Lt Col Scott West, 36FS/CC forwarded the following content:
This historical pamphlet was originally produced in 1980 by Capt Scott Miller, 36 TFS and TSgt John Sullivan, Wing Historian. It was updated in 1992 by Capt Chris Jergens prior to receiving the new F-16C Block 40's. As one of the oldest squadrons active today, all Fiends past, present, and future should take pride in the unique traditions of this front line combat organization and ensure that these traditions will be honored forever. The saying, "Once a Fiend, always a Fiend" has typically embodied the spirit of this great squadron and will help future transitions. Remember, the man you train today could save your life tomorrow.

World War I and the Early Years
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The 36^th Aero Squadron was formed at Kelly Field, Texas on 12 June 1917 by a group of aviation pioneers who desired to go to Europe and prove the value of air power in World War I. By August, they had relocated to New York and continued their training and other preparation for their overseas assignment. En route, they drilled and paraded at Texarkana, Arkansas; Chattanooga, Tennessee; and Hagerstown Maryland.

By the light of a full moon on 23 August 1917, the 36^th sailed for Europe, specifically Liverpool, England aboard the S.S. Baltic. Additional ships in the convoy were met at Halifax, Nova Scotia. The voyage would not be completely without incident. While rounding the coast of Ireland, a large explosion was felt aboard the Baltic and immediate fears were that a German "U-Boat" was in the area. A diary read:

The convoy continued into Southampton, where the 36^th set up a temporary rest headquarters. While there, the fifty flyers assigned to the unit spent two days TDY, or as they called it the, detached duty, with the Royal Flying Corps for training. Other personnel continued preparations for the move to France.

By 18 September 1917 the 36^th had reached LeHavre, France. German Prisoners of War at LeHavre refused to believe that the men of the 36^th were part of the US Army. They had been certain that German submarines were blockading all attempts to move US troops overseas.

Two days later the men of the 36^th received a royal welcome at the town of Etamps, France. Civic leaders and military officials conducted a welcoming ceremony. Each man of the 36^th received a ticket, which was good for one free drink, which could be used at any caf� in town. The men soon found out that they could present the ticket, imbibe one drink, and then ask for the ticket back to keep as a souvenir. This process was repeated throughout the night, and as the town had about 74 cafes, the squadron was temporarily immobilized.

The 36^th Squadron was dispersed to various French airplane factories and motor schools for continued training: One detachment went to Paris, another to Lyon, while the Commander and his headquarters element remained at Issoudum, France. Commanding the 36^th at this time was 1Lt Quentin Roosevelt. In a letter to his father, the former President of the United States, Theodore Roosevelt, the young Lieutenant stated:

And rough they were. Food was scarce at Issoudun. Often, a meal consisted of three pieces of hard tack, a cup of coffee, and a spoonful of beans. The coffee was especially good. However, it was flavored with a distinct wine taste, caused in no small part by the fact that old wine barrels were considered good water carriers by 36^th personnel. In addition, the men enjoyed the fruits of the surrounding orchards.

Being able to survive with limited rations was thing, however, when General John J. Pershing inspected their unit in late October 1917, the men of the 36^th let him know in no uncertain terms that they would like their pay. It had been more that three months since their last payday. Two days later, a paymaster arrived at 10L00 in the evening and help pay call.

Through 1918 the 36^th was assigned to various aerial gunnery schools, and other training areas. Men were often sent to other units for combat duty or other duties, as required. The 36^th did not get into combat as a unit during the war. Barracks were constructed entirely through self-help, at La Corneau, France, and hydroplanes were repaired at that facility, along with an occasional Nieuport. A gunnery school was also established at St. Jean de Monts, France.

After World War I, the 36^th returned to the United States aboard the SS Mancuria and on 7 April 1919 were demobilized at Garden City, New Jersey. The 36 TFS remained dormant until it was once again activated on 2 October 1930 at Selfridge Field, Michigan.

Time was spent training pilots and developing new tactics for air warfare. Pilots did enjoy air shows and other pastimes, while thoughts of actual combat dealt with visions of Baron Von Richtofen and Eddie Richenbacker. Noted in their unit's history was an entry of 22 February 1931, which stated:

The 36^th also represented the 1^st Pursuit Group in Air Corps exercises at Dayton, Ohio. The 1^st Group later received a letter of commendation from Maj Gen Douglas MacArthur, Chief of Staff, for a highly efficient performance during the exercise.

