In 1952, Axtell was ordered to Korea, where he again saw combat in an F4U Corsair with the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing as tactical officer of Marine Aircraft Group 12, and later, as commanding officer of Marine Attack Squadron 312. He served next with the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing at Cherry Point, North Carolina, as assistant to the assistant chief of staff, G-3, for a year, then as commanding officer of Marine Air Control Group 1. In 1955, Axtell reported to Headquarters Marine Corps for four years' duty as assistant head of Aviation Training and Distribution Branch, and head of program planning, Division of Aviation. He was promoted to colonel in July 1959.