Latest news with #NormanLee
The Advertiser
9 hours ago
- Politics
- The Advertiser
Veterans remembered for service in 'forgotten war'
Former navy pilot Norman Lee makes a touching gesture for his fellow Korean War veterans every time he passes the memorial in the nation's capital. The 95-year-old retired commodore flew many successful bombing missions across North Korea during his service in the conflict. A ceremony was held at the National Korean War Memorial in Canberra on Wednesday to mark the 75th anniversary of Australian service. "I must admit, each time I go past the memorial, I give a salute," Mr Lee said, nodding towards it. "War is a human condition. Man will always be at war, I'm afraid." About 40 veterans who served in the conflict - now with an average age of 93 - attended the commemorative service. Their families wiped away tears during the ceremony, which included readouts by the veterans and their children. During the service, the veterans in attendance were asked to stand up to applause. Australia's defence force chief Admiral David Johnston laid a wreath. South Korea's ambassador to Australia Seungseob Sim, in addition to representatives of other countries that participated in the war, also braved wet and windy conditions to mark the anniversary. The conflict was fought from 1950 to 1953 between North Korea and South Korea, after the former - backed by China and the Soviet Union - invaded its southern neighbour in a bid for reunification under communist rule. More than 18,000 Australians served during the Korean War and post-armistice ceasefire monitoring. The conflict killed 340 Australians, while more than 1200 were wounded. Of those who died, 42 have no known grave. In an address, Veterans' Affairs Minister Matt Keogh paid tribute to the Australians who fought to help South Korea become the prosperous and thriving democracy it is today. "The Korean War is sometimes called the forgotten war," he said. "To all the Korean War veterans here today and around the country, I say we remember. "As a nation, we say thank you for the sacrifices you made in our name. "We thank you for the way you turned out to help the people of a nation so thoroughly and illegally invaded by a belligerent neighbour." Opposition veterans' affairs spokesman Darren Chester said the service of Australians in Korea stood as a powerful testament to the nation's commitment to freedom and international co-operation. "We owe a deep debt of gratitude to those who served and to the families who supported them," he said. "Their courage and commitment helped shape the peace we enjoy today." It's believed 1077 Australian veterans of the Korean War are still living. More than 87,000 United Nations soldiers died in Korea, while more than one-and-a-half-million Koreans are believed to have been killed in the conflict. Lifeline 13 11 14 Open Arms 1800 011 046 Former navy pilot Norman Lee makes a touching gesture for his fellow Korean War veterans every time he passes the memorial in the nation's capital. The 95-year-old retired commodore flew many successful bombing missions across North Korea during his service in the conflict. A ceremony was held at the National Korean War Memorial in Canberra on Wednesday to mark the 75th anniversary of Australian service. "I must admit, each time I go past the memorial, I give a salute," Mr Lee said, nodding towards it. "War is a human condition. Man will always be at war, I'm afraid." About 40 veterans who served in the conflict - now with an average age of 93 - attended the commemorative service. Their families wiped away tears during the ceremony, which included readouts by the veterans and their children. During the service, the veterans in attendance were asked to stand up to applause. Australia's defence force chief Admiral David Johnston laid a wreath. South Korea's ambassador to Australia Seungseob Sim, in addition to representatives of other countries that participated in the war, also braved wet and windy conditions to mark the anniversary. The conflict was fought from 1950 to 1953 between North Korea and South Korea, after the former - backed by China and the Soviet Union - invaded its southern neighbour in a bid for reunification under communist rule. More than 18,000 Australians served during the Korean War and post-armistice ceasefire monitoring. The conflict killed 340 Australians, while more than 1200 were wounded. Of those who died, 42 have no known grave. In an address, Veterans' Affairs Minister Matt Keogh paid tribute to the Australians who fought to help South Korea become the prosperous and thriving democracy it is today. "The Korean War is sometimes called the forgotten war," he said. "To all the Korean War veterans here today and around the country, I say we remember. "As a nation, we say thank you for the sacrifices you made in our name. "We thank you for the way you turned out to help the people