A new exhibit at the National Air Force Museum will feature the sacrifices made by Canadian aircrews who served during the Korean War.

The exhibit will officially open Friday during a special ceremony scheduled for 11 a.m.

Men and women of the RCAF were involved in the Korean War starting in 1950. This was the first joint mission of the Allied Forces in Eastern Asia against the increasing risk of Soviet communism in this part of the world.

Canadians served with either 426 Squadron, tasked to perform transport duties during the conflict, or with the United States Air force units, who carried out numerous missions over the skies of the Korean Peninsula.

Flight nurses, pilots, load masters or ground crew contributed to the war effort during Operation Hawk from 1950 to 1954.

The exhibit features a number of paintings, prints and artifacts related to the beginning of the conflict.

Executive director Lt.-Col (Ret'd) Chris Colton said the museum is "excited to be able to present the public with this unique look at an important part of Canadian Air Force history."

About 15 Korean War veterans are expected to be on hand for the official opening.