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Major Asla was a veteran of World War II.
In Korea,
he was the pilot of a F-86 Sabrejet Fighter Bomber and the squadron
commander of the 336th Fighter Interceptor Squadron (Rocketeers),
4th Fighter Interceptor Group. He had served in Korea for two tours.
On August
1, 1952, while on a combat mission over Sakchu, Korea, his flight
of two F-86s was attacked by two MiGs. His aircraft was hit and lost
a wing. He was listed as Missing in Action and was presumed dead on
December 31, 1953. Through interrogation of the Soviet pilot, MiG-15
ace Nikolai Ivanov, who shot Major Asla, it was determined that he
had perished. Major Asla served as commander of the 336th Fighter
Interceptor Squadron. Had shot down 4 MiGs prior to his loss and had
completed 125 missions.
He left behind
a wife and two children in Oregon.
Silver Star Citation
Awarded for actions during the Korean War
The President
of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July
9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major Felix
Asla, Jr., United States Air Force, for gallantry in action against
an enemy of the United Nations as Flight Leader of four F-86 type
aircraft, 336th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron, 4th Fighter-Interceptor
Group, FIFTH Air Force, on 1 April 1952. While Major Asla and his
flight were engaging six MIG-15s, they were attacked by another enemy
flight. His wingman sustained a direct hit which destroyed nearly
half the left wing. Despite being constantly under direct fire, Major
Asla protected his wingman by turning into every pass made against
the crippled F-86 by pairs of MIG-15s and successfully countered every
thrust, damaging two of the enemy aircraft. Even though he knew his
fuel was insufficient for his return to base, Major Asla continued
his protective tactics until his wingman could bail out in a safe
area. He then climbed to thirty eight thousand feet, glided back to
friendly territory, and made a successful air-start, landing with
less than twenty gallons of fuel.
Through his
selfless courage, skillful airmanship, and outstanding devotion to
duty, Major Asla reflected great credit upon himself, the Far East
Air Forces, and the United States Air Force.
General Orders:
Headquarters, Far East Air Forces, General Orders No. 278 (June 6,
1952) Action Date: 1-Apr-52
Service: Air Force
Rank: Major
Company: 336th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron
Regiment: 4th Fighter-Interceptor Group
Division: 5th Air Force
