USAF Heavy Bomber Shot Down by Soviet MiG-15s Near Ch'o-do Island (44-86392)

Incident Overview and Context A heavy bomber was returning to its base at Kadena after completing a bombing mission over North Korea. During the return leg, the aircraft was attacked by a small number of Soviet Air Force MiG-15 fighters. The source does not specify the aircraft type, registration, exact date, or operator beyond the general description of a heavy bomber and the crew list provided. ## Loss of Control and Crash After the attack, the aircraft became uncontrollable and entered a dive. Two occupants were able to bail out before the aircraft crashed into the sea approximately eight kilometers north of Ch'o-do Island. The crash resulted in the deaths of twelve crew members, while the two who bailed out were rescued. ## Crew and Casualties The crew included 1st Lt Robert J. Bird, T/Sgt Morton H. Jensen, Maj Kassel M. Keene, A2c Robert J. McLoughlin, A2c James L. Nichols, 1st Lt James K. Peck, A1c James H. Porter, Maj William F. Sawyer, 2nd Lt Myron F. Sestak, 1st Lt Beverly A. Swingle, S/Sgt Raymond Thompson, M/Sgt Horace N. Tiller, S/Sgt William H. Whitman, and 1st Lt Allan R. Winchester. Twelve of these crew members were killed, and two were rescued.