Combat History

Operational & Combat History

Delivered to the U.S. Navy in 1952, AD-4N 125716 served with VC-35 before transferring to Marine Composite Squadron VMC-1 during the Korean War. Operating from Pohang Air Base, the aircraft flew radar-equipped night attack missions supporting United States ground forces. After U.S. service, it later entered French combat operations in North Africa before flying with the Republic of Chad Air Force during regional conflicts.

While in service, 125716 ALA conducted:

• 500+ combat hours across 65+ strike missions with VMC-1 in Korea
• Close-air support and strike missions during French operations in Algeria
• Operations by the Chadian Air Force in the 1970s with French mercenary pilots

Combat Report

Operating from Pohang Air Base, Marine Composite Squadron VMC-1 launched AD-4N Skyraiders on radar-equipped night attack missions against enemy supply routes and troop positions along the Korean peninsula. Flying low under cover of darkness, aircraft like AD-4N 125716 carried heavy ordnance loads to strike targets supporting enemy operations near the front lines.

During these missions, Skyraiders conducted repeated attack runs using bombs, rockets, and 20mm cannon fire to disrupt supply convoys, fortified positions, and troop concentrations. The aircraft’s endurance allowed it to remain over the battlefield for extended periods, providing close-air support and interdiction for United States ground forces operating in contested sectors.

Through operations like these, 125716 accumulated more than 500 combat hours across over 65 strike missions while serving with VMC-1 during the Korean War.

Following its U.S. Navy and Marine Corps service, the aircraft later entered French military operations in North Africa before flying with the Republic of Chad Air Force during regional conflicts in the 1970s, extending its combat legacy across multiple continents.

Theatre: Korean Peninsula | Squadron: Marine Composite Squadron VMC-1