I've been researching the two Korean War MiG and single Yak kills credited to 1/Lt Jacob Kratt, Jr (3 February 1925 – 28 April 2019) and would like to present here my findings. Kratt was a Thunderjet pilot with the 27th Fighter Escort Wing's 523rd Fighter Escort Squadron and significant in being one of just a few F-84 aircrew to register victories in Korea. The majority of data presented here has been taken from primary sources, mainly those from the Air Force Historical Research Agency (AFHRA) and as cited below.
First off, though attributed to Kratt and often presented as his 'Korean War' machine, F-84E s/n 51-593 (buzz number FS-593-B) was not flown by him in Korea. Assigned to the 27th Fighter Escort Wing at Bergstrom AFB on 15 July 1951, s/n 51-593 was painted in 523rd FES colours and adorned with Kratt's three kills at around the time he returned to the United States from his tour of duty in Korea. This aircraft was only with the 27th FEW in Texas for a few months until moving on to McClellan AFB for transfer to the Korean Theatre on 5 October 1951. Its first Korean assignment was with the 49th FBW at Itazuke on 1 January 1952 and Taegu five days later. Thus, it did not arrive in Korea until nearly a year after Kratt's three kills had been made and never served with the 27th FEW there (it survived the war to become a combat crew trainer at Luke AFB).
Above: Often depicted as Jacob Kratt's MiG killer, 51-493 wasn't flown by Kratt in Korea.
On a related note, another supposed 'MiG killer' F-84E, s/n 51-490 of Lt Col William E Bertram, also wasn't. Again, the scheme worn by this aircraft was a 'stateside' one, and again painted thus after the 27th FEG had returned from Korea. S/n 51-490 was assigned to the 27th FEG at Bergstrom on 15 July 1951 and served there until 5 October. It did not serve in Korea until 7 January 1952 when it was assigned to the 136th FBW at Taegu. Both of these aircraft have been depicted in decal sheets and diecast models as "27th FEW/Taegu/Korea, 1951" or similar, though neither of them served in Korea with the 27th (data above comes from both aircraft's Individual Aircraft Record Card).
Returning to Jacob Kratt, he had apparently joined the Army Air Corps as an aviation cadet in 1943 and according to an online obituary posted in 2019, he saw service with a troop carrier group in England; the same obituary stated that he piloted a troop glider during the March 1945 "Operation Varsity" Rhineland invasion. This seems unlikely since by late 1945 he was flying P-47 Thunderbolts with the 86th Fighter Group in Germany and by 1948 had been assigned to the 27th Fighter Group's 523rd Fighter Squadron at Kearney AAF in Nebraska. There he was initially flying F-51 Mustangs and later F-82 Twin Mustangs.
The 27th Fighter Escort Group (by now based at Bergstrom AFB in Texas) transitioned to F-84E Thunderjets during 1950 and Kratt deployed with the group to Korea aboard the USS Bataan (CVL-29) around 13 November. The 27th FEG took 75 Thunderjets to Korea on its initial deployment, all of which were F-84E-15s (data derived from Individual Aircraft Record Cards held by AFHRA).
Arriving in Japan in late November, the group split into two echelons with one at K-2 Taegu in Korea and the remainder at Itazuke AB in Japan. The Taegu detachment flew its first combat sortie on 6 December and its tasking included fighter escort for B-29 bombers as well as armed reconnaissance, interdiction and close air support. The two echelons combined at Itazuke on 1 February 1951 and the group handed its aircraft over to the 136th FBGp in June before returning to the United States in July 1951 'less aircraft and equipment'.
According to a 27th FEW aircraft return ("Monthly Information on Type F-84" submitted to Operations Analyst at HQ Fifth AF (AFHRA Reel 33722)), Jacob Kratt's first combat sortie was aboard F-84E s/n 49-2377 on 9 December 1950, a fighter escort mission. By the end of the year, he had completed as many as fourteen offensive sorties, including armed reconnaissance, further fighter escorts and close support. By the time he returned home, Jacob Kratt had completed 112 combat sorties.
