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This page is graphically intense with long load times due to photos. However, the photos and narratives by the men who served at Osan Air Base makes the wait well worthwhile. The opinions expressed are those of the author and in no way represents any official statement of Osan AB or the USAF. 
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Acknowledgement: Jack Terwiel , Capt, USAF (Ret) of the Osan Retired Activities Office for: photos and narrative of Ron Freedman (1953); photos of Robert Furrer; photos of Dan Klopten (1954-1955), photos of Ed Stirling (1959-1960); Jim Denham (1961); Mike Dunnagan (1984); Curly Knepp (2001). Special thanks to Jackie Turner, 7th AF Historian, and John Okonski, 51st FW Historian, for their assistance with photos and guidance on the history of Osan AB. Thanks to Bob West of the Korean War site for the use of the photos of Robert Evilsizor, 839th EAB (1952) and Curly Knepp of Osan. Special thanks to Bill Gray at Bob Ford Memorial for photos and narrative of life with 311th FBS (1956-1957). Thanks to Kiyo Noriye, SMSgt USAF (ret), for his narratives and photos of the 8th TFW nuclear alerts (1958-1960). Richard (Dick) Seely at USAF Memories for photos and narratives of nuclear alert from Itazuke. Special thanks to Ms. Jin Dal-lae of the Jisan-dong Ward Office for taking the time to research and provide historical materials on Songtan and Pyongtaek. Much of the information on Pyongtaek and the Songtan area extracted from the Pyeongtaek History, Pyeongtaek Si Sa. Thanks to the Songbuk Elementary School for permission to use their photos from their private collection.  View of Osan AB (USAF Photo) THIS IS A WORK IN-PROGRESS AND FACTS ARE BEING ADDED/DELETED DURING THIS PROCESS. THIS IS NOT A COMPLETED HISTORY.
1955:Shin Hung Presbyterian Church Congregation of Shin Hung Presbyterian Church in Seomi-ri with Church in background (1955) (Songtan Shin Hung Church 40th Anniversary Edition 1952-1992)  Congregation of Shin Hung Presbyterian Church in Seomi-ri with Church in background (1955) (Songtan Shin Hung Church 40th Anniversary Edition 1952-1992) (NOTE: The windows are shuttered type as seen in 1954 photo, but will be changed to glass window frames later. The bell tower at the front entrance was added in 1955.)  Farmer tilling the rice field in preparation for planting near Namsan-teo area (1956) (Kang Shin-kol) Compulsory Elementary School Education in the Songtan area During the war, when the flux of battle had settled down to fighting over worthless real estate along the DMZ, the Korean elementary schools were reopened for elementary school. However, the problem for many was that simple survival overrode any desire for education. In addition, those who were orphans found themselves locked out of the "system" as they had no family register to be entered into the education system. In addition, the long distances of homes of some children from the nearest school or the inability of the parents to pay for textbooks, stationery and suitable clothing -- apart from other payments -- kept children of poorer parents out of school. Jinwi Elementary School In Jinwi-myeon there were two "hagwons" (academies). There was the Kumrung Hagwon and Jinchong hawong. The Kumrung Hagwon later became the Jinwi Elementary school. (Source: Jinwi Elementary School Historical Report (1945)) (Source: Pyeongtaek History, Pyeongtaek Si Sa) Seotan Elementary School In Seotan-myeon, there was the Hwaeahwan Training School that later became the Seotan Elementary School. (NOTE: The Seotan Elementary refutes this statement) The Seotan Elementary School was founded on 22 August 1930. (Source: Pyeongtaek History, Pyeongtaek Si Sa) On 1 November 1953, a branch school of the Seotan Elementary was started near Osan AB, the Kumgak Elementary School. (Source: Conversation between Kalani O'Sullivan and Principal of Seotan Elementary School interpreted by Ms. Kim Mi-kyoung, teacher, June 2005.) Seojong-ni Elementary School (later the Songtan Elementary School) The Seojeong-ni Elementary School traces its roots to the first Japanese school erected on the present site in 1922. However, the Pyeongtaek Si-sa history makes NO mention of this school. (See photos of this school under the Seojong-ni Background Page.) In 1945, the school was called the Jisan-ni Training School "branch" and moved to its 3-classroom school house in 1 Sep 1947. It became the Seojong-ni Elementary School in 1948. On 30 Jun 1949, compulsory universal education for elementary school became law. On 1 Jul 1949, there were 6 grades in the school. (Source: Pyeongtaek Si Sa) On 30 Sep 1949, it received a female principal. Common-sense would dictate that after the North invaded classes ceased until the war stabilized on the DMZ. Most likely it reopened in 1952 though not stated as such. (NOTE: The Songtan Elementary School in Kajae-dong was established on 1 March 1996 and traces its lineage to the Seojong-ni Elementary School. (Source: Songtan Elementary School History.) Throughout Korea there were many pictures during the war years of children happily going to school -- from tent schools provided by GIs in Pusan to children walking to school in Kunsan wearing ill-fitting hand-me-down school uniforms, but smiling proudly. In 1952, Robert Evilsizor with the 839th EAB, took some 8mm movies of a long procession of kids walking to school outside the base. There was only the Seojong Elementary School in the area at the time in fall of 1952, we assume these kids must have been on the way to the Seojong Elementary School. (NOTE: The Kumgak Elementary School -- built with 18th FBW donations and materials -- was not completed until November 1953.) The children were in fall attire -- some girls with white & black hanbok-style; some boys in black uniforms; but the majority in mixed attire. Given the severe poverty conditions in the area, it was obvious that these children were not from the poorest families. Though the government had passed a law making education compulsory, it did not fund it adequately. The central Government bore only some 15 percent of the total expenses and the local bodies 10 percent. The balance was raised by the Parent-Teacher Associations (PTA) through "voluntary contributions." (The Republic of Korea, W.E. Reeve, 1963, p90) The bottomline was that those children whose families could not afford to "contribute," did not attend school. Because of the severe poverty, many times families could not even afford the cost of paper and pencils. What was evident in the faces of the children as they marched along was the happiness and pride in being able to attend school. Songbuk Elementary School Songbuk Elementary School in Songtan was established on 1 Apr 1955. (Songbuk Elementary School, 633 Jisan-dong, Pyongtaek City; Kyonggi-do) It is located in Jisan-dong 1 near Rte 1 to Pyeongtaek. The school is still located on the same grounds where it was first sited in 1955. At that time, the area between the intersection of Route 1 (MSR-1) (present-day Express Bus Terminal) to the hills (present day Rte 1) was all rice paddies and swamp-land. The Songbuk Elementary School was built on the higher ground beyond.   (L) Songbuk Elementary School (1955) (R) 50th Anniversary Ceremony (1 April 2005) (Songbuk Elementary School)   Songbuk Elementary School (2005) (NOTE: This school was built on the original location of Songbuk Primary School in 1955) (Kalani O'Sullivan) (SPECULATION) We believe the choice of location for the Songbuk Elementary School was an indicator of the growth of Jae Yok-dong (later Shinjang dong) near Osan AB. The population center had shifted from Seojong-ni to the Jae Yok-dong (Shinjang-dong) area. At that time the economy of the area was primarily dependent on the base -- not only as a bar row -- but as the primary employer of skilled laborers (i.e., carpenters, plumbers), administrative clerks, supply warehousemen), as well as unskilled labor force (i.e., houseboys, messhall workers, women road construction crews).Kumgak-ri Elementary School (Closed in 2000) Bob Spiwak sent a photo of the Seotan Elementary School kids in Mar 2005. His photo is of significance as there were few photos of these types of structures and infrastructure at the time. What is marvelous about the photo is that though the kids had patches on their clothes -- all the clothes appeared washed and pressed. This reflects the attitudes and respect towards the educational process on the part of parents and children -- a tradition continued till today. However, the story didn't end there.  