Flying sergeants

[<SDonell73@aol.com>]

Marine Staff NCO's flew just about every class of aircraft in the Marine inventory in Korea, from OY's to R4D's, Corsairs, Panthers, Tigercats, and F2H Banshees. 

The Banshees were used to fly photo-recon with F-86 escorts, "There was also the need to brief escort pilots, who were often Air Force F-86 pilots. The Sabre pilots did not always appreciate being briefed by an enlisted aviator, and occasionally made things difficult for their Marine compatriot. In (one) case, he had to submit to annoying identification exercises before he was allowed to conduct his brief. "I had to be verified . . . and they wouldn't let me into their briefing room without identification. But I briefed the Air Force pilots precisely, even though some of them took a casual attitude about escorting a Marine reconnaissance pilot."

Another Marine pilot related, "They underestimated the Banshee's speed and climb, as well as the intensity our mission required. With our small J-34 engines and big tip tanks, our F2H's had superior range. Although their F-86's looked good, and the Air Force did take care of us -- and we certainly appreciated their presence -- they usually bingoed before we were finished. We usually flew back alone."
Corsairs to Panthers.

Many of these Flying Sergeants had been officers in World War II.

Sandy