of a nation so thoroughly and illegally invaded by a belligerent neighbour." Opposition veterans' affairs spokesman Darren Chester said the service of Australians in Korea stood as a powerful testament to the nation's commitment to freedom and international co-operation. "We owe a deep debt of gratitude to those who served and to the families who supported them," he said. "Their courage and commitment helped shape the peace we enjoy today." It's believed 1077 Australian veterans of the Korean War are still living. More than 87,000 United Nations soldiers died in Korea, while more than one-and-a-half-million Koreans are believed to have been killed in the conflict. Lifeline 13 11 14 Open Arms 1800 011 046 Former navy pilot Norman Lee makes a touching gesture for his fellow Korean War veterans every time he passes the memorial in the nation's capital. The 95-year-old retired commodore flew many successful bombing missions across North Korea during his service in the conflict. A ceremony was held at the National Korean War Memorial in Canberra on Wednesday to mark the 75th anniversary of Australian service. "I must admit, each time I go past the memorial, I give a salute," Mr Lee said, nodding towards it. "War is a human condition. Man will always be at war, I'm afraid." About 40 veterans who served in the conflict - now with an average age of 93 - attended the commemorative service. Their families wiped away tears during the ceremony, which included readouts by the veterans and their children. During the service, the veterans in attendance were asked to stand up to applause. Australia's defence force chief Admiral David Johnston laid a wreath. South Korea's ambassador to Australia Seungseob Sim, in addition to representatives of other countries that participated in the war, also braved wet and windy conditions to mark the anniversary. The conflict was fought from 1950 to 1953 between North Korea and South Korea, after the former - backed by China and the Soviet Union - invaded its southern neighbour in a bid for reunification under communist rule. More than 18,000 Australians served during the Korean War and post-armistice ceasefire monitoring. The conflict killed 340 Australians, while more than 1200 were wounded. Of those who died, 42 have no known grave. In an address, Veterans' Affairs Minister Matt Keogh paid tribute to the Australians who fought to help South Korea become the prosperous and thriving democracy it is today. "The Korean War is sometimes called the forgotten war," he said. "To all the Korean War veterans here today and around the country, I say we remember. "As a nation, we say thank you for the sacrifices you made in our name. "We thank you for the way you turned out to help the people of a nation so thoroughly and illegally invaded by a belligerent neighbour." Opposition veterans' affairs spokesman Darren Chester said the service of Australians in Korea stood as a powerful testament to the nation's commitment to freedom and international co-operation. "We owe a deep debt of gratitude to those who served and to the families who supported them," he said. "Their courage and commitment helped shape the peace we enjoy today." It's believed 1077 Australian veterans of the Korean War are still living. More than 87,000 United Nations soldiers died in Korea, while more than one-and-a-half-million Koreans are believed to have been killed in the conflict. Lifeline 13 11 14 Open Arms 1800 011 046 Former navy pilot Norman Lee makes a touching gesture for his fellow Korean War veterans every time he passes the memorial in the nation's capital. The 95-year-old retired commodore flew many successful bombing missions across North Korea during his service in the conflict. A ceremony was held at the National Korean War Memorial in Canberra on Wednesday to mark the 75th anniversary of Australian service. "I must admit, each time I go past the memorial, I give a salute," Mr Lee said, nodding towards it. "War is a human condition. Man will always be at war, I'm afraid." About 40 veterans who served in the conflict - now with an average age of 93 - attended the commemorative service. Their families wiped away tears during the ceremony, which included readouts by the veterans and their children. During the service, the veterans in attendance were asked to stand up to applause. Australia's defence force chief Admiral David Johnston laid a wreath. South Korea's ambassador to Australia Seungseob Sim, in addition to representatives of other countries that participated in the war, also braved wet and windy conditions to mark the anniversary. The conflict was fought from 1950 to 1953 between North Korea and South Korea, after the former - backed by China and the Soviet Union - invaded its southern neighbour in a bid for reunification under communist rule. More than 18,000 Australians served during the Korean War and post-armistice ceasefire