As an ousider from Australia, I have read the whole story with great interest.
What the records tell me shows that when things have to be done, amazing things can happen.
The air to refueling mod to allow the C130's to transit so far, alldone and in use in 6 weeks.
The ability of people to clearly remember facts over a quarter of century ago. My experience as an aviation researcher and historian indicates that often veterans cannot remember what they did last week, but ask them to go back a long way, the memory is as clear as today.
The story also shows, as we have seen in previous conflicts, that the "enemy" on both sides, quickly after the conflict is ended, soon close ranks and we all go back to what we enjoy most, and that is being military aircrew.
This discusion is made so much more interesting, by the contributions from the other sides armed forces.
Show to me the spirt of Christmas is still with most of us.
Regards
Col