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Officials

The Korean War began in 1950 and never officially ended. Cozad businessman Rex German was a man on a mission, intent on establishing a meaningful, lasting memorial for a hometown war hero and boyhood idol. Capt. Robert Laier was a “fine fella and good student” who yearned to fly. His dream came true in 1945, only to be cut short in a dog fight somewhere over North Korea. Cozad’s native son was a fighter pilot in the Korean War. He was flying as wingman on June 19, 1951, when his ...

Story Posted on Dec 17, 2020 Archives Division On December 17, 1950, the first known aerial combat between swept-wing jet fighters took place in the skies over Korea. The Russian-built Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-15 had been introduced to the Korean conflict in November, its speed and maneuverability causing trouble for the United States’ fleet of B-29 bombers and escorts. The North American F-86 Sabre was rushed to Korea, setting the stage for a clash in the air. Ward Hitt Jr., a member ...