I never saw the History Channel presentation but would certainly have liked to. We have a lot of heroes who are bigger than life in Israel. Unfortunately, today many of these people associate themselves with the far left.
Epstein is indeed the world's leading jet ace. I think the top piston engined fighter pilot was Eric Hartmann with 352 confirmed victories in World War II.
I saw two episodes of "Dog Fight" on the History Channel that featured Colonel Epstein. It amazed me that he freely admitted having given a false heading to two other Israeli pilots so he wouldn't have to "share" the gaggle of Migs he was engaging. I've heard repeatedly that the primary quality of a fighter pilot is aggressivenes, and coupled with his extraordinary eye sight maybe that's why he achieved the record he did. In his interview segments he was a very modest individual, and seemed like a "normal guy" rather than a record breaker who will probably retain his title permanently.
I never saw the History Channel presentation but would certainly have liked to. We have a lot of heroes who are bigger than life in Israel. Unfortunately, today many of these people associate themselves with the far left.
ReplyDeletefrank family: did you ever hear of how in '48 several courageous IAF pilots struck down several RAF planes who were caught in Israeli air-space?
ReplyDeleteeitan -- no I sure haven't. The IAF have always been a force to be reckoned with.
ReplyDeletethan it's a good thang i let ya know;) Have a wonderful week!!!
ReplyDeleteAnd the Yom Kippur War only lasted a few weeks, so it was real fast work.
ReplyDeleteWelcome muse!!! Make yourself at home, you're among friends here.
ReplyDeletemuse: i'm going have to link to ya! Just have to check on your blog first...
ReplyDeleteEpstein is indeed the world's leading jet ace. I think the top piston engined fighter pilot was Eric Hartmann with 352 confirmed victories in World War II.
ReplyDeleteI saw two episodes of "Dog Fight" on the History Channel that featured Colonel Epstein. It amazed me that he freely admitted having given a false heading to two other Israeli pilots so he wouldn't have to "share" the gaggle of Migs he was engaging. I've heard repeatedly that the primary quality of a fighter pilot is aggressivenes, and coupled with his extraordinary eye sight maybe that's why he achieved the record he did. In his interview segments he was a very modest individual, and seemed like a "normal guy" rather than a record breaker who will probably retain his title permanently.
My all-time FAVORITE show on the History Channel is "Dogfights"!
ReplyDeleteThe episode covering the Israelis was absolutely amazing and Epstein is a GOD among fighter-pilots!
My favorites are the naval dogfights in the pacific. Talk about guts and glory!