75 years ago on this day (1951): during the Korean War, 27-year-old Captain James Jabara of Wichita shot down two more Soviet-built Mig15s, his fifth and sixth victories, thus becoming the first American in history to use jet aircraft to become a flying ace.
To be designated an official flying ace, a military pilot must achieve five or more confirmed aerial combat kills; the term originated during World War I, and this benchmark has remained the standard for air forces across the globe.
On that day, two flights of F-86 Sabres encountered multiple MiG-15s in MiG Alley, over the skies in the northwestern portion of North Korea; two additional flights of Sabres joined the battle, including Jabara.
Jabara and the other F-86 pilots were ordered to jettison their auxiliary fuel tanks to improve their maneuverability; Jabara's right fuel tank failed to separate from his wing, and protocol required he return to base as the aircraft would be impeded by the extra weight and imbalance, and limit his potential to match off with a MiG. However, Jabara decided to continue to the air battle, where he was able to handle his plane well enough to be credited with shooting down two MiG-15s with .50 caliber machine gun fire.
Airpower mavericks like Capt. James "Jabby" Jabara, the first jet vs jet fighter ace, were instrumental in providing air superiority throughout the Korean War.
— U.S. Air Force (@usairforce) June 17, 2025
Approaching 75 years after the start of the conflict, we remember his legacy!#KoreanWar75 pic.twitter.com/qO1sZocbgj
The battle lasted for 20 minutes. While returning to base, Jabara's plane was so low on fuel, he turned off the engine and glided towards the base before turning it on prior to landing.
The mission was his 63rd Korean mission of an eventual 163; he was awarded a Distinguished Service Cross, the nation's second-highest decoration.
1951: James Jabara earns his fifth and sixth victories in the skies over Korea and becomes the world's first jet ace. pic.twitter.com/YS0K75MNFm
— Air Force Historical Foundation (@AFHF) May 20, 2023
Against his wishes, Jabara received a stateside leave for a publicity tour; the Jabara family grocery store in Wichita was filled with people for days, and both he and his father John appeared on local and national radio and television. Wichita mounted one of its most-attended parades in the city's history in his honor.
Jabara was even sent on a goodwill tour with his father through the Middle East, giving a speech in his father's hometown of Marjayoun, Lebanon.
Film newsreels included footage of his aircraft and other accolades included his own song ("That Jabara Bird").
Jabara was eventually ranked as the second-highest-scoring U.S. ace of the Korean War.
