I believe he did run out of gas because he wanted the kill. No arguement there. And I'm fairly sure that one is suppossed to bring one's jet back, but since I wasn't there, I can't honestly pass judgement on his mindset at the time.
And USAF pilot ace Ritchie (now there's a piece of work! Yes, I have had to deal with him professionally. ) supposedly was groomed to be the USAF ace - sitting alert specifically waiting for MiG activity, better maintained bird, missiles, etc, etc.. Still, he did it, as did Cunningham. So, it is tragic to me that Cunningham would betray his oath as a Congressman for $ when he could have so easily have earned large amounts in the private sector.