On 10 May 1932 the 36^th flew 19 P-12's to Langley Field, Virginia for use by the 8^th Pursuit Group. The 36^th was subsequently assigned to the 8^th Pursuit Group. The 8^th Pursuit would later be redesigned the 8^th Fighter-Bomber Group, 8^th Fighter-Bomber Wing, and is now the 8^th Tactical Fighter Wing. While stationed at Langley Field, the 8^th provided men and supplies as well as the airplanes for reviews, ceremonies, and other celebrations and special occasions in Washington, D.C.

Operating out of various stations in the Eastern United States, the 36^th flew airmail for the US Postal Service. Pilots flew in open cockpits; very often in bad weather during night or day without instruments and other needed equipment. The 36^th, unlike some other units assigned similar duties, did not lose a single pilot or plane in their four months of duty with the Postal Service.

In early 1935, the Air Corps was trying hard to prove the feasibility of operating under field conditions as self-contained units. Aiding the cause, the 36^th participated in exercises the Southeastern US, specifically designed to test those theories.

In early 1940 the 36^th began preparations for possible action in the war in Europe. By November the squadron had relocated to Mitchell Field, New York. During 1941, the 36^th conducted extensive gunnery training in the Easter US with P-40 aircraft. When the US officially entered World War II in December, the 36^th deployed to Stratford, Connecticut and provided a portion of the air defense of the Eastern Seaboard.

In late 1942 the 36^th moved to San Francisco, California in preparation for a deployment to the Asian Theater of Operations. The squadron sailed for Brisbane, Australia aboard the SS Mauri on 12 February 1942, a voyage that took 24 days. The unit trained with P-39s at Lowood, Queenland and later at Antil Plains near Townsville, Australia. On 20 April 1942, the squadron moved to Seven-Mile Drome near Port Moresby, New Guinea, which was the last remaining allied stronghold north of Australia. The first contingent flew up in transports on the 26^th, and the pilots flew the P-39s up on the 28^th. They encountered severe weather and lost 15 planes en route. It was a staggering blow to both Americans and Australians. Another 26 P-39s arrived safely on the 30^th.

The first combat mission of WWII for the 36^th took place on 30 April 1942. Tasked with a strafing mission at La Salamana, New Guinea, the aircrews encountered 15 to 20 Japanese Zeros. The ensuing dogfight lasted all the way back to Port Moresby. Two pilots of the 36^th, Captain Paul G. Brown and Captain James J. Bevlock, were forced to land. Capt Brown claimed probable destruction of one Zero. During WWII the 36^th would lose 56 men listed as killed or missing in action.

From April through June 1942 more than 300 enemy planes flew sorties over Seven-Mile Drome in an effort to soften Allied defenses and eliminate Allied air power in that area, prior to a major Japanese invasion effort. The 36^th defended the Drome and claimed 21 enemy planes destroyed during 94 individual combat engagements. The squadron lost 10 planes, but five pilots were saved. Rations were destroyed for the most part and the aircrews lived on bread, jam and tea. 1Lt Donald G. McGee was credited with the squadron's first confirmed victory when he shot down a Zero over the Seven-Mile Drome on 1 May 1942. While the 36^th was establishing its ground echelon force at Port Moresby, the battle of the Coral Sea was underway. In this decisive naval engagement, the Japanese were rebuffed in their efforts to land an invasion force in the vicinity of Port Moresby, thereby marking the beginning of Allied efforts to stem the tide of Japanese conquest.

After three months of heavy combat operations, the pilots and ground crews of the 36^th got some welcome relief from another squadron and returned to their former camp near Townsville. Some of the men were suffering from malaria and dengue fever. The reunion of the squadron at Townsville was a cause for great celebration. The kitchen was opened with coffee and sandwiches, a huge stack of mail was waiting to be opened, and in the middle of the room were three large barrels of beer…and the party ended at 3:00 AM.

The Japanese sent several planes to bomb Townsville in late July 1942. After the first incident, the pilots of the 36^th took to the skies to defend the city. Unfortunately, local antiaircraft batteries make it very dangerous to pursue enemy aircraft. After closer coordination with ground forces, the 36^th attached the invaders on the night of 1 August 1942 and sent the attacker hurtling to the ground in flames.

By September 1942 the 36^th was located at Milne Bay, New Guinea, and equipped with P-39s. They performed patrol and reconnaissance missions, escorted transports, protected Allied shipping to the area of Milne Bay, and during December 1942, patrolled the area between Port Moresby and Buna, New Guinea. Enemy opposition was encountered on only two occasions, the 7^th and 28^th of December. On the anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor, Lt George S. Welsh, who had destroyed four enemy aircraft one year earlier, shot down three enemy aircraft near Buna.