Seotan Elementary School (1953) (Bob Spiwak) We at first thought it was the Seojong-ni Elementary School -- as Songbuk Elementary was founded in 1955 and the picture was from 1953. However, when we had the Chinese characters translated, it read "Seotan Elementary School." The problem though was that Seotan elementary was out in the boondocks, more than 15km from Osan-ni AB -- much too far for someone on foot to be traveling in the Korean War. Logic stated that it was NOT Seotan Elementary, but the "school placard" stated it was. Confused, we visited the Seotan Elementary School in June 2005. The Principal stated that it was NOT Seotan Elementary which had been founded in 1930. But then he pointed out that on 1 November 1953, a "branch" school of the Seotan Elementary was started near Osan AB, the Kumgak Elementary School. (Source: Conversation between Kalani O'Sullivan and Principal of Seotan Elementary School interpreted by Ms. Kim Mi-kyoung, teacher, June 2005.) Because of declining enrollment, Kumgak Elementary School was closed in 2000 and its students sent to Pokchang Elementary School about four blocks from the Osan Main Gate. The pieces fit. Bob Spiwak had taken the picture in 1953 near the base...and the Kumgak Elementary school was opened in Nov 1953. Unlike the present day Osan AB, there was no perimeter fence around Osan AB so access to Kumgak-ni was possible if Bob just walked straight down the taxiway. Kumgak-ni is outside the base off the south end of the runway. Though we have not proven this conclusively, thus far it is the only solution to the riddle of the missing school. Unfortunately, the Kumgak Elementary School was closed in 2000 because of the dropping enrollment. Its students were combined with Pokchong Elementary school in Shinjang-2 dong about three blocks from the Osan AB Main Gate. In July 2005, we drove out to Kumgak-ni Village to locate the Kumgak-ni Elementary School. We drove around the base of Hill 180 starting at the Main Gate and veered right (east) at the "Y" intersection. Following the perimeter and one comes to the Hill 180 Gate which is now closed -- and then the new AFOC Gate about 500 yards down. Immediately past the AFOC gate, one comes to a "T" intersection leading to Rte 1 if you turn left. Turn right (heading southeast) and continue down until the base perimeter ends. Then it's small dairy farms (I barn with cattle inside) and sparse buildings. You pass the Tourism Senior High School and continue down through an intersection and go straight (now heading north east). You pass a sign on the right (in hangul) saying "Kumgak-1 ni." The road narrows even more and there's a senior citizen building on the left. Behind the senior citizens' building, there is the entrance to the now closed Kumgak Elementary School. Total distance from the Hill 180/AFOC base gate maybe two miles.Later in 2006, Marshall Parker who was stationed at Osan in 1963 mentioned an orphanage on the Hill 180 side of the base. (See 1963) We attempted to find some trace of the orphanage built of mudwattle with stucco facing but there was no trace of it -- but 50 years can erase a lot of things. The entire area has changed dramatically. There is a possibility that the picture is of an orphanage using an abandoned Japanese built structure. As of Feb 2006, we are still in research on this item. Church Schools There were also "church" schools in the area. The most visible was the Salvation Army was active in the Chicol Village area. Its main work was with the orphans through the Gusegun (Salvation Army) church set up in the area, but probably rudimentary English classes for adults would have been set up with American volunteers. (NOTE: The during this time period there were 20 orphanages in Suwon and three in Pyeongtaek to handle the overflow crowds of children. The Pyeongtaek orphanages handled the orphans that showed up at K-55. Currently there is the Ae Hyang Orphanage in Seojong-dong run by Mr. Lee Min Ho.) Smaller church schools also operated in the area. The Kwangmyeong Gongmin Hakkyo (church school) was established in 1953. (NOTE: We haven't established the location, but Taegwang Middle School authorities state it was in the same area as the Taegwang Middle School today -- probably near the high ground near the Songwang Church (Onnori Church) in Shinjang 2-dong as the remainder was still rice fields. On 11 Nov 1955, the Songtan Godung Gomin Hakkyo (church school) started six classes. Park Chong-su, owner of Park's Toy and Doll Shop in Shinjang 2-dong, stated that his father worked as an advisor to the base commander of the 6314th ABG after the war. He convinced the base to donate tents to found the first school in Songtan called the Songwang Hagwon with grades 1-3. It was run by his father's friend, Pak Byong-kwon, who lived next to the school. This tent school was located just below the Songshin Elementary School next to what was then rice fields. The official date states that this was established on 6 Jan 1962. This then merged with the Songwang Middle School on 17 Mar 1962. This later became the Songwang Kungmin Hakyo which was the predecessor of the present Taekwang Middle School. (Source: Verbal Conversation with Mr. Pak Chong-su, on 19 Nov 2005.) At the time, this was set up in military tents alongside the Songshin Elementary School which was established on 1 Jan 1963. On 12 Mar 1968, the Taegwang hagwon changed to the Taegwang Middle School and supplanted the Songwang Middle School with permanent structures next to the Songshin Elementary School. Hyomyung Middle School The Hyomyung Middle School was founded in 1953 from donations of the Catholic airmen and officers of the 18th FBW. (See 18th FBW Builds Country School through Donations for details.) BACKGROUND ON EDUCATION: During the Japanese colonial period, schools were open only to those who supported the tax base -- meaning property owners. Unfortunately, most of the Koreans were disenfranchised as they were tenant farmers or subsistence fisherman. These people remained uneducated. The independent development of Korean modern education was interrupted by the annexation of Korea by Japan in 1910. During the following 35 years under colonial rule, public schools were erected but the aim of education was to convert Koreans into loyal citizens of Japan. This intent was manifested in the Educational Decree promulgated shortly after the annexation. In the 1930s and 1940s, Koreans were forbidden to use the Korean language. Instead, they were forced to use the Japanese language under the Japanese plan to obliterate the cultural identity of Koreans. Korean history was excluded from the curriculum. Koreans were forced to learn only Japanese history.The First Republic started a program of Universal Education -- education for all. Although relevant legislation was enacted in 1948, elementary education for children was not made compulsory until 1953 because of the post-Korean War rehabilitation effort. The Constitution stipulates in Article 31 that it is the responsibility of all parents and guardians to ensure an elementary school education for their children aged 6 to 11 and that this education is free. Efforts were made to develop Korean education through teaching and spreading the Korean language. In order to lay the foundation of democratic education after liberation, education policies were directed toward 1) the compilation and distribution of primary school textbooks, 2) supplementary in-service training for teachers, 3) reform of the school ladder system from a multiple to a single track system following a 6-3-3-4 pattern, 4) adult education for literacy, 5) the decentralization of educational administration, 6) the implementation of compulsory education, 7) the incremental expansion of educational opportunities for secondary and higher education, and 8) the creation of teachers colleges. (Source: Ministry of Education: 1945-1950.) Soon after achieving independence the new Republic passed various educational laws, especially Nos. 86 and 178, designed to institute a system of universal and free primary schooling of six grades, followed by three years at a middle school and three years at a high school. Article 16 of the Constitution laid donw that "the attainment of at least elementary education shall be both compulsory and free." But the implementation of this provision was first delayed by the war and then by the inability of the central Government to finance such a system. (The Republic of Korea, W.E. Reeve, 1963, pp86-88) Korea's liberation from Japan in 1945 marked a turning point in the history of education. As the country underwent a transition from totalitarian rule to democracy, a primary concern was to provide everybody with equal educational opportunities. The period from 1945 to 1970 witnessed a dramatic expansion of education. In spite of the widespread destruction and economic suffering brought about by the Korean War (1950-1953), Korea succeeded in virtually eliminating illiteracy. Such a rapid expansion was naturally accompanied by problems, the most serious being a deterioration in the quality of education. As the 1960s drew to a close, Korea's educators turned their attention to these problems and several projects were launched to improve the curricula and the methods of instruction.The main focus in the primary schools was the teaching of the Korean language to promote literacy. In 1937, the Japanese made learning the Japanese language compulsory and the Korean language was banned from the