A new book - about the 18th Fighter Wing in Korea is being written - this time to include as many personal "histories" and photographs as possible, collected from surviving former members of the 18th and its squadrons who served in the 18th Fighter-Bomber Wing during the Korean War. the people who were there, and still remember 'The Forgotten War"

It is being compiled by Tracy Connors, Captain USNR, Ret., a nephew of 1st Lt. Archie Connors, 67th FBS, [Howe Flt] who was Killed in Action on June 25, 1952.

Its publication is approved and its material is being supported, where possible, by Lt. Col. D. E. 'Bud' Biteman, head of the 18th Fighter Wing Association, who solicits assistance by as many 18FWA members as possible.

Connors has published many articles and has been the Editor in Chief of the Nonprofit Handbook: Management (John Wiley & Sons) for many years. He and his wife, Faith are co-authors of Flavors of the Fjords, the
Norwegian-American Experience.

He is well-aware that serving in the 18th FBW during the Korean War was dangerous for both pilots and ground crews and the conditions at any of its operating bases such as K-2, K-9, K-10, K-16, K-23, K-46 and K-55 were primitive, at best. Connors is now attempting to record the factual accomplishments of the 18th FBW "Truckbusters", who compiled such a stellar record of combat service during the three year conflict. Unfortunately, much of that history has never been told and all too much of it may have already been lost to posterity and the ever-shortening memories of participants.

The newly-separated Air Force was reluctant, in the early 'Fifties, to publicize the impressive and 'actual' combat record of the 12th, 39th,  67th and 2 Sq., SAAF

squadrons due to its budgetary focus on the planned Air Force' transition from "props" to jets. Wing and squadron histories of that period noted how frequently disproportionate publicity credit was given to jet squadrons for actions which had actually been performed by the aging propeller-driven F-51 Mustangs of the squadrons of the 18th Fighter-Bomber Wing.

Connors recently completed a week of additional research at the USAF Historical Research Agency at Maxwell AFB, AL where he was able to obtain unit history reports from the 18th FBW during its Korean War period. He has also made several trips to the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) in Washington, D.C. and obtained access to additional 18th records and photographs.

"Frankly, the most interesting and rewarding aspect of this research," he reports, "is working with former members of the 18th to obtain and include their recollections, memoirs and photographs."

Connors is inviting those who served with the 18th FBW and its units and squadrons during the Korean War to participate in preparing the book for publication through letters, snap shots, memorabilia or memoirs - that will help to illustrate the "life and times" of 18th pilots, engineering, maintenance, armorers, air police, medics, clerks, communications, cooks and all other 18th Fighter Wing support personnel.

"While the narrative will include as much information as possible on the squadron's history and the accomplishments of its pilots and their missions," he noted, "I believe the contributions of the ground crews and service personnel were also invaluable and will be reported - 'recognized to a much greater degree' than has been evident in other publications about the Korean War. Photographs and personal recollections of these squadron activities will be highly regarded."

As many former 18th veterans as possible will be contacted by mail with information about the book, and to offer a publication opportunity for memoirs and scrapbook photographs. Connors has a turn around time for the borrowed photographs of about two days, he reports, to scan them, put them into a layout, print out copies for the contributors and send the package back by registered mail. No damage is done to the photos and those that are used will be attributed to the contributor. They will also eventually receive a complimentary copy of the book as a

"thank you" for their invaluable, continuing assistance. "I think there should be as many photographs as possible," he says, "from the flight line to the chow line - they are all most-important factors in the telling of the 18th's Korean War story."

Plans are also underway to include a "Video Yearbook-type" presentation at the Seattle Reunion during which Connors will share with the audience selected photographs that illustrate the history-life and times-of the 18th FBW and its squadrons during the Korean War. Attendees will again see the real "Dogpatch."

Captain Connors and his wife, Faith, plan to attend the Reunion and he says he is looking forward to being able to meet with interested attendees in person for tape recording sessions and/or to scan photographs. However, time during the Reunion will be limited and he urges interested members to provide their materials long before September. After the Reunion, additional "input" time will be limited as he assembles the material into final form for the book's final publication.