After another rest and recovery period, the 36^th relocated to Ward's Drome, Port Moresby in the spring of 1943 and operated from this location until December 1943. While there, the unit escorted transports to Wau, the Markham Valley and Nadzab, and occasionally escorted bomber missions. However, enemy aircraft had, for the most part, retreated north. Only fourteen aircraft were encountered in seven months. On 10 September 1943, the 36^th converted to P-47s.

In late December 1943, while stationed at Nadzab, New Guinea, sixteen P-47s encountered between 50 to 75 enemy Vals, Oscars and Zeros near Kokopo Point. During the ensuing battle, the 36^th destroyed five enemy planes and lost two P-47s. Gen George C. Kennedy later commended the squadron and the War Department awarded the unit the Distinguished Unit Citation for bravery in action.

As 1944 began, the 36^th was stationed at Finschhafen, New Guinea, flying P-38s. From that vantage point, pilots strafed and dive-bombed Japanese facilities along the northern coast of New Guinea. Targets included buildings, barges, ships, communication stations and enemy personnel gatherings at WeWak, Alexishafen, and Hansa Bay. By the summer of '44, the 36^th had leapfrogged its way north to Oui Island and Wake Island. The squadron was decimated by an epidemic of scrub typhus, a disease carried by mites, which infested Oui. Preventative measures included burning the mite infest areas and rigidly enforcing the wearing of clothing impregnated with a chemical solution. In the words or the Squadron Historian:

For the rest of the year, the 36^th escorted bombers and dive-bombed and strafed airfields and other targets in the Halmaharas, Beram and Celebes. Included in this period was the first mission of the 36^th to the Philippines on 2 September 1944. Staging through Middleburg Island, next to Sanapor on the Vogelkop Peninsula, the P-38s escorted the B-24s to bomb the airfields at Davao on Mindinao. Following this mission, three pilots claimed destruction of a Japanese bomber; the question ultimately resolved by the remainder of 1944, the 36^th performed air patrol and escort mission to Ballikpapen, Borneo, when his P-38s encountered a flight of enemy aircraft. Captain Ladd dove into the formation and destroyed two Japanese Oscars. However, he received fire from a Tojo and crashed into the sea. Two weeks later, led by Captain William K. Giroux, eleven P-38s of the 36^th destroyed six enemy aircraft on the ground at Sandakan, Borneo. Then the formation located enemy shipping near the harbor. Capt Giroux flew in at deck-height and fired on a 10,000-ton enemy tanker, causing a fire. He returned for a second pass and the tanker slipped from view. He led an attack against two other tankers on the trip home, but a shortage of fuel caused termination of the mission.

The 36^th participated in the Leyte Campaign in November 1944 by flying against enemy airfields, attacking enemy aircraft formations and providing air escort. The 36^th claimed aerial destruction of 30 enemy aircraft over the Philippines and had its firs Aces, Capt William K. Giroux and 1Lt John S. Dunaway.

1Lt John S. Dunaway destroyed four planes during a single engagement on 6 November 1944, for which he was later awarded the Distinguished Service Cross. The squadron history recorded his exploits as follows:

Prior to entering the Lazon Campaign in December 1944, the 36^th received new P-38 Lightings and set up a ground echelon near San Jose at Hill Strip. A portion of the ground echelon force accompanied the assault forces which invaded Mindoro. Approximately 0900 on 15 December 1944, at a point just of Mindoro, the LST which was carrying these men was attacked by a Japanese suicide pilot. The enemy plane hit the side of the LST 2Lt Kenneth W. Wheeler supervised the sumping of all ammunition drums, and when the abandon ship order was given, searched the burning vessel to determine that all personnel were evacuated safely. The 36^th lost only one man.

Pilots of the 36^th flew their new P-38s from Leyte to Mindoro, and as they prepared for initial landing on the Hill Strip, they were attacked by 12 to 15 enemy aircraft. Let by Capt Allen E. Hill, their Squadron Commander, 36^th pilots destroyed six enemy fighters and seriously damaged several more.

On the anniversary of the 36^th's distinguished action during the invasion of New Britain, it won another Distinguished Unit Citation for outstanding performance. On the evening of 26 December 1944, the 8^th Group received intelligence that an enemy task force was approaching Mindoro. Pilots of the 36^th hurriedly took off from Hill Strip and attempted to locate and strafe the enemy ships. Lt Herald B. Lowery found them in the darkness and circled about the convoy with his landing lights on - thus exposing himself to anti-aircraft fire, while other pilots attacked the ships. One destroyer was sunk and two were damaged, thus halting the enemy until light bombers and dive bombers could enter the battle.

While on patrol four days later, Capt James A. Moss sighted an Oscar making a suicidal dive at a Liberty Ship. Without concern for his own safety, Capt Moss dove his ship through intense enemy naval anti-aircraft fire and hit the enemy aircraft with close fire, causing it to explode. Ground fire hit Moss' plane and it crashed into the sea where he was killed.

