Description
South African Korea Medal, awarded to the South African Air Force, E13589 Airman D.J.J. Liebenberg, S.A.A.F.
Officially impressed: “E13589 D.J.J. Liebenberg” Excellent unworn condition.
Confirmed on the Medal Roll, A/M Airman DJJ Liebenberg was active during the Korean War with the SAAF from 29th March 1953 until 19th November 1953.
Notably as he served during 1953, the “Flying Cheetahs” as they are known had changed over from the old classic the American P-51 Mustang, a Piston Engine aircraft to the brand new “Jet Fighter” the USAF F-86F Sabre.
Although it was brand new and confusing technology, it managed to help even the air fight against the super Russian MiG Fighters which up to this point the South African had been forced to take on with inferior planes.
The Sabres arrived in January 1953 with the first combat mission being flown in late March 1953.
The aircrew and ground crew all had to be sent to Japan first to receive specialist training in Jet Engine Aircraft, fortunately most of the Pilots had flown Vampire Jets back in South Africa, but it was a schooling for the men like Liebenberg as they studied the Sabre Jet Engines in Japan.
