[Ranch Hand]

(11-11-2017 01:51 PM)rudebwoy Wrote:  

Oh wow, another race thread.

Fair enough. That record is incomplete. I should have noted the story of Robin Olds' deputy in VietNam:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daniel_James_Jr.

Chappie James was the first African American 4-Star General in the US Air Force. James graduated from the Tuskegee Institute during WWII and was an Instructor Pilot throughout the war. He saw combat duty in Korea in two aircraft, and later deployed as a Deputy Wing Commander in VietNam (Udorn, Thailand AFB), F-4 pilot. He was a flight commander on Operation Bolo, the most lethal single flight in the VietNam air war.

Olds and James were affectionately referred to as "BlackMan and Robin." They are revered among the fighter pilot community wherein they served. Forced into retirement at age 58 after a heart attack, he left as a 4 Star and Deputy Chief of Staff, USAF.

Today is Veteran's Day in the US. Shortly, I will tip a fine scotch and salute General Chappie James and Brigadier General Robin Olds - two real men and two men responsible for keeping my father - a rookie F-4 pilot under their command - alive through 100 missions "downtown." Thank you, gentlemen, you made my life a great deal better.

These men should both be household names. They both were in my home.

[Number one bummer]

(11-11-2017 01:51 PM)rudebwoy Wrote:  

Oh wow, another race thread.

Hopefully next time the white people actually do it right?

[IveBeenFramed]

(11-11-2017 12:08 PM)ed pluribus unum Wrote:  

(11-11-2017 10:25 AM)dicknixon72 Wrote:  

As someone who grew up admiring military aviation, the historical achievements of the USAAF/USAF, and with an uncle who served as flight engineer on a B-36 in Korea along with a lifelong desire to fly and become a bomber pilot...

"Strategic Air Command" with Jimmy Stewart aired on Turner Classic Movies this morning, and it includes a great sequence of the B-36 from startup to takeoff. An incredible period in aerospace progress.

Robin Olds was a true Leader of Men; the Discovery Channel show "Dogfights" had an episode dedicated to him and his leadership in Vietnam.