Before he got his F-104, "Super Jew" had his most 'exciting' time in an A-26 

I have lots of stories Snacko ... and a few are true.  I will relate one that almost wiped out my glorious career.

In Dec. of '50 I flew into Offutt in Nebraska.  I was making my first actual A-26 GCA in IMC (BFD), and the tower told me I would be landing on a 7000 foot runway.  After switching to GCA freq., I received directions which I flew, the weather was below freezing about 20 degrees below an Eskimos ass. I was assured that they had spread sand so no sweat on a slick runway.  I broke out at about 200 feet although ceiling was reported to be at least 300 AGL and sure enough there was the runway although vis was about 1/4 mile.  Touch down about 2500 feet down r/w.  Little did I know that the runway had been changed and it was short.  

I came over a little rise still doing about 100 mph and the runway end was clearly in sight.  CLOSE!  No go around possible and that sand and gravel was like riding on round pebbles.  Braking wasn't doing much.  I jammed on left brake and opened right throttle wide open, That bird did a 180  in nothing flat.  Once it was on 180 heading to one I had landed on, both throttles full on, brakes still locked.  

We stopped with tail hanging over the end of the overrun with big big drop off there.  Somebody, I think the petrified soul in the right seat, had to tell me to pull the power off.    My legs were shaking so bad I couldn't taxi.  When we checked the tires, they were all still on but they were burned clear through all cords with side wall burned in big spot also.  

Tower and GCA people caught hell and I got an "atta boy".

I have told some wild tales in  my time but I tell you, this is one I don't have to exaggerate a bit.

         -  Dick "Super Jew" Heyman;  P-38, P-51, A-26, F-105, F-104.  WWII, Korea, Vietnam, and US of A.

For other Aviation and Fighter terminology go to:  http://www.fighterpilots.net/glossary.htm