36th Fighter-Bomber Squadron in Korea, 1953

This is my tribute to the men of the 36th Fighter-Bomber Squadron "Flying Fiends" in Korea, 1953. My uncle, 2nd Lt. Jim Escalle, was a pilot in the squadron and is in several photos. He became MIA in June 1953. The photos are compiled from his collection and from other pilots who loaned me their slides.

Established during World War I, the 36th Fighter Squadron was active in the South Pacific during World War II. As part of the 8th Fighter Group the squadron shot down dozens of Japanese aircraft. Designated the 36th Fighter-Bomber Squadron in 1950, the pilots flying F-80s, and later F-86 Sabres, set major sortie records. On June 15, 1953, the 36th FBS set an all-time sortie record, getting 121 in a single day. This record still stands. Their legacy continues today with the 36th FS, which is now based at Osan Air Base in South Korea.

Music: Band of Brothers Suite Two (instrumental)
Artist: Michael Kamen, The London Metropolitan Orchestra
Album: Band of Brothers - original Motion Picture Soundtrack