schools. Thus it was important that the children once again re-learn their language. The establishment of compulsory elementary school education for all children made the establishment of schools a priority. At this time, due to the lack of trained teachers, the elementary schools were simply people able to read and write hangul. Later a two-year college requirement was made for elementary school teachers. The increase in student enrollment during those years pushed some individual school enrollments as high as 10,000 or more, with more than 90 pupils crammed in one classroom in some schools. Many schools found it necessary to operate classes in two or even three daily shifts. However, for small rural communities, like the area around K-55, the schools were few-and-far-between. Of course, the rapid growth of the class sizes also meant that the quality of education suffered. However, striking proof of the widespread thirst for education in Korea was demonstrated during the war and early post-war years when every effort was made to continue classes, often out of doors or in temporary barracks built by parents and supporters. Unfortunately, the limitation was the availability of classrooms and books. In the Korean War, 23 percent of classrooms were destroyed and 25 percent damaged, while over 95 percent of the existing laboratory equipment was lost. The shortage of teachers, many of whom were conscripted or killed, and the damage done to libraries were also serious. The school houses by-and-large were those buildings recycled from the Japanese colonial period or makeshift barracks. Sometimes the classes were held in tents donated by the US military or even held outdoors. The teaching conditions were primitive and classrooms unheated for the most part -- but the children were grateful for the education. The Confucian education ethic was embedded in the Korean populace -- and parents sacrificed just for the sake of getting their children educated. However, primary schools were in part financed by the national treasury and in part by means of an education tax levied by the educational district or committee, as the case might be. In actual practice, however, the central Government bore only some 15 percent of the total expenses and the local bodies 10 percent. the balance was raised by the Parent-Teachear Associations (PTA) originally organized as an emergency measure to guarantee teachers a minimum living allowance during the Korean War. These PTAs were financed by "voluntary contributions," but a child whose parents could not afford them did not in fact attend school. The burden borne by the PTAs in public and private school operations reached its peak in 1955, when it amounted ot 57 percent of the total. (The Republic of Korea, W.E. Reeve, 1963, p90) In 1955, the war was over and some stability was returned to local communities. The schools reopened and children were educated in basic reading skills in hangul. Remember that the Japanese had attempted to eradicate the Korean language by having Japanese taught in the schools in 1937 -- while hangul was only learned in private schools. What had started as a dual education system -- one for the Japanese and one for the Koreans -- turned into a Japanese school system after 1937. Thus it was essential for the Korean people to relearn their native language. The first step was to reestablish the elementary schools (6 years) -- and then the middle schools (3 years) -- and finally the high schools (3 years) -- and ultimately college (4 years). In 1955 the ROK was still at step one. At this time, six years of elementary school was compulsory -- and unfortunately, few went on to Middle School because of the limited amount of schools and in a rural villages, it one would not find a Middle School. Because of a lack of teachers, two year degrees for teaching were all that was required for elementary teachers. During the 1950s, it was an accomplishment to graduate from middle school. During this period, the male students wore the traditional student uniform of a black coat and pants with a black cap with a pin showing one's school and grade. Girls wore a black skirt and a white blouse with sailor collar. However, higher education was still in the hands of the elite. The old Japanese Universities were simply renamed -- such as Seoul National University -- to attempt to forget the Japanese colonial past. (NOTE: Seoul National University: History states, "The founding of SNU in 1946 marked the opening of the first national university in modern Korean history. Originally, the university was composed of one graduate school and nine colleges, with 491 faculty members and 4,500 students." Quick Facts: Seoul National University states, "Seoul National University is not South Korea's oldest university. Its predecessor was founded in 1924 as the sixth Imperial Universityof Japan. Its original name was "Keijo Imperial University" (Keijo Teikoku Daigaku, Gyeongseong Jeguk Daehak, abbreviated to Jodai). After World War II, it was temporarily renamed to Gyeongseong University. Seoul National University was founded on October 15, 1946 by reorganizing Gyeongseong University and some technical schools. The university ignores its forerunners, although some colleges trace back their histories to Keijo Imperial University.")The basic problem was simply starting up the educational system again. Educational materials were lacking and basic school supplies unavailable. Under the corrupt Syngman Rhee government, much of the money earmarked for social programs were siphoned off into the pockets of corrupt officials. Though teachers held high status in the eyes of the public, their salaries were miniscule. Most teachers in the rural communities were not college graduates, but simply individuals sent out with a book and told to teach. However, it should be noted that the education was not always equitable. If you had no family register or an orphan, you were not allowed to receive an education. For many orphans, they would receive their elementary school education after the war was over. During the war, the children of North Korean refugees were denied educational opportunities simply because there was not enough space to educate all. After the war, the government did build more schools to accomodate the refugees. In the Pyongtaek area, there was not much problem with North Korean refugees as they all fled further South. Most of the children of this period could only hope for a middle school education at best as high school openings were limited. The problem was not buildings, but rather the lack of educational materials and lack of monies for salaries and supplies. Though Koreans placed a high value on education, there were simply not enough schools available -- and for many, not enough money to afford an education. 839th EAB Packs Up The 839th EAB started to pack things up at K-55 as the unit was scheduled for deactivation. The 417th Engineering Aviation Brigade at Taegu (K-2) was shutting down as well. The last elements of the 841st had departed Osan (K-55) for Kunsan (K-8) in early 1954 to replace the 808th EAB which was moving to Okinawa. The 839th EAB remained a strange mix of USAF and Army personnel involved in heavy construction. After the infrastructure at K-55 was in place, the 839th became "maintainers" of the base with the personnel "honchoing" gangs of around 12 Korean nationals on various assigned projects. Unlike other bases where an Airfield Installation Squadron (AIS) assigned to the Wing was formed, Osan retained the EAB to fulfill this function. The EAB equipment was supposedly turned over to the ROK prior to departing the country. Norman Medland, MSgt, USAF (Ret) wrote on the Korean War Project on 20 Feb 2001, "I transferred into the 839th up on the hill by the main gate of K-55 in Late December, 1954 from the 1903rd, K-6 at Pyong Taek. 1903rd was being deactivated (see my entry for 1903rd) and I didn't have required time in country to leave. First assigned to "A" company doing details around the company. Detailed to the base Air Police for 30 days, we were the equivalent of the vice squad, raiding whore houses & sending the troops we caught back to the base. No, we didn't arrest anyone. Since I was a quartermaster-trained killer, I was detailed again to AF base supply honchoing a group of Korean Laborers putting crashed airplanes in big crates for shipment to Japan. Seemed to be a lot of work for us. ..." He was with the 839th from Dec 1954-Jul 1955. Ronald H. LaPlante wrote on the Korean War Project on 9 Mar 2001, "I was with the 839th EAB "B" Co. in 1955. I have some fond memories of the mess hall on the side of No Sweat Hill and Spam Creek. I was the last members of the 839th in Korea before we handed all of the equipment over to the Korean nationals...."  314th AD Note the 314 AD patch read "314th Air Division" at the base with a black and white braid rope at the top.
314th AD Arrives The 5th Air Force advanced unit arrived in Feb 1954 and stayed until Sep 1955 when the 314th Air Division (AD) arrived.
