h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

I went to the memorial for the Father of some dear friends yesterday in the VFW Hall in Eagle River, Alaska.

John Lappo Jr. was a pilot with the 22nd troop transport during WWII, he Flew into Berlin during the Berlin Airlift.

He was Commander of the "Command Decision" Bomber in Korea, flying 28 missions and dropping over 2.5 million tons of bombs. Countless Chinese and North Koreans are dead today because of him, countless Americans, British, Turkish, South Korean and Australians are alive today because of those missions, including my Father, a ground troop in Korea at the time. The Command Decision was the first "Bomber Ace" and was in the air in Korea whn the armistace began.

He flew RB47e Stratojets on deep penitration missions into Soviet airspace during the Cold War, General Curtis LeMay gave him two Distingushed Flying Crosses during this time.

His last flight as a pilot for the United States Airforce was when he took his 3.5 million Dollar RB47e Bomber and crew of 4 on a flight under the Mackinac Bridge. The feat became legendary around the World, and cost Capt. Lappo his wings. He was an Aircraft Maintenace Chief in Viet Nam, making 3 major Wars he served in.

He retired as a Lt Col. many years later. He didn't blame the Air Force for taking his wings, he accepted the consequence of his actions like the man he was and kept on with life.

He built and flew his own small aircraft around Alaska, I remember looking at the skeletons of his latest bird in his garage when I'd run up the hill to visit Leo. He and his Wife Kay raised two Daughters and three Sons, all good and honorable citizens, and was an asset to his Country and Community throughout his 83 years with us here.

I hope your flying a clean run under the Golden Gate Bridge at sunset on your way to the next adventure John.

http://webmusher.com/lappo