Verster , Jesse Powell (J P)

2Lt J.P. Verster was reported overdue while ferrying an aircraft between the airfields at K-10 and K-16. The following day a report was received, stating that a wrecked aircraft had been found north east of Sosan. A Korean eye witness said that the aircraft, trailing black smoke, had approached at an altitude of 100 feet before suddenly nose diving into the ground. The pilot had attempted to bale out but was too late, and had been killed. He was buried by the Koreans, who also placed a cross and two wreaths on his grave. 2Lt Verster's body was later recovered and buried in the UN cemetery at Pusan.

I never new Uncle Jessie personally. He was my Grandfathers brother. My family is extremely proud of Uncle Jessie and of all the other family members that served in the South African Air force with such distinction and honour. I know that my Grandmother insisted on a plate of remembrance for Uncle Jessie, this plate has been placed at the military cemetery at Voortrekker Hoogte just outside Pretoria. I obtained the following text from the US Air force 18th Fighter Wing website. Uncle Jessie flew for the Second Squadron of the SAAF that fell under the command of the USAF 18th Fighter Wing Command. Second squadron was also know as the ?Flying Cheethas? . Uncle Jessie you have not been forgotten! "Lieutenant Jessie Verster was part of an interesting mission in late June, ?51, in which he accompanied John Howe and Larry Eager on a dangerous close-support flight led by Gus Marshall. They had taken off from Seoul?s K-16, airstrip, set course for a planned interdiction mission north-east of Kaesong. While enroute they heard a Mosquito controller desperately calling for help, whereby Marshall diverted his flight to respond to the Mosquito, who guided them to a large concentration of Communist troops on the south bank of the Imjin River. The enemy was entrenched in difficult terrain, and armed with automatic weapons and anti-aircraft batteries. Marshall led the flight on a number of skillfully guided, coordinated attacks, through flak so heavy that they expected certain casualties amongst the SAAF flight, and instructed a USAF flight to standby to cover any rescue operations that might become necessary. Both Verster and Howe were amazed at their successful survival, and all four were later decorated for their splendid performance on that particular mission. Gus Marshall received the US Distinguished Flying Cross, and the other pilots received well-earned Air Medals for their efforts. Just a few days later, on 1 July, 1951, Jessie Verster was to ferry a Mustang from K-10 to K-16 at Seoul, but failed to arrive as scheduled. On the following day No. 2 Squadron was advised that the wreckage of his Mustang, No. 328, had been found north-east of Sosan. A Korean eyewitness said he had seen the aircraft pouring black smoke, come to within 100 feet of the ground when it suddenly dove nose first into the ground. According to witnesses, Lt. Verster had attempted to jump, but was too late. The Koreans made a coffin and buried the body. After as service they placed a cross and two wreaths on the grave. Jessie Vester?s body was later recovered and reburied in the United Nations Cemetery at Pusan, South Korea." JP Verster(Jnr)