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1918 Joseph Lester Asbury - Military Career


by Colonel Jean K. Woodyard, USAF Retired,
   Squadron Commander, 8th TRS


Part 4: POST-KOREAN WAR 


The 155th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron and 185th Tactical 
Reconnaissance Squadron from the Tennessee Air National Guard 
were brought on active duty with RF-51s and converted to RF-80s 
under the 66th Tactical Reconnaissance Wing.  

These two squadrons were re-designated the 302nd and 303rd Tactical 
Reconnaissance Squadrons.  Along with the 12th Tactical Recon.
Squadron back from Korea with RB-26s, these three squadrons flew 
their aircraft across the North Atlantic via Goosebay, Labrador, to 
Narssak, Greenland; then to Iceland; then to Prestwick, Scotland, 
and finally landing at new home base at Sembach, Germany.  

I was 303rd Squadron Commander and Major Lester Asbury (pictured above)
was the Commander of the 302nd.  Every pilot in these two Squadrons had
completed a combat tour in Korea - that was a real combat ready group.  

The 10th Tactical Reconnaissance Wing was formed with two RF-80 
and one RB-26 Squadrons in France in early 50s and when President 
De Gaulle kicked U.S. forces out of France, the 10th Wing moved to 
Spangdahlem, Germany.  

These two Wings represented largely all the recon capability to 
support NATO.  RF-84Fs replaced RF-80s by early 1956.  I flew the 
RF-80 one last flight 13 February 1956.  After 1,325 hours - it was 
like losing an old friend.

Copyright (C) 2000 Jean K. Woodyard

Editor's note: There are many interesting photos with captions to be found
at the website for the veterans who served at:

   Sembach Air Base.

and here is a photo of:  Col. Woodyard 

 and also one of the mascot:  "LesterBerry"