Let’s see, he would have been 17 or 18, born in 54 if he died in 2009(died at age 55). Man he would have been barely out of high school and inducted into the Air Force...out of his schooling and into a tail gunner’s position by 12/72 when the incident happened. Not doubting the story, but man what an experience for a still then teen ager. Bet he grew up quick!
There were many duties in the military that make you grow up real fast. Still holds true today.
I was 18 years old and had the knowledge and training to be able to arm and launch a ICBM with a nine megaton warhead on top. In the time of war I had the tools and knowledge to fix everything on that bird except for the warhead itself and the guidance internals.
Normal rank progression in the USAF is start as Airman Basic (E-1,) 6 months later automatically promoted to Airman (E-2,) then after one year time in service automatically promoted to Airman First Class (E-3.) Promotions based on merrit after that.
Since a B-52D normally carried a single tail gunner, but a second tail gunner was onboard (a TSgt,) I'd say he was still receiving on the job training for the aircrew position.