111th Fighter Squadron
Post Korean War
111th Fighter Squadron
Post Korean War
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(1) When the 111th returned from service
in Korea the squadron re-equiped with F-51Hs. Here is 44-64631 in
full 111th colors; ANG-631 on the top right and lower left wings, "Ace
in the Hole" on the fuselage and blue wing tips and fin cap. Though
this aircraft is set up for ground attack, the F-51H was a far better interceptor
than a fighter bomber. Being a light weight P-51, it could not survive
the "G" loads that the F-51D could.
(2) An air show at Hobby Airport were
a 182nd F-51D (44-72773) is displayed next to a 111th FIS F-80C (45-8579).
The red trim on the 182nd Mustang contrasts well with the blue on the 111th
Shooting Star. The Texas shape on the tail is white. The F-84E
in the background is a display aircraft for the 111th, which did not fly
this type after service in Korea.
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(3) The markings on the F-80Cs were different
from those on the F-51s. The blue tail band had an image of the state
of Texas like the one used by the 182nd. The state seal was applied
to the right side of the nose and the 111th's "Ace in the Hole" was on
the left. The trim on the wing tank of 45-8593 and the speed brakes
appear to be yellow. At this time, five flights were operated, each
having its own color. "A" flight used red, "B" flight blue, "C" yellow,
"D" green and the utility flight black. The diagonal stripes on the
fuselage might indicate a squadron leader's aircraft.
(4) 45-8553 showing the placement of
the 111th badge. The trim colors on this aircraft appear to be blue.
There is a dark band on the nose, unfortunatley it is impossible to tell
if that is black or maybe Insignia Blue.
(5) With the gunbays open 553 is between
missions during an earlier time period with less intricate markings.
(6) 44-85024 is from the 182nd FIS,
one of the 111th's two sister squadrons in the 136th ADW.
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(7) The "T" bird had a long career with
the 111th. T-33A 53-5963 was most likely with the utility squadron
as tha trim is black. The markings are the same as on the F-80s.
(8) 52-9223 early inits career.
This aircraft was delivered to the 111th in 1953 and stay until phased
out.
(9) Tbirds and F-80s over houston.
(10) A line up of F-80s. 45-8705 (farthest
from camera), 45-8573, and 44-85009 are all with the 111th, while 44-85024
is with the 182nd FIS and her tail band is red.
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(11) F-86D 52-3802 in rather generic
markings.
(12) When the "Sabre Dogs" arrived in
the 111th, they brought a change in markings. 52-3624 still has a
medium blue tail band, but the "Ace in the Hole" has replaced the state
outline. The state seal is still on the right side of the nose, but
the left now carries the 147th FIG badge.
(13) The right side of an F-86D showing
the placement of the 147th FIG emblem.
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(14) A posed photo of an AP in front
of 51-6213. The "tray" for the 2.75 FFARs is deployed.
(15) 52-3842 standing alert. I would
suspect that the small band represents the flight leader's aircraft.
That start cart is yellow, as this was long before anyone came up with
the idea of painting GSE Olive Drab.
(16) 52-3839 taxiing back from a mission
late in the day. The tail band is blue and maybe indicates the CO's
aircraft.
(17) The alert barn with two F-86Ls
ready for a scramble. This photo shows a chage in marking: 53-0883
has Dayglo bands fore and aft and 53-0701 has the last three digits of
the tail number displayed on the nose. This had not been the prior
practice of the 111th. Though it is impossible to see in this
photo, the F-86L had the extended wings of the F-86F-40 and the F-86H.
This type of wing was also of the "6-3" (leading edge extended 6 inches
at the root and 3 inches at the tip) variety with slats.
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(18 & 19) C-47A 43-16067 served the unit for almost two decades. Though the tail only displayed the serial number, the round ANG badge and the word "Texas", she was well marked. The white over NMF with a black cheat line, black "speed lines" behind the cockpit, black area under the nose, and blue cowl lips with white and blue trim lines. All and all an atractive "mature" lady.
Prewar and early period. 1923-1940
Vietnam era and after. 1965-Present
