This isn't the sort of thing that can be kept under wraps. Is there any way that accessible records can prove he's telling porkies?
PS. I don't believe this either. Constant heading, 35K feet plus. Threat = No. Yes, I know all about the Vincennes. See previous line.
When they picked up the same radar signature at nearly the routine time ( first law of stress / navigation, you see what you expect to see ) - a Sea Dart missile was within moments of going, which would have been poor
PR and probably a stopper on the whole escapade, but one officer had the brains to spot the course and civilian airliner timetable...