Defending Hill 351: Allies Work Together

DAYTON, Ohio - Painting by Roh Hee Gak on display in the Korean War Gallery at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force. On March 26, 1952, 16 F-51 Mustang fighter-bombers of the newly-created Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) led by Maj. E. Yul Yoon furiously attacked communist ground forces attacking Hill 351. The air-to-ground action was being directed by a USAF T-6 Mosquito airborne forward air controller flown by Maj. William Light and ROKAF Capt. Sang K. Wie along with a USAF ground-based control party. During this action, U.S. Navy aircraft and ROK Army artillery successfully suppressed enemy anti-aircraft fire. This joint action enabled the ROK 15th Infantry Division to effectively hold the strategic heights of Hill 351.This multi-national action illustrates the rapid growth and combat effectiveness of ROK military forces, both air and ground, and their ability to conduct joint operations with U.S. military forces. (U.S. Air Force photo)