L to R Bomber Pilots Lts. R. Highbaugh, Sam Lynn, Daniel "Chappie James, Harvey Pinkney, and Capt Fitzroy Newsum
Posted on 02/26/2011 7:36:30 AM PST by JoeProBono
"Hey fellas just came across a bit of interesting info while researching on Gen Daniel 'Chappie' James: James assumed command of Wheelus Air Force Base, Libya in 1969, in the wake of Colonel Muammar Khadafy’s coup. James recalled an incident with Khadafy shortly after the takeover. “One day Khadafy ran a column of half tracks through my base—right through the housing area at full speed. I shut the barrier down at the gate and met Khadafy a few yards outside it. He had a fancy gun and a holster and kept his hand on it. I had my .45 in my belt. I told him to move his hand away. If he had pulled that gun, he never would have cleared his holster. They never sent any more half tracks.”
I could tell you, but then I’d have to kill you...;-)
Should have been around when Rachel Welch showed up there in the late sixties. Lines were eight deep in front of the base BX snack bar windows while she had a bite.
I missed it because I was TDY in WHEELUS!
I would throw rocks at Rachel Welch for a chance to see Ann Margret.
L to R Bomber Pilots Lts. R. Highbaugh, Sam Lynn, Daniel "Chappie James, Harvey Pinkney, and Capt Fitzroy Newsum
(Oh wait, you mean that they're STILL in service?)
WHEELUS AB
With that ‘55 or ‘56 Pontiac, that photo could just as well be at a Cuban army base taken last week.
As a young troop stationed at Ft. Myer, Va in the early 70s, I had the honor of hearing Gen. James speak...
He began his talk with a brief introduction: “Good Morning. My name is Chappie, and I’m a fighter pilot.”
After, I had the honor of shaking his hand...
Good story about Chappie and Qaddafi...I don’t doubt for one second the General would have shot him...
He departed us too soon...RIP, General...
Easy, JR...I am the wife of a retired Naval officer...it was me jumping out of my swivel chair at your comment...lol...
BTTT
We were stationed in Brindisi (San Vito) in 1966-67..I was supposed to be medevac’d to Tripoli two weeks before the baby was due....He arrived early and I had the pleasure of going to Casale and being delivered by a midwife...
Too bad you missed out on a North Africa holiday, too. Casale might not have been as up-to-date as Wheelus, but apparently it all turned out OK. I was at San Vito from 9/62 to 12/63. We saved up our money and got to Naples every couple of months. Otherwise, it was hanging out at the sidewalk cafes and trying to meet tourist girls at the Stazione Marittima, on their way to the Greek Isles.
One of these days, I’ll finish his autobiography...
He was he quintessential fighter jock...
Handlebar mustache and all...
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.