North American F-86E Sabre - US Air Force

Product description

The North American F-86 Sabre was manufactured from 1949 – 1956 and was America’s first
swept-wing fighter. As well as being built in the U.S. variants were built in Canada and Australia
bringing the total of all variants manufactured to 9,860 units. During the Korean War the Sabre
arrived to take on the other swept-wing aircraft of the conflict, the MiG-15 Fagot. The Americans
claim they shot down 792 MiGs while only losing 78 Sabres, a 10:1 victory ratio which is greatly
disputed.

In March 1952 Charles “Chick” Cleveland left the 31st Strategic Fighter Wing and deployed to
Korea with the 334th FIS/4th FIW at Kimpo AB, South Korea. During his nine month tour flying an
F-86E Cleveland is credited with 5 aerial victories as well as 1 probable and 4 damaged.
Cleveland’s fifth victory wasn’t made official for almost 50 years because his wingman of the day
was killed and couldn’t verify this. It was only when Russia admitted aircraft losses on that date
that the fifth victory was officially credited.