya Rechka, USSR. Combat Cargo command flew rations from here into Taegu to deliver 50 planeloads of rations by C-54, C-119, C-47 and C-46 aircraft. The USAF continued to use the airfield periodically, especially following the USS Pueblo crisis of 23 Jan 1968 until at least 1991 after an agreement had been made to allow USAF aircraft to operate from there during contingencies.

K-3 P'ohang Airdrome -- Also referred to as Yonil Air Base. (Also known as Pohang-dong (Yong-ilman)) This served as an F-51 base completed 25 July 1950. Insecurity caused withholding of three squads of F-51s to arrive. Flew from Kyushu rather than Korea. Evacuated on 13 August 1950. Japanese airstrip in 1940 built up by 802d engineer bat on 12 July with 500 ft pierced steel plank extension on runway and 27 hardstands for F-51 Mustangs. The result was a 6,000 ft runway. The 40th squadron with 20 aircraft flews flew. Came under attack 10-12 August. Controversy on airfield being evacuated precipitously with expensive equipment left behind. Left unmanned and minimally equipped. During 1951 the 1st US Marine Air Wing operated here and K-18. Unfortunately the receipt of the new F3D jet fighter interceptors by VMF (N)-513 force the squadron to move to airfields with longer runways. So in April 1952 VMF (N)-513 transferred to K-8.

K-4 Sachon Airdrome - Pusan - Sachon Airfield During the Korean War this Airfield was home to the 35th Fighter Interceptor Wing. Although no major air operations originated from this field. It consisted of a 4,923ft concrete runway. If any aircraft did use the runway it would have been cargo aircraft to support the 6146th Air Base Squadron and the ROK Air Force Headquarters both located here.

K-5 Taejon Airdrome - Taejon Airfield Little to no evidence of an airfield currently existing in this area with a possible exception of it being incorporated as part of the road system for a growing community. Evacuated early in war for fear of takeover. Because the 3,850ft runway consisted of gravel and sod, heavy cargo operations could only be supported when the ground was frozen. ADCOM Headquarters evacuated from Suwon and relocated here on 30 Jun 1950. Joint Operations Center initiated on 5 July 1950. On 10 June T-6 aircraft were used to demonstrate the aircraft’s use as a airborne control plane. L-5G and L-17s also flew at Taejon. The photo, taken in 1950, is an aerial view looking south.

K-6 P'yongtaek Airdrome - Desiderio Army Airfield, Camp Humphreys, Pyong Taek. Construction by 931st Engineer Aviation Group. VMF-121 AD Skyraiders and T6 Mosquitos. VMF(N)-513 moved here from Kunsan in 1953. Served as a Mosquito Wing 6147th TAC Group located here commanded by Col Robert A. Trennert. One of six fields where there are short sod runway strips. However the unit abandoned this field in April of 1952 in order to move to Chunchon K-47. After improvements were made with concrete and PSP, the field evolved into an 8,000ft runway. With these improvements, the US Marine Air Group 12 arrived from K-18 to take advantage of the longer runways for its new F3D jet fighter. The 1st Shoran Beacon Squadron also operated from this location.