From January through July 1945, the 36^th performed patrol missions in areas north and east of Philippines, with some flights over the Central Islands. Deploying bombers were escorted through their sectors by 36^th aircraft. Some air support was provided to ground forces. Of course, while on patrol the aircrews strafed and dive-bombed ships, troop concentrations, motor vehicles, railroads and rolling stock, airfields, gun emplacements, bridges and ammunition and fuel dumps located chiefly on Luzon. Occasionally, they would hit targets on other island of the Philippines and on Formosa, Indochina, North Borneo and China.

The 36^th moved northward to Ie Shima, Ryukyu Island in August 1945. On August 10^th through 12^th, the 36^th flew against Kyushu, Japan. The strafing and dive-bombing sorties flown against enemy airfields and bridges were the last combat missions flown by the 36^th during World War II. Official kill totals as credited by Headquarters Fifth Air Force showed the 36^th destroyed 95 enemy aircraft in aerial engagements. With the Peace Treaty signed, the 36^th moved to Fukuska, Japan and became the only functioning squadron of the 8^th Fighter Group.

The 36^th converted to P-51s (later designated F-51s) in early 1946. The squadron moved back and forth among many bases in Japan during the next three years. Primary training was centered around squadron assumed Alert commitments for Japan.

On 22 December 1949, the 36^th landed its first F-80 at Itazuke. Maj Richard A. McNees, the commanding officer, and three other pilots had flown F-51s to Misawa AB where they exchanged them for the F-80s for the return trip home.

On 25 June 1950, the 36^th was alerted for possible combat duty in South Korea due to the invasion of Communist Forces. The next day, the squadron flew protective cover near Kimpo AB, while American personnel were being evacuated by transport aircraft. Three North Korean aircraft were sighted, but US aircraft held their fire. On 28 June 1950, F-80s of the 36^th attacked advancing North Korean forces, hitting tanks, trucks, artillery and troops.

On 30 June 1950, the 36^th recorded its first enemy aircraft kill of the Korean War as 1Lts John B. Thomas and Edwin T. Johnson narrowly escaped death in his F-80 which was damaged by antiaircraft fire and hit overhead cables following an attack against the marshaling yards near Suwon. The history of the 8^th Group described his encounter and resulting predicament as follows:

At 13,000 feet, with the entire tail section moving back and forth as though it was about to fall off, Lt Johnson bailed out, hitting the right horizontal stabilizer, breaking it free from the plane. He landed near Suwon and was picked up and airlifted back to Itazuke that same afternoon, with one tremendous headache.

On 11 August 1950, the squadron moved to Tsuiki, Kyushu, Japan and converted back to F-51 aircraft. They were considered better than F-80s for useful operations over Korea. Following the success of the United Nations counter-invasion in September 1950, the 36^th began a move into Korea. On 5 October 1950, about one-half of the squadron moved by train to Ashiya, Japan and them by transport to Suwon, Korea. On 29 October 1950, the remaining portion of the 36^th and its F-51s moved to Kimpo AB, Korea, where the element that had been at Suwon joined them.

On 24 November 1950, the 36^th relocated to Pyongyang (now located in North Korea), following the successful UN offensive. However, as a result of an enemy counter-offensive in December, the 36^th moved south to Seoul AB and later to Itazuke, Japan. Once there, the squadron converted back to F-80s.

On 25 June 1951, the anniversary of the North Korean Invasion, the 36^th completed it 9,000^th sortie of the war and moved back into Kimpo AB. Twelve F-80s of the 36^th encountered twelve Mig-15s over North Korea on 3 October 1951. Final score for the 36^th: two Mig-15s killed, one damaged; Reds - zero!

In a one-day strike on 11 March 1952 against enemy troop and supply concentrations in the Mulgae-Ri area of Korea, the 8^th Group flew 254 sorties and delivered 153 tons of bombs, 124 tons of napalm and 46,000 rounds of ammunition, heavily damaging and killing dumps, buildings, troops, anti-aircraft positions and vehicles. Two months later, the group destroyed positions near Pyongyang. On 23 June 1952, the 36^th successfully bombed the Suiho hydroelectric plant on the Yalu River and one of the chosen hydroelectric plants in northeast Korea. The raids were highly successful and electric power was cut off for industrial areas of North Korea and Manchuria. On 29 August 1952, the 8^th Group flew 166 combat sorties against targets near Pyongyang.