The 314th history dates back to WWII as a Bombardment Wing under 5AF. It was redesignated as 314th AD under the 5th AF on 21 Nov 1950 and inactivated on 1 Mar 1952. It was activated on 15 Mar 1955 and remained under 5th AF until it was inactivated on 8 Sep 1986.  58th FBW (Now 58th SOW) 58th FBW Moves From Taegu The 58th FBW moved from Taegu to Osan AB in May 1955. At the time the 1st US Marine Division was departing Korea and the Eighth Army I Corps was tasked to defend the critical western corridors into the ROK. Tensions increased on 6 Sep 1955 when a South Korean intelligence report said the Russians had moved three divisions into North Korea and given North Korea at least five battleships, 30 cruisers, and about 300 MiG fighters. The presence of over one and one-half million Chinese troops were reported in North Korea. (Source: The US Military Experience in Korea 1871-1982, p108, Command Historian's Office, USFK/EUSA) Though the veracity of these reports could not be verified, the state of alert was increased. Replaced the 136th Fighter-Bomber Wing (a unit comprised of federalized Air National Guard squadrons) on 10 Jul 1952. When the 58th FBW activated, it absorbed the personnel and equipment of the 136th FBW. Initially headquartered in Itazuke, Japan, the 58th had some assets in Japan and some in South Korea until August, when the entire wing moved to Korea. The Wing moved to Taegu AB, South Korea in August 1952 where it flew primarily interdiction and close air support missions, but also attacked special strategic targets such as military schools, dams, and port facilities. From 15 Mar 1953 to 8 Nov 1954, it service-tested a "reinforced" wing organization by absorbing support and administrative functions of the 49th Fighter-Bomber Wing (replaced in a name-only move on 1 Apr 1953 by the 474th Fighter-Bomber Wing from Kunsan) while exercising direct control of the tactical components of the attached wing. Retained control of the 474th Fighter-Bomber Group to 24 Nov 1954. (See Howitwas: 474th FBW for details of this confusing move.) It flew the F-84 aircraft from 1952-1954. In three-months, the reinforced wing flew 10,422 combat sorties and delivered more firepower than two separate wings with a full complement of personnel. After the armistice, the 58th FBW provided air defense of South Korea. It moved to Osan-Ni (later, Osan) AB, South Korea on 15 Mar 1955 and transitioned to the F-86. After the armistice, the 58th FBW provided air defense of South Korea. Its fighter squadrons were the 69th FBS from 8 Nov 1957- 1 Jul 1958; 310th FBS from 1 Mar 1957-1 Jul 1958; and 311th FBS from 1 Mar 1957-1 Jul 1958. Larry Luntz wrote on the Korea War Project in 2004, "George (Wakefield) was a parachute rigger. I would help rig parachutes when he became overwhelmed. He never told me about signing a little book that went with the chute, I recieved a couple of 5ths from the pilots when their parachutes opened. I will never forget how cold it was, those oil stoves in the huts would blow up ever so often. Man what a mess. standing guard on the flight line at night was miserable, until I went to Japan on R&R and got some pocket warners. Lots of cold, smelly memories."  69th FBS The history of the 69th FBS, Werewolves, starts as the 69th Pursuit Squadron (Interceptor) was constituted on 20 Nov 1940 under the 58th Pursuit Group and activated on 15 Jan 1941. It was redesignated the 69th Fighter Squadron on 15 May 1942 and 69th Fighter Squadron, Single Engine, on 20 Aug 1943. It fought its way up the Pacific from New Guinea through the Philippines to Okinawa and Japan -- and after the Armistice, it was sent to Manila, PI until it was inactivated on 27 Jan 1946. It was redesignated the 69th Fighter-Bomber Squadron on 25 Jun 1952 and activated on 10 Jul 1952 under the 58th Fighter-Bomber Group. It flew the F-84 during the Korean War and transitioned to the F-86 in 1954. Assigned to the 58th FBW, it was attached to various Air Task Forces to Formosa from 1955-1957. It operated on one-month rotations along with the 310th and 311th FBS at Tainan AB, ROC during the Sino-Burma War time period because of growing fears that the Communist Chinese would invade Formosa (Taiwan). It was inactived on 1 Jul 1958 when the 58th FBW was also inactivated. It was redesignated the 69th Tactical Fighter Training Squadron on 22 Aug 1969 and reactivated on 15 Oct 1969 under the 58th Tactical Training Wing flying the F-104. It was inactivated on 16 Mar 1983. It was redesignated 69th Tactical Fighter Squadron on 14 Apr 1983 and activated on 1 Jul 1983 under the 347th Tactical Fighter Wing and transitioned to the F-4. It transitioned to the F-16 in 1988. Under the 347th Operations Group, it was deployed to the UAE abd Saudi Arabia between Jan-Jun 1991 attached to the 4404th Composite Wing (Provisional). It was redesignated the 69th Fighter Squadron on 1 Nov 1991.  310th FBS The history of the 310th FBS, Top hat Squadron, dates from WWII in 1942 as part of the 58th Pursuit Group. It fought its way up the Pacific from New Guinea through the Philippines to Okinawa and Japan. It was inactivated on 20 Feb 1946. It was redesignated the 310th Fighter-Bomber Squadron on 25 Jun 1952 and activated on 10 Jul 1952 during the Korean War at Taegu, South Korea. In Mar 1955 it moved with the 58th FBW to Osan. After the 58th FBW left Osan and was inactivated, it remained with its F-86s and transferred assignment to the 314th Air Division at Osan on 1 Jul 1958.  310th FS Sabrejets at Osan (1955) When the 58th FBG was "reborn" as the 58th Tactical Missile Group (TMG) in 1958, it transitioned from the F-86s to Matadors. It was assigned under the 58th TMG and redesignated the 310th Tactical Missile Squadron on 15 Jul 1958 with the Matador Missiles. The Matador missiles were discontinued and dismantled at Osan in 1962. The unit was inactivated, on 25 Mar 1962. It was redesignated the 310th Tactical Fighter Training Squadron under the 58th Tactical Fighter Training Wing (later 58th Tactical Training Wing) at Luke AFB, AZ on 11 Dec 1969 and activated on 15 Dec 1969 flying A-7s, F-4s and F-16s. It was involved in combat crew training. It was redesignated 310th Fighter Squadron on 1 Nov 1991 under the 58th Operations Group. Later, it was assigned to the 56th Operations Group at Luke AFB, AZ from 1 Apr 1994 on.  311th FBS The history of the 311th FBS dates from WWII in 1942 as part of the 58th Pursuit Group. It fought its way up the Pacific from New Guinea through the Philippines to Okinawa and Japan. It was inactivated on 20 Feb 1946. It was redesignated the 311th Fighter-Bomber Squadron on 25 Jun 1952 and activated on 10 Jul 1952 during the Korean War at Taegu, South Korea. In Apr 1955 it moved with the 58th FBW to Osan. When the 58th FBW left Osan, the 311th FBS was inactivated on 1 Jul 1958. It was redesignated the 311th Tactical Fighter Training Squadron under the 58th Tactical Fighter Training Wing (later 58th Tactical Training Wing)on 11 Dec 1969 and activated on 15 Dec 1969 flying F-4s and F-16s. It trained US and foreign aircrews, between Jan 1970–1 Nov 1991. It was redesignated 310th Fighter Squadron on 1 Nov 1991 and remained under the 58th Operations Group at Luke AFB, AZ from 1 Oct 1991-1 Apr 1994. On 1 Jan 1995 it was assigned to the 56th Operations Group at Luke AFB, AZ.