monitoring. The conflict killed 340 Australians, while more than 1200 were wounded. Of those who died, 42 have no known grave. In an address, Veterans' Affairs Minister Matt Keogh paid tribute to the Australians who fought to help South Korea become the prosperous and thriving democracy it is today. "The Korean War is sometimes called the forgotten war," he said. "To all the Korean War veterans here today and around the country, I say we remember. "As a nation, we say thank you for the sacrifices you made in our name. "We thank you for the way you turned out to help the people of a nation so thoroughly and illegally invaded by a belligerent neighbour." Opposition veterans' affairs spokesman Darren Chester said the service of Australians in Korea stood as a powerful testament to the nation's commitment to freedom and international co-operation. "We owe a deep debt of gratitude to those who served and to the families who supported them," he said. "Their courage and commitment helped shape the peace we enjoy today." It's believed 1077 Australian veterans of the Korean War are still living. More than 87,000 United Nations soldiers died in Korea, while more than one-and-a-half-million Koreans are believed to have been killed in the conflict. Lifeline 13 11 14 Open Arms 1800 011 046
Perth Now
11 hours ago
- Politics
- Perth Now
Veterans remembered for service in 'forgotten war'
Former navy pilot Norman Lee makes a touching gesture for his fellow Korean War veterans every time he passes the memorial in the nation's capital. The 95-year-old retired commodore flew many successful bombing missions across North Korea during his service in the conflict. A ceremony was held at the National Korean War Memorial in Canberra on Wednesday to mark the 75th anniversary of Australian service. "I must admit, each time I go past the memorial, I give a salute," Mr Lee said, nodding towards it. "War is a human condition. Man will always be at war, I'm afraid." About 40 veterans who served in the conflict - now with an average age of 93 - attended the commemorative service. Their families wiped away tears during the ceremony, which included readouts by the veterans and their children. During the service, the veterans in attendance were asked to stand up to applause. Australia's defence force chief Admiral David Johnston laid a wreath. South Korea's ambassador to Australia Seungseob Sim, in addition to representatives of other countries that participated in the war, also braved wet and windy conditions to mark the anniversary. The conflict was fought from 1950 to 1953 between North Korea and South Korea, after the former - backed by China and the Soviet Union - invaded its southern neighbour in a bid for reunification under communist rule. More than 18,000 Australians served during the Korean War and post-armistice ceasefire monitoring. The conflict killed 340 Australians, while more than 1200 were wounded. Of those who died, 42 have no known grave. In an address, Veterans' Affairs Minister Matt Keogh paid tribute to the Australians who fought to help South Korea become the prosperous and thriving democracy it is today. "The Korean War is sometimes called the forgotten war," he said. "To all the Korean War veterans here today and around the country, I say we remember. "As a nation, we say thank you for the sacrifices you made in our name. "We thank you for the way you turned out to help the people of a nation so thoroughly and illegally invaded by a belligerent neighbour." Opposition veterans' affairs spokesman Darren Chester said the service of Australians in Korea stood as a powerful testament to the nation's commitment to freedom and international co-operation. "We owe a deep debt of gratitude to those who served and to the families who supported them," he said. "Their courage and commitment helped shape the peace we enjoy today." It's believed 1077 Australian veterans of the Korean War are still living. More than 87,000 United Nations soldiers died in Korea, while more than one-and-a-half-million Koreans are believed to have been killed in the conflict. Lifeline 13 11 14 Open Arms 1800 011 046
The Advertiser
6 days ago
- General
- The Advertiser
Only 27 seconds between life and death, Korean war pilot recalls
