Ep 20. Korea: Stalin's Secret Air War

During the Korean War, the Soviet Union secretly provided air support to the North Korean and Chinese armies. In episode 20 of season 1 of "Secrets of War," titled "Korea: Stalin's Secret Air War," the show dives into this little-known aspect of the conflict and reveals the various strategies and tactics used by Stalin's Air Force.

The episode begins by providing some background information on the Korean War, which began in 1950 after the North Korean army invaded South Korea. While the United States and its allies intervened on behalf of the South Koreans, the Soviet Union and China supported the North Koreans. However, the show focuses specifically on the Soviet Union's involvement and its use of air power.

One of the first things the episode reveals is how the Soviet Union was able to keep its involvement in the war a secret for so long. In order to hide its aircraft and pilots, the Soviet Air Force used a variety of tactics, such as disguising their planes with North Korean markings or flying them at night under the cover of darkness. Additionally, Soviet pilots were instructed not to speak to anyone, including their North Korean and Chinese allies, in any language other than Russian.

The episode then goes on to describe some of the specific aircraft and tactics used by the Soviet Union. For example, the Soviets used their powerful Il-10 ground-attack aircraft to devastating effect, raining down bombs and rockets on South Korean and American troops. They also used their Yak-9 fighter planes to engage in dogfights with American planes, often flying in close proximity to their enemies before opening fire.

One of the most interesting aspects of the episode is the exploration of the psychology of the Soviet pilots. Many of them were young men who had been conscripted into the Air Force and sent to fight a war in a foreign country. Despite facing overwhelming odds and being vastly outnumbered by the Americans, they remained determined and focused on their mission. The episode provides interviews with some of these pilots, who describe the fear and adrenaline rush of engaging in combat.

Ultimately, the episode reveals how the Soviet Union's air support played a significant role in the Korean War, even if it was kept secret at the time. Soviet pilots destroyed numerous American planes and inflicted heavy casualties on their ground troops, proving that the Soviet Air Force was a formidable opponent. And while the Soviet Union never openly acknowledged its involvement in the war, the episode suggests that it was a source of pride for the pilots who fought there.

Overall, "Korea: Stalin's Secret Air War" is a fascinating look at a little-known aspect of the Korean War. The episode's mix of archival footage, interviews with veterans, and expert analysis provides a comprehensive picture of the Soviet Union's airpower during the conflict, and sheds light on a part of history that has often been overlooked.