Not to distract from his accomplishments, but everyone I ever talked to who knew him personally used the same two words to describe him: Arrogant A$$hole. Might have had something to do with where his career topped out.
Well then, Happy Birthday Chuck,you arrogant asshole.
I knew some pilots who had spent time with him back in the 70s. They had the same assessment. But they also said he was a good pilot.
I guess test pilots are like surgeons. They take on “God” and Nature, and most of the time they win. I guess that make a person just a little cocky.
My four year tour in Germany was spent at two Tac Fighter Wings: Hahn AB and Spangdahlem AB. I had to live on base my first year, so I spent a lot of time at the O'Club. There was a healthy rivalry between we few Army officers and the fighter pilots.
They learned quickly what an asset our ADA battery was to the base, we added a full point to the Base Survivability rating during a NATO Tac Eval. My guys knew how to put on a dog and pony show when the evaluators visited our positions.
I was down in the "hole", the Wing CP, as the "Army Liasion Officer." The zoomies didn't appreciate having a mere 2nd LT serving in that role, until an NBC input was dropped on them. Their "expert" overreacted, recommending Alarm Red, where everyone on the flight line would have to wear masks and protective equipment.
I had the temerity to speak up with a different recommendation, to go to Alarm Yellow, i.e. no masks. My rationale was sound enough to where the Wing Cdr agreed with me...as did the NATO Team Chief, whom I saw nodding in the background.
I'm sure I was thought of as an Arrogant A$$hole during those four years, particularly my last two years as Battalion S-4 (Supply Officer). I admit that I was a PITA, but my Battalion Cdr liked the job I did for him so much, he asked me to work for him again when we both returned to Fort Bliss, he as a bird Colonel, and I as a Captain.
I’ve got friends who knew him, and they say the exact same thing.