The Snapshots in Time Collection

USAF Fighter Pilot Exiting Cockpit of F-51 Mustang, Korean War Era

USAF Fighter Pilot Exiting Cockpit of F-51 Mustang, Korean War Era

An Air Force fighter pilot climbs from the cockpit of his propeller-driven fighter, likely an F-51 Mustang, at a forward airbase during the Korean War. Dressed in a leather flight jacket and cloth flying helmet, he represents the generation of pilots who transitioned from WWII-era piston fighters into the jet age while continuing to fly Mustangs in close air support and interdiction roles over Korea. Project: 218187