L. B.  ‘Bunny’  PEARCE, Major, SAAF

Killed in Action, Korea, 9 July, 1951

Lieutenant Marshall was briefed to lead a ferry flight of four F-51 Mustangs from the rear base at Chinhae, South Korea (K-10) to the 18th Fighter-Bomber Wing’s forward base near Seoul (K-16). Major Pearce was to fly No. 2,  Lt. Howe, No. 3, and Lt. Parker No. 4.

Because the weather conditions were marginal, Marshall briefed his flight that they were to fly only VFR (Visual Flight Rules) or to return to base at K-10.  In the event that Instrument flight conditions became necessary, they were to climb above the overcast, which the Weather  Officer predicted to reach only to 8000 feet.

Marshall and his flight took off, and abreast of the nearby city of Masan they encountered a rainstorm which prevented them from turning around due to the narrow proximity of the nearby mountains.  Marshall instructed them to climb as planned, but after approximately three minutes, at only 4500 feet, Major Pearce appeared to be having difficulty remaining in position, and suddenly disappeared from the flight.  He was subsequently seen, and was instructed to climb individually until on top of the overcast.  Marshall and the other two pilots continued to climb, reaching the top of the clouds at 8000 feet as predicted.

Major Pearce was no where to be seen, and could not be reached by  radio calls.  Marshall reported to K-10 base that he had lost contact with Pearce about ten miles north of Masan.   The wreckage of his aircraft was subsequently found 15 miles north of Chinhae.  It had hit the ground under power at high speed.  Major Pearce’s body was recovered and buried in the United Nations Cemetery at Pusan.