“On Dec. 28, 1974, at 9:05 on a Saturday morning, flying 2 F4E’s in an air to air scenario, we experienced a head on belly to belly mid-air collision. My airplane lost the complete tail section, afterburners, slab, and vertical tail. The collision was horrendous, after trying to recover I looked in the centre mirror and saw only fire. I initiated immediate ejection with the lower handle, the collision, ejection, and opening shock were all tied together in a horrendous experience.

All four crew members seats worked perfectly and none of us had any serious injuries! Nearly every day I thank God and Martin-Baker for my life! The photo is my wife Milda and me as we celebrate every day of our lives together!

Thanks Martin-Baker!”