Twenty-seven seconds. That was the fine line between life and death for Royal Australian Navy pilot Norman Lee in Korea. The 95-year-old retired Commodore flew 45 bombing missions for No. 817 Squadron during his five-month campaign in the Korean War. The primary objective was to take out roads, railways, bridges and other infrastructure to prevent the enemy from advancing. Piloting Fairey Firefly planes that were not suited to dive bombing, squadron members were tasked with flying low to the ground and dropping bombs by eye using 27-second delay fuses. In the early stages of the campaign, the squadron attacked targets in flights of four aircraft, meaning pilots had just 27 seconds to get in, deliver the bomb and get out before their leader's bombs detonated. "I managed to get in within 27 seconds, so I'm obviously still here," he said. Later, as pilots' skills improved, they started attacking targets with single planes. "Later on, I dropped two 1000-pound bombs into the mouth of a tunnel where they used to park the trains at daytime to keep them safe. "I put the two bombs right into the mouth of the tunnel with delay fuses, which allowed me to escape ... before it blew up." Dropping bombs under such intense pressure sounds like a terrifying experience, but Norman said he had no fear while flying. "You've got to remember I was only 22. (I never) really had enough experience to be scared." Based on aircraft carrier HMAS Sydney, the squadron operated mainly out of the Yellow Sea, off the west coast of Korea. Despite Norman's lack of fear, the dangers were ever present, with enemy ground fire also a constant threat. Two close friends he had gone through training with were shot down on the same day. Luckily, both survived. Others weren't so lucky. Three crew members lost their lives over the course of the squadron's five-month campaign. One lost control of his plane and spun into the Yellow Sea, another was shot down and crashed into the sea, and a third tried to evacuate his aircraft at low altitude, only for his parachute to fail. Despite the constant dangers, Norman feels fortunate compared to others who served. "If you're going to fight a war, the way to do it is from an aircraft carrier. "I would have hated to be a soldier on the ground. It's nice and clean in the air. If you get the chop, you get the chop." Norman served as a Sub Lieutenant in Korea. After the war, he went on to command two ships, attaining the rank of Commodore before retiring from a decorated 33-year career. This year marks the 75th anniversary of the beginning of the Korean War. In the early hours of June 25, 1950, the North Korean People's Army crossed the 38th parallel to invade the Republic of Korea. As North Korean forces streamed towards Seoul, 22 countries joined the United Nations multinational military intervention to defend South Korea, and Australia was among the first countries involved. The Korean War ended on July 27, 1953 when an armistice was signed at Panmunjom. More than 17,000 Australians in the Australian Army, Royal Australian Navy and Royal Australian Air Force served in Korea; 340 Australians died, more than 1200 were wounded, and 30 became prisoners of war. Norman will attend a national service to commemorate the 75th anniversary of Australia's involvement in the Korean War on June 25. The service will take place from 10.30am at the National Korean War Memorial in Canberra. Twenty-seven seconds. That was the fine line between life and death for Royal Australian Navy pilot Norman Lee in Korea. The 95-year-old retired Commodore flew 45 bombing missions for No. 817 Squadron during his five-month campaign in the Korean War. The primary objective was to take out roads, railways, bridges and other infrastructure to prevent the enemy from advancing. Piloting Fairey Firefly planes that were not suited to dive bombing, squadron members were tasked with flying low to the ground and dropping bombs by eye using 27-second delay fuses. In the early stages of the campaign, the squadron attacked targets in flights of four aircraft, meaning pilots had just 27 seconds to get in, deliver the bomb and get out before their leader's bombs detonated. "I managed to get in within 27 seconds, so I'm obviously still here," he said. Later, as pilots' skills improved, they started attacking targets with single planes. "Later on, I dropped two 1000-pound bombs into the mouth of a tunnel where they used to park the trains at daytime to keep them safe. "I put the two bombs right into the mouth of the tunnel with delay fuses, which allowed me to escape ... before it blew up." Dropping bombs under such intense pressure sounds like a terrifying experience, but Norman said he had no fear while flying. "You've got to remember I was only 22. (I never) really had enough experience to be scared." Based on aircraft carrier HMAS Sydney, the squadron operated mainly out of the Yellow Sea, off the west coast of Korea. Despite Norman's lack of fear, the dangers were ever present, with enemy ground fire also a constant threat. Two close friends he had gone through training with were shot down on the same day. Luckily, both survived. Others weren't so lucky. Three crew members lost their lives over the course of the squadron's five-month campaign. One lost control of his plane and spun into the Yellow Sea, another was shot down and crashed into the sea, and a third tried to evacuate his aircraft at low altitude, only for his parachute to fail. Despite the constant dangers, Norman feels fortunate compared to others who served. "If