Nice R1... although the late VADM Jim Stockdale was at heart, a trained Fighter Pilot, he went down in an A-4E Skyhawk, as CAG, leading a CVW-16 strike....“Frankly, I think he was protecting me. You know, that’s a characteristic of leadership.”Stockdale exhibited several noteworthy characteristics of a great leader that day. He stayed focused on the POWs’ agreed-upon mission, he chose his battle carefully and — without fear of personal consequences — he sacrificed himself to protect those under him. He asked nothing of his followers that he would not first deliver himself. When pain was on the agenda, Stockdale didn’t delegate. He led.Even today, Mr. Johnson found Stockdale’s actions a model for himself and others in challenging leadership positions: ...When we honor the legacy and values of outstanding leadership like Jim, America will win.”
His indomitable spirit, and his "replica-on-a-stick" A-4E Scooter, guard the new Stockdale Main Gate at NAS North Island in San Diego, CA.

BzB