Colombia crisis 1948
 

Hi guys

Colombia 1948 is not my normal area of research, so I hope someone can help me, please. Is the following historically correct?

Following the assassination of the pro-communist opposition leader (by the CIA?) in April 1948, civil conflict erupted in Colombia. I believe the embryonic Colombian Air Force had US-provided P-38s, B-25s and B-26s but not experiened crews to fly them and therefore, with American help (CIA?), recruited mercenaries including US, Canadian and German pilots.

Did the communist side have any aircraft? If so, were there any clashes? If not, what were the mercenary pilots required to do? Ground attack?

Any assistance will be greatly appreciated.
Cheers
Brian

Re: Colombia crisis 1948
 

Brian
I doubt CIA was involved but since OPC had been not established yet, auspices of NSC or G-2 seem more likely. The early period of Cold War is a real mess. Internet search tools may help, but this will require some time and multiple actions. Sorry, I cannot help more, I have dealt with European operations only.

Re: Colombia crisis 1948
 

Brian:

And another thing: Historically the Colombian political, social & economic classes always seemed quick to resort to violence to resolve practically ANY issue they had with each other--one COULD say that violence was ingrained in the Culture as far back as when the region was controlled by Spain.

nickm

Re: Colombia crisis 1948
 

Thanks for your input Franek and Nick

Cheers
Brian

Re: Colombia crisis 1948
 

Brian,

You should have a look at this book by Dan Hagedorn:
http://www.abebooks.fr/servlet/BookD...%3D50%26y%3D15

Chris

Re: Colombia crisis 1948
 

Thanks for advising of the book - previously unknown to me.

However, all I wish to know is - was there any use of aircraft in the 1948 unrest in Colombia; and were merecenaries engaged by the government.

Information required to complete a paragraph!!

Cheers
Brian

Re: Colombia crisis 1948
 

I'm sorry, Brian. I had this book but don't have it any more.

Chris

Re: Colombia crisis 1948
 

1. Brian has exceeded their stored private messages quota and cannot accept further messages until they clear some space.

Brian

When trying to send you a private message the above text pops up and my e-mail to you fail.

Please send ME a private e-mail and I will fix what you need from Hagedorn's book

Cheers
Stig
PS: I especially like the wording Brian has exceeded their etc....:D

Re: Colombia crisis 1948
 

Hi Stig

Will do. Thanks.

Cheers
Brian

Re: Colombia crisis 1948
 

Brian,

The mentioned book covers a long period, so a schematic one (it contains a half-page text about the Civil War in Colombia, mentions only the P-47D's and AT-6 Texans).
I don't know, what do you need exactly but imho it would be the best if you would ask Jaime Escobar, he is the top researcher there. Drop me an e-mail, if your attempt will be usuccessful.

Re: Colombia crisis 1948
 

Thanks guys for your advice.

Stig has now kindly provided the information that I required.

Cheers
Brian

Re: Colombia crisis 1948
 

Interesting that you should mention German pilots (Luftwaffe veterans) that were hired by the Colombian Air Force during the crisis. A lot of Luftwaffe pilot veterans had a hard time finding work that involved flying.

Edward L. Hsiao

Re: Colombia crisis 1948
 

Two bad there were no known names available of the German pilots that were in the Colombian Air Force and had flown and fought against the enemy in 1948. It would be nice that names of them would be shown.

Edward L. Hsiao

Re: Colombia crisis 1948
 

There were T-33 jets and F-86 Sabres in the Colombian Air Force that flew during the Colombian Civil War. US and German pilots flew them. Source is from Wikipedia.

Edward L. Hsiao

Re: Colombia crisis 1948
 

The politician who was assassinated by a lone gunman was Jorge Eliecer Gaitan whose assassination started a 10 year civil war called the violencia. German WW I ace Herbert Boy moved to Columbia in 1924 and helped set up the Columbian Air Force.

Robert Scheina has books "Latin American Wars" 2 volumes the 2nd volume deals with the 1900s.

Re: Colombia crisis 1948
 

Years ago, talking to the Colombian air attache at a reception in Washington, he reminded me "We used to have fighter pilot with 158 air-to-air victories, which is a lot more than anyone in the US Air Force". The guy he referred to was ex-Luftwaffe and flew P-47s, but all the victories were on the eastern front.

Re: Colombia crisis 1948
 

I wonder if anyone knows the name of the 158 air to air Luftwaffe pilot veteran?

Edward L. Hsiao

Re: Colombia crisis 1948
 

oops. I mean 158 air-to-air victory Luftwaffe pilot veteran that served in another air force.

Edward L. Hsiao