Evening clue. Thanks; Ernie P.
What warbird pilot do I describe?
1. This pilot was considered by many to be rather unconventional; and perhaps more than a little bit strange.
2. But he was also very, very effective at his job.
3. And he did something very few other pilots managed; and only one other pilot surpassed.
4. He began his military service in the infantry.
5. After he requested a transfer, he was certified as a pilot after less than four hours of instruction.
6. He scored his first victory in an obsolescent plane, during a period of enemy superiority; when his service was being decimated by the enemy.
7. He became a flight commander and was promoted.
8. After being re-equipped with an aircraft noted for being, at best, mediocre in performance, he continued to score victories, becoming an ace.
9. He was then pulled out of the line to become an instructor for several months.