if you could dogfight anyone in the past or present who would it be?

[flynlion]

Originally Posted by winny

I imagine the conversation just before that pic was taken went something along the lines of.. "Now George, we're taking you outside for a picture next to a jet.. try and look like you've been near one before.. Under no circumstances must you get in it and try to fly it.. we have someone who'll do all your flying for you we just need some proof that it was you.. Daddy's got big plans for you"

Bahahaha! Thanks Winny, best laugh I've had all day

[flynlion]

Originally Posted by Swagger7

In a simulated dogfight, I'd love to go up against Saburo Sakai with him in a later model zero and me in a La-5 or La-7.

I would love to fly with Saburo Sakai, either as his wingman in a real fight or as my opponent in a simulated one. He saw enough death for several lifetimes during the war, when it was all over he became a devout Buddhist and wouldn't kill a mosquito if it bit him. Definately an interesting personality, and an absolute genius with a Zero. Like most pilots, he was about as far from the "Top Gun" stereotype as you can get.

[Swagger7]

Originally Posted by flynlion

I would love to fly with Saburo Sakai, either as his wingman in a real fight or as my opponent in a simulated one. He saw enough death for several lifetimes during the war, when it was all over he became a devout Buddhist and wouldn't kill a mosquito if it bit him. Definately an interesting personality, and an absolute genius with a Zero. Like most pilots, he was about as far from the "Top Gun" stereotype as you can get.

You would probably be interested in this:

http://www.airpower.maxwell.af.mil/a...c/stevens.html

It's an article by a guy who's father was shot down & killed by Sakai in WWII. He met Sakai, who was very friendly to him. Sakai even gave his daughter (a fighter pilot) a small piece of his scarf to carry as a keepsake. Check it out.

[flynlion]

Thank you, Swagger7.

[beaker126]

Francis Gabreski, the guy was a bad@$$.