you're going to fight a war, the way to do it is from an aircraft carrier. "I would have hated to be a soldier on the ground. It's nice and clean in the air. If you get the chop, you get the chop." Norman served as a Sub Lieutenant in Korea. After the war, he went on to command two ships, attaining the rank of Commodore before retiring from a decorated 33-year career. This year marks the 75th anniversary of the beginning of the Korean War. In the early hours of June 25, 1950, the North Korean People's Army crossed the 38th parallel to invade the Republic of Korea. As North Korean forces streamed towards Seoul, 22 countries joined the United Nations multinational military intervention to defend South Korea, and Australia was among the first countries involved. The Korean War ended on July 27, 1953 when an armistice was signed at Panmunjom. More than 17,000 Australians in the Australian Army, Royal Australian Navy and Royal Australian Air Force served in Korea; 340 Australians died, more than 1200 were wounded, and 30 became prisoners of war. Norman will attend a national service to commemorate the 75th anniversary of Australia's involvement in the Korean War on June 25. The service will take place from 10.30am at the National Korean War Memorial in Canberra. Twenty-seven seconds. That was the fine line between life and death for Royal Australian Navy pilot Norman Lee in Korea. The 95-year-old retired Commodore flew 45 bombing missions for No. 817 Squadron during his five-month campaign in the Korean War. The primary objective was to take out roads, railways, bridges and other infrastructure to prevent the enemy from advancing. Piloting Fairey Firefly planes that were not suited to dive bombing, squadron members were tasked with flying low to the ground and dropping bombs by eye using 27-second delay fuses. In the early stages of the campaign, the squadron attacked targets in flights of four aircraft, meaning pilots had just 27 seconds to get in, deliver the bomb and get out before their leader's bombs detonated. "I managed to get in within 27 seconds, so I'm obviously still here," he said. Later, as pilots' skills improved, they started attacking targets with single planes. "Later on, I dropped two 1000-pound bombs into the mouth of a tunnel where they used to park the trains at daytime to keep them safe. "I put the two bombs right into the mouth of the tunnel with delay fuses, which allowed me to escape ... before it blew up." Dropping bombs under such intense pressure sounds like a terrifying experience, but Norman said he had no fear while flying. "You've got to remember I was only 22. (I never) really had enough experience to be scared." Based on aircraft carrier HMAS Sydney, the squadron operated mainly out of the Yellow Sea, off the west coast of Korea. Despite Norman's lack of fear, the dangers were ever present, with enemy ground fire also a constant threat. Two close friends he had gone through training with were shot down on the same day. Luckily, both survived. Others weren't so lucky. Three crew members lost their lives over the course of the squadron's five-month campaign. One lost control of his plane and spun into the Yellow Sea, another was shot down and crashed into the sea, and a third tried to evacuate his aircraft at low altitude, only for his parachute to fail. Despite the constant dangers, Norman feels fortunate compared to others who served. "If you're going to fight a war, the way to do it is from an aircraft carrier. "I would have hated to be a soldier on the ground. It's nice and clean in the air. If you get the chop, you get the chop." Norman served as a Sub Lieutenant in Korea. After the war, he went on to command two ships, attaining the rank of Commodore before retiring from a decorated 33-year career. This year marks the 75th anniversary of the beginning of the Korean War. In the early hours of June 25, 1950, the North Korean People's Army crossed the 38th parallel to invade the Republic of Korea. As North Korean forces streamed towards Seoul, 22 countries joined the United Nations multinational military intervention to defend South Korea, and Australia was among the first countries involved. The Korean War ended on July 27, 1953 when an armistice was signed at Panmunjom. More than 17,000 Australians in the Australian Army, Royal Australian Navy and Royal Australian Air Force served in Korea; 340 Australians died, more than 1200 were wounded, and 30 became prisoners of war. Norman will attend a national service to commemorate the 75th anniversary of Australia's involvement in the Korean War on June 25. The service will take place from 10.30am at the National Korean War Memorial in Canberra. Twenty-seven seconds. That was the fine line between life and death for Royal Australian Navy pilot Norman Lee in Korea. The 95-year-old retired Commodore flew 45 bombing missions for No. 817 Squadron during his five-month