Louis G. Surratt
Bio
Louis G. Surratt was born on February 10, 1932, in Pulaski, Virginia. His oldest brother served in World War II but was killed in Italy on September 15, 1943. After graduating from Pulaski High School in 1949, Louis attended college for two years before enlisting in the United States Air Force. In April 1952, he arrived in Suwon, Korea, where the airbase hosted three different units. There, he served with the 8th Fighter Bomber Wing, managing casualty reporting and awards. During his service, he and his surviving brother, Donald, were both stationed in Korea at the same time, sharing the experience of serving their country in the Korean War.
Video Clips
Killed in Action Versus Missing in Action
Louis Surratt served in the 8th Fighter Bomber Wing at Suwon, which featured Korea’s longest runway and hosted three squadrons of roughly 30 pilots each. The wing operated F-80 Shooting Stars. Surratt managed casualty reporting and awards, estimating that about thirty pilots were reported killed or missing in action during his service.
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Two Brothers Serving in Korea
Louis Surratt remembers being selected to spend Christmas with his brother. While arranging plans over the phone, a deadly plane collision occurred on the airport runway, killing everyone aboard both planes. The resulting surge in casualty reports prevented Louis from joining Donald for the holiday.
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Life on Suwon Air Base
Louis Surratt describes daily life at the Suwon airbase, noting that it offered relative safety and security. However, soldiers leaving on sorties faced constant danger and the risk of death. Frequent stories of plane crashes served as a stark reminder to him of how fortunate he was to return safely.
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