Basher Five-Two (8 page)

The official patch of my squadron.
(Courtesy of the author)

The cockpit of the F-16.
(Courtesy of Lockheed Martin Tactical Aircraft Systems)

All strapped in and ready to go! That’s how I look wearing the helmet and oxygen mask.
(Courtesy of Mary Lou Scardapane)

The F-16 in flight.
(Courtesy of Lockheed Martin Tactical Aircraft Systems)

The Super Cobras and Super Stallions as they lift off from the deck of the USS
Kearsarge
to carry out their TRAP mission to rescue me.
(Courtesy of USMC Sergeant Dave A. Garten)

Immediately after my rescue, I board the USS
Kearsarge
from the helicopter deck.
(Courtesy of USMC)

The men who rescued me and lifted me out of Bosnia—the members of the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit who participated in the TRAP mission. Their mission completed, they clean their weapons aboard the USS
Kearsarge
.
(Courtesy of USMA Corporal Kurt Sutton)

A group portrait of my rescue team posed before a Super Stallion.
(Courtesy of U.S. Department of Defense)

I give the Juvats sign upon arriving at the Aviano NATO air base.
(Courtesy of AP/World Wide Photos)

With Bob “Wilbur” Wright, who was flying with me when I was shot down.
(Courtesy of AP/Wide World Photos)

One very happy return. At Andrews Air Force Base with my mom and dad.
(Courtesy of Mary Lou Scardapane)

Reunited with my family … at the White House!
(Courtesy of Mary Lou Scardapane)