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"Probable"
My best friend (JWW) from the Navy had a "probable" kill on a MIG 21. He and his flight leader both saw a blue parachute and a crash site. Not a kill? There is no doubt in my ex military mind that he shot the MIG and the pilot ejected but it was never recognized as a "kill." When you are involved in what we called a "fur ball" (others call it a 'cluster f--- ) everybody has a different view.
So what? We weren't in it for the glory. My friend knew what he did and that was enough for him. Later, he landed a F-4J on the boat with his RIO unconsious in the back seat. The plane had been shot up when a AAA shell injured the RIO and damaged the throttle quadrant. JWW had plastic from the console imbedde in his forearm. He refused treatment because he thought the Flight surgeon would ground him and never received a Purple Heart or any other reward/recognition for doing his job.
Gunny Hathcock did much the same and as far as I know never, sought any personal reward for doing his job.
My best friend (JWW) from the Navy had a "probable" kill on a MIG 21. He and his flight leader both saw a blue parachute and a crash site. Not a kill? There is no doubt in my ex military mind that he shot the MIG and the pilot ejected but it was never recognized as a "kill." When you are involved in what we called a "fur ball" (others call it a 'cluster f--- ) everybody has a different view.
So what? We weren't in it for the glory. My friend knew what he did and that was enough for him. Later, he landed a F-4J on the boat with his RIO unconsious in the back seat. The plane had been shot up when a AAA shell injured the RIO and damaged the throttle quadrant. JWW had plastic from the console imbedde in his forearm. He refused treatment because he thought the Flight surgeon would ground him and never received a Purple Heart or any other reward/recognition for doing his job.
Gunny Hathcock did much the same and as far as I know never, sought any personal reward for doing his job.
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