Did you read the much more detailed history of his training, close calls and missions? He survived several almost fatal aviation “incidents.”
WWII Veteran Aviator Bill Overstreet and His P-51 Mustang, Berlin Express
http://www.warbirdsnews.com/warbird-articles/wwii-veteran-aviator-bill-overstreet-p-51-mustang-berlin-express.html
BTW, Drudge was carrying a headline attached to a very short article this morning - http://www.wtop.com/120/3534894/WWII-ace-who-flew-through-Eiffel-Tower-dies-in-Va
Thanks. I will check it out now.