"They served in Silence"
A2C Earl Radlein was trained as a Russian Linguist with Class 4 at the Syracuse University DLI program in New York.

In the Pacific, he served as a linguist and "backender" crew member of a RB-50 jet bomber with the 91st Strategic Reconnaissance Squadron, 5th Air Force. He served with the USAFSS unit, 1st Radio Squadron Mobile based out of Yokota, Japan. Also serving with him from this unit was SSgt. Donald G. Hill

Attached to Forbes AFB prior to service in Korea, their RB-50G Superfortress (47-145) Little Red Ass of the 343rd Strategic Reconnaissance Squadron, 55th Strategic Reconnaissance Wing, temporarily attached to the 91st Strategic Reconnaissance Squadron was based at Yokota Air Base, Japan. It was shot down south of Askold Island near Vladivostok, by Soviet pilots flying MiG-17 Frescos.

The USAF Aircraft Commander was Captain Stanley Keith O'Kelly, Topeka, Kansas. His remains were recovered. The soul survivor was Capt John E. Roche of Washington, D.C..

Fifteen of the seventeen men crew were lost and listed as MIA.

Note: Attend McCallie Prep School in Chatanooga prior to enlistment.

Radlein, Earl Wilbur, Jr., A2C