campaign in the Korean War. The primary objective was to take out roads, railways, bridges and other infrastructure to prevent the enemy from advancing. Piloting Fairey Firefly planes that were not suited to dive bombing, squadron members were tasked with flying low to the ground and dropping bombs by eye using 27-second delay fuses. In the early stages of the campaign, the squadron attacked targets in flights of four aircraft, meaning pilots had just 27 seconds to get in, deliver the bomb and get out before their leader's bombs detonated. "I managed to get in within 27 seconds, so I'm obviously still here," he said. Later, as pilots' skills improved, they started attacking targets with single planes. "Later on, I dropped two 1000-pound bombs into the mouth of a tunnel where they used to park the trains at daytime to keep them safe. "I put the two bombs right into the mouth of the tunnel with delay fuses, which allowed me to escape ... before it blew up." Dropping bombs under such intense pressure sounds like a terrifying experience, but Norman said he had no fear while flying. "You've got to remember I was only 22. (I never) really had enough experience to be scared." Based on aircraft carrier HMAS Sydney, the squadron operated mainly out of the Yellow Sea, off the west coast of Korea. Despite Norman's lack of fear, the dangers were ever present, with enemy ground fire also a constant threat. Two close friends he had gone through training with were shot down on the same day. Luckily, both survived. Others weren't so lucky. Three crew members lost their lives over the course of the squadron's five-month campaign. One lost control of his plane and spun into the Yellow Sea, another was shot down and crashed into the sea, and a third tried to evacuate his aircraft at low altitude, only for his parachute to fail. Despite the constant dangers, Norman feels fortunate compared to others who served. "If you're going to fight a war, the way to do it is from an aircraft carrier. "I would have hated to be a soldier on the ground. It's nice and clean in the air. If you get the chop, you get the chop." Norman served as a Sub Lieutenant in Korea. After the war, he went on to command two ships, attaining the rank of Commodore before retiring from a decorated 33-year career. This year marks the 75th anniversary of the beginning of the Korean War. In the early hours of June 25, 1950, the North Korean People's Army crossed the 38th parallel to invade the Republic of Korea. As North Korean forces streamed towards Seoul, 22 countries joined the United Nations multinational military intervention to defend South Korea, and Australia was among the first countries involved. The Korean War ended on July 27, 1953 when an armistice was signed at Panmunjom. More than 17,000 Australians in the Australian Army, Royal Australian Navy and Royal Australian Air Force served in Korea; 340 Australians died, more than 1200 were wounded, and 30 became prisoners of war. Norman will attend a national service to commemorate the 75th anniversary of Australia's involvement in the Korean War on June 25. The service will take place from 10.30am at the National Korean War Memorial in Canberra.
The Advertiser
15-06-2025
- General
- The Advertiser
'Only 22': Korean war pilot kept cool in face of bomb blasts and enemy fire
27 seconds. That was the fine line between life and death for Royal Australian Navy pilot Norman Lee in Korea. The 95-year-old retired Commodore flew 45 bombing missions for No.817 Squadron during his five-month campaign in the Korean War. The primary objective was to take out roads, railways, bridges and other infrastructure to prevent the enemy from advancing. Read more from The Senior Piloting Fairey Firefly planes that were not suited to dive bombing, squadron members were tasked with flying low to the ground and dropping bombs by eye using 27-second delay fuses. In the early stages of the campaign, the squadron attacked targets in flights of four aircraft, meaning pilots had just 27 seconds to get in, deliver the bomb and get out before their leader's bombs detonated. "I managed to get in within 27 seconds, so I'm obviously still here," he said. Later, as pilots' skills improved, they started attacking targets with single planes. "Later on, I dropped two 1000-pound bombs into the mouth of a tunnel where they used to park the trains at daytime to keep them safe. "I put the two bombs right into the mouth of the tunnel with delay fuses, which allowed me to escape... before it blew up." Dropping bombs under such intense pressure sounds like a terrifying experience, but Norman said he had no fear while flying. "You've got to remember I was only 22. (I never) really had enough experience to be scared." Based on aircraft carrier HMAS Sydney, the squadron operated mainly out of the Yellow Sea, off the west coast of Korea. Despite Norman's lack of fear, the dangers