Book: F-4 Life on a Short Fuse by Jack Drain

Korean War Project Newsletter Nov. 11, 2009 Volume 12, 5
www.koreanwar.org
from www.koreanwar.org/html/newsletter_archive.html

Life on a Short Fuse
by Jack Drain, LTC Ret USAF

Jack spent years preparing for this book. It was released in April of
2009.

Review by the Fort Worth Star Telegram:
By PAT NIMMO RIDDLE
February 1, 2009

Bedford war pilot recounts his 'Life on a Short Fuse'

Few people get to know a real-life hero, but family, friends and
acquaintances of retired Air Force Lt. Col. Jack Livingston Drain know
he is such a man.

Drain, who lives in Bedford, flew 100 missions in an F-84 during the
Korean War and later 168 missions in an F-4 during the Vietnam War.

About seven years ago, Jack began writing a book about his adventures
and those of pilot friends who served with him. His book, Life on a
Short Fuse, is expected to be out in March. The title comes from a
story about a military cover-up of defective fuses that caused bombs
to explode upon release. The fuses continued to be used even after
some military officials realized their danger, he said.

"At least 20 pilots died and 12 F-4s were blown out of the sky," he
said.

"Two other pilots were captured, enduring unspeakable torture, and one
of them died while a prisoner."

The one who lived, Col. Thomas N. Moe, whose story is in Jack’s book
was introduced by vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin at last
year’s Republican National Convention.

Born in Dallas and a graduate of Hillcrest High School, Jack was 17
when he began studies at Texas Tech University. He was 21 in 1950 when
he entered the Air Force, and later, while still in the military, he
received a degree in political science from Oklahoma State University.

Jack completed pilot training in 1952 and immediately left for the
Korean War.

Upon his return, he married Carolyn Burgess and they spent more than
five years in Yuma, Ariz., followed by tours of duty in France and
Spain and an assignment in Enid, Okla., as an instructor pilot……

Website: www.mylifeonloan.com (includes color dust cover)