Colonel Kim Campbell
The A-10 pilot who took fire and landed a damaged plane
Colonel Kim Campbell was supporting ground troops during the Iraq war in 2003 when her A-10 was hit by ground fire over Baghdad and badly damaged. Discussing with her wingman as to whether or not to eject over Baghdad, she opted to fly the damaged aircraft back to base with no hydraulic assistance (the main form of controlling the plane). Instead she relied on the back up system of cranks and cables to bring the stricken bird in for a perfect landing, to the amazement of everyone. She returned the next day to combat in a different jet. She was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for her bravery.
It takes Valor to face your fears and triumph in spite of the odds.
