Because no one will believe you…

[Marshal Mo Hare, SASS #45984]

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."

[Hardpan Curmudgeon SASS #8967]

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.   

[Marshal Mo Hare, SASS #45984]

No caterpillar club for him.

[Cypress Sun]

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.