Kubo wrote:

The pilot of US Air Flight 1549 is the man. This title can not be revoked, nor can it be given to anyone else. He ditched a plane full of people into the Hudson river, checked to make sure everyone was okay, and got every person off the plane safely. The man.

Can't disagree with that in the slightest. Wheather it was good training or just good instincts, he sure did the right thing. Lot of happy families tonight thanks to him.

ross_rifle113 wrote:

:O :O :O FEMALE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I mean...welcome!

Oshit you figured it out! Does this mean I'm no longer allowed to post in threads about "The Man?"

Kidding, and thank you. As Syd said, it is indeed an inspiring story. I'm glad the guy knew what he was doing. Does anyone know (because I don't) if there are any sort of civilian medals that could be awarded for something like this? I assume the pilot himself would say he was just doing his job...but personally I don't think it would be out of order to present him with something acknowledging what he did. Getting everyone out alive, that's a really, really big deal. Good on him.

Undeath wrote:

While it's awesome this pilot pulled this off, I still reserve all my "the man" rights for the guy who was mountain climbing, got his arm stuck under a boulder, and fucking hacked his way through his arm to escape. It takes guts to save a plane full of people, but it takes a wheelbarrow for the amount of balls it takes to make that choice: Sit here and painfully, slowly, and possibly life-threateningly cut off my arm with this penknife? Or succumb to the bitter, cold kiss from the lipless maw of death?

I remember that guy...Arron Roloston, I think? Not only did he chop off his arm, he rapelled down a cliff and hiked through the desert for like half a day afterwards. Truly amazing what the human body can withstand. (Moral of the story: always tell someone where you're going when you go on vacation.)

Back on topic again, I just heard that the pilot, his co-pilot and the rest of the aircrew are being awarded the key to the city of New York. I'm holding out hope that the President (Bush or Obama, as long as it gets done) gives the pilot something for especially risking his life though. I don't quite know if this act would warrant the Medal of Freedom (not sure what the requirements are), but I do hope he gets a high civilian award. He's earned that much.

GPFontaine wrote:

SoldierHawk, I missed your initial introduction, but welcome to the forums. As far as the Medal of Freedom, I have gathered that the President of the United States makes it up. As far as I understand, it is for the residing president to give, so who would challenge it? I think that in rough times where global conflicts and economic crisis top the headlines on a daily basis, we could use a glimmer of hope and encouragement. If Bush did this as he exited his post, it could really make a positive impact on the country and the world.

Huh. I believe I missed my *own* introduction to the forum...is there a new members thread somewhere I somehow overlooked? (If i missed it after like, six months worth of lurking...man that would be sad.)

And just because I'm bored (slow day at work), I did some research. The medal is indeed awarded at the President's discression, based on his own initiative or by recommendation. He usually awards a bunch around July 4th, but can award them at any other time as well. The requirements for the award are as follows: "an especially meritorious contribution to the security or national interests of the United States, world peace, cultural or other significant public or private endeavors."

I'd say our pilot qualifies. And I think you're right: giving an award for something like this would be a great note for Bush to leave on. Love the man or loathe him, this one be one decision I think the whole country could get behind and celebrate.

Blackout wrote:

How the hell did he hack through the bone with a pen knife? You ever cut through bone? it's rough without like a meat cleaver or a saw or some shit.

Well...not to be overly graphic, but the way it worked was that he cut through the skin, muscle and nerves (I can't even begin to imagine how that felt), then snapped his wrist backwards against the rock to literally break off his hand. That's about as hardcore as it gets, methinks.