K-7 Kwangju Airdrome This field had also been set aside for emergency use only. During the Korean War this had been a 3,825 ft. asphalt runway. However the asphalt layers on Korean airfields were notoriously thin and aptly described as "eggshells." With its maximum capacity of loads weighing up to only 30,000 pounds, the largest aircraft it may have accommodated is the C-47.
K-8 Kunsan Air Base - In 1938 Japanese forces occupying Korea built a base for fighter-interceptor aircraft. The United States first used the base in from 1945 to 1949. The 3rd Battalion, 63d Infantry Regiment, 6th ID was stationed here at the time called Camp Hillenmeyer. North Koreans captured Kunsan Air Base on 13 July 1950. The first Air Force unit assigned to the base, the 27th Airfield Installation Squadron, arrived on 1 April 1951 and oversaw construction of the billets. Construction of the Airfield at Kunsan, Korea began in July 1951, by the 931st Engineer Aviation Group. Northeast-Southwest runway completed by the 808th EAB with assistance from the 809th EAB. In 1953, 808th started and the 841st EAB completed the north-south runway. Kunsan was APO 64 which later changed to APO SF 96264. APO 64 at the Kunsan port area was also home to the 14th Transportation Battalion. Home of the 3rd Bomb Wing with B-26s, 474th Fighter Bomber Wing with F-84s and the Marine VMF(N)-513 Squadron with F4U-5Ns and F7F-3Ns (and later F3Ds). The Army's 808th Engineer Aviation Battalion built a 5,000 foot runway, since the original Japanese construction did not include paved runways. By August, construction had progressed to the point that the Air Force assigned the 3rd Bombardment Wing to Kunsan.
The 3rd Bomb Wing flew the B-26 bomber during the war, remaining at Kunsan from August 1951 until October 1954. VMF (N)-513, a Marine aviation squadron, arrived in April 1952, their new F3D jet fighters helped provide protection for this light bomber base. and a few months later the base added the 474th Fighter-Bomber Group, which included three squadrons of F-84 fighters, bringing the total size of the operation to two Air Force wings and a Marine fighter squadron. In April 1953, the 474th Fighter-Bomber Wing left and was replaced by the 49th Fighter-Bomber Wing, which also flew the F-84.
After hostilities ceased, the base began to draw down. The F-84 forces of the 49th Fighter-Bomber Wing left in November 1953, and by October 1954 the host unit of the base, the 3rd Bombardment Wing, also departed. This left the base with a much-reduced mission. For the next several years Kunsan merely hosted periodic rotations of fighter and light bomber squadrons. In 1957 and 1958, the 6170th Air Base Group began to upgrade base facilities, increasing the runway from 5,000 to 9,000 feet and building new dormitories.
Until the late 1960's, though, Kunsan remained relatively dormant, hosting temporary deployments of flying units and serving as a safe haven base for aircraft evacuated from Okinawa and Guam during typhoons. In 1965, the Republic of Korea Air Force assigned a squadron of F-86 fighters to the base, with this ROKAF unit the only permanently assigned flying contingent at Kunsan until after the Pueblo incident in 1968.
The 354th Tactical Fighter Wing, flying the F-100 Super Sabre, arrived at Kunsan in July 1968, as part of the buildup of forces in Korea in the wake of the February 1968 taking of the USS Pueblo by the North Koreans. In 1969 the wing transitioned from the F-100 to the F-4 Phantom. The 354th remained until June 1970, when the base returned to hosting temporary deployments, such as the 4-month deployment of the 54th Tactical Fighter Wing from June through October 1970.
The 3rd Tactical Fighter Wing arrived in March 1971 to assume control of the base. Like the 354th and 54th, the 3rd Tactical Fighter Wing flew the F-4 Phantom.
In September 1974, the 8th Tactical Fighter Wing "Wolf Pack" moved from Ubon Air Base, Thailand to replace the 3rd at Kunsan. The move took place in name only, as the 8th moved without personnel or equipment, instead absorbing all assets of the 3rd Tactical Fighter Wing. This included the two flying squadrons, which continued to operate as the 35th and 80th Tactical Fighter Squadrons, reuniting the wing with two of its original squadrons.
Since then, the 8th Fighter Wing has continued to serve as host unit of Kunsan Air Base, undergoing several changes in the past few decades. In 1981 the wing converted to the F-16 Fighting Falcon, and in 1992 became re-designated as the 8th Fighter Wing in an Air Force wide reorganization.

K-9 Pusan-East Air Base -- Home of the 452d Bomb Wing flying B-26s. Redesignated as the 17th Bomb Wing (L-NI) after 452d deactivated. Because of the phonetic pronunciation of its designation sounding like "Canine" this field was popularly known as the "Dog Pound." Engineered around Aug 1950 it served as both a jet and F-51 base from 6002d Fighter Wing. The 35th Fighter Wing moved from K-27 on 1 December. The 6,490 ft asphalt runway supported these missions well. Shared same security concerns with K-2. Coastal location is convenient for transport of supplies. The 452nd US Wing also operated from this location applying night interdiction to its role of covering the main supply routes in the eastern part of the Communist held portions of North Korea.

K-10 Chinhae Air Base -- Its small 4,155ft landing strip combined with taxi areas consisting of dirt and sand proved to be only suitable for rotary aircraft. Eventually the field was upgraded to PSP for F-51 aircraft from the 18th fighter wing and South African squadrons assigned here. After moving from K-24 than K-13 the "Cheetahs" of the South African Air Forces (SAAF) finally rested here on 16 December 1950 where they met the rest of their unit from Japan. This boosted their personnel from just over 200 to over 800 men. Despite the moves the Cheetahs remained under the command of the 18th US Fighter Bomber Wing. Their primary responsibility included interdiction and close support missions sealing off supplies, support and communications from sectors of the Communist troops. In late January 1953, F-86s arrived to replace the 95 battered F-51s used. After enduring a bitter cold unfamiliar in the SAAF’s home nation and making every effort to keep as many Mustangs in service as possible the unit earned the United States Presidential Citation for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the face of the enemy.


K-11 Ulsan Airdrome -- Not quite reaching the standard of becoming an active field, this remained as an emergency runway throughout the war. Its 2,000ft length and 50ft width made it only suitable for liaison aircraft.

K-12 Mangun Airdrome (Also known as Muan) -- Mystery of its existence carries on until this day with this map not showing any detail of a sizeable airfield. The confusion over the names of bases seemed to carry over for K-12. Two different lists have different designations, Mangun and Muan. However the majority rules here as it is known addressed as Mangun on a third list from Maxwell Air Force Base. According to this source this field held a large 6,900 foot long runway, but was only utilized in the capacity of an emergency landing strip.

