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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 F-86A Sabre engaged two Soviet MiG-15s. Laier’s jet was hit and went down.

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 of the 4th Fighter Interceptor Group based at Kimpo Air Base near Seoul, chronicled the early days ...