Introduction

On January 08, 1951, the landing gear collapsed on C-46 #44-78505.  The plane crashed at Chungju Air Base (K-41) in South Korea, striking two other C-46s (#44-78270) and (#44-78262).  The standing planes were damaged beyond repair.  There were three persons in #44-78505.  Of those, two died of wounds received in the collision.  The KWE does not know the name of the lone survivor, but he was the plane's crew chief.

A Soldier's Medal was awarded to a 2nd Infantry Division soldier on the ground.  The citation reads:

Headquarters, 2d Infantry Division
General Orders No. 302 - July 16, 1951

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Soldier's Medal to Sergeant Edward J. McGuire (ASN: RA-16308395), United States Army, for heroism not involving actual conflict with an enemy of the United States as a member of the 2d Quartermaster Company, 2d Infantry Division, in action on 9 January 1951, in the vicinity of Chungju, Korea. Sergeant McGuire was in charge of the detail unloading supplies in the airlift for divisional and attached units during the critical period prior to the launching of the Wonju offensive. On that day Sergeant McGuire was unloading a C-46 when the landing gear of another C-46 collapsed and crashed into the plane which was being unloaded. Sergeant McGuire leaped to safety just before the crash. Despite the danger of imminent explosion and fire from the leaking gasoline, and with complete disregard for his own safety, Sergeant McGuire entered the plane and removed the Crew Chief to safety. He then re-entered the plane end removed the co-pilot who later died. Entering the plane for the third time he removed the body of the pilot. His alertness and disregard for personal safety undoubtedly saved the life of the Crew Chief. The heroism displayed by Sergeant McGuire reflects great credit upon himself and upholds the highest traditions of the Military Service of the United States.

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Fatalities

• Muhleback, 1Lt. Charles E.
• Yaich, 1Lt. Arthur D.

Bios of Fatalities

Charles E. Muhleback

Charles was born in Dixon, Illinois, on October 03, 1926.  He was a son of Frank and Rachel Bush Muhleback, and his siblings were: Frank Edward Muhleback (1924-2017), Clarence Muhleback, Joseph Muhleback, Lucille Muhleback Book (1929-1975), Caroline Muhleback Ehrecke, Mrs. Jim (Marie Muhleback) Foley, and Mrs. Dick (Helen Muhleback) Snyder.  Charles is buried in Oakwood Cemetery, Dixon, Illinois.

Arthur D. Yaich

Arthur was seriously wounded in the collision and died of wounds on January 13, 1951.   He was born September 20, 1924, son of August William Yaich (1878-1958) and Etelka M. Yaich (1887-1968).  Arthur was a World War II veteran who served with the 374 AF Troop Carrier W.  He is buried in Crown Hill Cemetery, Wheat Ridge, Colorado.