The 4th Fighter Group ("The MIG Killers") was formed on September 12, 1942, and it included the American pilots of the Royal Air Force Eagle Squadrons. It was re-formed in 1947 as apart of the Strategic Air Command, and it was the first unit to deploy Sabres in Japan in November 1950 after it was clear that the Chinese had committed MiG-15s against the UN forces in Korea. The 4th FIW was composed of the 334th, 335th and 336th squadrons and also the Royal Australian Air Force No. 77 Squadron. The 4th claimed 502 enemy aircraft during the Korean War, with 24 pilots becoming aces. The 4th FIW was the top-scoring fighter unit in the Korean War.
The pilots of the 4th Fighter Interceptor Wing included well-known aviators such as aces Colonel Frances Gabreski and Major James Jabara, the first jet ace. Future astronaut John Glenn flew his second tour with the 4th FIW as part of an interservice exchange program.
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