So I say, “Bless you, prison, bless you, shootdown, bless all the close shaves, all the torture, and all the hairy night landings, and those ready room memories, for having been in my life.” Some of my friends left navy flying early and went out and made big money—but in hindsight I wouldn’t trade places with any of them. There is no doubt in my mind that to have been diverted from this naval aviator’s life would to have been to be disdained by destiny. You all know as well as I do that it’s worth the trip.
