Samuel J. Bonanno

Tie Club # 5342

“It was to be an uneventful day launch and night recovery off the USS Forrestal (CV-59) operating in the Med on August 16, 1978. My flight lead and I were in F-4J’s and loaded with an inert sparrow and a live sidewinder. Due to a “switchology” mix-up, a live sidewinder was inadvertently launched by my flight lead and pretty much blew the tail off our aircraft. I have owned several sports cars over the years, but now that I am 62, a proud new grandfather and looking back, the sweetest ride I ever had was riding that Martin-Baker out of a crippled aircraft.

All the best to all the employees at Martin-Baker. Thanks for the life extension.”

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