Colonel Karl L. Polifka
U.S. Army Air Force (USAAF) and U.S. Air Force (USAF)

Background
Karl Lewis Polifka was born December 1, 1910 to parents Charles W. Polifka and Paulina (née Karlin) Polifka in Raton, New Mexico. Enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps (USAAC). During 1938 stationed at Randolph Field. On June 20, 1941 became part of U.S. Army Air Force (USAAF).

Wartime History
On February 11, 1942 Captain Karl Polifka became the first Commanding Officer (C. O.) of the 8th Photographic Squadron (8th PS). In late 1942, assigned F-4 "Fainting Floozie II" 41-2123.

Later, assigned to the 12th Air Force (12th AF), 3rd Reconnaissance Group (3rd RG) in the Mediterranean Theater of Operations (MTO).

Korean War
During the Korean War, promoted to the rank of Colonel and became Commanding Officer (C.O.) of the 67th Tactical Reconnaissance Wing (67th TRW).

Mission History
On July 1, 1951 took off piloting F-51D Mustang 44-74638 on a combat mission and was shot down by a direct hit from anti-aircraft fire and crashed west of Kaesong in North Korea and was killed on impact.

Memorials
Polifka was officially declared dead the day of the mission. He is buried at Golden Gate National Cemetery at section G, row G2, site 2176-A

Awards
Polifka earned the Distinguished Service Cross (DSC) for his actions on November 26, 1943 on a reconnaissance mission over Mount Maggiori in Italy. He also earned the Silver Star with Oak Leaf Cluster, Legion of Merit with Oak Leaf Cluster for his service January–June 1944, Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) with Oak Leaf Cluster, Air Medal, Combat Readiness Medal and Purple Heart, posthumously.

Relatives
Helen (née Grigg) Polifka (wife died January 18, 2006 at age 94)

References
FindAGrave - COL Karl Lewis “Pop” Polifka Sr. (photos, grave photos, Distinguished Service Cross citation)

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