Comments on: Don’t Try This at Home

By: Potosi Joel

Potosi Joel — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 16:00:59 +0000

In the ’60s I thought pilots had to drink and drive to be promotion eligible above Major. Driving through a wall just demonstrates initiative and determination. Doing it on base demonstrates dedication, and through the O club demonstrates a commitment to leadership and elan. Wing command almost has to follow.

By: Liz

Liz — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 02:50:44 +0000

My father took over command of Chuck Yeager’s squadron at Aviano AFB in Italy back in the 60s.

A couple of months prior an inebriated Yeager drove a jeep through the wall of the O club. My mom worked there at the time.

By: thebronze

thebronze — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 02:40:35 +0000

I’m no fan of Chuck Yeager (everyone I know that’s met him says he’s pretty much an a-hole), but he’s done some pretty bad-ass stuff.

By: Byron Audler

Byron Audler — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 12:56:23 +0000

Uh, the article did say it was an F-80, and that he had already broken the sound barrier.

Just sayin’

By: XBradTC

XBradTC — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 05:47:46 +0000

If the article was from 1948, Yeager had already broken the sound barrier. In 1947.

By: MissBirdlegs in AL

MissBirdlegs in AL — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 04:25:45 +0000

What an interesting story this is. Thank you for pointing us to it. Brought back memories of the annual boat races on the lake in my hometown, and the classmate of mine (now deceased) who flew his dad’s plane under the TN River Bridge in the same hometown. Not a P-51, but pretty exciting for a teenager & his friends.