By February 1953, the 36^th had converted to F-86 aircraft. Their first deep thrust into North Korea was against the Army General Headquarters and radio broadcasting stations at Pyongyang. During June and July, the 36^th was tasked with heavy bombing and strafing missions against enemy airfields to prevent any possible reinforcements of air elements during cease-fire negotiations.

Following hostilities, the 36^th remained at Suwon AB and conducted training operations. That training was primarily fighter-bomber oriented. On 19 October 1954, the 36^th returned to Itazuke, Japan and participated in Fifth Air Force operations and exercises for the next ten years.

In January of 1957, the 36^th began converting to F-100 aircraft. In March of that year, the 8^th Fighter Wing flew F-100s to Bangkok, Thailand where it participated in a series of air exercises with other nations. The 36^th received numerous excellent reports for their participation in those exercises.

The next jet fighter to join the 36^th arsenal was the F-105. That conversion took place during May 1963, when the squadron moved to Yokota AB, Japan. In June the following year, the 36t^h and the 8^th Tactical Fighter Wing were assigned to the 41^st Air Division. For two years, the squadron participated in exercises over Korea.

On 6 August as a result of the Gulf of Tonkin Crisis, the 36^th deployed to Korat, Thailand by way of Clark AB, Philippines. On alert at Korat Royal Thailand AFB, the 36^th flew missions on 14 and 18 August 1964 to escort rescue aircraft and suppress anti-aircraft fire during rescue operations. It was the unit's first action in what would become the Vietnam War.

When the 36^th returned to Yokota in December of that year, it participated in a huge ceremony. On 7 December 1964, the Japanese Government presented retiring General Curtis E. LeMay, USAF Chief of Staff, Japan's First Order of the Grand Cordon of the Rising Sun. In a flyover that followed, the 36^th formed the letters " C E L " in the General's honor.

The 36^th was deployed TDY to Takhli RTAFB, Thailand twice during 1965. During the first deployment, the 36^th flew mostly interdiction and armed reconnaissance missions. Numerous aircraft received battle damage; however, none were lost. During the second deployment, flying the same types of missions, four pilots were lost and listed as missing-in-action. One of those missing was Major Dean A. Pogreba, who was later awarded the Air Force Cross. In May 1966, the F-105s and nearly all of the men of the 36^th were reassigned to the 34^th Tactical Fighter Squadron, only one airman and the commander remained. Supplies and equipment were assigned to other USAF units at Yokota AB. Thus, the 36^th began accumulating technical orders and equipment for F-4C aircraft.

The F-4Cs arrived during December 1967, and personnel and equipment resources began increasing throughout 1968. The 36^th continued to support tactical air operations and air sector defense in Japan and Korea for the next three years. In 1971, due to increased commitments, a reduction in the number of aircraft, and a move to a Forward Operating Location (FOL) at Kunsan AB, Korea (on a rotating basis) the squadron faced a period of extreme hardship. Individuals were confronted with turbulence in their work environment and made large individual sacrifices for the sake of the mission.

In February 1971, with the transfer of the 36^th TFS to the 3^rd Tactical Fighter Wing, the 36^th became the only remaining fighter squadron in the 347^th Tactical Fighter Wing. The squadron was divided into two sections; A and B. In March 1971, Section A moved to Kunsan AB, to assume alert duties. Section B moved to an FOL at Osan AB. As the year progressed, each month the squadron's two sections would switch assignments, with an occasional return to Yokota AB. By mid May 1971, the 36^th was officially reassigned from Yokota AB to Kunsan AB as a part of the 3^rd Tactical Fighter Wing. In July preparations began for moving the 36t^h to Osan AB. The greatest problems were the installment of runway barriers and briefing Osan AB personnel on coordination of high performance aircraft with normal air traffic in that sector. However, those problems were overcome and the 36^th moved to Osan AB on 13 November 1971.

In late November 1971, the F-4Cs were housed in hardened arches/shelters, called Wonder Arches by maintenance personnel. The primary mission of the 36^th was to maintain a combat ready posture, assume alert requirements and continue aircrew training.

On 19 August 1972, torrential rains caused all flying operations to cease, and aircraft and aircrews were briefed on plans to evacuate aircraft to Japan in case of flooding. Fortunately, rains subsided and evacuation plans were canceled at the last minute. The 36^th, supporting the 314^th Air division Operations, was later awarded the ORK Presidential Unit Citation for the aid it rendered the Korean people during the storms.