were ever present, with enemy ground fire also a constant threat. Two close friends he had gone through training with were shot down on the same day. Luckily, both survived. Others weren't so lucky. Three crew members lost their lives over the course of the squadron's five-month campaign. One lost control of his plane and spun into the Yellow Sea, another was shot down and crashed into the sea, and a third tried to evacuate his aircraft at low altitude, only for his parachute to fail. Despite the constant dangers, Norman feels fortunate compared to others who served. "If you're going to fight a war, the way to do it is from an aircraft carrier. "I would have hated to be a soldier on the ground. It's nice and clean in the air. If you get the chop, you get the chop." Norman served as a Sub Lieutenant in Korea. Following the war, he went on to command two ships, attaining the rank of Commodore before retiring following a decorated 33-year career. Norman will attend a national service to commemorate the 75th anniversary of Australia's involvement in the Korean War on June 25. The service will take place from 10.30am at the National Korean War Memorial in Canberra. Share your thoughts in the comments below, or send a Letter to the Editor by CLICKING HERE. 27 seconds. That was the fine line between life and death for Royal Australian Navy pilot Norman Lee in Korea. The 95-year-old retired Commodore flew 45 bombing missions for No.817 Squadron during his five-month campaign in the Korean War. The primary objective was to take out roads, railways, bridges and other infrastructure to prevent the enemy from advancing. Read more from The Senior Piloting Fairey Firefly planes that were not suited to dive bombing, squadron members were tasked with flying low to the ground and dropping bombs by eye using 27-second delay fuses. In the early stages of the campaign, the squadron attacked targets in flights of four aircraft, meaning pilots had just 27 seconds to get in, deliver the bomb and get out before their leader's bombs detonated. "I managed to get in within 27 seconds, so I'm obviously still here," he said. Later, as pilots' skills improved, they started attacking targets with single planes. "Later on, I dropped two 1000-pound bombs into the mouth of a tunnel where they used to park the trains at daytime to keep them safe. "I put the two bombs right into the mouth of the tunnel with delay fuses, which allowed me to escape... before it blew up." Dropping bombs under such intense pressure sounds like a terrifying experience, but Norman said he had no fear while flying. "You've got to remember I was only 22. (I never) really had enough experience to be scared." Based on aircraft carrier HMAS Sydney, the squadron operated mainly out of the Yellow Sea, off the west coast of Korea. Despite Norman's lack of fear, the dangers were ever present, with enemy ground fire also a constant threat. Two close friends he had gone through training with were shot down on the same day. Luckily, both survived. Others weren't so lucky. Three crew members lost their lives over the course of the squadron's five-month campaign. One lost control of his plane and spun into the Yellow Sea, another was shot down and crashed into the sea, and a third tried to evacuate his aircraft at low altitude, only for his parachute to fail. Despite the constant dangers, Norman feels fortunate compared to others who served. "If you're going to fight a war, the way to do it is from an aircraft carrier. "I would have hated to be a soldier on the ground. It's nice and clean in the air. If you get the chop, you get the chop." Norman served as a Sub Lieutenant in Korea. Following the war, he went on to command two ships, attaining the rank of Commodore before retiring following a decorated 33-year career. Norman will attend a national service to commemorate the 75th anniversary of Australia's involvement in the Korean War on June 25. The service will take place from 10.30am at the National Korean War Memorial in Canberra. Share your thoughts in the comments below, or send a Letter to the Editor by CLICKING HERE. 27 seconds. That was the fine line between life and death for Royal Australian Navy pilot Norman Lee in Korea. The 95-year-old retired Commodore flew 45 bombing missions for No.817 Squadron during his five-month campaign in the Korean War. The primary objective was to take out roads, railways, bridges and other infrastructure to prevent the enemy from advancing. Read more from The Senior Piloting Fairey Firefly planes that were not suited to dive bombing, squadron members were tasked with flying low to the ground and dropping bombs by eye using 27-second delay fuses. In the early stages of the campaign, the squadron attacked targets in flights of four aircraft, meaning pilots had just 27 seconds to get in, deliver the bomb and get out before their leader's bombs detonated. "I managed