Yeah, the rescue effort was almost as much fun as the mission, and full of tension. We designated the downed GreyBeard "Bat21" and jarbo flying the Dakota was radio call sign "Birddog." Added immensely to the drama.
As Tour of Duty is a one-life-to-live series of 12 missions, and Greybeard had was on his fifth (5 successful missions required to get one of the custom made campaign ribbons), Greybeard was extremely motivated to make it home. He had gone down not far from f18, deep in enemy territory. Normally, I role a die for pilots shot down behind enemy lines to determine if they're captured or manage to evade. Greybeard had about a 1-in-12 chance of doing that, based on where he went down. So the bastage that shot him on the ground did much more than simply hurt his AH score. Anyway, he asked if he could attempt to walk home, and I told him if he made it all the way to friendly territory, I'd count it as a successful bail.
Watching his stalwart attempt was too much for fellow TOD pilot Jarbo, who had successfully led his flight back to base and landed. He requested permission to attempt to rescue him in a Goony Bird. I told him he could try, but that if he died in the attempt, he would be KIA for the entire Tour. Bravely, he climbed into his aircraft and took off.
The rules were that Jarbo would have to fly on the deck all the way to a rondesvous (spelling) with Bat21, and land next to him. Obviously, Bat21 would need to get as far away from enemy bases as possible, so he moved steadily east toward the coast, were Birddog would meet him. Bat21 would then click on "tower," then do a .join with Jarbo/Birddog. Jarbo would then have to fly all the way back to inside friendly territory and land.
Salute to Greybeard/Bat21, and especially to Jarbo/Birddog for putting his virtual life on the line for a comrade in need. It's dedication and professionalism like this that has made Tour of Duty a great event. Five missions down, and seven to go. So far, Bourbon is the closest to reaching five missions, with 4 completed successfully; he aborted on this last one when his control cables snapped and he had to bail minutes after takeoff.
Sabre (a.k.a. Rojo)
TOD Minister of War