The 36^th TFS changed over from the F-4C to the F-4D aircraft in 1972. In June 1974, the squadron changed to the F-4E model. In late September, the 36^th TFS was reassigned to the 51^st Composite Wing and moved permanently to Osan AB, Korea. Some of the F-4Ds were previous bedded down in Taegu AB. To maintain that constant state of combat readiness, the 36^th participates in a myriad of exercises. They include: Cope Thunder, Cope Jade, Cope Strike, Cope Cat, Cope CAS, Cope Sage, Team Spirit, Foal Eagle, DACT, and the normal ORI/Stan Eval/and UEI visits from higher headquarters.

On 18 August 1976, the Fiends and their F-4Es were placed on alert following the murder of the United Nations Command Guards at Panmunjon, referred to as the Tree Cutting Incident. The next time the Fiends went on alert was in September 1988 to provide prompt response during the 88' Olympic Games in Seoul.

In late 1988, the first F-16C models (blk 30) began to arrive and ushered in a new era in combat capability for the Fiends. The conversion was completed in mid April 1989. Shortly there after Cope Thunder 89-7 took place with the new aircraft.

December 19, 1989 was a black day for the Fiends when tail #7251 landed gear up at Osan. This following an engine flameout due to a trapped fuel situation.

From mid-January 1990 to late June was filled with numerous exercised and deployments. On 21 July 1990, an F-16 lost its brakes and was unable to steer the aircraft away from a C-130 in the MAC ramp. In November of 1990, the lst of the navigation pods arrived, and night training starts to pick up.

Throughout late 1991 to December 1992, the Fiends showed remarkable flexibility in mission training and combat capability with the addition of the targeting pod and increased emphasis on CAS. This is a testament of its ability and desire to carry the load and do it right. With the upcoming conversion to the F-16C (blk 40) the pace won't slow down. But in fine Fiend fashion, the 36FS will excel as usual.

The history of the 36^th FS proves that the unit has been able to rise up and meet any challenge, no matter how great, because it has trained hard and was ready. Today, as a member of the 51^st Fighter Wing in the Republic of Korea, the 36^th FS continues to meet each and every challenge.

12 Jun 1917 The 36^th Aero Squadron was organized and activated at Kelly Field, Texas.

23 Aug 1917 The newly formed 36^th sailed from New York to Liverpool, England aboard the S.S. Baltic by convoy.

16 Sep 1917 Stopped for one day rest at Southampton, England and fifty men were assigned to detached duty with the Royal Flying Corps for training.

18 Sep 1917 36^th arrived at LeHarvre, France aboard the Queen Marguerite, a channel steamer.

20 Sep 1917 36^th arrived at Etamps, France and were honored guests of the town at a massive party.

24 Sep 1917 Pilots of the 36^th were scattered to various French airplane factories for training. One group went to Paris. The commander and his staff established a headquarters at Issoudun, France.

19 Feb 1918 Near Lake Cazaux, Le Courneau, France, the 36^th established a training school for American pilots, which would continue after their departure. Maintenance and training was performed with Nieuports and hydroplanes.

1 Nov 1918 The 36^th moved to the air-gunnery school at St. Jean de Monts, France.

14 Mar 1919 The 36^th demobilized at Garden City, New Jersey.

24 Mar 1923 The unit was reconstituted and redesignated the 36^th Pursuit Squadron.

2 Oct 1930 The 36^th Pursuit Squadron was activated at Selfridge Field, Michigan.

15 Jun 1932 The 36^th was reassigned to the 8^th Pursuit (later fighter-bomber) Group (which ultimately became the 8^th Fighter-Bomber and then Tactical Fighter Wing), and stationed at Langley Field, Virginia.

12 Feb 1934 The 36^th began flying mail for the U.S. Government

6 Dec 1939 The unit was redesignated the 36^th Pursuit Squadron (Fighter).

15 Nov 1940 The squadron moved to Mitchell Field, New York.

12 Mar 1941 The 36^th was redesignated the 36^th Pursuit Squadron (Interceptor)

8 Dec 1941 The 36^th deployed from Mitchell Field and was responsible for air defense of the eastern seaboard around the Stratford, Connecticut area, where they set up a forward base.

26 Jan 1942 The 36^th moved to San Francisco, California in a prepatory move prior to shipment overseas.

12 Feb 1942 The squadron departed on the Mauri from San Francisco to Brisbane, Australia. The trip took three and one-half weeks.

26 Apr 1942 An air echelon portion of the 8^th Group (including officers and airmen of the 36^th) moved to Seven-mile Drome near Port Moresby, New Guinea which was the last allied stronghold north of Australia.

30 Apr 1942 The 36^th flew its first combat mission of WWII against the Japanese at Salamana, New Guinea (see narrative portion for WWII details).

