Foil: 6 Panel: Distinguished Flying Cross Society Column: 1 Line: 22

Wall of Honor Level:
Air and Space Friend

Honored by:

Colonel Paul C. Fritz, USAF (Ret.)
Then-Captain Paul Fritz distinguished himself while participating as one of eleven C-47 pilots of the famed 21st Troop Carrier Squadron in rescue of nearly 5,000 severely wounded U.S. Marine and Army troops from the bitter cold at Chosin Reservoir in the mountains of North Korea during early-December 1950. The troops were entrapped by overwhelming hordes of Chinese who had just entered the Korean War.
Air evacuation began on December 1 near the hamlet of Hagaru-ri where a dirt airstrip was hastily constructed, but with only 2,500' length and a 25' high dike at the north end. Thus landings were made north toward the dike, and takeoffs south. C-47s were the only type aircraft that could operate from the austere airstrip, yet carry significant loads, with as many as 46 wounded, plus crew, aboard. Enemy snipers peppered them on landings and takeoffs, while Navy fighters provided significant cover.
Staging and off-load for C-47s was at Yonpo Air Base, former North Korean Air Force primary training base, near Hungnam.
The Hagaru-ri evacuation continued through December 6 as last able-bodied troops trekked southward over mountain trails to the port of Hungnam for sealift to South Korea.
The C-47s continued the rescue for three more days from another airstrip at Koto-ri along the troops' mountain trail.
TIME magazine of December 18, 1950 featured airlift commander, Major General Wm. H. Tunner, for its cover and cover story concerning the airlift rescue. Later, the 21st TC Squadron was awarded the first Presidential (then-Distinguished) Unit Citation by the recently established U.S. Air Force. Also, each pilot received the Distinguished Flying Cross, and co-pilots and flight engineers received Air Medals.