Wells, Edwin V.

“When I flew my first single-seat fighter at Willy I knew I had found my calling. I spent my entire Air Force career in the cockpit. It was by choice and I would not do anything differently if I did it all over again.

Well, maybe one thing – I should have moved heaven and earth to avoid flying the Vark. I logged 3300 hours in the Hun over 12 years and 1100 in the Vark from then on.”

From TAC Attack June 1970

Major Edwin V. Wells of the 550 Tactical Fighter Training Squadron, Luke Air Force Base, Arizona, has
been selected as a Tactical Air Command Pilot of Distinction.

Major Wells and a student were flying an F-1 OOF in an ACM training mission. At 21,000 feet the formation of four ships initiated a climb to their working altitude. Passing 27,000 feet at .90 mach, the rear canopy disintegrated with such force it shattered Major Wells’ helmet visor, inflicting severe facial lacerations. Suddenly blinded by blood and debris, unable to determine the condition of the student or the aircraft, Major Wells instinctively took control of the aircraft and broke down and away from the formation. Wind blast and noise level at high speed made communication between cockpits and with other planes in the formation impossible.

During the descent, Major Wells regained partial vision and performed emergency procedures. Slowing the aircraft to 225 knots and shouting in the intercom, he learned that the student was not injured but was severely disoriented due to the sudden explosive decompression. Altitude under 10,000 feet in mountainous terrain, numb with cold and suffering from impaired vision and loss of blood, Major Wells returned control of the aircraft to his student. In spite of continuous communications difficulties, he instructed the student during the return to their home field and a safe landing.

Major Wells’ demonstration of outstanding airmanship in a critical inflight situation qualifies him as a Tactical Air Command Pilot of Distinction. (1)

Source: TAC Attack (af.mil)