Tailhooker's Method of clearing
the Eustachian Tubes


John "Jack" Bolt, who launched West to his final reward in 2004, was the only two-war U.S. Marine Corps ace.

As a junior officer during World War II, he scored six enemy kills while flying the Vought F4U Corsair.

As a major, he scored six more while flying the North American F-86 Sabre during a Korean War exchange tour with the U.S. Air Force.

Jack Bolt was a hoot. During a commercial airline flight several years ago, he was seated next to a young mother with a babe in arms.

When the baby began crying during the descent for landing, the mother began nursing him as discreetly as possible.

Jack pretended not to notice and, upon debarking, he gallantly offered his assistance to help with the various baby-related impedimenta.

When the young mother expressed her gratitude, Bolt responded: "Gosh, that's a good looking baby.... and he sure was hungry!"

Somewhat embarrassed, the mother explained that her pediatrician said nursing would help alleviate the pressure in the baby's ears.

Jack snaps his fingers, shakes his head, and in true fighter pilot fashion exclaims, "Dang! And all these years I've been chewing gum!"