SSS Member Jack “The Ripper” Cook. 8 June 1929 – 22 December 2019 Headed West. Jack flew the F-100C with the 127th TFS the Kansas Air National Guard, McConnell AFB, Wichita, KS from 1967-1971 and was activated in July 1968 during the Pueblo Crisis. During his service, he flew F-100 missions from Kunsan, South Korea, and Tuy Hoa, South Vietnam. Jack’s awards include the Distinguished Flying Cross and multiple Air Medals.
Today in History – April 29, 1949 – Prototype of McDonnell XF-85 “Goblin” dropped from crane at Moffett Field.
29 April 1949 – During WWII a need was discovered for a “parasite fighter” – a jet fighter to protect bombers from hostile intercept aircraft. Pilot fatigue from P-41 and P-51 pilots who were protecting Boeing B-17’s, B-24’s, and Boeing B-29’s was a real problem. Aerial refueling hadn’t been perfected and these interceptors couldn’t match