I wonder at what point in his life that he realized he could no longer fit in the cockpit of one?
The greatest and most prolific radio actor of all time. In addition to Gunsmoke he would appear on numerous other shows such as Suspense, Escape, Yours Truly Johnny Dollar, Lux Radio Theatre, The Whistler, Sam Spade, Damon Runyon Theatre, Pat Novak for Hire, Richard Diamond Private Detective, Night Beat, Tales of the Texas Rangers, Dragnet.
He could play anything and play it well: hero, coward, gangster, lawman, comedian, straight man, cold blooded killer, compassionate bystander, frightened victim, warrior. His voice was always distinct, always powerful, always believable.
What was his weight in 1943? He must have met spec then.
I sat in a stock P-51D cockpit once. I opine that Cannon would not have fit.