Oregon Chapter
8th Air Force
Historical Society
Preserving the history of the Mighty 8th
Quarterly Meeting Information
The Next Meeting
Saturday Aug. 12 2023
Meetings Are Free. Meetings are open to everyone. There is no cost to attend. You do not have to be a member in order to attend a meeting.
Doors open at 10:00 A.M.
A luncheon sandwich bar is available for $16Meeting Presentation
On October 8th, 1952, the Korean War was in full swing and the U.S. was practicing for possible airstrikes on U.S. soil by Russian Tu-4 bombers. A B-29A en route from Travis A.F.B. in California was sent to make a mock bombing attack on Portland, and it was to be intercepted by an F-94A Starfire. This would give the B-29 and F-94 crews practice in interception, defense, and mission tactics.
Photo credits: Wikimedia Commons
Between Tualatin and Wilsonville, the two aircraft collided. The F-94A made a safe landing at Aurora State Airport, but the B-29 crashed with the loss of the crew and the death of a P.G.E. lineman on the ground.
The incident was witnessed from the ground by many people, and the Tualatin Valley Fire Department was called out to the crash. Yvonne Addington, an historian for Tualatin Valley Fire and Rescue, and her father was among the firemen who responded. She will make a presentation about this incident at our upcoming August meeting. We plan to have several other people from the area there, with pieces of the B-29 wreckage, personal effects and photos taken at the time. This will be a rare opportunity to find out about a local aviation tragedy and honor those who were lost.
Meeting Location
Get involved, Join the Mighty 8th!
This non-profit organization is a great way to learn about the 8th Air Force in its role in defeating Germany during World War II.
People interested in learning more about the 8thAF, or to pass on what they know to others concerning the 8th AF contribution and other aviation unit histories that brought victory to the Allies in the European theatre of war (ETO) or other combat theaters, are encouraged to join the Oregon Chapter. Please fill out a membership form at the meeting.
The Oregon Chapter annual dues are $15. In addition, you can join the national organization whose dues are $60. The Oregon chapter publishes the quarterly newsletter "Flight Lines."
There are now only 10 members who flew combat missions during WW II. As an Air combat Veteran's Association we have members from the 15th, 10th, 12th, 8th, and 5th Air Forces, and members who flew combat in the Navy, Marines, and Air Force from WW II, Korea, thru Vietnam.
To join the Oregon Chapter fill out the application form and present it to the treasurer. The form can also be picked up at the meeting.