This Week in History
“This Week in History” is a weekly recounting of historical events which shaped today’s U.S. Air Force. On June 27, 1950 the 5th Air Force accepted the mission to establish air superiority over South Korea to prevent North Korean air attacks on South Korean forces and to protect evacuation forces. When North Korean aircraft appeared over Kimpo and Suwon Airfields, U.S. Air Force aircraft engaged them in the first air battle. Maj. James Little, the 339th Fighter All-Weather Squadron commander, fired the first shot; however, Lt. William Hudson, a pilot for the 68th FAWS scored the first aerial victory by shooting down an enemy Yak-11 with an F-82 Twin Mustang. In all, six pilots shot down seven North Korean propeller-driven fighters over Kimpo, the highest number of U.S. Air Force serial victories in one day for 1950. (U.S. Air Force photo)