His first victories were claimed on 23 January 1951, and this mission is detailed in 29 January 1951 STRATELINE Message CG 14 (AFHRA Reel 33722) as follows,
Mission of 32 F-84's struck Sinuiju Airfield with a sweep of 8 F-84s for flak suppression followed by 16 F-84s strafing revetments on field, 8 F-84s top cover at 15000 feet. At the time of first sweep dust from Antung Airfield indicated some MiG's were already airborne. 14 to 16 other MiGs observed to take position on runway after short runup with tails facing away from runway. MiGs took off in 2 ship elements with as many as 4 elements noted on the move on the runway at the same time. Scramble capability judged excellent. Remaining F-84s strafed field at extreme speeds and climbed for altitude. 20 to 28 MiGs encountered in approximately 10 minutes combat. Claim 4 repeat 4 MiG-15's destroyed, 1 MiG-15 probably damaged, 4 MiG-15's damaged with no loss or damage to friendly aircraft. MiG-15's employed usual tactics in trying for surprise, using the sun, and diving to attain great speed then zooming up to a position for another attack. Some coordinated attacks skilfully executed, but enemy pilots gunnery judged poor with frequent wild shooting, long wasteful bursts and often firing out of range. Although the F-84s have been able to out turn and out roll in combat, the MiG-15 has sufficient speed advantage to be able to initiate and break off an attack whenever desired.
An Engagement Report (FEAF Operations Analysis Office Form No.1 (AFHRA Reel 30045)) exists for this sortie. This report was written post-sortie, apparently by Kratt himself and runs as follows,
[On 23 January 1951], speeding up the alley to hit the Red airfield at Sinuiju, 33 US F-84 Thunderjets fought a screaming series of dogfights with MiGs.
Said Lieut Jacob Kratt, flying top cover: "I rolled over and came down fast, and got in a good long burst on the No. 2 MIG. Smoke poured out of his tail, and he turned to the Manchurian side, and that apparently disorganized their attack, as two more of our flights made passes at the field, and nobody got bounced on his run. My wingman said that when he passed my MiG it was flaming."
The 27th FEW monthly aircraft return (AFHRA Reel 33722) details each 523rd FES Thunderjet's tasking for the month and from this we can see that Kratt's aircraft on 23 January was s/n 49-2409. His departure time was 07:15 and his sortie lasted 2 hours with the record annotated, "Met MiGs"; he expended 805 rounds of ammunition in the encounter. On 14 June 1951 Kratt's award of a Silver Star was promulgated in FEAF General Orders (AFHRA Reel 32073),
Headquarters, Far East Air Forces, General Orders No. 277 (June 14, 1951)
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant Jacob Kratt, Jr. (AFSN: AO-2033374), United States Air Force, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as Pilot of an F-84 Thunderjet Fighter-Bomber in the 523d Fighter Escort Squadron, 27th Fighter Escort Group, FAR EAST Air Forces, in action in Korea on 23 January 1951. As element leader of a flight of F-84E aircraft flying top cover for twenty-three F-84Es attacking the airfield at Sinuiju, Korea, Lieutenant Kratt observed eight enemy MiG-15 jet fighters attacking a formation of friendly F-84s engaged in making ground firing passes at low altitudes. Although realizing the speed advantage of the enemy aircraft, Lieutenant Kratt without hesitation and with complete disregard for his personal safety, led his two-ship element against the two lead aircraft of the enemy formation which were closing in on the friendly F-84s from astern. Even though Lieutenant Kratt had exposed himself to the fire of six enemy jet aircraft he shot down the enemy flight leader. The aggressive, successful attack against superior numerical odds unnerved and disorganized the remaining six enemy pilots, who immediately disengaged and fled across the Yalu River. When Lieutenant Kratt observed other enemy jet fighter crossing the Manchurian border to attack the F-84s making ground attacks, he again led his two ship element into the formation and shot down another enemy fighter. The aggressiveness, determination and unswerving devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Kratt were in keeping with the highest traditions of the service and reflected great credit upon himself, the FAR EAST Air Forces, and the United States Air Force.
