Louis G. Surratt
Bio
Louis G. Surratt was born in Pulaski, Virginia on February 10, 1932. His oldest brother served in World War 2 and was killed in Italy on September 15, 1943. Louis G. Surratt graduated from Pulaski High School in 1949 and attended college for two years before he enlisted in the United States Air Force. Both he and his surviving brother Donald served in the Korean War at the same time.
Video Clips
Killed in Action Versus Missing in Action
Louis Surratt served in the 8th Fighter Bomber Wing at Suwon. Suwon had the longest runway in Korea and housed three different Air Force squadrons of about 30 pilots each. The 8th Fighter Bomber Wing oversaw the F80 Shooting Star. Louis Surrat's job was casualty reporting and awards and decorations. He estimates that around thirty pilots were reported as either killed or missing in action.
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Two Brothers Serving in Korea
Louis Surratt was selected to spend Christmas with his brother. While he spoke on the phone with his brother to make plans, a deadly plane collision happened on the airport runway. All men aboard the two planes died in the crash. The high number of casualty reports that ensued meant that Louis Surratt could not join Donald for the holiday.
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https://koreanwarlegacy.org/interviews/louis-g-surratt#clip-2
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Life on Suwon Air Base
Louis Surratt describes daily living on the air base in Suwon. Overall the base provided safety and security, although many soldiers who departed on sorties faced danger and death. Stories of crashes reminded him of his fortunate situation.
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bUa9CwuaHU4&start=1594&end=1761
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https://koreanwarlegacy.org/interviews/louis-g-surratt#clip-3
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