In June 1950, No. 77 Squadron RAAF was in Japan, packed up ready to go home.
Instead, they went to Korea, flying Mustang fighters as part of a UN force
aiding South Korea to fight invading communists from the north. Early flights
helped hold the crucial Pusan Perimeter, after which they moved north to fight
both the enemy and the deep cold of the Korean war.
When Chinese MiG-15 jet fighters entered the war the squadron re-equipped
with twin-jet Meteors. The MiGs were controlled Russian fighter experts who
targeted the Meteors, driving them out of 'MiG Alley'. Adopting ground attack
with rockets as their main role, they still fought MiGs, ending the war with a
five-all draw. It was valuable but very dangerous work and squadron pilots faced
a one in four chance of death or capture for much of the war.
Their deeds warranted lasting fame. Instead, they became the Forgotten Few of
a largely forgotten war; those who read this book find they deserve better than
that.
Contents:
Introduction
Foreword
Acknowledgements
1. To War
2. Iwakuni Ops
3. Mustangs in Korea
4. Mustangs to Meteors
5. Air to Air
6. Ground Attack Meteors
7. Aftermath
Notes
Bibliography
Index
