LOL Juzz.. I agree. That tale smells like Hollywood.
One thing there stands out... Hartmann was an outstanding marksman. The guy was simply an amazing shot... could kill easily at twice the range of his contempraries. Early on in his carreer he was winged with a guy that was an awful shot.. and Hartmann was convinced by this guy to get closer..much closer before opening up.
It became the Hartmann trademark.. he'd get VERY close.. reportedly less than 50 yards.. and literally explode his victims from point blank range. Few ever saw him comming. That was his other trademark.. a deadly blindside attack. So maybe there's something here...
I suspect this guy may have seen Hartmann flash by on that dive to the two low stangs.. but I suspect that if it was in fact Hartmann, he would have got them both. And the ride alongside??, .. riiiiiiiiiiight.
And lastly.. If Hartmann was in fact chased by this guy, It's my opinion he would never have toyed with him.. I suspect Hartmann would have either departed instantly; or come around and stepped on this guy like a bug. Never, IMHO ever, would a pilot of his skill and caliber leave a hostile in his deep six for longer than it would take to identify the threat. He'd kill it; or vamoose.
And where was Eric's wingman? I believe I read somewhere he never lost one.. It was apoint of personal pride with him; he always brought them home. They don't make guys like this anymore.. and they made damn few of them back then. If I looked over and saw that plane.. recognized who it was; I'da certainly sh+t myself on the spot too.
As I recall; Hartmann is still with us. Wonder if he confirmed this amazing ahhhh.. uhummm ahhh.. 'story'.
Hang
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PALE HORSES
"I looked, and behold; a Pale Horse, and it's riders name was Death, and Hell followed with him" Rev 6.8