A third MiG claim was made from this encounter, a single kill by Capt William W Slaughter of the 522nd FES though the exact identity of this machine remains elusive at present. The Communist side conceded three MiG losses, one being Capt GM Grebenkin (killed) of the Soviet 29th GIAP while the other two were Chinese aircraft from the PLAAF's 10th IAP. Of note, all of the Thunderjet aircraft involved in these actions (F-84E-15s as noted above) had serial numbers ranging from 49-2324 thru 49-2429 (buzz numbers FS-324 thru FS-429).
Kratt's third kill was much less dramatic and appears to have attracted little attention from the press. On this occasion he was aboard F-84E s/n 49-2402, departing Taegu at 14:30 hrs on 26 January for an SDB (standard dive bombing?) sortie. STRATELINE Message CG 14 (23-29 Jan 51) states,
Mission of 32 F-84's struck bridge with dive bombing and top cover. Approximately 10 F-84s were engaged with 18 to 20 MiG-15's. Claim three MiG-15's damaged with one F-84 damaged. 7 F-84s on completion of dive bombing bridge observed 2 YAK-3 [sic] aircraft. 1 YAK-3 attacked F-84s. Claim 1 YAK-3 destroyed.
The 27th FEW monthly aircraft return (AFHRA Reel 33722) shows that Kratt's Thunderjet was armed with a single 1,000-lb bomb and 1800 rounds of ammunition. The same return shows 900 rounds of ammunition expended and is annotated "Met YAKS Model 3 or 9".
A FEAF Engagement Report also exists for this sortie (FEAF Operations Analysis Office Form No.1 (AFHRA Reel 30045)), again submitted by Jacob Kratt and providing more detail. He stated the combat taking place at 16:00 hrs over Pyongyang when twenty F-84s encountered a single propeller-driven aircraft, described by Kratt as "Yak-3 or 9?". Further he wrote, "Yak hit deck and climbed to approx. 2,000 [ft] and attempted to take F-84s over Pyongyang". Under "Own Tactics", 1/Lt Kratt simply annotated, "Chased Yak from 6 o'clock". He registered hits on the Yak fuselage, after which the target "rolled over and crashed". Though difficult to read, the OAO Form 1 appears to indicate that other aircraft fired on the Yak though Kratt was given the claim, for a North Korean AF Yak-9.
Sadly neither of these historic F-84s survived beyond the mid-1950s though both did at least make it back to the United States. 49-2402 passed to the 136th FBW at Itazuke on 30 June 1951 and was retired to the 13th Aircraft Repair Squadron, FEAMCOM on 3 December 1951 ostensibly for depot maintenance. It was then returned to the United States, arriving at the Sacramento Air Materiel Area, McClellan AFB on 4 February 1952 for depot maintenance. Its status was changed to 'depot modification' on 11 September but it seems that at some point the aircraft was deemed surplus to requirements or possibly beyond economical cost to overhaul and modify for further use. It was recommended for reclamation on 7 July 1954 and authorized for reclamation the following day. Of note, its termination code (annotated on the aircraft individual record card) was 'M' – "enemy action – on combat mission". It seems likely that this was effectively a means of stating that the aircraft had been scrapped as a result of war-related wear and tear.
49-2409 passed to 136th FBW at Itazuke on 31 May 1951 and was retired from Korea to the 13th Aircraft Repair Sqn on 3 January 1952 for depot maintenance and storage. It returned to McClellan AFB on 4 February 1952 and was also authorized for reclamation with an 'M' termination code, on 8 July 1954.
For completeness, that other well-known F-84E MiG killer, Lt Col William E Bertram's aircraft from a 21 January 1951 engagement, was F-84E s/n 49-2367. So far I can locate no photographs of these aircraft but since all three belonged to the 523rd FES, it's fair to state that they'd have been painted in the squadron's yellow trim.
