ERAU PRC's Fred Cone

derg said:
Still going strong at 90!

Probably still outruns the ROTC detachment as well:

www.dcourier.com

United States Marine Navy Cross recipient a beloved substitute teacher at Prescott High School

A Vietnam War veteran combat pilot awarded the Navy Cross for valor, retired United States Marine Col. Fred Cone is quick to say he’s nobody special — a humble quip
www.dcourier.com www.dcourier.com
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Long time Marine A-6 Intruder driver.

Survived this accident

4E0A5627-7FCA-4C39-9B52-8764B66AFB24.jpeg
 
///AMG said:
what was that accident?
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1967. Fred Cone was departing Da Nang on a night interdiction mission into southern North Vietnam in his A-6A Intruder. DaNang was two parallel runways….15/33 I believe. As he was cleared for takeoff, a USAF C-141 that had landed on the parallel runway and rolled out to a taxiway exit, was cleared to cross his runway downfield to taxi to the ramp. Since this was a combat zone, minimal to no lighting was being used on the ground except for taxi lights. Cone was mid-takeoff roll when he noticed the C-141 entering the runway to cross in front of him. He tried to chop the throttles and veer left to avoid the collision as he was too slow to get airborne. Last thing he remembered was seeing the cockpit of the C-141 lit up in red lighting as he was headed for it, and the pilot’s heads facing forward as they were taxiing, right before impact. On impact, the A-6A rolled over onto its back, spewing its 24 x Mk82 500lb low drags all over the runway. The C-141 was loaded with munitions and a nearly a hundred acetylene tanks. It exploded, to where nothing but the tail was left. All crew on the C-141 died except for the loadmaster who was back at the open rear ramp and jumped clear. Fred’s B/N crawled out of the upside down cockpit and dragged Fred out from it, who was pretty well injured, as the A-6A wreckage caught fire. Photo above was taken as the acetylene tanks exploded along with a few of the Mk82s that cooked off.
 
Fred Cone is still a super hero.

I think the only reason he didn't become an astronaut is because he didn't have a masters, unless I'm remembering that wrong.
 
derg said:
Fred Cone is still a super hero.

I think the only reason he didn't become an astronaut is because he didn't have a masters, unless I'm remembering that wrong.
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If only the MSAE from ERAU (and R-ATP) existed then
 
When I saw the title of this thread, my heart initially sank. Thanks for the heart attack!!!

Sooo happy to see him still going!!!

Such an amazing teacher, mentor, and friend! I have a framed recommendation letter from him (as well as Sweginess, Corradi, amd Samuels). Soo many stories!!!

One of my favorites: As a freshman AFROTC cadet, just about dying in the middle of a 1.5mi run (HA!). Fred pulls up next to me and says “You gonna let this old man pass you?”

”It appears, so, Colonel!!!”
 
Oof :(

He was one of the greats.

You did great work sir, get some rest.
 
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