Document created: 1 June 03
Air & Space Power Journal - Summer 2003

Night Fighters over Korea by G. G. O’Rourke with E. T. Wooldridge. Naval Institute Press (http:// www.usni.org/webstore/shopexd.asp?id=19192), 2062 Generals Highway, Annapolis, Maryland 21401, 1998, 288 pages, $34.95.

Gerald G. O’Rourke led a detachment of naval aviators in a little-known campaign during a frequently overlooked air war- the battle for the night sky during the Korean conflict. This is O’Rourke’s autobiographical account of a chapter in the continuing evolution of US night-fighting capabilities. His book provides unique insight into the challenges of flying and fighting a war in poor weather at night while employing untested equipment, emerging technologies, and continually changing doctrine.

O’Rourke, recently deceased, teamed with historian E. T. Wooldridge, a former squadron mate, to produce a description of squadron life and "ole time" flying stories. Their tales are richly woven with the texture of Korean mud, interservice dynamics, and the occasional poignant recollection. O’Rourke had a rich background as a Navy fighter pilot, test pilot, squadron commander, commander of the carrier USS Independence, and Navy Department analyst. Likewise, Wooldridge was a naval aviator and test pilot; he also served on the Joint Staff. Woolridge has authored several aviation books and has worked in various capacities at the National Air and Space Museum since 1976.

While the descriptions of night dogfights with MiGs are interesting, it is more valuable for airmen to note the connection between training and the employment of new technology, and the integration of naval and USAF forces during the Korean air war. O’Rourke’s descriptions of the demanding conditions inherent in night-flying operations are timeless and well presented. These naval aviators lived and flew with a Marine night-fighter squadron, which served to increase the color and interest of their descriptions about daily life during the Korean conflict.

O’Rourke makes an important observation on the value of multirole fighters: "We now realized what a hindrance it was, in this type of war, to have an airplane built for night fighting only, that would not carry even a single bomb." The contrast between the later years of World War II and the Korean War was large. The former was characterized by a concern for national survival that led to an abundance of operational aircraft and great technical and organizational innovation. The reality of the Korean conflict was that the United States was involved in a war of limited objectives and resources. This resulted in some difficulties integrating new technical developments with established military doctrine. These difficulties, according to O’Rourke, were often worked out at the unit level, where much of the innovation and integration occurred. This solution supports an enduring observation that good ideas often bubble up from the bottom.

The descriptions of the various aircraft and flying operations of the Korean War are interesting, but the personal examples, leadership lessons, and explanations of how the emerging technologies were integrated into their operations are far more valuable. The history buff should find this book a good selection, due to the abundant detail as well as the sincere and frequently colloquial first-person accounts. Although Night Fighters over Korea is enjoyable and easy to read, the analysis of the lessons of experience, leadership, and wartime innovation makes this book worthwhile.

Lt Col Merrick E. Krause, USAF
Springfield, Virginia

Disclaimer

The conclusions and opinions expressed in this document are those of the author cultivated in the freedom of expression, academic environment of Air University. They do not reflect the official position of the U.S. Government, Department of Defense, the United States Air Force or the Air University.

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