Aging flying ace grounded by prison

[nhboy]

"BARTOW, Fla. — Abner Aust Jr. is a genuine war hero, a steely eyed flying ace who shot down Japanese Zeros over Tokyo near the end of World War II and then piloted jets in 300 more combat missions in Vietnam.

A U.S. Air Force officer organizing a reunion of fighter pilots wants Aust — whom he calls a “heroic and legendary American” — to attend as a special guest next spring. Collectors peddle his photos and autograph on the Internet.

The 86-year-old Aust also is a felon, convicted of trying to hire somebody to kill one of his ex-wives and burn down her house. He’s spent the past seven years behind bars and likely will die there unless his attorney and supporters can persuade a judge that the diminutive retired colonel should be regarded as a national treasure instead of an ill-tempered menace."

Aging flying ace grounded by prison - Air Force News, opinions, editorials, news from Iraq, photos, reports - Air Force Times

 

[Rienell]

National Treasure? Wow. I'm sure the man was honored and recognized appropriately for his actions at the time, (which are greatly appreciated), but I think it should end there. From reading his bio, he was a heck of a pilot and did great things. But unfortunately, he committed a crime, and hero or not, the guy is supposed to serve his sentence like everyone else.
Very sad to read something like this of a war hero. I would like to think someone who's served so honorably in the service would live his life the same.
I guess not...
Sad, sad example he has set.

 

[Vince]

National Treasure? Wow. I'm sure the man was honored and recognized appropriately for his actions at the time, (which are greatly appreciated), but I think it should end there. From reading his bio, he was a heck of a pilot and did great things. But unfortunately, he committed a crime, and hero or not, the guy is supposed to serve his sentence like everyone else.
Very sad to read something like this of a war hero. I would like to think someone who's served so honorably in the service would live his life the same.
I guess not...
Sad, sad example he has set.

I would have to agree.

Oh BTW Rienell, where's my Chicken Fried Steak recipe??? Huh??

 

[Rienell]

I posted it last week. http://forums.somd.com/chit-chat/116691-dinner-thread-2.html

 

[Lenny]

Aging flying ace grounded by prison - Air Force News, opinions, editorials, news from Iraq, photos, reports - Air Force Times[/url]

Dayum, it's a good thing they haven't seen the video of him and that 16 year old girl in the motel orgy scene! The one from way back when he was 18 or so.

 

[ImnoMensa]

The guy is 86 years old. Maybe his wife needed killing. I have seen some who did.

Let him go to the reunion with an LEO then take him back to the lockup I doubt he would overpower the guard.

 

[MMDad]

The guy is 86 years old. Maybe his wife needed killing. I have seen some who did.

Let him go to the reunion with an LEO then take him back to the lockup I doubt he would overpower the guard.

What part of "Don't do the crime if you can't do the time" don't you get? He chose to commit the crime. He could have chosen to live out his life as a free man, but he chose not to. We should honor his choice and let him rot in prison.

Some wives need killing? Wow.

 

[Novus Collectus]

Bennedict Arnold was a great American hero at one time too....

 

[hvp05]

I would like to think someone who's served so honorably in the service would live his life the same.

Exactly; if he was such a great American, he would have acted like one. I have always wondered why someone (pick any case) would give so greatly to defend America just to turn and degrade it with such disgraceful actions and a subsequent lousy defense.