Who was the B29 tail gunner that shot down two MiGs on 12 April 1951?

The correct answer is Sergeant Billie Beach, who served as a tail gunner on a B-29 Superfortress during the Korean War. On April 12, 1951, he earned recognition in aviation history by shooting down two MiG-15 aircraft during a combat mission. This event stands out as a significant achievement because it was relatively rare for tail gunners in bombers to engage successfully with enemy jets during a time when air combat was dominated by fighter aircraft. Billie Beach's exploits showcased not only his marksmanship but also the versatility and combat capabilities of the B-29, which, while primarily a strategic bomber, could participate effectively in air-to-air engagements as well. This conferred pride and inspiration within the Air Force community and is particularly remembered during discussions of aircrew contributions in the Korean War.