Ex-Marine’s Ride in a Stolen Jet

The mileage you have given an undisciplined “Walter Mitty” in your article “Ex-Marine Who Took Joy Ride in Stolen Jet” (Feb. 8) made me sick.

In this and previous articles, you have tried to make a hero out of a fake. His own poor judgment resulted in his personal injury when, not properly protected, he developed the bends at high altitude.

Showing him in his “hotshot” sunglasses and government-issued flight jacket was bad enough. However, when you presented him wearing a pair of Navy Marine wings, I got a bit “torqued out of shape.” Have you ever considered fact instead of fiction in your news coverage?

It is a shame that you and the public aren’t as interested in the highly skilled, well-disciplined young men and women who serve our country with distinction. They seldom get recognition in the press.

I hope these fine people will always remember there are many former real fighter pilots, paratroopers, infantrymen and sailors who appreciate what they are doing and are proud of them.

PAYTON O. HARWELL, Cmdr., USN (Ret.)

Orange