15 May 1942 The squadron was redesignated 36^th Fighter Squadron.

6 Jan 1944 The 36^th moved to Finchhafen, New Guinea and converted to P-38s.

23 Jun 1945 The squadron moved to Ishima, Ryukyu Islands and began missions against Japanese forces located on Kyushu. These were the last combat missions for the 36^th during the war.

22 May 1946 The squadron began hopping back and forth between Ashiya and Itazuke Air Bases, performing dive-bombing and strafing practice and participating in Japan-wide exercises.

22 Dec 1949 The 36^th received its F-80 aircraft at Itazuke.

20 Jan 1950 The squadron was redesignated the 36^th Fighter-Bomber Squadron.

25 Jun 1950 The 36^th was alerted for possible combat due to the invasion of South Korea by North Korean military forces.

26 Jun 1950 The 36^th flew its first Korean War mission, an air cover mission supporting the evacuation of Kimpo Air Base.

30 Jun 1950 The 36^th scored its first Korean War kill when 1Lt John B. Thomas and 1Lt Charles A Wurster each destroyed one enemy aircraft in the vicinity of Suwon.

11 Aug 1950 The 36^th converted to F-51s considered more useful in fighting the North Koreans.

5 Oct 1950 The 36^th began moving half its assets to Suwon AB, after the successful U.N. counter invasion.

29 Oct 1950 The remainder of the 36^th Squadron set up operations at Kimpo AB, where the earlier portion joined them from Suwon AB.

24 Nov 1950 The 36^th moved from Kimpo to Pyongyang, North Korea.

25 Jun 1950 The squadron flew its 20,000 sortie of the war. In December 1950, the unit had withdrawn back to Itazuke AB, Japan following the communist offensive, and now in June, the 36^th moved back to Korea and set up operations at Kimpo AB.

11 Mar 1952 The 36^th participated in the 8^th Group's largest sortie day of the war (thus far) flying 254 sorties against the enemy.

12 Mar 1953 The 36^th converted to F-86 aircraft.

19 Oct 1954 The 36^th moved back to Itazuke, Japan.

13 May 1963 The 36^th moved to Yokota AB and converted to F-105 aircraft. In June 1964 the unit was assigned to the 41^st Air Division.

6 Aug 1964 The 36^th deployed to Korat AFB, Thailand after the Gulf of Tonkin crisis.

6 Mar 1965 The 36^th TFS was assigned to Takhli RTAFB, Thailand on temporary duty.

31 May 1966 The men and equipment of the 36^th were assigned to the 34^th TFS with the exception of the commander and one airman.

20 Feb 1967 Manned with one officer and one airman, the 36^th began accumulating technical orders and equipment for acceptance of F-4C aircraft.

18 Dec 1967 The first F-4C aircraft arrived at Kunsan AB Korea, the next home for the 36^th.

9 Jan 1968 The unit returned at Yokota after the TDY, but left certain maintenance and support personnel in Korea to work future deployments.

11 Mar 1971 The 36^th divided into two sections (A & B) and began alternating deployments to FOL's in Korea. Deployments lasted 15 days.

15 May 1971 The 36^th TFS was officially reassigned from Yokota AB to Kunsan AB, and assigned to the 3^rd TFW.

13 Nov 1971 The 36^th established an FOL at Osan AB.

19 Aug 1972 Osan AB was hit by torrential rains caused by nearing typhoons which resulted in heavy flooding. Evacuation plans were nearly put into effect. For their efforts in supporting the 314^th Air Division, the 36^th was awarded the ROK Presidential Unit Citation for assistance to the Korean people during the storm.

28 May 1974 ROK army general officers received back seat rides and witnessed close air support from F-4's.

1 Jun 1974 The 36^th TFS changed from F-4D to F-4E aircraft.

30 Sep 1974 The 36^th TFS was reassigned to the 51^st somposite Wing (Tactical) and moved permanently to Osan AB.

14 Jul 1975 F-4Es participated in the Sin Gal Highway Airstrip Landing Exercise, the first of its kind in South Korea during Team Spirit 75. Several highways in South Korea are designed for emergency use as landing strips.

18 Aug 1976 F-4Es were placed on alert following the murder of United Nations Command guards at Panmunjon, referred to as the "Tree Cutting Incident."

1 Jan 1977 The mission of the 36^th was primarily air superiority, with air to ground being secondary.

7 Jan 1978 The 36 TFS deployed aircrews without aircraft to Cope Thunder 78-2. The eight aircrew flew 3 TFW aircraft in the first Fiend deployment of this type.

24 Jan 1978 Eight F-15s from the 1 TFW arrive at Osan AB for DACT with the 36 TFS. It is the first operational deployment of the F-15s since their introduction to the USAF.

