Pilot Hal Austin USAF (ret) to Speak on His Cold War Overflight of the USSR by Patrcia Korzec - City News Group, Inc.
View Upcoming Events View Your Local Sales

Community Calendar

◄ OCTOBER ►
S M T W T F S
27 28 29 30 01 02 03
04 05 06 07 08 09 10
11 12 13 14 15 16 17
18 19 20 21 22 23 24
25 26 27 28 29 30 31
View Events
Submit Events
directory

Pilot Hal Austin USAF (ret) to Speak on His Cold War Overflight of the USSR

By Patrcia Korzec, Community Writer
June 17, 2014 at 03:05pm. Views: 221

March Field Air Museum recently featured Col Hal Austin, USAF (ret ) as speaker in the Summer Briefing Series. This summer series is sponsored by Renaissance Village Moreno Valley. Nine years after the end of the Second World War, the Soviet Union and the United States, once allies, were engaged in the dangerous brinksmanship of the Cold War. Colonel “Hal” Austin, veteran USAF pilot and the crew of his swept-wing RB-47E Reconnaissance Bomber joined a select few who saw that pseudo war turn momentarily hot. On May 8, 1954, Col Austin, under secret orders from Strategic Air Command General Curtis LeMay, intentionally entered Soviet airspace over Murmansk on a mission to photograph and map Soviet air bases and the test Russian radar capabilities and air defense forces. Penetrating from the north, the high-flying RB-47E was intercepted and shadowed by several flights of low flying MiG-15 fighters clearly frustrated by their inability to reach the bombers altitude. Just over an hour into Soviet airspace, the RB-47E crew was surprised when cannon fire from more advanced MiG-17 fighters streaked past their bomber, one shell slamming into the RB-47Es left wing. The damaged bomber briefly returned fire and maneuvered to hold the Russians at bay. Photographing the last of nine of the Soviet airfields on their mission list, Col. Austin exited Soviet airspace and brought his aircraft and crew safely to England. Born August 28, 1924 near Sweetwater, Oklahoma, Colonel Austin’s military career spanned thirty-three years. He entered the US Army aviation cadet program September 1943 and retired as US Air Force Colonel in January 1977. Some of his career highlights include: Instructor pilot Air Training Command; pilot, Troop Carrier 1946/47; pilot Berlin Airlift 1948/49; in the Strategic Air Command (SAC) 25 years, Aircraft Commander, Squadron Commander, Staff Officer at SAC Headquarters, Base Commander and a SAC Aircraft Wing Commander. Also, staff officer with Joint Staff in Pentagon 1966/69; Command pilot, 10,000 flying hours in 22 different military aircraft; Cold War visual photo over flight of Soviet Union in RB-47E May 8, 1954. During his career he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross with oak leaf cluster, Legion of Merit with 2 oak leaf clusters, the Air Medal and Meritorious Service Medal. Museum admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children 5 to 12. March Field Air Museum is open Tuesday through Sunday. For more information about March Field Air Museum please contact Annie Lunetta at (951) 902-5949, annie@marchfield.org or visit www.marchfield.org.

Related Articles

Photo Courtesy of: TME Photography by Titan Mom Elvira

By Titan Mom Elvira, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 12:47pm. Views: 245

A quote that inspires Escess comes from the late basketball legend Kobe Bryant: “The moment you give up is the moment you let someone else win.” To learn more about Escess Coony and his philosophy…

Photo Courtesy of: https://www.grandterrace-ca.gov/government/elected_officials/city_council

By Hattie Strong, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 274

Councilman Doug Wilson, serving Grand Terrace and seeking another term in the November 2026 election, read more about him and his values.

Photo Courtesy of: Margie Miller

By Margie Miller, Publisher, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:46am. Views: 233

Timber Ridge Steakhouse brings a familiar landmark back to life in San Bernardino, welcoming diners to enjoy hearty meals, warm hospitality and a locally operated dining experience. Step inside and read more below about the people and vision behind Timber Ridge’s newest chapter.

Photo Courtesy of: City News Group

By Ruby Stephenson, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 171

Hope, strength and community come together during Breast Cancer Awareness Month as survivors, families and supporters wear pink to remind others that early detection can save lives. Learn about the warning signs, screening and simple steps that could make a life-saving difference—read more below.

Photo Courtesy of: City News Group

By William Cortez, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 239

San Bernardino is putting local business in the spotlight as entrepreneurs, business owners and community leaders prepare to connect, share ideas and discover new opportunities for growth. See how the upcoming Business Summit could help shape the city’s economic future, read more below.

Photo Courtesy of: City News Group

By Stella Pierce, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 356

Colorful traditions, music and dance come alive during Hispanic Heritage Month as communities across the Inland Empire celebrate the generations of Hispanic and Latino residents who have helped shape our region. Discover the stories, culture and contributions behind this month-long celebration—read more below.

Photo Courtesy of: City News Group

By William Cortez, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 354

Young readers made a splash during the County Library’s 2026 Summer Reading Program, discovering new books, building reading skills and celebrating a summer filled with learning and imagination. Read more below to see how local readers made waves this summer.

Photo Courtesy of:

By William Cortez, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 186

Moreno Valley residents of all ages can turn their time and talents into meaningful community impact, with volunteer opportunities that bring neighbors together while helping keep the city clean, connected and thriving. Read more below to see how volunteering gives residents a chance to take an active role in the community they call home.

Photo Courtesy of:

By Ruby Stephenson, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 200

Photo Courtesy of: City of Moreno Valley

By Ruby Stephenson, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 171

Lady, a two-year-old, female white Shepard mix who is is a sweet easygoing girl who enjoys being around people and making new friends.
Could Lady be the one you’ve been waiting for? Stop by the shelter and meet your new best friend.

Photo Courtesy of: Kaiser Permanente

By Carol Soudah, Contributing Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 353

Dozens of volunteers from Kaiser Permanente and its partners at Casa Blanca Home of Neighborly Service, a non-profit organization that services families in Riverside County. The one-day project strengthened the nonprofit’s ability to serve local families by improving community spaces, expanding capacity for the programs and resources local families rely on throughout the year, read more to find out how you can help.

Photo Courtesy of: Feeding America Riverside San Bernardino

By Rachel Bonilla, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 184

Since 2014, the Fight Hunger. Spark Change. campaign has helped generate more than $245 million for Feeding America and local partner food banks across the country and has helped secure more than 2.4 billion meals* for people facing hunger. A volunteer packs food boxes for families in need, helping local hunger-relief organizations provide nutritious meals and essential resources to neighbors throughout the Inland Empire.

--> -->