Kansas Veterans

Kansas Units Mobilized in the Korean War

127th Fighter Squadron, Kansas Army National Guard

History of the Unit page 2 of 7
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     On 11 October 1950, the 127th Fighter Squadron, Jet, was reassigned to the Fourteenth Air Force per General Order 149, Headquarters Tenth Air Force, dated 11 October 1950.

     The 127th Fighter Squadron, Jet, was redesignated on 18 October 1950, as the 127th Fighter Bomber Squadron, per General Order 171, Headquarters, Fourteenth Air Forced, dated 18 October 1950. This organization was reassigned to Alexandria Air Force Base, Alexandria, Louisiana, per Movement Order 20, Headquarters, Fourteenth Air Force, dated 17 November 1950.

     At 0700, 26 November 1950, the main body of the organization departed for Alexandria Air Force Base and arrived 2300, that same day. Distance traveled was 710 miles. The air echelon departed at 1000, 27 November 1950, and arrived at Alexandria Air Force Base at 1120 hours. Upon arrival, all sections put special emphasis on bringing their records up-to-date.

     The 127th Fighter Bomber Squadron was activated under the new wingbase plan, with no previous experience in operating under this type of organization. The 127th joined the 125th from Oklahoma, the 128th from Georgia, the Headquarters, 137th Fighter Bomber Group (Oklahoma ANG) and the Headquarters, 137th Fighter Bomber Wing (Texas ANG) to form the 137th Fighter Bomber Wing. Additional personnel from Texas, Kansas, Oklahoma and Georgia, formed the Group Headquarters. Many problems were encountered as personnel had not been trained and were not equipped to efficiently perform their duties under the new organization. It was readily apparent that little advance planning had been done at the Air Force level.

     The base at Alexandria had been abandoned for several years and was in a state of disrepair that almost prohibited its use. Tower facilities were not available. Buildings were run down and not sealed against wind or weather. The railroad spur, essential for the movement of supplies and equipment into the base, and been ripped up. The base supply activity was not fully activated. Aircraft parts were almost non-existent. Few house-keeping supplies were available. Clothing was not available for the airmen, and particularly, cold-weather gear for line personnel was conspicuous by its absence. The only hangar was occupied by the maintenance squadron, and all organizational maintenance had to be performed out-of-doors.

     During the winter of 1950, temperatures in Alexandria fell to six degrees above zero, which, in that latitude, was a penetrating cold. The supply facility broke down to the point that coal for heating purposes was not available, only slack coal could be had, which burned inefficiently. A great amount of discomfort was experienced by all personnel on the base.

     There were several shortages of administrative equipment, namely, typewriters. Crash and fire equipment for the safe operation of aircraft was missing. Fuel shortages and lack of fuel servicing units severely hindered flying.

     With the activation of the 137th Fighter Bomber Group, there were a few changes in personnel of the squadron. Major Edward R. Fry was transferred to the 137th Fighter Bomber Group as the Group Operations officer and Captain Donald W. Coulson was appointed as the 127th Fighter Squadron Operations officer. On 27 December 1950 Lieutenant Colonel Roger B. Ludeman was transferred to the 137th Fighter Bomber Group to assume command of that organization. Captain Donald W. Coulson assumed command of the 127th Fighter Bomber Squadron on 27 December 1950, and Captain Ivan Behel was appointed Squadron Operations officer. On 31 December 1950, the assigned strength of this organization was 34 officers and 110 airmen.

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