30 Apr 1984 The 36 TFS participated in exercise "Pitch Black," held in Australia.

25 Oct 1984 An F-4E aircraft of the 36 TFS was lost off the West coast of Korea. Both crew members ejected safely.

28 Feb 1987 An F-4E tail number 551 skidded off the runway at Clark AB and received extensive damage. It was subsequently repaired and returned to the Fiends.

15 Sep 1988 The 36 TFS places F-4Es on alert to provide a prompt response during the 88 Seoul Olympic Games.

7-14 Oct 1988 Osan's runway closes for repairs. The 36 TFS deploys to Kadena.

24-26 Oct 1988 ORE Beverly Midnight 88-6 was conducted.

7 Nov 1988 Valiant Blitz 89-1 involved 36 TFS crews and pilots flying close air support, DACT, and night intercept sorties with US Marine and Navy aircraft plus ROK Navy and Marine surface ships and ground personnel.

21 Dec 1988 First F-16 pilot "checkride" conducted by the 51 TFW Stan/Eval.

14-23 Mar 1989 Team Spirit '89 held.

15 Apr 1989 F-16C/D conversion complete.

2 Jun 1989 36^th deployed to Cope Thunder 89-7.

30 Aug 1989 The 36^th Tactical Fighter Squadron's hardened operations facility was completed and the squadron occupied its new office and training space, vacating Building 1185.

2 Nov 1989 36^th Tactical Fighter Squadron conducted a 101 sortie surge ding.

19 Dec 1989 F-16C #7251 landed gear up on Osan's runway following an engine flameout.

16-36 Jan 1990 Cope Thunder 90-3

1-2 Feb 1990 Cope Tora 90-1

13-22 Mar 1990 Team Spirit '90

4-15 Jun 1990 Cope Thunder 90-7

21 Jul 1990 An F-16 with a brake malfunction crashed into a parked C-130 on the MAC ramp.

6-16 Aug 1990 HQ PACAF UEI

13 Aug 1990 An F-16 departs runway due to brake failure.

11-12 Aug 1990 The big flood

2-18 Nov 1990 36 TFS deploys six aircraft to Cope West exercise in Thailand.

5 Nov 1990 Last 10 nav pods arrive at Osan AB

21-26 Nov 1990 36 TFS deploys four aircraft to Kunsan AB for higher HQ tasking.

4 Jun 1991 Cope Tora bombing competition held at Osan AB. 36 TFS team wins the coveted golf trophy.

7-16 Jun 1991 Osan's runway closes and the 36^th deploys to Kunsan AB.

17 Jun 1991 Phase I ORI. Wing receives a marginal.

13 Aug-14 Sep Air-to-air deployment to Paya Labar, Singapore for

1991 Commando Sling 91-2.

30 Aug 1991 First targeting pod arrives.

3 Sep 1991 36^th becomes the first operational F-16 unit to practice laser targeting.

4-9 Nov 1991 Foal Eagle 91.

1 Apr 1992 DACT with F-15's from Kadena.

3 Aug 1992 16 Vipers deployed to Cope Thunder in Alaska.

1 Sep 1992 ORE Beverly Midnight

17 Sep 1992 Deployed to Kunsan for runway repairs.

2 Nov 1992 Foal Eagle combined Forces exercise.

13 Nov 1992 Six aircraft deployed to Singapore (Commando Sling) and then to Butterworth AB, Malayasia for Cope Bengal 92-3.

21 Jan 1993 Deployed 6 aircraft to Kadena for DACT with the F-15s.

2 Dec 1994 Actor Tom Cruise receives incentive flight. Afterward rewards the squadron with an industrial strength popcorn machine.

9 Mar 1995 14 F-16s deploy to Eielson AFB, AK for Cope Thunder.

24 Aug 1995 The squadron evacuates Osan and flies to Kunsan AB for Tropical Storm Janice.

23 May 1996 Mig-19 Farmer defects into Suwon.

21 Jan 1997 While on a training mission over Pilsung, an F-16 loses its engine. Pilot successfully SFO's into Wonju uneventfully.

29 Apr 1997 Fiends' first Night Vision Goggle sortie, flown with 4949L NVG's.

10 May 1997 HQ PACAF ORI / Fiends receive Excellent.

Feb 1998 D-Flight remodels Quents, installs red/black tile on bar.

25 Mar 1998 Capt Keith 'Sandman' Sands is killed when his F-16 crashes into the Yellow Sea on a training mission in R-80.

29 Jul 1998 Fiends deploy 6 F-16's to Paya Labar Airbase to participate in Commando Sling 98-6.

24 Aug 1998 F-16 tail number 519 loses its engine in the northern part of Pilsung range. Pilot is recovered in the East Sea uninjured.