K-13 Suwon Air Base -- Suwon Air Base On 20 September 1950, 'B' Battery, 92d Armored Field Artillery, the "Red Devils", fired the first rounds they expended during the Korea War at Suwon. In September 1951, the 931st Engineer Aviation Group extended the runway at Suwon and constructed taxiways and parking aprons there. Construction was hampered by rain and extremely bad weather at Suwon airstrip, where the subsoil was a spongy mass (or mess) although air traffic was heavy during that period. In 1951, became the home of the 8th Fighter Bomber Wing. Home of the 51st Fighter Interceptor Wing. F-94s of the 319th Fighter Interceptor Squadron located here. 4th Fighter Interceptor Squadron F-94s deployed from Naha, Okinawa. Originally an airfield constructed by the Japanese Army Air Forces during the late 1930s, the American forces put the finishing touches on it during Jun 1950. After completion the airfield was established on 25 Sep 1950 and beneficial occupancy began on 8 Oct 1950 with the 6131st Air Base Group commanded by Lt Col Louis C. Adams. The single fatal accident during aeromedical evacuation operations occurred here during the war on 22 Dec 1952. Before the end of the Communist spring offensive in 1951, the 4th US Air Wing place two Sabre Squadrons here, followed by the 51st US Air Wing in May 1951. Because the F-80C experienced problems operating from K-14 the 4th US Air Wing switched places with them between 20-25 August 1951. In December 1951 F-94 aircraft began operations. However because they were so new, specifically the highly classified airborne interception radar, they were restricted to local air-defense squadrons. Also, during the war, it played a significant role in serving as a forward fueling point for U.S. and Allied fighters. ROKAF assumed control of the base on 18 March 1955. Like K-2, the USAF continued to use the airfield periodically until at least 1991 after an agreement had been made to allow USAF aircraft to operate from there during contingencies. The South African Air Forces arrived on 2 December but stayed only for two weeks before moving to Chinae, K-10. Suwon Air Base is a Republic of Korea Air Base, on which is stationed the 1st Battalion, 43d Air Defense Artillery, a unit of the 6th Cavalry Brigade. The unit's mission is to defend the air base against attack.

K-14 Kimpo Air Base -- On 25 June 1951 Kimpo Air Base (then an airfield) became temporary home to the 8th Fighter Bomber Group. 8th FBW later relocated to Suwon. After the 8th FBW left, it became the home of the 4th Fighter Interceptor Wing. B-26 recon unit, the 67th Tactical Recon Wing stationed here. Four F-82s maintained for defense of Seoul also F-80s. 4th Fighter ordered to be moved to location on 1 December. Late in June 1951 the 8th US Wing arrived where the Royal Australian AF Squadron 77 with its 20 Meteors, was attached to it. However the 8th USAW experienced problems operating the heavily loaded F-80C from this airfield and switched with the 4th USAW between 20-25 August 1951. After the move the 4th inherited the Australian Air element still located here.

K-15 Mokp'o Airdrome -- After their invasion in June 1950, the North Koreans quickly took over Mokpo where they came under attack from UN aircraft. In fact, on August 5, 1950, VF-112 flew its first Korean campaign combat mission, striking land and sea targets southeast of Kunsan, and Mokpo harbor area of South Korea. After the North Koreans withdrew little to no mention of it is made regarding UN forces using it. The field may have been damaged beyond repair at his site and then given a K-site designation simply to acknowledge the airfield’s presence.

K-16 Seoul Air Base (Youngdong-po) -- Yoido - Seoul City Airport - Songnam City Airfield The K-16 Air Base is located on the South-Eastern side of Seoul, across the Han River from Yongsan. The rapidly expanding city of Seoul consumed this small island and left little trace of the airfield. However the designation, K-16 shifted over to a new location where it is currently used as military air transportation to and the Seoul area near Yongsan Garrison.
F-51 ROK and mosquito ordered to be moved from K-23 on 1 December 1950. This is reflected in an Order of Battle dated 31 December 1950 with the 6147th Tactical Control Squadron and their T-6 aircraft being listed. In the 1 June 1952 Order of Battle, the 6147th had since transferred out to K-18 and in their place many other units to include the forward element HQ, Fifth AF. A small field, 6,200ft of asphalt with very light traffic also home of one of the valuable two man weather teams stationed at such little used fields. During the war this airfield earned the nickname "Spook City" as black aircraft, literally and figuratively, took off from here for highly classified missions. It also served as a maintenance point for most of the F-51s in theater.

K-17 Ongin Airdrome (North Korea) -- Briefly used during UN occupation of North Korea its beach location may have made it unsuitable for regular use.

K-18 Kangnung Airdrome -- Temporary home of the VMF(N)-513 before they moved to K-8 (Kunsan) in April 1952. (Also known as Koryo) The runway could only extend so far before running into the sea. circa April 1951 the 6147th Tactical Control Squadron flying Mosquitoes moved to the old 5,696ft long fighter strip located on the Japan Sea. Engineers upgraded this field with PSP however the runway could not be lengthened very far. In March 1953 a H-19 rescue Helicopter moved from Pohang to provide additional rescue coverage of the east coast. US Marine Air Group 12 and its subordinate units arrived in 1951. However the receipt of the F3D jet fighter forced the unit to move to a field with longer runways. As a result it transferred out to Pyongtaek (K-6) on 15 April 1952.

