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Originally Posted by RCheung
Tim, yes, that'd be me - the "amateur" researcher ...
Stadnik ejected and survived. He was in the right place. However, I have not (yet) found details of Rybakov's demise - so, we cannot rule out the possibility that he was killed after he ejected ... It would be odd that a wingman would be flying a plane with such flamboyant markings. Rybakov was a flight leader - so it would be good if we can find more details about what happened to him. McConnell received credit for a confirmed victory a little earlier than Thompson. It is almost certain that they were responsible for the two 518th IAP losses around Suphun.
Chinese "Volunteer" units were in action during the morning when McConnell and Ruddell claimed victories. Problem is, there are BIG gaps in what the Chinese had allowed to leak out about Korean War losses ... This one would need a bit of work to resolve!
Risner shot down a relatively junior Soviet volunteer who actually survived the crash landing ... Will have to look again but I think the guy is Ukranian.
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Hi Raymond,
Nice to talk with you.
And I agree with you that it makes far more sense for the senior element leader to carry markings than his wingman. I still wonder whether there is the possibility that this pilot was Chinese as there seems to be a stronger cultural connection in a Chinese pilot having a dragon than a Russian. Would be wonderful if more information regarding Chinese losses come to light.
Off topic but interesting that Risner's victory was over a junior volunteer. He must have been a naturally highly gifted pilot as Risner (no slouch himself in the cockpit) described him as the "best pilot" he came across in Korea. Certainly his description of the combat in Davis' book shows some amazing piloting by the MiG pilot.
Best wishes,
Tim