Originally posted by Ripsnort
I thought THIS was you, and your the first one on the left, trying to get the hell out!(I have a long memory of our Training excercises!
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Actually, that guy is trying to the hell IN to try and unstrap the pilot. I think he ended up getting a medal for bravery and valor for that action. Can't recall his name, though.
The situation was something along the lines of the F6F had sustained battle damage and the pilot was trying to bring the wounded bird home. The drop tank wouldn't drop, which decreased aircraft performance and probably resulted in his sustaining battle damage. At any rate, he was coming in and managed to snag the wire, but his left gear collapsed and fuel spilled all over the deck. The deck guy climbed onto the bird, ignoring the danger to himself, and saved the pilot's life.