First off, though attributed to Kratt and often presented as his 'Korean War' machine, F-84E s/n 51-593 (buzz number FS-593-B) was not flown by him in Korea. Assigned to the 27th Fighter Escort Wing at Bergstrom AFB on 15 July 1951, s/n 51-593 was painted in 523rd FES colours and adorned with Kratt's three kills at around the time he returned to the United States from his tour of duty in Korea. This aircraft was only with the 27th FEW in Texas for a few months until moving on to McClellan AFB for transfer to the Korean Theatre on 5 October 1951. Its first Korean assignment was with the 49th FBW at Itazuke on 1 January 1952 and Taegu five days later. Thus, it did not arrive in Korea until nearly a year after Kratt's three kills had been made and never served with the 27th FEW there (it survived the war to become a combat crew trainer at Luke AFB).
Above: Often depicted as Jacob Kratt's MiG killer, 51-493 wasn't flown by Kratt in Korea.
On a related note, another supposed 'MiG killer' F-84E, s/n 51-490 of Lt Col William E Bertram, also wasn't. Again, the scheme worn by this aircraft was a 'stateside' one, and again painted thus after the 27th FEG had returned from Korea. S/n 51-490 was assigned to the 27th FEG at Bergstrom on 15 July 1951 and served there until 5 October. It did not serve in Korea until 7 January 1952 when it was assigned to the 136th FBW at Taegu. Both of these aircraft have been depicted in decal sheets and diecast models as "27th FEW/Taegu/Korea, 1951" or similar, though neither of them served in Korea with the 27th (data above comes from both aircraft's Individual Aircraft Record Card).
Returning to Jacob Kratt, he had apparently joined the Army Air Corps as an aviation cadet in 1943 and according to an online obituary posted in 2019, he saw service with a troop carrier group in England; the same obituary stated that he piloted a troop glider during the March 1945 "Operation Varsity" Rhineland invasion. This seems unlikely since by late 1945 he was flying P-47 Thunderbolts with the 86th Fighter Group in Germany and by 1948 had been assigned to the 27th Fighter Group's 523rd Fighter Squadron at Kearney AAF in Nebraska. There he was initially flying F-51 Mustangs and later F-82 Twin Mustangs.
The 27th Fighter Escort Group (by now based at Bergstrom AFB in Texas) transitioned to F-84E Thunderjets during 1950 and Kratt deployed with the group to Korea aboard the USS Bataan (CVL-29) around 13 November. The 27th FEG took 75 Thunderjets to Korea on its initial deployment, all of which were F-84E-15s (data derived from Individual Aircraft Record Cards held by AFHRA).
Arriving in Japan in late November, the group split into two echelons with one at K-2 Taegu in Korea and the remainder at Itazuke AB in Japan. The Taegu detachment flew its first combat sortie on 6 December and its tasking included fighter escort for B-29 bombers as well as armed reconnaissance, interdiction and close air support. The two echelons combined at Itazuke on 1 February 1951 and the group handed its aircraft over to the 136th FBGp in June before returning to the United States in July 1951 'less aircraft and equipment'.
According to a 27th FEW aircraft return ("Monthly Information on Type F-84" submitted to Operations Analyst at HQ Fifth AF (AFHRA Reel 33722)), Jacob Kratt's first combat sortie was aboard F-84E s/n 49-2377 on 9 December 1950, a fighter escort mission. By the end of the year, he had completed as many as fourteen offensive sorties, including armed reconnaissance, further fighter escorts and close support. By the time he returned home, Jacob Kratt had completed 112 combat sorties.
His first victories were claimed on 23 January 1951, and this mission is detailed in 29 January 1951 STRATELINE Message CG 14 (AFHRA Reel 33722) as follows,
Mission of 32 F-84's struck Sinuiju Airfield with a sweep of 8 F-84s for flak suppression followed by 16 F-84s strafing revetments on field, 8 F-84s top cover at 15000 feet. At the time of first sweep dust from Antung Airfield indicated some MiG's were already airborne. 14 to 16 other MiGs observed to take position on runway after short runup with tails facing away from runway. MiGs took off in 2 ship elements with as many as 4 elements noted on the move on the runway at the same time. Scramble capability judged excellent. Remaining F-84s strafed field at extreme speeds and climbed for altitude. 20 to 28 MiGs encountered in approximately 10 minutes combat. Claim 4 repeat 4 MiG-15's destroyed, 1 MiG-15 probably damaged, 4 MiG-15's damaged with no loss or damage to friendly aircraft. MiG-15's employed usual tactics in trying for surprise, using the sun, and diving to attain great speed then zooming up to a position for another attack. Some coordinated attacks skilfully executed, but enemy pilots gunnery judged poor with frequent wild shooting, long wasteful bursts and often firing out of range. Although the F-84s have been able to out turn and out roll in combat, the MiG-15 has sufficient speed advantage to be able to initiate and break off an attack whenever desired.