K-19 Haeju Airdrome (North Korea) (Also known as Kaishu) -- Located on the west coast in North Korea the close proximity to the shore exposed it to the volatile tides of the Yellow Sea. No information on UN Operations on this field has been found to this date. However, the North Koreans did work hard to repair this and three other airfields during April of 1953.

K-20 Sinmak Airdrome (North Korea) -- On 16 Oct 1950, Eighth Army soldiers captured the airstrip, no more than a meadow but Combat Cargo Command landed 235 tons of motor gasoline and rations. On 17 Oct C-54s removed patients from the airstrip to Kimpo. On 20 Oct Pyongyang airfields replaced Sinmak as the destination of Eighth Army supplied not before 625 tons were laid down. The target of one of Task Force 77’s largest strikes on seven areas during July 1953.

K-21 P'yonggang (P'yong Gang) Airdrome (North Korea) -- Airfield located near the 38th parallel served as a North Korean airfield and target of the FEAF. The spelling is only one letter away from Pyongyang so little use of it may have averted confusion from these airfields. It also sat in one the most heavily fought areas of the Korean war where the city of Pyonggang was set as one of three points for what is known as the Iron Triangle.

K-22 Onjong-Ni Airdrome (North Korea) -- No mention of FEAF operations from this airfield have been found yet. It is more likely FEAF designated this as a target rather than a field to conduct operations from.

K-23 P`yongyang (P'Yong Yang) Airdrome (North Korea) -- Very similar to spelling to Pyonggang. The result of a demolition of buildings in downtown Pyongyang along a straight stretch of hard surface allowing a 7,000 ft runway, 375 ft wide. After UN forces captured the airfield F-51 aircraft briefly used it. A small NK PO-2 biplane dropped fragmentation bombs on F-51 aircraft from the 8th Fighter Bomber Group killing an Air Force Sergeant and damaged 11 Mustangs.

K-24 P`yongyang East (P'Yong Yang East) Airdrome (North Korea) or Mirim Airdrome -- Evacuated in Dec 1950. Consisted of a sod field with muddy or dusty conditions. Two mustangs lost on landing caused by dust. Primitive on many communist fields but short trip to front deemed worth it. In Sep 1950 206 members of the South African Air Forces (SAAF) arrived Sep 1950, to help fly and maintain the mustangs of the 18th US Fighter Bomber Wing stationed here. The SAAF members stayed only for a short time before they were forced to move by the southerly direction of the battle front on to Suwon K-13 on 2 December.

K-25 Wonsan Air Base (North Korea) -- Famous in the Marine history for providing defense for the Chosin retreat and evacuation at Hamhung. On 11 October General Partridge sent Colonel Joseph D. Lee to look over and command the base.. Next day Combat Cargo Command delivered 131 tons of ROK supplies by way of 22 sorties On the 13th of October transports also brought elements of Col. Lee’s 6151st Air Base Unit. The 1st Marine Air Wing also scheduled to be based with weather and communications support. During autumn of 1950 night fighter versions of the Navy F4U Corsair, flown by Marine Squadron VMF(N)-513 operated from this field as well as Itazuke, Wonsan and Yonpo. Also at the same time the 3rd squadron stationed SA-13 aircraft for strip alert During th eUN retreat they relocated to Taegu. Because the Marine unit supported X Corps it came under control of General Almond.

K-26 Sondok Aircrome (North Korea) -- The target of one of Task Force 77’s largest strikes on seven areas during July 1953.

K-27 Yonpo Airdrome (North Korea) -- Famous in the Marine history for providing defense for the Chosin retreat and evacuation at Hamhung. Marine night fighters assigned. Left in December 1950, last plane departed 17 December. Made up of a surfaced strip a little more that 3,000 feet in length. The target of one of Task Force 77’s largest strikes on seven areas during July 1953. Between 10 and 19 November 1950 the 6150th Tactical Support Wing moved here from Pohang.

K-28 Hamhung West Airdrome (North Korea) -- X Corps began North Korean offensive with an amphibious landing with no resistance. However, after the Chinese struck, the port was used for the X Corps withdrawal from North Korea. The target of one of Task Force 77’s largest strikes on seven areas during July 1953. During Sep- Oct 1950 the 1973d Squadron, an airways and air communications Service unit, set up navigation equipment here as the UN forces occupied north Korea. They also moved detachments to Kimpo, Wonsan Pyongyang, Yonpo and Anju. It was at locations like these where the 1973d AACS held on to the very last minutes as enemy troops overran them, providing vital air traffic control information.

K-29 Sinanju Airdrome (North Korea) -- The 606th Aircraft Control and Warning Squadron to operate its radars beginning on 21 November until overran by the enemy. This occurred on 29 November when a short notice and lack of vehicles forced the 606th to destroy millions of dollars worth of radar equipment. H-5 elements were based here from the 3d squadron, detachment F, of the Rescue Liaison Office in the Joint Operations center. During November of 1950 they rescued pilots as far north as Kanggye.

