U.S. Marine Operations in Korea, 1950-1953, Volume 5 (of 5): Operations in West KoreaUnited States. Marine Corps
History
U.S. Marine Operations in Korea, 1950-1953, Volume 5 (of 5): Operations in West Korea
United States. Marine Corps
Korean War, 1950-1953 -- Campaigns; United States. Marine Corps -- History -- Korean War, 1950-1953
Squadrons that were unable to better their performance records in some
cases could trace their trouble to the inability to get all of their
planes off the ground. Several models were subject to spare parts
shortages.[251] New aircraft, the F3D-2s and the AU-1s received in
June by VMF(N)-513 and VMA-212, respectively, had preceded an adequate
stocking of normal replacements for worn out or defective parts. The
night fighter squadron was handicapped also by introduction into the
supply system of inadequate radio tubes, which burned out rapidly. The
most critical shortage, however, was parts for starter units of jet
engines. This deficiency was not corrected until summer. One problem
never quite eliminated was the confusion of supply orders intended for
the helicopters in HMR-161 and VMO-6. It was believed that the close
resemblance of Sikorsky HRS and HO5S part numbers and nomenclatures had
caused the improperly-marked requisitions and mix-up.
[251] Spare parts shortages are “inherent in the introduction
of new equipment into the field and prior to the
development of usage data.” a major effort was made at
this time by 1st MAW to improve its critical spare parts
support by improved stock control procedures and complete
inventory. _Jack ltr._
The 1st Marine Division logistical situation during the summer and fall
of 1952 was generally excellent. General Pollock’s units did not suffer
from the shortage of spare parts experienced by the 1st MAW whose
aircraft sometimes had to be grounded because of a missing spare part.
U.S. Army support in the replacement of worn-out Marine vehicles for
new Army ones proved satisfactory. No major problems arose in engineer
support. Medical evacuation and treatment and the level of supplies in
the five companies of the 1st Medical Battalion remained excellent.
There were two significant changes in the logistical support provided
the Marine division early in the fall. One dealt with employment of
the division’s 1st and 7th Motor Transport Battalions, located in
the rear support areas. Beginning in September, the companies were
placed in direct support of the four infantry regiments, with liaison
by Lieutenant Colonel Kenneth E. Martin, division motor transport
officer. It was believed this decentralization would have the following
advantages:
1. Decreased vehicle mileage and therefore less driver fatigue
and prolonged vehicle life.
2. Increased dispersal as a safeguard against loss of wheeled
vehicle support in event of an unexpected and successful enemy
attack.
The other change was a shift in the emphasis of support rendered by
the Korean Service Corps. During October, each of the three frontline
regiments received 300 more laborers, raising the total to 800. Rear
area units paid for the increase, since the KSCs were detached from
support units and sent forward to the MLR.
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