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PHOTOCOPIED October 1, 2001; NASM PRESERVATION COPY


[[news clipping]] ^[[Mar 27, 54]]
Commander
(Continued From Page One)

[[image - photo of Col. Benjamin Davis sitting, two other men standing to either side]]

[[caption: GETTING THEIR HEADS TOGETHER - The Colonel smiles as his top staff members look, on left to right: Colonel Harry B. Young, deputy commander; Col. Davis and Major Lawrence E. Berner, wing adjutant.]]

[[image - photo of Col. Davis standing on plane at cockpit]]

[[caption: COLONEL DAVIS demonstrates what the well-dressed F-86 Sabrejet pilot wears. Paraphernalia on his legs is special fabric which prevents pilot from "blacking out" during dives. Strapped on his back is parachute for emergency jumps. Item on his chest is famed "Mae West" life preserver, which inflates automatically when plug is pulled.]]

and now pilots his sleek F-86 Sabrejet over Korean skies.

Loves Flying
The colonel loves flying and has extreme confidence in his aircraft. He has some very definite ideas about the F-86, and is always ready to discuss them.

"The Sabre, is the finest jet aircraft of its type in operation," he says, "It has the speed, maneuverability and fire power needed to make it a considerable thorn in the side of an enemy.

"Although the F-86 may sacrifice one quality or feature for other devices, its record of nearly 14 MIG-15's to one Sabre destroyed in the Korean aerial battle speaks for itself," he continues.

"Our quality pilot - quality aircraft team must never be underrated."

Aid To Orphans
But not all is flying for the 6 foot 4 inch jet pilot. He has taken a great interest in the problems of Korea's orphans of war.

He was recently named program director of the Air Force Aid to Korea (AFAK) program for the 51st, fighter interceptor wing.

He is investigating worthwhile projects to which material may be given to aid these people of war-ravaged land.

Through AFAK, he is authorized to administer a total of $176,000 in materials to help Koreans rehabilitate their country.

Since 1951, the 51st Wing has sponsored a nearby orphanage where more than 325 homeless Korean children had been living under the shabbiest conditions.

Since his arrival in Korea in December, 1953, Colonel Davis has taken a great personal interest in these youngsters and often visits their home at Yong-Joo-Jahar to see how his tiny charges are faring.

Married to the former Agatha Scott of Los Angeles, Colonel Davis has no children of his own.
[/news clipping]]