An Engagement Report (FEAF Operations Analysis Office Form No.1 (AFHRA Reel 30045)) exists for this sortie. This report was written post-sortie, apparently by Kratt himself and runs as follows,
- Time: 0815; Altitude: 12,000; Number of Aircraft Involved – Enemy: 20+; Ours: 32; Weather: CAVU.
- MiGs were lower when first attacked and most of them firing max range while climbing. F-84s out-turned MiGs with not too much sweat below 400 mph.
- Armament Enemy: 2 guns total with one being a cannon of considerable size.
- Enemy Tactics: MiGs opened fire at approx. 3000 ft climbing and in a steep turn. They were aggressive and using long bursts, but fire was lobbing over and behind a [sic] F-84 tail.
- Own Tactics: Overhead approach fired 2½-sec bursts from 6 o'clock. Broke off at close. Made another attack from 6 o'clock in a tight turn with MiG. Saw smoke coming off MiG.
- Location and Number of hits noted on either aircraft: Direct hits on both MiGs in tailpipe area; none to F-84.
- Final Results and Claims: 1 MiG-15 Destroyed, 1 probably destroyed (possibly 2 destroyed).
[On 23 January 1951], speeding up the alley to hit the Red airfield at Sinuiju, 33 US F-84 Thunderjets fought a screaming series of dogfights with MiGs.
Said Lieut Jacob Kratt, flying top cover: "I rolled over and came down fast, and got in a good long burst on the No. 2 MIG. Smoke poured out of his tail, and he turned to the Manchurian side, and that apparently disorganized their attack, as two more of our flights made passes at the field, and nobody got bounced on his run. My wingman said that when he passed my MiG it was flaming."
The 27th FEW monthly aircraft return (AFHRA Reel 33722) details each 523rd FES Thunderjet's tasking for the month and from this we can see that Kratt's aircraft on 23 January was s/n 49-2409. His departure time was 07:15 and his sortie lasted 2 hours with the record annotated, "Met MiGs"; he expended 805 rounds of ammunition in the encounter. On 14 June 1951 Kratt's award of a Silver Star was promulgated in FEAF General Orders (AFHRA Reel 32073),
Headquarters, Far East Air Forces, General Orders No. 277 (June 14, 1951)
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant Jacob Kratt, Jr. (AFSN: AO-2033374), United States Air Force, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as Pilot of an F-84 Thunderjet Fighter-Bomber in the 523d Fighter Escort Squadron, 27th Fighter Escort Group, FAR EAST Air Forces, in action in Korea on 23 January 1951. As element leader of a flight of F-84E aircraft flying top cover for twenty-three F-84Es attacking the airfield at Sinuiju, Korea, Lieutenant Kratt observed eight enemy MiG-15 jet fighters attacking a formation of friendly F-84s engaged in making ground firing passes at low altitudes. Although realizing the speed advantage of the enemy aircraft, Lieutenant Kratt without hesitation and with complete disregard for his personal safety, led his two-ship element against the two lead aircraft of the enemy formation which were closing in on the friendly F-84s from astern. Even though Lieutenant Kratt had exposed himself to the fire of six enemy jet aircraft he shot down the enemy flight leader. The aggressive, successful attack against superior numerical odds unnerved and disorganized the remaining six enemy pilots, who immediately disengaged and fled across the Yalu River. When Lieutenant Kratt observed other enemy jet fighter crossing the Manchurian border to attack the F-84s making ground attacks, he again led his two ship element into the formation and shot down another enemy fighter. The aggressiveness, determination and unswerving devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Kratt were in keeping with the highest traditions of the service and reflected great credit upon himself, the FAR EAST Air Forces, and the United States Air Force.
