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
During the latter part of 1952 and the first months of 1953, 1st
Marine Aircraft Wing command relationships underwent a significant
change. On 26 January 1953, General Megee forwarded a memorandum
request to General Barcus. The paper outlined specific recommendations
for restoring 1st MAW tactical elements to wing operational control,
even though the Marine wing would continue as a tactical component
of Fifth Air Force. In the proposal, CG, 1st MAW pointed out (as had
his predecessors) that the existing command structure, in effect,
completely bypassed the Marine wing commander. It had prevented him
from exercising normal tactical command functions, even though he was
fully responsible for the performance of his air groups and squadrons
to FEAF/FAF orders. The 1st MAW commander’s proposal was intended
to counter previous Air Force objections and demonstrate that more
normal command relations would “enhance, rather than reduce [1st MAW]
operational efficiency and effectiveness.”[321]
[321] _PacFlt EvalRpt_ No. 6, p. 10-76.
At the same time, having been informally advised in an earlier
conversation that CG, FAF would approve at least some of the requests
made, General Megee implemented changes in his G-2 and G-3 staff
sections. This reorganization was aimed at carrying out the increased
functions which would result from approval of the request. Operational
control of Marine tactical squadrons by FAF since 1951 had “relegated
1st MAW to the status of an administrative headquarters, forcing its
G-2 and G-3 sections partially to atrophy.”[322] To effect the changes
in command relationships and establish the wing on an operational
basis, the G-2 and G-3 sections were expanded. By the nature of
their organization these were not capable of either targeting or
tactical planning. In the intelligence section, a Target Information
Sub-section was established to compile data on the mission targets (and
accompanying photographs) received from FAF and to evaluate the desired
objectives.
[322] _Ibid._
Upon receipt of this information, the G-3 planning group accomplished
the target solution, prepared general tactics for conducting the
strike, (number of planes, amount and kind of ordnance, approach routes
to be used) and provided post-strike target evaluation. The chiefs
of these sections jointly presented the completed information to the
wing commander each afternoon. He selected the targets and forwarded
via teletype and air courier to the wing G-3 representative at FAF
headquarters a report of intended operations, providing a lead time of
36–48 hours.
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