This collection consists of a scrapbook detailing Ward Hitt's Korean War service
Scope and Contents:
This collection consists of a 16 by 11 inch white scrapbook detailing Ward Hitt's Korean War service. The scrapbook contains newspaper articles, military orders, detailed correspondence, and photographs, both snapshots and official photography, showing aircraft (North America F-86 Sabres), base life and Air Force pilots and personnel.
Arrangement:
Just one item.
Biographical / Historical:
Ward Hitt, Jr. was a North American F-86 Sabre fighter pilot during the Korean War, 1950-1951. Hitt entered Air Force cadet training in 1948 and graduated from Williams Field in February 1949. He received his promotion to first lieutenant after he completed his radar training later in October 1949. Hitt was then stationed at Johnson Air Force Base (AFB), Japan, followed by Kimpo Field, Seoul Korea, where he saw General MacArthur visit. Hitt was on the first jet fighter mission, on December 17, 1950, as a member of the F-86 Sabre-equipped 4th Fighter Interceptor Group which destroyed eight MiG MiG-15 Fagot jets. Hitt was then ordered to Forward Aircraft Controller Duty, and was assigned to the 5th Republic of Korea (ROK) Corps, 36 Regiment February 3 through 26, 1951 in central Korea. Hitt returned to Japan in June of 1951 to attend the Combat Orientation School at Johnson AFB until September 1951. For his service during the Korean War, Hitt received the Air Medal.
Provenance:
Ellen L. Whitman, Gift, 2012, NASM.2012.0044
Restrictions:
No restrictions on access.
Rights:
Material is subject to Smithsonian Terms of Use. Should you wish to use NASM material in any medium, please submit an Application for Permission to Reproduce NASM Material, available at Permissions Requests
