VMF-115 Silver Eagles Remembered

On yesterday's date, September 10, 1952, the Silver Eagles of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 115 lost six pilots as they were returning from a mission near Sariwon Korea.

22 pilots took off in their F9F Panthers to strike enemy positions. Upon completion, they were directed to return to the K2 airstrip at Taegu because of bad weather at their base, K3. Upon reaching the area, severe fog enveloped the entire area and reduced visibility to near zero. 16 of the aircraft turned and headed for K3, where they all safely landed. 6 of the pilots, flying in tight formation descended toward K2. All six Panthers crashed into the side of a 4000 ft mountain. They were among the 14 pilots from the squadron killed during the Korean War.

The VMF-115 played a critical role in close air support during the war. Only having deployed in February of 1952, the squadron expended the most ordinance of all of the Marine fighter squadrons. They flew 9250 sorties with over 15,000 hours of flight time total. Along with the 14 pilots lost, they also lost 19 aircraft. They provided support at practically every major battle of the war, including the attack on Sui-Ho dam, Bunker Hill, the Hook and Chosin Reservoir. We salute all of those who served in VMF-115.

Those six pilots lost 63 years ago yesterday, were:

Major Raymond E DeMers

Major Donald F Givins

1st Lieutenant Alvin R Bourgeois

2nd Lieutenant John W Hill Jr.

2nd Lieutenant Carl R Lafleur

2nd Lieutenant Richard L Roth

Photo by Thomas A Rousseau, USMC