to get in within 27 seconds, so I'm obviously still here," he said. Later, as pilots' skills improved, they started attacking targets with single planes. "Later on, I dropped two 1000-pound bombs into the mouth of a tunnel where they used to park the trains at daytime to keep them safe. "I put the two bombs right into the mouth of the tunnel with delay fuses, which allowed me to escape... before it blew up." Dropping bombs under such intense pressure sounds like a terrifying experience, but Norman said he had no fear while flying. "You've got to remember I was only 22. (I never) really had enough experience to be scared." Based on aircraft carrier HMAS Sydney, the squadron operated mainly out of the Yellow Sea, off the west coast of Korea. Despite Norman's lack of fear, the dangers were ever present, with enemy ground fire also a constant threat. Two close friends he had gone through training with were shot down on the same day. Luckily, both survived. Others weren't so lucky. Three crew members lost their lives over the course of the squadron's five-month campaign. One lost control of his plane and spun into the Yellow Sea, another was shot down and crashed into the sea, and a third tried to evacuate his aircraft at low altitude, only for his parachute to fail. Despite the constant dangers, Norman feels fortunate compared to others who served. "If you're going to fight a war, the way to do it is from an aircraft carrier. "I would have hated to be a soldier on the ground. It's nice and clean in the air. If you get the chop, you get the chop." Norman served as a Sub Lieutenant in Korea. Following the war, he went on to command two ships, attaining the rank of Commodore before retiring following a decorated 33-year career. Norman will attend a national service to commemorate the 75th anniversary of Australia's involvement in the Korean War on June 25. The service will take place from 10.30am at the National Korean War Memorial in Canberra. Share your thoughts in the comments below, or send a Letter to the Editor by CLICKING HERE. 27 seconds. That was the fine line between life and death for Royal Australian Navy pilot Norman Lee in Korea. The 95-year-old retired Commodore flew 45 bombing missions for No.817 Squadron during his five-month campaign in the Korean War. The primary objective was to take out roads, railways, bridges and other infrastructure to prevent the enemy from advancing. Read more from The Senior Piloting Fairey Firefly planes that were not suited to dive bombing, squadron members were tasked with flying low to the ground and dropping bombs by eye using 27-second delay fuses. In the early stages of the campaign, the squadron attacked targets in flights of four aircraft, meaning pilots had just 27 seconds to get in, deliver the bomb and get out before their leader's bombs detonated. "I managed to get in within 27 seconds, so I'm obviously still here," he said. Later, as pilots' skills improved, they started attacking targets with single planes. "Later on, I dropped two 1000-pound bombs into the mouth of a tunnel where they used to park the trains at daytime to keep them safe. "I put the two bombs right into the mouth of the tunnel with delay fuses, which allowed me to escape... before it blew up." Dropping bombs under such intense pressure sounds like a terrifying experience, but Norman said he had no fear while flying. "You've got to remember I was only 22. (I never) really had enough experience to be scared." Based on aircraft carrier HMAS Sydney, the squadron operated mainly out of the Yellow Sea, off the west coast of Korea. Despite Norman's lack of fear, the dangers were ever present, with enemy ground fire also a constant threat. Two close friends he had gone through training with were shot down on the same day. Luckily, both survived. Others weren't so lucky. Three crew members lost their lives over the course of the squadron's five-month campaign. One lost control of his plane and spun into the Yellow Sea, another was shot down and crashed into the sea, and a third tried to evacuate his aircraft at low altitude, only for his parachute to fail. Despite the constant dangers, Norman feels fortunate compared to others who served. "If you're going to fight a war, the way to do it is from an aircraft carrier. "I would have hated to be a soldier on the ground. It's nice and clean in the air. If you get the chop, you get the chop." Norman served as a Sub Lieutenant in Korea. Following the war, he went on to command two ships, attaining the rank of Commodore before retiring following a decorated 33-year career. Norman will attend a national service to commemorate the 75th anniversary of Australia's involvement in the Korean War on June 25. The service will take place from 10.30am at the National Korean War Memorial in Canberra. Share your thoughts in the comments below, or send a Letter to the Editor by CLICKING HERE.