 Officers Club (1955) ROKAF Transition to F-86s The Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) received its first Sabres when five F-86Fs were turned over to ROK pilots on June 20, 1955. Korea received 85 ex-USAF F-86F-25 and -30 fighters between June 1955 and June 1956. These replaced the F-51D Mustang fighters used previously. In 1958, 27 more F-86Fs (from the departing 58th FBW) and ten RF-86F reconnaissance aircraft were delivered. Many of the ROKAF ex-USAF Sabres were retrofitted with the "F-40" wing with extended tips and slats. Many were modified to carry the AIM-9 Sidewinder air-to-air missile. These ROKAF Sabres were replaced by Northrop F-5s beginning in 1965. (Source: Baugher site: F-86)
1956: Jwadong Methodist Church Congregation. The Jwadong Methodist Church is the oldest church in Songtan. (1956) (Jwadong Methodist Church Photo)  Congregation in front of Shin Hung Presbyterian Church in Seomi-ri. Shin Hung Church is the oldest Presbyterian church, but the second oldest church in Songtan. (1956) (Songtan Shin Hung Kyohwi 40th Anniversary Edition (1952-1992))  Comet Radio Station at Osan AB (1956) Osan-ni AB officially changed ot Osan AB K-55 was designated Osan AB in September 1956. Actually the phrase "Osan-ni Air Base" died during the Korean War -- but official correspondence takes time to filter it out. The location of Osan-ni (the village 7km away) on flying charts and Osan-ni AB down the road next to Seojong-ni created confusion and was best differentiated for the sake of clarity. Ford Gavin, Maj, USAF (Ret), remembers that during the early days of the war flying cargo aircraft it was known as Osan-ni AB, but when he returned in late 1952 to the 90th BS (LNI), 3rd BW flying B-26s it was referred to as simply "Osan AB" or "K-55". He asked why, but no one had an answer. The following is from Bill Gray's HE GAVE ALL!. In 1956-57, he was stationed at Osan AFB (K55), Korea, in the 311th Fighter-Bomber Squadron, 58th Fighter-Bomber Wing, 5th Air Force. During that time, I was an enlisted man working in the Radar/Fire Control Section. The webpage is dedicated to 1st Lt Bob Ford, a promising young 311th pilot, whose life was cut short by a technician's mistake in the installation of a wrong wing tank attachment kit. The tragic accident that took Lt. Ford's life happened while doing a high-speed pass at Kunsan AB when the wing tank separated from the aircraft causing the plane to flip into the ground. Only portions dealing with Osan AB have been included. Bill Gray also mentions the TDY to Taiwan (Formosa). He mentions the invasion of "Burma" meaning the Sino-Burmese War in 1956 where Chinese forces invaded Burma, clashing with Burmese troops and taking disputed territory in northern Burma. The next day there were US B-17s sitting on the runway. At that time, the US had backed Chiang Kai-shek against the Communists and as such were committed to prevent any invasion of Taiwan by the Chinese Communists. This was a shooting war -- the Republic of China (ROC) planes were returning with holes in them -- but everyone pretended it was simply practice missions. There was good reason to fear the Communists because in 1949 they had invaded Tibet with 100,000 troops -- and have not left to this day. The squadrons of the 58th FBW rotated on a bi-montly basis and compared to Korea, it was like paradise. The rotation being on a monthly basis, each squadron went TDY every four months which was a welcome break from the bleakness of Korea.
Det 7, 9th Air Postal Squadron, 6004th Air Postal Group Tony Lopez of Fresno, CA was an A2c in the Base Post Office (Det 7, 9th Air Postal Squadron, 6004th Air Postal Group) as a parcel post clerk. He was at K-55 from 1956-1957. Tony wrote in Jun 2007, "I was at K55 1956-57 I have many pictures of the base and Chico Village. I worked at the Base Post Office. We also had to drive 6x6 mail truck to Osan ni to pick up mail. About the Train station nothing there but a sign that said Osan and a village I have a picture of that also. The Train (US Army) would come from young dom pole (can't spell it) continuel to Pusan." Base Post Office The base post office was located next to the base theater at the base of Hill 180. It was close to the present BX near Broadway Ave. The post office itself was a large Jamesway structure constructed of plywood with a corrugated iron roof and siding. The construction was such that one suffered from the heat in summer and froze in the winter. Kerosene space heaters were used for heat -- but provided only enough warmth to keep things from freezing. The heat was only good if one was very close to the space heater. The roof was weighted down with sandbags to prevent the corrugated sheets from flying off during storms. Inside the post office, there were a row of sorting bins with mail bags piled on the floor. The mail was sorted and distributed to the units. In 1956, the unit admin clerks distributed the mail to the airmen. This system lasted until the late 1960s during the Vietnam War years. Outbound mail was sorted in bags and awaiting the next run to Osan-ni to put the mail on the trains to Youngdong-po. According to the Sabre Star, the base newspaper, on 21 Dec 1956, "Boat mail is delivered to Inchon, transferred from there by rail to Osan-ni, railhead for the base. Airmail arrives at Osan from Japan carried by C-124 to Kimpo, making the rest of the journey on scheduled C-119 flights. ... The Osan APO handles mail for the AF detachment up on the DMZ, for Kunsan, Pyong Taek and Suwon."   (L) The back of post office looking up at Hill 180 (R) Tony Lopez with the Post Office to his left and Base Theater to his right in background (1956) (Tony Lopez)   (L) NCOIC with combination safe in background -- chained and padlocked -- for money orders and MPC. (R) Post Office Sign with Operating Hours (1956) (Tony Lopez) (NOTE: Lt. Charles R. Gillen was the commander of the detachment.)   (L) Post Office interior with Hong Chung-sook (Susie) next to space heater in winter. Note sorting bins to left. (R) Post Office Interior with sorting bins in background, mail bags on floor and outbound mail bags. (1956) (Tony Lopez) The mail was sent from Inchon and down through Youngdong-po Train Station in Seoul and then picked up by the Osan AB Post Office at the Osan-ni Station. To pick up the mail from Osan-ni, Tony and coworkers had to load into a 6X6 truck to drive over to the train station and wait until the train arrived. One person had to be armed with a .45 caliber pistol to protect against anyone trying to steal the mail. Because he was a regular face at the train station, Tony soon made friends with many of the kids that hung around the station. As a side note, the train station is still located in the same location, though it has been upgraded as a modern subway stop instead of an open platform as it was in 1956. Also Osan-ni was just a small village in 1956 that MSR-1 passed through, but today it is a city that is larger than Songtan.   (L) MSR-1 on way to Osan-ni (R) MSR-1 on way to Osan-ni (center) (1956) (Tony Lopez)   (L) Jinwi Stream near the train station (R) Osan-ni Train Station platform. Sign reads "Byong-jom" as next station to north and "Seojong-ni 100k" to south. (1956) (Tony Lopez)   (L) Tony with friends Mike and Joo at Osanni Train Station (R) Friends at tracks of Osan-ni Train Station. (1956) (Tony Lopez)   (L) Tony getting shoe shine at Osanni Train Station (R) Friends Mike and Joo with Tony in front of mail truck. (1956) (Tony Lopez) On-base life Though the Korean War was still a fresh memory, the base had started to fall apart. The corrugated roofs were dented and left unrepaired. Signs were falling off of buildings and the general condition of the buildings were deteriorating. The roads were macadam on the main roads, but most of the side roads around the buildings and barracks areas remained dirt. (SITE NOTE: The perimeter of the base was much smaller than it presently is now. There were farms close to the flightline and the area to the rear of Hill 180 where the golf course is was still farm land. In the area where the present Commissary is was still a rice paddy.)   (L) 40mm Bofors Anti-aircraft Gun (R) Tony with 40mm Bofors (1956) (Tony Lopez) (SITE NOTE: The 40mm Bofors was used for high-altitude protection, while the Quad-50s were used for low altitude protection. Between 1955-1957, the anti-aircraft weapons were turned over to the ROK Army.) The enlisted living quarters furnishings included one's footlocker, possible a nightstand from a salvaged crate, and a bunk with a mosquito net over it. Uniforms were hung on racks next to one's bunk or on a nail on the wall. Pinups were on the walls -- and liquor was the allowed in the barracks. The truth is there wasn't much to do except go to the hobby shop or the club. A lot of folks took up photography to pass the time. Because Chicol village was off-limits to them, the social life rotated around the clubs. The enlisted had the Airmen and NCO clubs while the Officers Club was at the top of Hill 180. Comet Radio ("1080 on your dial") provided radio coverage for the base.  