There was no substitute for experience in fighter-bomber work during the Korean War. We had two missions: One was deep interdiction going up into North Korea attacking strategic targets; the other was front line support along the 38th parallel.

The interdiction missions in North Korea were all multi four-ship formations with up to 36 aircraft from the 8th FBW. Some of these missions involved other wings, including a Marine “Panther Jet” squadron. Tactical, spread formation, was held going north until close to the target area. Then each four-ship would echelon and attack the target with three-second spacing. These targets were the bridges at Sinanjou, railroad terminals, training bases, suspected truck and troop carrier positions, and abandoned air bases. F-80C reconnaissance aircraft and 5th Air Force Headquarters intelligence identified targets.

Front line close air support was somewhat more demanding. These missions were four-ship aided by a T-6 Forward Air Controller (FAC) spotter aircraft. The T-6 guys were heroes - too many were lost. They would talk us into a specific area, give target area specifics, and when necessary shoot a “Willie Peter” (white phosphorous) smoke bomb to give a more precise target ID. Then we would attack the target at approximately one to two minute spacing intervals. The T-6 spotter would give instructions as to where he wanted the next Sabre's bombs to hit based on the previous attack. The line between our troops and the enemy “gooks” was sometimes less than 300 meters. The 38th parallel front line targets were nicknamed based on the topography, such as: Pork Chop Hill, Papa San Mountain, Little Florida (a bend in the river), Finger Ridge, Christmas Tree Mountain, etc.

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