Discover the Untold Stories of the 80 Shooting Star Units in the Korean War Combat Aircraft 128

The Korean War, which took place between 1950 and 1953, saw intense aerial combat between the United Nations and North Korean forces, subsequently expanded to include the People's Republic of China. Among the various combat aircraft used during this conflict, the Shooting Star, specifically the F-80, played a crucial role. In this article, we delve into the history and operations of the 80 Shooting Star units in the Korean War's Combat Aircraft 128.

The Arrival of the Shooting Star

The F-80 Shooting Star, manufactured by Lockheed, was the first jet fighter used by the United States Air Force. Introduced in 1945, it became operational in 1948, just two years before the outbreak of the Korean War. Its speed, agility, and firepower presented a significant advantage and reshaped the dynamics of aerial combat.

F-80 Shooting Star Units of the Korean War (Combat Aircraft Book 128)

by Warren Thompson (Kindle Edition)

4.9 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	34976 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	152 pages

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Rise of the 80 Shooting Star Units

As the Korean War escalated, the United States deployed numerous F-80 units to the region, with 80 of them actively engaging in combat. The Shooting Star units played a crucial role in various missions, including ground attack, reconnaissance, escort, interdiction, and suppression of enemy air defenses.

Operations and Achievements

The 80 Shooting Star units took part in numerous operations and achieved remarkable feats during the Korean War. Their primary objective was to maintain air superiority and provide close air support to ground forces against the North Korean and Chinese adversaries.

Operation Kiddy Car

One notable operation was "Operation Kiddy Car," a strategic interdiction campaign aimed at disrupting supply lines and transportation routes. The Shooting Star units were responsible for attacking enemy convoys and infrastructure facilities, which severely hindered the enemy's ability to reinforce their troops or transport supplies.

Close Air Support Missions

Another critical role played by the Shooting Star units was providing close air support to the ground forces, particularly during intense battles. They conducted precise air strikes on enemy positions, munition dumps, and artillery emplacements, effectively neutralizing threats and creating favorable conditions for allied ground troops.

Night Intruder Operations

The 80 Shooting Star units significantly contributed to nighttime operations, conducting daring night bombing raids and interdiction missions. Their ability to strike under the cover of darkness often caught the enemy off guard and inflicted considerable damage on key targets, hampering enemy logistics and weakening their overall combat effectiveness.

The Battle of MiG Alley

The Battle of MiG Alley remains one of the most significant air battles in the Korean War. It was a stretch of airspace where the Shooting Star units engaged in intense dogfights against Soviet-piloted MiG-15 jets. Despite the technological advantage of the MiG-15, the Shooting Star units managed to hold their ground and achieve several victories, showcasing the skill and bravery of American pilots.

Legacy and Impact

The 80 Shooting Star units and their role in the Korean War left an indelible mark on military aviation history. Their invaluable contributions helped shape future strategies, tactics, and the advancement of jet aircraft. The lessons learned from the engagements in Korea paved the way for the development of even more capable and advanced fighter jets.

The 80 Shooting Star units of the Korean War Combat Aircraft 128 played a crucial role in achieving air superiority and providing close air support during the Korean War. Their outstanding operations and achievements demonstrated the effectiveness of jet fighters and paved the way for future advancements in military aviation. The bravery and skill of these pilots will forever be remembered in the annals of history.

F-80 Shooting Star Units of the Korean War (Combat Aircraft Book 128)

by Warren Thompson (Kindle Edition)

4.9 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	34976 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	152 pages

FREE

Built within a 180-day time limit in 1943, the F-80 Shooting Star first saw service in Italy in the final year of World War 2, and consequently was sent to bases in the US, Europe and the Far East after VJ Day. It was the latter groups based in Japan that initially bore the brunt of the early fighting in Korea, engaging MiG-15s in the world's first jet-versus-jet combat.

Flown principally by the 8th and 49th Fighter Bomber Wings, the F-80 served until the end of the war, completing an astonishing 98,515 combat sorties, shooting down 17 aircraft (including three of the vastly superior MiG-15s), dropping over 33,000 tons of bombs, and firing over 80,000 air-to-ground rockets. Aside from the fighter-bomber Shooting Stars, the ultra-rare, but heavily used, photo-reconnaissance RF-80A saw extensive use in the frontline in Korea as a replacement for the vulnerable RF-51D.

Filled with first-hand accounts and rare colour photographs taken by the veterans themselves, this is the engrossing story of the pioneering F-80 Shooting Star.