He confessed to being 'a bit nervous' on meeting the squadron 'veterans' and being told that the average survival time for a frontline naval aviator was about five months.

Before that, in 1958, he had become a naval aviator, flying 200 missions off aircraft carriers.

His naval career was as distinguished as his literary; he not only was a designated naval aviator, but was also qualified for command in submarines.

In 1917, he was commissioned and attended naval flight school, becoming a naval aviator.

The official naval aviator insignia are later awarded at a winging ceremony.