Airman's Club: Tony-(?)-McConnell-Medina-Garrison (1956) (Tony Lopez)   (L) Tony and Gerald McConnell outside of barracks (R) Tony and Unk TSgt posing in barracks. Note bunk with mosquito net, foot locker and pin ups on the wall. A very spartan life. (1956) (Tony Lopez)   (L) Barracks area (R) Base Theater letting out. (1956) (Tony Lopez)   (L) BX Photo Shop, Tailor Shop and Watch Repair (R) Comet Radio Station. (1956) (Tony Lopez)   (L) F-86 Ramp (NOTE: F-86 can be seen in middle.) (R) Hill 170 looking down on runway (1956) (Tony Lopez)   (L) Hill 170 POL Tank Supply Buildings (R) Main Base Quonset hut offices (NOTE: Fallen sign propped up against building near door.) (1956) (Tony Lopez)   (L) Hill 180 Perimeter Road to Officer Club looking over fence off-base. (R) Perimeter Road to Officer Club with ROK Army Guard (1956) (Tony Lopez)   (L) Top of Hill 180 overlooking Barracks area and Main Base. (NOTE: Tony stated that woman worked at Officers' Club) (R) Main Base Quonset huts with Kerosene barrels for space heaters (center) (1956) (Tony Lopez)  Main Base: To the left, Broadway Ave. To the right is the Base chapel. To the left is the runway and in the distance are the POL tanks on Hill 170. (1956) (Tony Lopez) Chicol Village and MSR-1 Tony couldn't visit Chicol Village because the areas on both sides of the road were off-limits. However, he did take some shots of village as he passed through on the mail truck. However, the airmen were allowed to visit Seoul and Suwon to explore Korea. But Chicol village was off-limits for them.  Cruel Winter in Chicol Village. Looking up the road towards the Main Gate. (1956) (Tony Lopez) (NOTE: The large building to the left of the photo is an unknown. In 1957 aerial photo of the Main Gate, this structure is gone.)  Children in snow. Notice the lack of warm clothing for the children as it was a very poor time in Korea. This appears to be taken on the road leading to MSR-1. (1956) (Tony Lopez)  Snow on MSR-1 towards Osan (1956) (Tony Lopez) (NOTE: The photo is taken at the intersection of the road to the Main Gate and MSR-1 looking north down the slope towards Osan-ni. This is in the present area of Songbuk Achim Farmers' Market.)  Woman of Chicol Village from a truck (1956) (Tony Lopez) (SITE NOTE: Notice the the buildings in background. The wood is scrap from the trimmings of the plywood used in constructing the prefab Jamesway buildings on base. The building front's upper areas are made of flattened beer cans. In some areas of Korea, the discarded beer cans were flattened and rolled to be used as makeshift roof tiles set in an underlayer of clay. However, the roofs on these buildings are made of flattened ammo cans that are tacked down with wood strips as can be seen by the eaves.)  Chicol Village Woman -- from her dress and hairdo, she appears to be from Makoli houses to right of Main Gate. Notice the small shop with its limited amount of goods for sale. (1956) (Tony Lopez)  Pyeongtaek Police Box (Songtan-myon). This was where the old Songtan Police box was located on MSR-1 where MSR-1 intersects with the road to the Main Gate. (Mar 1956) (Tony Lopez) (SITE NOTE: Signs on either side of entrance proclaim 1 Mar 1956 as "Fire Guidance Headquarters". "Fire Guidance" was essential as the Chicol hovels were fire-traps where a fire could destroy everything in a matter of minutes. Without any fire station (besides the base fire station), the focus was on prevention. Between the mid-50s to late-60s, many fires destroyed large sections of the clap-trap buildings in Chicol village.) According to the New York Times on 6 Jul 1956, "American rifles were fired in salute here today in the valley where six years ago today a small band of United States soldiers clashed with the Communists for the first time in the Korean war." The ceremony took place at the Task Force Smith marker erected in Osan-ni in 1954.  Task Force Smith Monument (1954) (Dan Klopsten)
1957: Main Gate Aerial View (1957) Chicol-ni Growth According to Jim Price, the shanty town just outside the base was called "Sugogi" by Americans before it was called "Chicoville, but he didn't know the reason. (Source: Verbal conversation with Jim Price, Jun 2005.) "Sugogi" means "cow meat" but was the bastardization of "Sutgoge." "Sut" stands for a medicinal plant (related to the dandelion family) used in rice cakes (green) and meat sauces, and "goge" means a geological rise. According to Oh Sun-soo, the name was first applied to the rise where Route 1 from Osan City now goes straight ahead over a rise -- but later was applied to an area along the ridge line near the base in Jwa-dong. Later it would be applied to the area in Jwa-dong across the railroad tracks from K-55 where black bars and brothels sprang up. (Source: Verbal conversation Kalani O'Sullivan with Oh Sun-soo in 21 July 2005.) It would seem reasonable that the term "Sutgoge" would be first applied to the shanty town area as one passed through the "Sutgoge" area to reach the base. However, by 1953 the area was called "Chicol-ni" (Village) or "Chicoville" by the Americans. In 1957, there were three roads from the Main Gate. The first road that ran directly from the Main Gate across the rail spur and then the Kyongbu railroad tracks to the MSR-1. (This would later become the Shinjang-mall and Mokchon pedestrian crossing area.) The second road to MSR-1 turned right at a 45 degree angle and then turned left to go over the railroad tracks to MSR-1. (This would later become the route to the Shinjang overpass and was nothing more than a wide footpath with branches to the Shinjang-2 dong area which at the time was mostly rice paddies.) The third road led to Milwal-dong up the hill to the Fire Station and Seojong Movie Theater at the top of the hill and veered right to the Hill 180 Gate. (This small dirt road would later become the Milwal Road.) Chicol-ni was the area directly to the left of the Main Gate as one exited K-55. In 1957, the first large building on the left was the Hansong Korean Dance Hall. Behind this were farm houses and fields. It extended down until the Namsan Village area with the mudwattle houses up to the perimeter of the base along the hillsides. The lower areas in the basin before the rise to MSR-1 were rice fields. The area to the right of the Main Gate as one exited K-55 was the area referred to as Chong-mun eup (Front Gate Town) by the Korean people. However, after 1955, the common name of the shanty town was "Chicoville" (Chicol Village or Chicol-ni). There was also reference to Chicol-ni as "C-rationville." Some people jokingly referred to it as "Mudville" because the roads were all dirt and when it rained, it became a sea of mud. The buildings of "Chicoville" were a clap-trap variety thrown together with any scrap of timber or refuse that could be found. Photos show the roads as all dirt and the roofs of the houses appear to be tar paper tacked down with strips of wood. The shanty-town spread from the main gate back to the rail line and around the base of the small hill with MSR-1 on the other side. There was little construction up the hill as yet. The shanty town residents did include a large number of prostitutes, but the majority of the poeple were simply ordinary people trying to find work to survive. Those were still desparately poor times.  Haeng-namu Woo Mul (Pine tree Spring) (1957) (Kang Shin-kol) (NOTE: Previously the spring simply flowed out of the ground through a pipe in 1954, but now a concrete structure has been built around the well. Hill 170 (near the main gate) is in the background with rice paddies in between. The area is now the Hobak area of Shinjang-1 dong.) 58th FBW (Now 58th SOW) 58th Air Base Group takes over as 58th FBW Prepares for Deactivation The 58th Air Base Group became independent of the wing in March 1957 and assumed host unit responsibilities. (NOTE: This was in preparation the introduction of the Matador Missiles in 1958 and the deactivation of the 58th FBW in Jul 1958. The 58th Fighter-Bomber Group was inactivated on 8 Nov 1957 and redesignated the 58th Tactical Missile Group on 17 Jun 1958 and activated on 15 Jul 1958. The responsibility for Osan was turned over to the 6134th ABW in 1958. The 58th Tactical Missile Group (TMG) remained at Osan until the Matador missiles were discontinued and the Group inactivated on 25 Mar 1962. (Source: AFHRA: 58th Operations Group) The 58th Fighter Bomber Wing continued its operations when its fighter squadrons, the 310th FBS and 311th FBS, were assigned on 1 Mar 1957. The 69th FBS was assigned on 8 Nov 1957. The operations at Osan continued until the 58th FBW was inactivated on 1 Jul 1958. (NOTE: The 311th FBS and 69th FBS were deactivated. However, the 310th remained at Osan but non-operational and assigned to the 314th AD. The 310th Fighter-Bomber Squadron was attached from 1-15 Jul 1958 though not operational