K-30 Sinuiju Airdrome (North Korea) -- Often targeted because of its proximity to major railroad lines and substantial basing of Migs and Yaks there is no mention of FEAF occupation. A photo of this airfield taken shortly after an attack on 27 July 1953 clearly demonstrated the extent of damage FEAF incurred on this airfield. However a note of its presence seemed important since it sat within the boundary of "MIG ALLEY."

K-31 Kilchu Airdrome (Kisschu/Kilchu) (North Korea) -- Two regiments of the ROK Army captured this town from the North Koreans on 5 November 1950. Little if no time existed to establish air operations as the counter attack by Chinese forces had already began.

K-32 Oesichon-Dong Airdrome (North Korea) (Also known as Oesich'o-dong)

K-33 Hoemun Airdrome, North Korea (Also known as Kaibun) -- The target of one of Task Force 77’s largest strikes on seven areas during July 1953.

K-34 Ch`ongjin Airdrome (Seishin) (North Korea) -- B-29s bombed the vicinity of one of North Korea’s five major industrial centers on 20 August 1950. The US Navy followed up attacks with the shells of 16 inch guns from the USS Missouri on 12 Oct 1950. On 25 Nov 1950, the Calvary unit of the 1st ROK Regiment seized the airfield. This had also been the target of a fateful flight during which four F-80s were supposed to make a sweep of this airfield on 8 Oct 1950. As it turned out, the pilots lost their way and crossed the Soviet border and instead attacked a Soviet airfield in the vicinity of Sukhaya Rechka.

K-35 Hoeryong Airdrome (Kainsei) (North Korea) -- The target of one of Task Force 77’s largest strikes on seven areas during July 1953. An online history site from the Navy provides these entries about this airfield in their Korean War Chronology.
13 September 1952: Two carrier strikes from TF 77 attacked large supply and troop billeting areas in the Manchurian border town of Hoeryong.
17 November 1952: Two days operations from three carriers centered about maximum effort strikes on Chongjin, Kilchu and Hoeryong.
18 November 1952: Air strikes were conducted against Hoeryong


K-36 Kanggye #2 Airdrome (North Korea) (NOTE: Fifth AF Histories, 1 Jan-30 June lists this as Kanggye #1) -- In the heaviest Fifth Air Force raid of the airfield campaign On 10 June, 1953, a squadron of 31 F-84s struck Kanggye airfield. Later, 24 Thunderjets from the 58th Group attacked the runway on 27 July to do as much damage before the cease fire as possible.

K-37 Taegu West Air Base -- Taegu West Air Port (Camp Walker, Taegu) (Also known as Taegu No. 2) -- Also known as Tongmyong, the 315th Air Division based here served to transport DVs. This is where the 3d squadron, detachment F, of the Rescue Liaison Office in the Joint Operations center evacuated to from Seoul on 2 Jan 1951. The 4,335 ft long and 140 ft wide asphalt runway proved suitable for many other operations as well being able to accommodate a wide variety of aircraft to include F-86, B-26, F-51, C-47 and C-54s. However it did not support nearly as much activity as its sibling, Taegu #1 (K-2). In fact it was needed as an emergency landing strip for an F-86 which had mechanical problems taking off of K-2.

K-38 Wonju Airdrome -- In early January, 1951 the 21st Troop carrier Squadron delivered 115 tons of cargo here and the 314th Troop Carrier Groups C-119’s dropped 460 additional tons on an icy airstrip. Unfortunately, the frozen conditions porved the only suitable environment for large Cargo aircraft on this 2,700ft gravel airfield because when the ground thawed the runways became muddy and unsuitable for large aircraft operations. These conditions also applied to Chungju and Andong as well. C-47s airlifted over 400 patients on the 13th and 14 of February 1951.

K-39 Cheju-Do No. 1 Airdrome -- Location where 12 61st Group C-54s airlifted 128 of the 989 orphans to safety on 20 December 1950.

K-40 Cheju-Do No. 2 Airdrome -- This airfield served as a Japanese fighter base before the Korean war. There were small revetments where the outline of the fighters were carved out the side of a hill for concealment.

K-41 Ch'ungju Airdrome -- One of the three airfields requiring improvements after the winter thaw for cargo aircraft use. It consisted of a 3,200ft gravel field used only for emergency landings. During Spring of 1951, Elements of X Corps and the 811 Engineer Aviation company made limited improvements at these airfields. As fighting occurred around Wonju in January, 1951 wounded solders were airlifted from this airfield by way of C-47s.

K-42 Andong No. 2 Airdrome -- One of the three airfields requiring improvements after the winter thaw and used by cargo aircraft. Only 50ft longer than K-41 it too consisted of a gravel field. During Spring of 1951. Elements of X Corps made limited improvements to this airfield where C-46 and C-47 aircraft would operate from

K-43 Kyongju Airdrome -- This was another short gravel field 3,620 in length, serving as an emergency airstrip. On Sunday, 27 August 1950, Maj. Gen. John B. Coulter flew to Kyongju at once, arriving to oversee UN forces engaging the enemy in the area.

