The 15th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron operated RF-80A Shooting Stars – fast, camera-equipped jets tasked with photographing enemy positions, roads, and rail yards across all three Corps sectors.  It was the only unit operating the photo-recon variant of the F-80, flying low-level reconnaissance missions without armament, depending entirely on the technical skill and stamina of ground crews.

Aircraft returned multiple times daily with film that had to be processed and interpreted with urgency. Maintenance had to be performed swiftly and precisely so the pilots could return to the skies.  There were no rotation pauses for the enlisted men on the line. For nearly the entire duration of Joseph Phaneuf’s deployment, the squadron’s activities took place within miles of active combat zones.  He did not experience the relative luxury of those who were stationed on Japan or Okinawa or even further south in Korea.

In early 1952, the unit completed its move from K-8 (Kunsan) to K-46 (Hoengsong) where they rapidly constructed a new steel mat runway while concurrently beginning full operations by February 1st. That month was marked by severe weather and substandard living conditions – drafty canvas tents, snow-packed runways, and temperatures that froze hydraulic lines and chilled tools to the touch. Crews worked under difficult circumstances to maintain flight readiness. The squadron history notes that despite these setbacks, operations remained continuous, with a particularly high number of missions flown throughout February and March.

The spring and summer months brought improved weather but no reduction in operational load. The squadron’s daily mission output remained high throughout 1952, and ground crews continued their work without relief. Phaneuf’s duties would have included engine inspections, repairs on airframe damage sustained by ground fire, and night operations to prepare aircraft for morning flights. No aircraft could launch without clearance from ground personnel, and no pilot’s mission could proceed safely without the trust that his aircraft had been serviced to standard.

The bulk of this labor – the unglamorous, essential work of keeping jets combat-ready – fell to men like Phaneuf. He was cited for commendable service over nearly the entirety of his time in Korea, receiving the Commendation Medal for his work performed under forward-area conditions.  The award reflected a dedication to long hours without relief, emergency repairs in freezing wind, and the quiet risks of working near fuel, explosives, and unpredictable aircraft in a combat zone.

Joseph departed after nearly eleven months of front-line service.  Like many ground crew, he left little impression in the squadron histories – no missions logged, no photographs captioned – but his hands passed over every surface of the aircraft that did. His contribution was measured in flying hours made possible and pilots returned safe.