A third MiG claim was made from this encounter, a single kill by Capt William W Slaughter of the 522nd FES though the exact identity of this machine remains elusive at present. The Communist side conceded three MiG losses, one being Capt GM Grebenkin (killed) of the Soviet 29th GIAP while the other two were Chinese aircraft from the PLAAF's 10th IAP. Of note, all of the Thunderjet aircraft involved in these actions (F-84E-15s as noted above) had serial numbers ranging from 49-2324 thru 49-2429 (buzz numbers FS-324 thru FS-429).
Kratt's third kill was much less dramatic and appears to have attracted little attention from the press. On this occasion he was aboard F-84E s/n 49-2402, departing Taegu at 14:30 hrs on 26 January for an SDB (standard dive bombing?) sortie. STRATELINE Message CG 14 (23-29 Jan 51) states,
Mission of 32 F-84's struck bridge with dive bombing and top cover. Approximately 10 F-84s were engaged with 18 to 20 MiG-15's. Claim three MiG-15's damaged with one F-84 damaged. 7 F-84s on completion of dive bombing bridge observed 2 YAK-3 [sic] aircraft. 1 YAK-3 attacked F-84s. Claim 1 YAK-3 destroyed.
The 27th FEW monthly aircraft return (AFHRA Reel 33722) shows that Kratt's Thunderjet was armed with a single 1,000-lb bomb and 1800 rounds of ammunition. The same return shows 900 rounds of ammunition expended and is annotated "Met YAKS Model 3 or 9".
A FEAF Engagement Report also exists for this sortie (FEAF Operations Analysis Office Form No.1 (AFHRA Reel 30045)), again submitted by Jacob Kratt and providing more detail. He stated the combat taking place at 16:00 hrs over Pyongyang when twenty F-84s encountered a single propeller-driven aircraft, described by Kratt as "Yak-3 or 9?". Further he wrote, "Yak hit deck and climbed to approx. 2,000 [ft] and attempted to take F-84s over Pyongyang". Under "Own Tactics", 1/Lt Kratt simply annotated, "Chased Yak from 6 o'clock". He registered hits on the Yak fuselage, after which the target "rolled over and crashed". Though difficult to read, the OAO Form 1 appears to indicate that other aircraft fired on the Yak though Kratt was given the claim, for a North Korean AF Yak-9.
Sadly neither of these historic F-84s survived beyond the mid-1950s though both did at least make it back to the United States. 49-2402 passed to the 136th FBW at Itazuke on 30 June 1951 and was retired to the 13th Aircraft Repair Squadron, FEAMCOM on 3 December 1951 ostensibly for depot maintenance. It was then returned to the United States, arriving at the Sacramento Air Materiel Area, McClellan AFB on 4 February 1952 for depot maintenance. Its status was changed to 'depot modification' on 11 September but it seems that at some point the aircraft was deemed surplus to requirements or possibly beyond economical cost to overhaul and modify for further use. It was recommended for reclamation on 7 July 1954 and authorized for reclamation the following day. Of note, its termination code (annotated on the aircraft individual record card) was 'M' – "enemy action – on combat mission". It seems likely that this was effectively a means of stating that the aircraft had been scrapped as a result of war-related wear and tear.
49-2409 passed to 136th FBW at Itazuke on 31 May 1951 and was retired from Korea to the 13th Aircraft Repair Sqn on 3 January 1952 for depot maintenance and storage. It returned to McClellan AFB on 4 February 1952 and was also authorized for reclamation with an 'M' termination code, on 8 July 1954.
For completeness, that other well-known F-84E MiG killer, Lt Col William E Bertram's aircraft from a 21 January 1951 engagement, was F-84E s/n 49-2367. So far I can locate no photographs of these aircraft but since all three belonged to the 523rd FES, it's fair to state that they'd have been painted in the squadron's yellow trim.
