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The Jet Aces of the Korean War

Jet Aces of the Korean War examines the experiences of fighter pilots in the Korean War and the development of air warfare of the era. It chronicles the changing technology that shaped America's air power, and America's pilots. It also examines the influence of the Cold War and Cold War ideology on the American military, and the policy makers of the 1950s. Jet Aces of the Korean War would be useful for classes on American History, Military History, Cultural History, and the History of Science and Technology. It is appropriate for middle school and high school.

• agile
• auspices
• blitzkrieg
• cadre
• cohesive
• evacuate
• exploited
• fortitude
• gauntlet
• ideology
• juncture
• lexicon
• napalm
• onslaught
• ordinances
• palpable
• parameters
• placate
• sanctuary
• tenacious

Discussion Questions

1. What is the difference between a

2. The advent of America's involvement in the Korean War is considered a turning point in the ideology of the Cold War. What is the significance of the Korean War in Cold War ideology?

3. How did the existence of the Cold War influence America's decision to enter the Korean War?

4. The countries of North Korea and South Korea were determined by the 38th Parallel. What is the 38th Parallel? What is its physical and ideological significance?

5. The progression of technology in the weaponry of the 20th century is staggering. How have the advances in technology affected air power and other methods of warfare?

6. Much money and manpower has been invested in airplane wing position. How does an airplane's wing position affect the performance of the aircraft?

7. A supersonic boom indicates that the sound barrier has been broken. What is a supersonic boom? Why is the speed of sound a yardstick for airplane performance?

8. MIG jets were first used in the Korean War. What is a MIG jet? What were the advantages of MIG jets over conventional airplanes?

Extended Activities

1. Imagine that you are a journalist and your assignment is to cover Chuck Yeager's historical flight that broke the sound barrier. Write an article for your newspaper recounting Yeager's flight and explain the significance of the flight for your readers.

2. Using what you learned in this video, combined with your knowledge of the advances in airpower since the 1950s, design a fighter jet for the future.

3. Research airplane designs of the 20th century and create a timeline showing the evolution of military airpower in the 20th century.

Air Dates

• November 09, 2005