Joseph C. McConnell - Korean War

Korean War

"It's the teamwork out here that counts. The lone wolf stuff is out. Your life always depends on your wingman and his life on you. I may get credit for a MiG, but it's the team that does it, not myself alone."

—Joseph C. McConnell, reflecting on his air victories

The Korean War began on 25 June 1950 when North Korea invaded South Korea. As the war continued to spread throughout the Korean peninsula, McConnell sought to become part of it. He was assigned to the 39th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron of the 51st Fighter-Interceptor Wing in Korea in late 1952. Gifted with exceptional eyesight, McConnell proved to be an aggressive MiG hunter, but he did not shoot down his first enemy aircraft until the following year. He scored all of his victories during the four month period from 14 January to 18 May 1953.

Captain McConnell flew at least three different F-86 Sabres, all named "Beautious Butch". The name referred to the nickname of his wife, Pearl "Butch" Brown. His first eight kills were scored in an F-86F-15 (serial number 51-12971, buzz number FU-971). The second was an F-86E-10 (serial number 51-2735, buzz number FU-735). McConnell was shot down by enemy anti-aircraft while flying this aircraft and he ejected over the Yellow Sea. Within a few minutes he was rescued by helicopter. The next day he returned to the air and shot down another MiG. His final combat Sabre was an F-86F-1 (serial number 51-2910, buzz number FU-910). This aircraft was repainted following his final mission, with the name being changed to "Beauteous Butch II".

On 18 May 1953, his last day of combat flying, McConnell shot down three MiGs during two separate missions, bringing his total victory count to 16 and making him America's first triple jet ace. Immediately after his 16th kill, McConnell was sent back to the United States, along with Manuel "Pete" Fernandez, the top ace of the 4th Fighter Wing. For his heroic combat exploits, McConnell was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross (DSC), America's second-highest decoration for valor.