The tale of the KC-135 that flew on 2 engines

While a solid piece of airmanship, this is something that every 707 pilot and FE (or crew chief) is trained for multiple times over their career. I generally keep things on the positive, but I would say a DFC is pretty danged inflated and air medals all around (WTF did the Nav do again?) would have been more appropriate.
I think the last sentence sums it up: "This flight inspired me to write my first book, Pressure Cooker Confidence: How to Lead When the Heat is On."
Give me a break. If I did the same thing, I would be embarrassed to lobby for or receive a DFC, and I damn sure wouldn't write a book about it.
 
I remember when this happened back then. Was a Forbes bird, I believe. I had thought they hit the wake turbulence of another KC-135 they had been trailing in or to the AR track.
 
Was it ever determined if (using the vernacular of today) the aircraft had a "pre existing condition"? I'm sure that was nasty turbulence and all, but losing two on the same side sounds like a mechanical issue, corrosion/ fatigue, or something. It does not surprise me that they could bring it on two. Remember that fighter that brought it in one? (wing?)
 
Good airmanship and discipline all around, but last I checked that's part of their job description. Maybe there's more to the story, but it doesn't seem like them saving their own skins is more worthy of a DFC than the Medevac pilots who received Air Medals for carrying a wounded Soldier to safety with an unexploded RPG sticking out of his side.
 
DaveC said:
it doesn't seem like them saving their own skins is more worthy of a DFC than the Medevac pilots who received Air Medals for carrying a wounded Soldier to safety with an unexploded RPG sticking out of his side.
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It isn't even worth trying to wrap your mind around why some events get recognized with particular medals, and some others don't.

Realize that the DFC can be awarded for merit -- it does not have to be for heroism or valor in combat.
 
MikeD said:
Yeah, was an E-9 in charge of the bomb loading crew that pushed that one forward.
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I don't begrudge the ordies any medals for doing a kick ass job, nor do I think that the Bronze Star requires enemy contact, but you should have to be deployed to the theater at least.
 
USMCmech said:
I don't begrudge the ordies any medals for doing a kick ass job, nor do I think that the Bronze Star requires enemy contact, but you should have to be deployed to the theater at least.
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Oh, I'm with you. Something like an AF Commendation Medal is certainly appropriate as it was a special mission they supported directly, and the like. But Bronze Star is a little too much in my view as it kind of dilutes that medal to being nothing more than a "common" medal. But I guess that's what it's become these days. Surprised it didn't come with a "V" device"...
 
USMCmech said:
Kind of like the Bronze Stars that can be awarded for troops who never left Missouri. :aghast:


Heads should roll for that one.
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... Or a Sergeant Major in CONUS who gets a Legion of Merit for PCSing?

I've got digitized copies of old reel to reel recordings my Dad made in 'Nam talking about field grade officers ordering junior officers to put them in for DFC's. It's all politics and BS.
 
Poor Maiden.....she is in dire need of an eternal rest. Talk about a workhorse that has been asked to give away way too much in the last couple decades.
 
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