Room 13: A Fighter Pilot's Story

This book describes how my career path changed from football coach to fighter pilot, including my growth as a fighter pilot in my first Fighter Interceptor Squadron (FIS), followed by a combat assignment in the A-1 Skyraider. Our training for war in the A-1 did not prepare us for the challenges of combat. War does not permit OJT, so another captain and I developed seven rules for being a successful combat fighter pilot. The effect of war impacted the remainder of my USAF career and remains with me today. Early promotion to Major and Lt. Colonel enabled me to return to the cockpit after non-flying assignments, and to my dream assignment as Operations Officer, where I led 30 fighter pilots using my seven combat rules.Not many people graduate from college and begin a career path they absolutely love, but I did, and this is my story. After college, I entered USAF pilot training and graduated top of my class. I was able to select the fighter aircraft of my choice. I chose the F-102, and this began my fighter pilot career, where I flew the F-101, A-1, and F-106. In the A-1, I flew 220 combat missions, was shot down on mission 130, and earned many combat awards, including seven Distinguished Flying Crosses for heroism. My experience in war shaped the remainder of my USAF career and my life. Early promotions to Major, Lt. Col., and Colonel removed me from flying and the career I loved, so I retired. After retirement, I was a defense contractor, real estate investor, dog breeder, YMCA football coach, and finally, a school bus driver for ten years. I am now 83 and actively involved with Veterans of Foreign Wars and assisting veterans.