Marshal Mo Hare, SASS #45984 Posted November 30 Share Posted November 30 He jumps without a parachute from a plane at over 18,000 feet and... On March 24, 1944, Flight Sergeant Nicholas Stephen Alkemade jumped from a burning Lancaster bomber without a parachute, figuring it was better than being burned alive. To his surprise, he survived the 18,000-foot fall, cushioned by pine trees and a deep snow bank, suffering only a sprained ankle. He was captured and interrogated by the Gestapo, who suspected him of making up the story to cover up his spying. However, their investigation convinced them that he was telling the truth, and before sending him to a prison camp they gave him an official document certifying his claim: "Because no one will believe you after the war." 4 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hardpan Curmudgeon SASS #8967 Posted November 30 Share Posted November 30 2 hours ago, Marshal Mo Hare, SASS #45984 said: He jumps without a parachute from a plane at over 18,000 feet and... On March 24, 1944, Flight Sergeant Nicholas Stephen Alkemade jumped from a burning Lancaster bomber without a parachute, figuring it was better than being burned alive. To his surprise, he survived the 18,000-foot fall, cushioned by pine trees and a deep snow bank, suffering only a sprained ankle. He was captured and interrogated by the Gestapo, who suspected him of making up the story to cover up his spying. However, their investigation convinced them that he was telling the truth, and before sending him to a prison camp they gave him an official document certifying his claim: "Because no one will believe you after the war." I remember reading about him in a Reader's Digest story when I was in high school or junior high. As I recall, they were convinced when they found the remains of his parachute in the plane's wreckage. 3 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marshal Mo Hare, SASS #45984 Posted November 30 Author Share Posted November 30 No caterpillar club for him. 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cypress Sun Posted November 30 Share Posted November 30 5 hours ago, Hardpan Curmudgeon SASS #8967 said: I remember reading about him in a Reader's Digest story when I was in high school or junior high. As I recall, they were convinced when they found the remains of his parachute in the plane's wreckage. That's where I first read about it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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