What did the declassified documents reveal?

From Declassified, a storyflo podcast. This declassified Central Intelligence Agency record from May of nineteen-fifty-two reports on a field visit to the Far East Air Force, highlighting significant challenges and recommendations for US air operations during the Korean War. This document is available on The Black Vault at documents2.theblackvault.com. This document was released under the Freedom of Information Act, though no specific case number is cited. Its declassification authority is not explicitly stated within the public release. It bears a Top Secret marking, with a cross-reference to the Central Intelligence Agency. The document opens with a memorandum for Gerhart Gibson, dated May thirteenth, nineteen-fifty-two, from Major General Ramey, Director of Operations, D-C-S/O, United States Air Force. It states: "This is a good report and I endorse taking action indicated, with possible exception of direction from this headquarters relative to war effort. I think consistent and sufficient direction exists to continue effort to the extent of ability." The attached document, "Report of Field Visit to F-E-A-F (Thirty-first March - Twenty-ninth April nineteen-fifty-two)," provides information on matters discussed at various headquarters, and where appropriate, conclusions and actions to be taken. Under "Headquarters, Far East Air Force," it states: "Mission. Discussions with General Smart, D/O, F-E-A-F, and other officers indicate conclusively that C-G F-E-A-F requires additional guidance as to what F-E-A-F should attempt to accomplish vis-a-vis the enemy at the present time. The reason for this requirement is simply that it is realized that under existing conditions, many valuable U-S-A-F resources are being expended without commensurate return. F-E-A-F's dilemma may be described as follows: A. With Army activity restricted to patrol activity, close support sorties are needed for training purposes only. B. The effectiveness of the Interdiction program (a subject on which there are almost as many opinions as people) is certainly seriously limited by the fact that: (1) The enemy can supply his units with a certain amount of materiel, regardless of F-E-A-F's efforts. (2) With no Army pressure requiring the enemy to expend large quantities of materiel, the enemy can continue his small scale present operations indefinitely and may, in fact, be able to build up for future operations. C. Air superiority operations under present restrictions can amount to little more than training for fighter units. D. The obvious question arises, therefore: Should F-E-A-F in effect stand down with the Army? The military aspects of this problem appear to provide an affirmative answer to the question. Other aspects may be overriding. Conclusion: Serious question exists as to whether the expenditure of valuable U-S-A-F resources with only a limited military return possible, should be continued. Because of the fact that aspects of this problem other than military exist…

Why was this case declassified?

This material entered the public record through the U.S. declassification and Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) process. The originating source document is linked on this page so the citation chain is auditable.

CIA From Declassified, A Storyflo Podcast.

◆ BLUF — The short version

From Declassified, a storyflo podcast. This declassified Central Intelligence Agency record from May of nineteen-fifty-two reports on a field visit to the Far East Air Force, highlighting significant challenges and recommendations for US air operations during the Korean War. com.

Date: OCT 11 · 2026
Release: Declassified · U.S. public record (FOIA)
Source document: View the primary source document

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What was CIA From Declassified, A Storyflo Podcast. about?: From Declassified, a storyflo podcast. This declassified Central Intelligence Agency record from May of nineteen-fifty-two reports on a field visit to the Far East Air Force, highlighting significant challenges and recommendations for US air operations during the Korean War. com.
Why was this case declassified?: This material entered the public record through the U.S. declassification and Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) process. Storyflo narrates it directly from the public release.

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