K-44 Changhowon-Ni Airdrome -- No substantial amount of information of air operations from this area is found with exception to helicopter transport of patients to and from this area where the members of the 60th Indian Field Ambulance operated from 6 Jan-4 Feb 1951.

K-45 Yoju Airdrome -- The 607th Aircraft Control and Warning Squadron operated from this location. The field consisted of a 3,700ft gravel runway used for emergency landings.

K-46 Hoengsong Airdrome or Wonju -- Construction of this airfield began in September 1951. To allow the rebuilding of Seoul airfield (K-16) the 18th Fighter Bomber Wing relocated here to this 4,800ft long asphalt and PSP runway during the last days of September 1951. They to K-16 but revisited this airfield with the 2d SAAF Squadron during June 1952. This placed the fighters for both units closer to the front, reducing the flying times to their targets. They moved to Osan-Ni on 11 January, 1953. After the 811th Engineer Aviation Battalion improved the field in April the 315th Air Division delivered some of the heaviest Army shipments here. They continued delivery in May with large loads of petroleum and ammunition. At one time the X Corps command post moved within six miles during the heaviest of fighting with 50-100 truck crews lined up to take ammunition directly off the aircraft to the firing batteries. Medical evacuations to Pusan and Taegu hospitals were also made from this airstrip because of its close proximity. In September 1951 the 931st Engineer Aviation Group touched up the heavily used base.

K-47 Ch'unch'on Airdrome - Camp Page Airfield, Chunchon -- Construction or runway by 809th EAB. In March of 1951 the 8th Army engineers, with rifles on their backs, started to prepare this field located in a burned out section of a newly captured town. This unit, Company C of the 811th Aviation Battalion completed the asphalt over this 4,200 foot long clay and gravel runway allowing a C-54 to arrive with Army supplies during June 1951. To get closer to the front lines the 6147th Tactical Control Group arrived in April of 1952 with their Mosquitoes to augment patrols during the rainy season monitoring the enemy forces expected to prepare for summertime ground attacks by the Communist Forces. The Mosquitos, T-6G Texans (Harvard), from the 6147th flew a dawn to dusk vigil across the Chinese front-line positions; and behind them to a depth of twelve miles. Currently this field is being used by a helicopter unit from the 2nd Infantry division and is designated as Camp Page.

K-48 Iri Airdrome -- A strip of asphalt 4,000ft in length used for emergency use.

K-49 Seoul East Airdrome (Also known as Yangsu-ri)

K-50 Sokcho-Ri Airdrome (North Korea) -- As part of a test to learn if hospital ships could serve as mobile hospitals, the Far East Command sent C-47 aircraft to pick up Marine casualties out of the Inje area to this seaside airfield from December 1951 until January 1952. From here tow 3d Rescue helicopters shuttled the casualties to the hospital ship Consolation located two miles off shore. The experiment ended on 24 January 1952 after 315 patients were transported and subsequently treated on the ship. However the number of times patients were transported discouraged all those concerned from utilizing this system much longer if at all.

K-51 Inje Airdrome -- One of the many emergency airstrips, this consisted of a 4,000ft length of thin asphalt. The town of Inje appears to be built around the airfield structure.

K-52 Yanggu Airdrome (North Korea) -- This emergency strip formed out of a 6,000ft long runway made of gravel. Detachment 1 of the 608th Control and Warning Squadron, 502nd Tactical Control Group resided and operated here where they witnessed a crash landing of Navy Skyraider aircraft during the late summer of 1952.

K-53 Paengn Yong-Do Jack Barclay added, that Paengn Yong-Do appears to be a "little island just off the coast west of Ongjin in North Korea at the most western point of the Demarcation Line slightly north & west of Kimpo." -- Unintentionally this 4,000 ft long unfinished airfield located at Baegryeong Do island served as an emergency support base for the Sea Furys of HMAS Sydney when one of these aircraft made an emergency wheels up landing here on 7 December 1951. A helicopter had been dispatched from here to rescue an aircrew member from another Sea Fury downed off of Ongjin on 13 December. Looking at the airfield still in existence as of Dec 1998, one can see while many K-base lists, except for one provided by AFHRA in Maxwell AFB, Lists this airfield as unfinished or incomplete.

K-54 Cho-do (Island off North Korea) -- Another field often listed as not finished or built this is also based off an island, in this case Ch’o-do (the "do" suffix means island). It served as beach side emergency airfield 3,500ft in length.

