Aces High Bulletin Board
General Forums => Aces High General Discussion => Topic started by: Jappa52 on December 15, 2008, 12:54:05 PM
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Sometimes I get to running random searches. Today I was looking for some more info on the Korean Waterfall poem and came across this poem or song called Itazuke Tower. Thought some of you might enjoy it as much as I did.
Itazuke Tower
(http://www.svsarah.com/Non-Sailing/Images/Itazuke%203_small.JPG)
William McCrystal, Air Force traditional to the tune of "Wabash Cannonball"
Listen to the rumble, hear old Merlin roar
I'm flying over Moji like I never flew before
Hear the mighty rush of the slipstream; hear old Merlin moan
I'll wait a bit and say a prayer and hope it gets me home
Itazuke Tower, this is Air Force 801
I'm turning on the downwind leg, my prop is overrun
My coolant's overheated, the gauge says one-two-one
You better get the crash crew out and get 'em on the run
Air Force 801, this is Itazuke Tower
I cannot call the crash crew out, this is their coffee hour
You're not cleared in the pattern, now that is plain to see
So take it on around again; you ain't no VIP
Itazuke Tower, this is Air Force 801
I'm turning on the base leg; I see your biscuit gun
My engine's running rougher; the coolant's gonna blow
I'm gonna buy a Mustang, so look out down below
Now listen, Air Force 801, this is Itazuke Tower
We'd like to let you in right now but we ain't got the power
We'll send a note through channels and wait for a reply
'Til we get permission back, just chase around the sky
Itazuke Tower, this is Air Force 801I'm turning base-to-final, I'm running on one lung
I'm gonna land this Mustang, no matter what you say
I'm gonna get my chart squared up before the Judgment Day
Now listen, Air Force 801, this is Itazuke Tower
We're trying hard to help you, just give us one more hour
Patience is a virtue, as fighter pilots know
So be a good guy; listen up, we'll tell you where to go
Itazuke Tower, this is Air Force 801
I'm calling from the Great Beyond, my flying days are done
I'm sorry I exploded, I didn't make the grade
I guess I should have waited 'til the landing was okayed
Hello, Air Force 801, this here is Judgement Day
You're up in pilot's Heaven, and you are here to stay
You just bought a Mustang; you really bought it well and Itazuke Tower, we sent 'em straight to Hell!
William F. McCrystal, Jr.
Born in Medford, Massachusetts on Feb. 18, 1924
Died Oct. 15, 2002 and resided in San Antonio, TX.
(http://www.80fsheadhunters.org/Thumper/McCrystal%20&%20Friends.jpg)
I found this while looking into the song and it stuck with me.
Mc and I were Headhunters from 1948-1950.he was not only a song writer but also an outstanding Fighter Pilot. We lived in the BOQ on the strip at Itazuke.I cant even begin to tell all of the tales about him but he is the only nan I ever saw do a double Immelman (one on top of the other)in a T-6 with a student in the back seat.
So long old pal- be sure and save me a slot up there- I will be along shortly and we can resume practice on our upsidedown climbing turns.
My prayers are with you,family,friends and all the comerads we left in Korea. o'kie
Joseph N. O'Keefe
Lafayette, LA
Mar 19, 2003
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That is great.
:salute