I am glad to hear a good story about ol' Chuck because at Edwards in
recent years he has gotten a real bad rap...quite honestly I have had
several experiences with him, all bad.

As one of the multitudes that inhabit the various aviation forums and book
signings that General Yeager frequents, I have had many dealings with him. In
many instances, he ignores the feelings of others - as we all do at times - and
in other cases, I have seen him be remarkably kind. After years of trading
"Yeager stories" at these events with similar-minded guys, we have heard most
of them before and concede that Yeager will never shed his "gruffer than thou"
attitude. Nor should he be expected to - he isn't famous for his numerous
books on self help and personal growth, he is famous for blowing the other guys
out of the sky. General Yeager doesn't worry about bragging rights; he's done
more than anyone that is going to read this, our own modern day Gilgamesh.

That stated, a group of us were sitting around a table at the annual Fighter
Aces Association reunion, telling our favorite "Yeager Stories" (essentially,
flame attacks that he has visited upon us "groupies" at some point), and up
walked General Yeager, friendly as all get out. He stood next to our table
shooting the **** with us for a few minutes, until a pair of lovelies wandered
by in the distance. Keen eyes glinting, he was on the hunt again, and quickly
disappeared. That left our table silent, wondering how the hell we were ever
going to incorporate THAT story in with all of the previous encounters!

Jim got him the best that day - he was taking photos of some of the Bettys at
the hotel and Yeager knows him, so he walked up to say hello - Jim is pointing
his camera past him, aimed at the young ladies, and bellowed, "DAMmit, General,
you ruined my shot!" Turning to see the skirts he had walked in front of, a
mildly embarrassed Chuck Yeager apologized humbly and scooted aside, laughing
at himself.

He is no ogre, just an older, professional warrior who has nothing in life to
apologize for. If I want validation, I go to someone else, if I want to know
how an F-86 handles in comparison to an early MiG - he's the guy. )

v/r
Gordon
====(A+C====
USN SAR Aircrew

"Got anything on your radar, SENSO?"
"Nothing but my forehead, sir."