because it was to be converted into the 310th Tactical Missile Squadron under the 58th Tactical Missile Group at Osan.) (Source: AFHRA: 58th SOW) Charles Griffin wrote about the 311th FBS on the Korea War Project in 2004: "...Commanded by Lt. Col. William C. Davis from Sep 57 - Jun 58. I was on the flight line, flight Chief of "A" flight (F86's. While there we went TDY to Chie (spelled wrong) Formosa and to Bangkok, Thailand on a SETO exercise. ..." Don Ringling wrote about the 311th FBS on the Korea War Project in 2004: "I remember the hot stoves and cold days. And the high point was Bob Hope making his stop at K-55 around Christmas of 57. ..." Concrete Surfaces Restored Following the war, Osan AB was transitioned to standby status and hosted only temporary duty or transient units involved in PACAF tactical operations. During that time most facilities fell into disrepair. Concrete surfaces were restored in 1957 and total renovation projects were completed in 1958 when the base became a permanent peacetime installation. (Source: GlobalSecurity.org) The 802d EAB from Japan sent in TDY to build a drainage system around the base. It took 10 weeks to complete the task. (Source: H.M. Spear: 1953.) According to a SCARWAF article, "Upgrades to strengthen the runways and taxiways, concrete resurfacing and reconstruction to the flight operations areas have been accomplished from time to time over the years, but the flightline layout, taxiways and aircraft dispersal areas remain essentially the same as they were when the base was built in 1952. This is a tremendous tribute to the work of the aviation engineers, whose original task was to design and quickly build a wartime airfield that could be used for five years." The thing that should be born in mind is that President Eisenhower had made the decision to forward deploy nuclear weapons in 1957. At the same time, the 58th FBW was being deactivated to later form the 58th Tactical Missile Group to be stationed at Osan AB along with the 310th Tactical Missile Squadron (formerly the 310th FBS). Thus Osan was identified in planning as a base that would have these facilities. The concrete restoration was in the Diamond A area where the Matadors were to be positioned with its two hangars along with the adjacent transient aircraft ramp. Upgrades to the rest of the base did not take place and life in the Korean War vintage barracks and facilities continued. On 21 Jun 1957, the UN Command informed Joint Military Armistice Commission at Panmunjom that the UNC could no longer be bound by provisions limiting the importation of new arms into Korea, because of repeated Communist violtations and building of "vastly superior" NK forces. UN forces introduce new jet aircraft (F-100 Supersable jet) capable of carrying nuclear weapons. North Korea responded with demand to stop UN Buildup, withdraw all foreign forces, and hold anew international conference in Korea. (Source: The US Military Experience in Korea 1871-1982, p108, Command Historian's Office, USFK/EUSA) UNC Headquarters moves from Tokyo to Seoul in conjunction with an overall reorganization of US military forces and command structure in the Pacific. Comcurrent with this move is the formation of the US Forces Korea (USFK), a palnning headquarters which coordinates joint service activities in the ROK. Hq, Eighth Army, is served by a general staff while UNC/USFK's staff is organized in a joint conformation. The senior US Army officer in Korea commands all three headquarters, serving as CINCUNC, COMUSKOREA and CDREUSA. (Source: The US Military Experience in Korea 1871-1982, p108, Command Historian's Office, USFK/EUSA) On Oct 1957, the 24th US Infantry Division leaves Korea, being replaced in its secotor by the 1st US Cav Div. (Source: The US Military Experience in Korea 1871-1982, p108, Command Historian's Office, USFK/EUSA) (NOTE: This was the prelude to nuclear weapons forward positioned in Korea.) Though the 58th FBW was inactivated in Jul 1958 and the 58th TMG had not been activated yet, there is a possibility that Matador equipment was arriving in 1958 to set up this unit. The 58th Operations Group history states: "Armed with tactical missiles in Oct 1958 to provide air defense of South Korea until 1962." (Source: AFHRA: 58 Operation Group.) The TM-61A Matador was an equipment intensive system that needed 28 vehicles to operate, while its replacement the TM-61B Mace needed only 2 vehicles. As the Matador units were already phasing down in USAFE in 1959 in favor of the Mace, the Matador equipment was probably arriving from these units. 6922d RGM, Det 1 The unit was initially assigned to Osan as the 15th Radio Squadron Mobile (RSM) in 1953. The unit was originally formed as a detachment of the 1st Radio Squadron Mobile at Johnson Air Base, Japan, on Nov. 20, 1950. The unit was readied for immediate deployment to Korea in response to the invasion of the South Korea by North Korean forces. Following several redesignations during the Korean War, the unit was finally designated as a detachment of the 15th RSM and moved to Osan in April 1953. In Nov. 1954, however, it again became Det. 1 of the RSM. (Source: Osan AB: 303d IS.) Detachment 1, of the 15th RSM, located at Ewha University in Seoul worked on a combined basis with highly competent associates. Captain (now Major General retired) Yungil Cho and his staff. The inputs passed through their detachments' operating location and on to Radar Hill to engaged fighter aircraft. (Source: 15th RSM.) "Initially activated as the 15th Radio Squadron Mobile at Brooks Air Force Base, Texas on 9 February 1951, the squadron moved to Ashiya Air Base, Japan during July 1951. It was redesignated the 6922nd Radio Group Mobile on 8 May 1955. During 1958 and 1959 US Air Force Security Service effected a major reorganization of its units in the Far East because of the requirement to withdraw US forces from the Japanese mainland. Included in the program were plans for withdrawal of the 6922nd RGM from Ashiya and 6902nd Special Communications Group from Shiroi Air Base. Both units moved to Kadena Air Base, Okinawa. Operations at Ashiya ceased on 3 November 1958 and the personnel and equipment of the 6922nd RGM were transferred to the 6902nd SCG; however, the 6922nd never closed. Instead the 6922nd RGM was officially relocated from Ashiya AB to Kadena AB with one officer and one airman assigned on 15 January 1959. While plans called for both the 6902nd and 6922nd to operate from Kadena, the 6920th Security Wing (parent unit for the elements on Okinawa) convinced USAFSS headquarters that only one was needed and that was the 6922nd. The 6902nd SCG closed on 1 December 1959 and its personnel and equipment were transferred to the 6922nd RGM on Okinawa and to the 6989th Radio Squadron Mobile at Misawa Air Base, Japan. ... On 26 November 1991 Clark Air Base was returned to the Philippine government and the remaining US military personnel at the base returned to the United States. The 6922nd ceased all operations coincident with the turnover ceremony and the final two members of the squadron left with the rest of the base personnel on buses to Cubi Point Naval Air Station where they boarded a charter flight for Los Angeles. Thus the unit history ended at 40 years and 9 months.(Source: 6922nd Electronic Security Squadron History.) (NOTE: Osan AB's 303rd Intelligence Squadron, popularly known as "Skivvy Nine," is the lineal descendant of the mission of the 6922d RGM mission. (Source: Osan AB: 303d IS.)  USAFSS Patch (Bob Spiwak) In May 1955, when the 15th was redesignated the 6922nd, the detachment at Osan became Det. 1 of the 2922nd. During 1957, the 6922d Radio Group Mobile (RGM), Detachment 1 was at Osan AB operating under the USAF Security Service. Their job was the monitoring of the Chinese communications for intelligence (SIGINT/COMINT). The following photos were sent by Lloyd Lawrence, Sr. in Jan 2006. He stated, "I went to Radio School at Scott AFB and got Shanghi(ed) as a TI ... until I bitched enough to the IG about my enlistment guarantee of Electronics School. Then I got orders for USAFSS due to my Top Secret with Crypto and "Q-access" clearances. I was the Airman-In-Charge of K-55's 6922 RGM Det. 1 USAFSS Radio Maintenance 1957-8." In some of the photos, the antenna can be seen in the background as well as the mobile trailer used by the RGM. Other photos are illustrations of how the enlisted folks survived in the corrugated iron surfaced hootches -- with sand bags on top to keep the roofs from blowing away. The base was barren of grass and the "benjo ditches" were not something to fall into. The Post Office photo gives an idea of the condition of the base -- look at the deteriorated condition of the sign. Sand bags to stop erosion have been overgrown.   (R) Barracks with Benjo Ditch (R) Barracks with Duck Walks in front (1957) (Lloyd Lawrence Sr)   (L) Relaxing (R) 6922d RGM Det 1 Sign (1957) (Lloyd Lawrence Sr)   (L) New Quonset on the hill near the compound (R) Personal shot (1957) (Lloyd Lawrence Sr)   (L) Signboard (R) Antenna farm with AN/GR26 Van (1957) (Lloyd Lawrence Sr)   (L) Base Concession Si Yang Flower Shop (R) Buddies at work with Antenna in rear (1957) (Lloyd Lawrence Sr)   (L) Barracks area looking towards Antenna Hill (?) (R) Signboard (1957) (Lloyd Lawrence Sr)   (L) Osan AB Post Office APO 714 (R) Friend on Guard Duty (1957) (Lloyd Lawrence Sr) Peacetime but Still Aircraft Fatalities Bill Gray noted that in 1957, there were five fatalities -- among these the fatality of lst Lt. Robert Ford of the 311th FBS. He had been extended due to his acceptance into a Master's Program, but on a high-speed pass of Kunsan AB the installation of the wrong fuel tank kit caused the 200# wing tank to separate because it was attached with a 120# tank kit. The tank separated causing the plane to flip. He ejected, but was too close to the ground to survive and was killed in the crash. The following is from Bill Gray's HE GAVE ALL!. On March 11, 1957,1/Lt. Bob Ford was the fifth to die during my year — and the only one to personally affect me strongly, the only one whom I remember vividly.In Mar 2006, Libby Ford, Bob Ford's widow, wrote: "I am Bob Ford's widow and he was killed in Korea in 1957. I appreciate you adding him to your site. One of his roommates over there, Bill Hosmer (who later became a leader of the Thunderbirds) sent me these two pictures recently. They were a picture of the hut that they lived in and also Lloyd Boothby (a West Point graduate) on the left, Bill Hosmer (also a West Point graduate on the right with the cigar in his mouth) and Bob Ford (a Naval Academy graduate) forefront playing poker in ther hut by candlelight in 1956-57. All three men flew the F-86F's at Osan AFB. Thanks again for this remarkable site. It is just awsome. Libby Ford" The photo mentioned is below:  (Top)Hut at Osan AB where Boothby, Hosmer and Bob lived with others 1956-1957; (Bottom) Poker by Candlelight Osan AB 1957, Lloyd Boothby left; Bill Hosmer with cigar - right; Bob Ford foreground. President Syngman Rhee (Yi Syng-man) President Syngman Rhee, who had established a provisional Korean government in exile in 1919, was elected South Korea's first president in 1948. When the US and Soviet Union could not agree on how to unify the peninsula, the US turned to the UN to supervise free elections in the South. Syngman Rhee had been "hand-picked" by the Americans to succeed to power -- overlooking many foibles in the man's character. On August 15, 1948, the Republic of Korea (ROK) was established, with Syngman Rhee as its head. Ten days later elections were held in the North, and on August 25, 1948, Kim Il-Sung proclaimed the creation of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK). Traditionally the agricultural region of the Korean peninsula, South Korea faced severe economic problems after partition. Attempts to establish an adequate industrial base were hampered by limited resources, particularly an acute lack of energy resources; most industry, prior to 1948, had been located in the North. War damage and the flood of refugees from North Korea further intensified the economic problem. The country depended upon foreign aid, chiefly from the United States, and the economy was characterized by runaway inflation, highly unfavorable trade balances, and mass unemployment. (Source: Infoplease.com.) Syngman Rhee moved quickly to consolidate his power in 1948. During this time, with assistance from the United States, Korea began to rebuild its infrastructure. In spite of the economic gains, Rhee's reign was marked by the suppression of all voices of dissent, invoking the fear of Communist takeover to justify his actions. Syngman Rhee, a corrupt despot, was being supported almost wholely by U.S. monies. As there was no Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) signed until 1965, the military basically was responsible for their own justice. Local authorities normally deferred to the U.S. military when the cases dealt with GIs. For all intensive purposes, Korea "belonged" to the U.S. back then. The U.S. military was king. There have been many accusations over the years that some GIs "got away with murder" in the literal sense prior to the SOFA. There seems to be supporting evidence that in some cases offending GIs were shipped out of country to face justice in military courts rather than be turned over to local authorities in some highly controversial cases. These circumstances placed those responsible for administering military justice in Korea in a strange position.  Syngman Rhee As was mentioned before, Syngman Rhee (Yi Syng-Man) proved to be an unpredictable despot, but there were not many alternatives at the time. Rhee engaged in drawing the "Peace Line" which demanded Tsushima from the Japanese as reparations. Finally in the end, Ullungdo was given to Korea and Tsushima was given to the Japanese uner the 1952 San Francisco Peace Treaty -- but the fate of Tokdo/Takeshima/Liancourt Rocks has remained a burning point till today because of his actions. Remember that because of Rhee, the South never signed the Armistice and he had to be "bribed" to keep him from making waves during the signing. Despite this just before the signing, he secretly ordered the release of all the North Korean POWS who claimed to be sympathetic to the South. Despite the Armistice, he continued to vow to attack the North -- causing a great deal of concern on the part of the U.S. These problems exist until today. In 1954 the Koreans seized Tokdo and a Japanese boat was sunk with mortars when they tried to land. Because Rhee refused to sign the armistice, Korea remains technically at war with North Korea and boundary disputes remain unsettled with China, North Korea and Japan. (See Tokdo (Takeshima) Issue for details on the dispute until today.)
1958: Congregation in front of Shin Hung Presbyterian Church in Seomi-ri. Shin Hung Church is the oldest church in Songtan. (1958) (Songtan Shin Hung Kyohwi 40th Anniversary Edition (1952-1992)) Songwang Presbyterian Church (Onori Church) The Songwang Presbyterian Church was founded in 1958. The church is located in Shinjang 2-dong across from the Shinjang 2-dong House Office -- and a block away from the Songshin Elementary School. This was the second church in the area after the Hanil Church up the hill in Bokchong-ri near the Hill 180 Gate. When the Songwang Church was built in 1958, it was on the high area near the railroad tracks, while the rest of the surrounding area was rice fields that had not been reclaimed as yet. Remember that the time was very poor and the area was filled with mostly North Korean refugees who found work on the base in menial positions. Wood and lumber was scarce so the church structures in the area were built with wood scrap donated by the base. The name of the church was changed to the Onori Church in 2004. We do not have much information on the church at this time, except that it has played a central role in the religious life of Songtan over the years.  Main Gate of Osan AB in 1959. If you look in the distance between the gate shack and the airmen walking out the gate, there is a building that stands above the other structures. This is the Songwang Church. The Songshin Elementary School would not be built until 1963. (1959) (Ed Stirling)   Onori Church (Aug 2005) (Kalani O'Sullivan) (SITE NOTE: The new church was built on the same location as the old church. Notice the Hangul lettering above the door shows the old name, "Songwang Kyohwi".) Jaeil Presbyterian Church (1958) According to the history of the Seongwang Presbyterian Church, on 28 Nov 1958, the Jaeil Church split away from the Seongwang Church to form its own church. The Songtan Jaeil Church (First Presbyterian Church of Songtan) was first started as the Jwadong Presbyterian Church on 5 Dec 1958. The church is presently making preparations for its 50th Anniversary in 2008. (Source: Jaeil Church for church homepage (hangul).) On 21 Mar 1961, the cornerstone was laid for a 40 pyeong church. On 1 Apr 1961, the Songtan Jaeil Church was officially founded. On 5 Dec 1958 the Jwadong Presbyterian Church was first built. On 1 Apr 1961 the name was changed to the Songtan Jaeil Church. Work was started to build a 40 pyeong chapel in Mar 61. On 24 Oct 1961 the chapel was completed. On 4 May 1965 the chapel was expanded to 80 pyeong. When the church was first founded in Milwal dong, the area just past the Songshin Elementary school in Shinjang 2-dong was still all rice fields. In the early 1965, the small church stood alone at the top of the hill. Houses had not spread down the hill from Milwal dong and there were few buildings encroaching on the church at the time. The other church in the area was the Songwang Church (Onnori Church) down near the Songshin Elementary School. Slowly other houses were built in the area as the expansion of Songtan spread outwards along. Within a few years, the houses had surrounded the church. |
