And what country can preserve its liberties if their rulers are not warned from time to time that their people preserve the spirit of resistance? Let them take arms. The remedy is to set them right as to facts, pardon and pacify them. What signify a few lives lost in a century or two? The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants.
But the real story may be found in his bio in Wikipedia. He lost both of his legs in a flying accident at a young age, then battled his way back with two artificial legs and determination into being accepted for flying fighters for the RAF after the start of WWII. He was one of their most decorated aces, and was ultimately shot down, where he almost died trying to eject(one of his fake legs got caught in the cockpit). The Germans, our of respect, allowed the RAF to airdrop a replacement leg over his POW camp. And then, they threatened to confiscate both of them because he kept trying to escape, and was nearly successful. It's a hell of a bio. After the war ended he went to work for Shell.
Bader was acclaimed by all who flew with him and all whom he led into battle as a skilled leader but more importantly as a consummate airman. On his arrival at his first command during the early part of the battle, he demonstrated his mastery of the aircraft before first touching down at his command. His demonstration before landing established in the minds of his unit in the only manner which mattered to his people, that he did really know what he was about.
I have met and conversed with Bader. The story is bogus but a good laugh.
ReplyDeleteBut the real story may be found in his bio in Wikipedia. He lost both of his legs in a flying accident at a young age, then battled his way back with two artificial legs and determination into being accepted for flying fighters for the RAF after the start of WWII. He was one of their most decorated aces, and was ultimately shot down, where he almost died trying to eject(one of his fake legs got caught in the cockpit). The Germans, our of respect, allowed the RAF to airdrop a replacement leg over his POW camp. And then, they threatened to confiscate both of them because he kept trying to escape, and was nearly successful. It's a hell of a bio. After the war ended he went to work for Shell.
ReplyDeleteBader was acclaimed by all who flew with him and all whom he led into battle as a skilled leader but more importantly as a consummate airman. On his arrival at his first command during the early part of the battle, he demonstrated his mastery of the aircraft before first touching down at his command. His demonstration before landing established in the minds of his unit in the only manner which mattered to his people, that he did really know what he was about.
ReplyDeleteFock Wikipedia, read the book, "Reach For The Sky" and forget the movie.
ReplyDelete