On the 25th of June 1950, Fifth Air Force found itself looking northward through a pair of opaque glasses. Tactical and strategic information sorely needed by United Nations Forces was totally lacking due to the veritable blackout of North Korea imposed following the close of World War II. Reconnaissance, the only solution to the problem, consisted at this time of one photo-jet squadron and one gun camera lab, not a very impressive array of equipment to say the least. More was needed, in fact, much more if we were to ferret out the information vital to waging a successful campaign of any proportion. Immediately a call rushed to Headquarters Far East Air Forces for reconnaissance. The report was negative. There was none to be had in the Far East Command. The request was then relayed to Headquarters USAF. All that was available, though not combat ready, was the 162nd Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron (night photo) and the 363rd Reconnaissance Technical Squadron. These two outfits arrived in Japan in August 1950 and were joined with the 8th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron, the photo-jet unit, the newly activated 45th Tactical reconnaissance Squadron and the 543rd Tactical Support Group. They were joined officially as one unit in September 1950. The corporation of these units formed the nucleus of the present 67th Tactical reconnaissance Wing, but did not fill the need for a real recce wing. The growing demand for quick, accurate tactical reconnaissance threw a heavy unwielding [sic] load on the existing photo recon squadrons. Consequently the 67th was activated. Manning the wing was accomplished by deactivating the old recon organizations and activating the new units. The 8th Tac Squadron became the 15th Tac Recon Squadron (photo jet), the 162nd Tac Squadron became the 12th Tac Recon Squadron (night photo), the 363rd Recon Tech Squadron became the 67th Reconnaissance Technical Squadron and the 45th Tac Recon Squadron remained the same. Concurrently the 543rd Tactical Support Group was deactivated and became the 67th Tactical Reconnaissance Group, Maintenance and Supply group, Air Base Group and the Medical Group.
There was work to be done and "Pop" set out to do it. The 15th Tac Squadron was assigned to cover enemy airfields and supply routes by day; the 12th Tac Squadron doing likewise by night and the 45th Tac Squadron covered the front lines with visual and photographic reconnaissance. The 45th was also assigned the mission of leading fighter strikes for front line support. The 67th Recon tech Squadron performed the massive task of developing, printing and most important of all, interpreting the myriads of photographs taken by tactical squadrons. The support groups, heroically but without fanfare, went about the task of maintaining the large logistical headache. The U.N. Forces had been provided with "Round the Clock" reconnaissance, a service that was sorely needed and highly praised by all units fighting under the United Nations Flag. The front lines at this time were "fluid" which necessitated the operation of the Tac Group from Taegu while supporting units operated out of Tsuiki and Komaki Air Bases in Japan. This militarily unsound and inconvenient situation had to be coped with until a more favorable situation presented itself. Despite all the inconveniences, Fifth Air Force now had a pair of high powered binoculars to ferret out tactical information from a clever and tricky enemy. On the first of July 1951, the wing suffered a serious loss when "Pop" Polifka, flying with the 45th Squadron and doing what he liked best, improving reconnaissance tactics, was killed in action near Kaesong, Korea. "Pop" was extremely popular as well as a competent commander. His engaging personality coupled with his :know how" and sharp wit aided the cause of reconnaissance immeasurably. His contributions to the United Nations cause and his advancement of tactical reconnaissance will never be forgotten. Colonel Vincent Howard immediately assumed command of the 67th. He arrived at Taegu on July 4th. It was Independence Day for U.S. Forces and the 67th, for shortly thereafter the front line assumed enough stability so plans could be made to gather the wing units together and function as an integral wing at one location. Fifth Air Force Commanders named Kimpo, Korea as the new site of the 67th. A party of airmen and officers were sent to an advance airstrip that only a few months previous had been held by North Korean Forces and more recently retaken by the Marines after the sea invasion of the Port of Inchon. Military personnel and local villagers alike began the big task of making the bombed out airstrip operational. The move was started on the 16th of August and completed on the 25th of the same month. Despite lacking facilities each man had a bed, hot meals and the combat effort went on uninterrupted. The move was a boon to the effective operation of the wing as it brought together, at one location, all units of the 67th for the first time since activation. All operations were conducted under tent roofs with an amazing degree of efficiency considering the difficulties under which the unit operates. Plans were made for the construction of administrative buildings, hangers, a chapel, theater, dining halls and a hospital. All were needed, but hardly expected so close to the battlefront.
Although the front had reached a degree of stability as a result of the "peace talks", the enemy was by no means inactive. From photos taken by the 67th it was evident he was working on airfields, building supply dumps and moving armies of troops. Concurrent with this, the enemy was able to screen his actions by larger forces of MiGs by day and wholesale movements at night. U.N. Ground Forces needed to know positions of all enemy troops and supplies in the front line area. The 45th developed the Corps Area Technique in that specialized pilots would recognize the movement of even a bush in their particular area. Fifth Air Force wanted to know the amount of airfield activity and movement along supply routes leading to the front line. The 15th supplied this information with almost pinpoint accuracy. For missions near the disputed Yalu border, flights of fighter-interceptors were dispatched to fly cover for the photo-jets. On many occasions pilots of the 15th showed the fighter boys daring fortitude while sweeping in at low altitudes for photos and evading enemy aircraft in an unarmed RF-80. They have gained a high degree of respect for their essential job. The day interdiction program forced the enemy to move under the cover of night. This is where the 12th Squadron came through with their flash bombs and night photos, rounding out the 24 hour program of the wing. Through it all, the photo lab kept up with the pace and produced thousands of prints for the sharp eyes of the interpreters. The 67th now had the distinction of supplying almost 90 per cent of the intelligence information going out to the United Nations Forces. A better recon aircraft was, and is still needed. An F-86 "Honey Bucket" was developed as an interim recon ship to cope with the speed of the MIG, adding a development in the field of cepial reconnaissance for test under combat conditions. In December 1951 a complete front line hospital was assigned to the organization. Complete with skilled doctors, nurses and heliport which could be used for front line evacuation of wounded personnel. In many cases downed pilots have been brought in from enemy territory in a matter of 50 minutes or less. Further progress has been made this year [1952] by the 45th in which the RF-80 is being used for front line reconnaissance. This sleek jet can stand the ground fire and has the speed to escape when cornered by flak or enemy aircraft. It also has the maneuverability necessary for visual reconnaissance. This aircraft is gradually replacing the battle veteran F-51 Mustang used by the 45th. Though the 67th may be young, many new developments have come out of its short life. We have blasted many old reconnaissance theories and have set the pace with our eagerness to learn. It has again been proven that reconnaissance is a must in waging an effective war. The 67th Tactical Reconnaissance Wing continues to live up to its motto of making "Light from Darkness" by "Being First and Last Over the Target" and giving "Round the Clock Reconnaissance Service." * Copyright (C) 1952 Office of Public Information, 67th TRW
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67th Tactical Reconnaissance Wing
On paper the wing
was complete. Much work and intensive training in all fields was necessary
before actual smooth operation could be accomplished. The man assigned the
job of shaping up the wing was Colonel Karl. L. (Pop) Polifka, the illustrious
and foremost reconnaissance expert of the day.
Following two
months of maximum building effort and planning the wing began a normal
operations procedure. Col. Howard was assigned to FEAF to assume new
duties as Deputy for Intelligence. He was replaced by Colonel Edwin S.
Chickering on the 31st of October 1951.