K-55 Osan-Ni Air Base -- Osan Air Base, Song Tan Up -- One of the marvels of the Korean War. This Air Base was built from scratch by the 841st EAB.
Prior to the invasion of the Republic of Korea by the North Korean communists in 1950, the area, now designated Osan Air Base, consisted of four villages near the hillsides and a larger number of rice paddies where the runway now lies. Originally designated K-55, the base was redesignated as Osan Air Base in late 1956. The base was not named for any of the villages on the site, but for the small town of Osan, about six miles to the north on the main supply route leading to Seoul. The word "Osan" means Crow Hill. Koreans who were employed at the base at the time believed that the name of Osan was chosen by the Americans because it was much easier to pronounce and spell than the other villages' names. Osan was also the closest village to be found on military maps of the area at that time.
The four villages which were moved to make room for the base were Jeuk-Bong-Ri, Chang-Deung-Ri, Shin-Ya-Ri and Ya-Ri. A large ginkgo tree that was in the village square of one of these villages still stands on the present golf course site.
Osan is on and near the site of two significant events which occurred early in the Korean War. The first Korean War battle between North Korean and U.S. forces was fought just a few miles north of present day Osan Air Base. Following the orders of Maj. Gen. William F. Dean, commander of the 24th Infantry Division, a task force of two infantry companies and an artillery battalion was sent to Korea July 1, 1950. Under the command of Lt. Col. Charles B. Smith, this group, called "Task Force Smith," was tasked to meet the oncoming North Koreans to bolster the faltering Korean army and provide a delaying action until the rest of the division could be transported to the peninsula.
On July 5, 1950, "Task Force Smith" was hit by enemy fire between the Towns of Osan and Suwon. The task force held against an entire communist division for 7 hours. With ammunition depleted, the survivors managed to fight their way clear and reach Pyongtaek. There, joining an element of the 34th Infantry Regiment, they soon had to give up this position, almost without a fight. Just north of Chonan, the task force fought another delaying action, but soon was pulled back to Taejon where General Dean had established his headquarters. "Task Force Smith" fought for 16 days, culminating its delaying action by holding the North Korean army outside of Taejon. That enabled the 24th Infantry Division to land at Pusan and hold the Pusan perimeter until the famous Inchon landing September 15, 1950.
Topping a hill a few miles north of Osan on the road to Suwon stands a monument, constructed by Companies B and C of the 3rd Engineering Battalion, 24th Infantry Division, in honor of the men who gave their lives in the valley. The inscription on the plaque, in both English and Hongul, reads: "In commemoration of this site, 5 July 1950, 408 men of Task Force Smith, 21st Infantry Regiment and Battery, 57th Field Artillery Battalion, 24th Infantry Division, fought the initial action between United States and Communist Troops."
Osan also is remembered as the location for the first U.S. Army company-strength bayonet charge since World War I, which occurred on February 7, 1951. That charge was part of a larger plan to clear the Republic of Korea of all communist troops south of Seoul. Army Capt. Lewis L. Millet led his soldiers against communist Chinese forces on Hill 180, which dominates present day Osan Air Base. For his heroic actions, Captain Millet received the Medal of Honor.
Osan Air Base is the only American base in Korea built completely "from scratch" since there had never been a Japanese, Korean or American air strip on the location. The site was chosen as the locale for a two-wing base and 5th Air Force Advanced headquarters. Fifth Air Force at that time was headquartered in its forward location Seoul and its rear location at Taegu.
In November 1951, work began on building two roads, one for hauling bombs and the other to service the administrative area. The 417th Engineering Battalion began runway construction July 9, 1951. The rolling hills were transformed into a base of operation and the runway was completed in less than 6 months. The runway opened in December 1952, with the advance elements of the 18th Fighter Bomber Wing arriving for duty late in the month. The 18th Fighter Bomber Wing provided air operations in support of United Nations ground forces during the conflict. After the conflict, the unit was transferred back to Kadena Air Base, Japan, and was replaced by the 58th Fighter Bomber Wing.
Fifth Air Force advanced headquarters moved to Osan in February 1954 and remained until the following September. During 1954 and 1955, the 58th Fighter Bomber Wing moved to Osan from Taegu. The 58th Air Base Group became independent of the wing in March 1957 and assumed host unit responsibilities.
The 51st Air Base wing was relocated from Naha Air Base, Okinawa, to Osan November 1, 1971, and took over support responsibilities.
On July 1, 1982, the 51st Composite wing was redesignated the 51st Tactical Fighter Wing. Ten years later, in February 1992, the wing was redesignated the 51st Wing and on October 1, 1993 it was redesignated the 51st Fighter Wing. The 7th Air Force and 51st Fighter Wing Headquarters buildings are located at the base of the now famous Hill 180. Today, Osan Air Base covers 1,565 acres. One of its most prominent features is it's 9,000-feet runway.

