Comments on: Captain James Jabara: Ace of the Korean War

By: Glenn W. Morton

Glenn W. Morton — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 18:21:37 +0000

While my father was stationed at Scott AFB during 1951-52 we were moved to a new base housing area right across the street from Jabara's new quarters. One day there was a knock at our door and Jim was in need of help. He explained he had lost power in part of his home and didn't know how to get it back on. We went to the power box in the pantry and I opened the box and flipped the breaker back on. (breakers were a new item back then). With a wink, Jim made me promise not to tell anyone about his problem.
He was a great guy and I am sure that by now his "secret" won't matter.

By: Robert Terbet Jr.

Robert Terbet Jr. — Wed, 12 Jan 2011 23:51:03 +0000

When my Air Force career ended in 1966 I was an F-100 pilot in the 31st Tac Ftr Wing at Homestead AFB,FL. Colonel Jabara was the Wing Commander and he was the last officer I had a conversation with. He was very well respected and news of his tragic accident was a blow to all who knew and flew with him. It is my understanding that his daughter is buried with him at Arlington. He was one of the good ones.

By: steven a rolfe

steven a rolfe — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 23:06:20 +0000

i am proud to have known jim at an early age. my father and jim were friends at yuma . jim is my younger brothers godfather as i have been told by my mother (MRS AUDREY ROLFE). I STILL REMEMBER THAT BIG CIGAR HE USE TO SMOKE AND CHEW. always gracious and happy as i remember. i was very young but he was a giant to me . GOD BLESS JIM AND FAMILY.

By: Harold Moore

Harold Moore — Fri, 28 May 2010 18:35:08 +0000

I was at Homestead AFB asssigned to the weather detachment from 1963 to 1967.
At the time we were using a converted B29 bomb sight as a weather radar, and it was hanging from the ceiling for the pilots to view.
Since Col. Jabara was somewhat shorter than most, we would be alerted prior to his arrival, and an orange crate would magically appear for him to stand on and view the local area radar.
We had F4's at the time and the majority of the pilots would make a leisurely ascent upon takeoff. Col. Jabara took great delight in standing the bird on its tail as soon as the gear was up, and disappearing into the blue.
We were all shocked the day the news arrived that he had died in the auto accident.

By: Charles Kemp

Charles Kemp — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 00:44:35 +0000

My father (Salvadore W. Kemp) flew sabres with Jabara in MiG Alley; he referred to him as one of the bravest men he's ever known.

By: THOMAS NANCE

THOMAS NANCE — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 01:14:50 +0000

I was under Maj. Jabara's command in Yuma Az. I processed his gunnery
film. Being that it was a training base. He used to say to me " we killem
with Fillem". When I had an emergency at home, he saw to it that I was
able to get that emergency leave. I always admired him and was sad to
find out of his demise. I often talk about him. Thank God for haven been able to serve under him.

By: A. Fornos

A. Fornos — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 23:50:20 +0000

I was in grammar school when Col Jabara became the world's first jet ace. Three things strike me about this individual, which is typical of the way things used to be:
First his father was a Lebanese immigrant. He was all of 5'-5". And, finally, he was from Oklahoma/Kansas. The stuff of the "typical" classic American. Where have all those heroes gone?

By: Paul R. Jones

Paul R. Jones — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 07:19:16 +0000

From the day I first saw (then) Maj Jabara's photo in the World Book Encyclopedia, and the definition of War Aces, he became my hero. He inspired me to be a flyer. He represented what an American hero used to be. Until we get rid of the political correctness police and American apologists like Jimmy Carter and their ilk, we will never be the great and feared USA, and the likes of James Jabara will not be allowed to reemerge. Rest in Peace, Sir. You served us well. You are the last of your breed.

By: Peter Knutson

Peter Knutson — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 01:32:53 +0000

I thank you for your service Capt. Jabara