On Fri, 11 Jun 2004 15:30:22 GMT, Jack wrote:

Ed Rasimus wrote:

Well, you do know of course, that Fighter Pilots are indeed "the
chosen few." How could it be otherwise?


I have mucho respect for former Thud drivers, as well as Jollys and Sandys. But,
I often wonder why it is that the Thud drivers are the ones who insist on their
own superiority in such an annoying manner? They aren't the only military units
that have been misused and abused, that's for sure. They just seem to whine
about it longer and louder (even worse than those F-4 blowhards).

I appreciate your respect. I also note, for the record, that I have
four times as much F-4 time (C, D & E) as I do F-105 time and almost
twice as much F-4 combat time as F-105 combat.

I don't insist on my own superiority at all. I simply have a strong,
positive self-image.

You might want to check When Thunder Rolled out at your local library
to read about the development of that self-image.

If it's true, as I suspect, that a higher percentage of 105 pukes shot down
(than Sandys or Jollys) survived to become POWs, that could be perceived as an
advantage, though perhaps not more highly deserved.

Exposure to threat leads to losses. More exposure, more losses. It
doesn't equate with better or lesser capability or skill.

As always, Sandys and Jollys drink for free around here. Those whose airplanes
are propelled by many very small enclosed rotating blades, without the use of a
few very large ones, should bring cash.

Sandys and Jollys drink for free here as well. Proud to buy top shelf
for them any time. Just put away that damn stencil and green spray
can.



Jack
(SEA FAC)

Ed, peace-time FAC/ALO, 2d Bde, 4th ID(Mech).


Ed Rasimus
Fighter Pilot (USAF-Ret)
"When Thunder Rolled"
Smithsonian Institution Press
ISBN #1-58834-103-8