SOUTH AFRICA KOREAN WAR MEMORIAL

On June 25, 1950, North Korean forces invaded the Republic of South Korea. The services of the SAAF (South African Air Force) were called upon to assist the western and U.N. powers. On Sept 26, 206 men of the SAAFs 2 Sqn., all volunteers, departed for the battle in Korea from Johnson Base in Tokyo. The 2 Sqn. had a distinguished record of service in Korea flying F-51D Mustangs and F-86F Sabres. Their role was mainly flying ground attack and interdiction missions. During the Korean conflict, the squadron flew a total of 12,067 sorties, resulting in 36 casualties. The South African squadron was awarded both U.S. and Korean Presidential Unit Citations and some of its members were awarded decorations for extreme bravery. In all, 20 men lost their lives and 16 men were wounded in their efforts.