K-56 (Airfield not finished or not built)

K-57 Kwang'ju Air Base

K-58 Yecheon Air Base

K-59 Cheongju - Cheongju IAP
K-60 Songmu Air Base
K-75 Chungwon Air Base
K-76 Seosan Air Base

LINKS ABOUT THE KOREAN WAR:

Combat support in Korea
Eyewitness: A North Korean Remembers
Related as an inside story of how things REALLY were (as one person sees it)...with Rhee fleeing Seoul without telling the American Ambassador, MacArthur hesitating, and the misinformation that led to a total fiasco in the initial hours of the conflict.
Korean War Project
Korean War Project - Hal Barkers Korean War Project offers searchable database of the Korean War vets.
Korean Conflict Casualty File (KCCF) - contains selected descriptive data about U.S. military personnel who died by hostile means as a result of combat duty in the Korean Conflict, including personnel declared dead while in a missing or captured status. There is one record for each individual, 33,642 in all. The dates of death range from 1950 to 1957.
Korean War - Chosin Few - SSG Floyd L. Dixon
Korean War: A radio man's story
Korean War Maps
-- Korean War Project: Maps of the major battles of the Korean War.
Korean War Home Page
Korean War Veterans Memorial
The Chief's Place - POW/MIA and Vets Issues -- A superior site of patriotism for veterans information.

MIA Links

Korean Conflict Casualty File (KCCF) - contains selected descriptive data about U.S. military personnel who died by hostile means as a result of combat duty in the Korean Conflict, including personnel declared dead while in a missing or captured status. There is one record for each individual, 33,642 in all. The dates of death range from 1950 to 1957.
Hal Barker's Korean War Project - Offers searchable database of the Korean War vets.
Kimsoft Korean MIA: MIA
Kimsoft Korean MIA: Eyewitness
Military History Links: Korea -- Information Resource Centre, Canadian Forces College, Department of National Defence (Canada)
Americans Unaccounted for in Korea War Website

POW Links

POW Camps and MIA Issues -- Camp locations and correspondence of Ex-POW groups
Korean War Project: POW camps and MIA Issues
Korean War Project -- Main index
Website for the Korean War Veterans National Museum and Library -- Launched Nov 98
Korean War Historical Documents
Korea-POW: A Thousand Days With Life On Hold 1950-1953 -- by Arden Allen Rowley
Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, CWO Benjamin K. Humphreys Memorial Post 10223 -- Pyongtaek, Korea
Korean War Museum, Oral Histories -- Illinois

NEWS & ARTICLES:

Canadians in the Korean War
Combat actions in Korea - Russell A. Gugeler, U.S. Army Center for Military History
Combat support in Korea - John G. Westover, U.S. Army Center for Military History
Korea's Partition: Soviet-American Pursuit of Reunification, 1945-1948"
The Korean War Revisited
Korean War FAQ focused on the Chinese participation
Military History: Korean War (1950-1953) - Canadian War College
Portentous Sideshow: The Korean Occupation Decision -- Articles on Korea (Journal of US Army War College)
Roughstuff's Korean War Archive and Commentary
Steve Carroll's Unofficial Korean War Reference Library
Submit Your War Story
Time to Withdraw from Korea
United States Army in the Korean War: policy and direction - the first year - James F. Schnabel, U.S. Army Center for Military History
US Army Area Handbook: S Korea
WW1, WWII, Korean, Vietnam and Other Wars and Military Books
Air Force Historical Research Agency (AFHRA/RSO) -- Excellent historical data on units. Maintained by A. Timothy Warnock of Maxwell AFB.

ORGANIZATIONS:

9th Infantry Regiment...Manchu "Keep up the Fire"
3rd Bomb Group Homepage
90th Bomb Squadron Homepage
8th Bomb Squadron Homepage
13th Bomb Squadron Homepage
The Unofficial Homepage of the 13th Bomb Squadron Association
13th Bomb Squadron Association (Korea)
21st Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division - Korean War Project
24th Medical Bn, 24th Infantry Division - Korean War Project
77th Artillery Association Home Page
US Air Force 11th, 12th, 6166th TAC Recon Reunion
US 2nd Infantry Div Vets
Korean War Museum
National Korean War Veterans' Association
ROK-US Combined Forces Command
United States Forces Korea Web Page

VETERAN LINKS:

Firebase Freedom Veteran Page
Links and Veteran Information
Table of Contents, Vets.Com Ezine for Veterans
Help for Veterans, Military, Families, Friends
Disabled Veteran Links
Rush Online

MISCELLANEOUS LINKS:

BattleZone Military Patches - Veterans Page
Gary Tate's Homemade Military Links Page
Korea WebWeekly
MIA/POW Help Desk
MILITARY BOOKS ONLINE
Uijongbu Korea

KOREAN WAR SONGS AND POEMS:

HISTORY OF "TAPS"

Extracted from Elmendorf Base Honor Guard Site

NOTICE/DISCLAIMER: The content of this page is unofficial and the views and opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of anyone associated with this page or any of those linked from this site. All opinions are those of the writer and are intended for entertainment purposes only. Links to other web pages are provided for convenience and do not, in any way, constitute an endorsement of the linked pages or any commercial or private issues or products presented there. None of this site has been endorsed by the DOD, the Air Force, the 8th Fighter Wing or Mickey Mouse. All Air Force links are publicly accessible through the world-wide web. When eye-witness accounts conflict with OFFICIAL DOD materials, this website opts to lend credence to the people who were there.

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