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We Sat Down With ‘America’s Most Experienced’ F-16 Pilot: Here’s What We Found Out

Oct. 3, 2012 10:18am

Some might think retired Lt. Col. Dan Hampton would be best described by the numbers of what he has accomplished:

  • 151 combat missions
  • 21 hard kills on surface-to-air-missile sites
  • 4 Distinguished Flying Crosses with Valor
  • 1 Purple Heart
Retired Air Force Pilot Lt. Col. Dan Hampton Shares a Glimpse of the Last 20 Years through His Eyes

Retired Lt. Col. Dan Hampton (Photo via Facebook)

But talk with the former fighter jet pilot, who went by “Two Dogs” and has been described as “America’s most experienced” F-16 pilot, and you’ll find a humble personality backing his impressive 20 years of service.

First Hampton is quick to tell you “America’s most experienced” and other accolades that are being put to his name are not his own words. He says there are other guys out there from other wars that he considers doing more impressive things than himself.

Still, when it comes to some situations, such as being involved in the 2003 Iraq invasion, rescuing Marines from enemies near Nasiriya, flying over U.S. soil after 9/11, and serving during the Gulf War and war in Kosovo, Hampton said he’s glad it was him who was there.

Retired Air Force Pilot Lt. Col. Dan Hampton Shares a Glimpse of the Last 20 Years through His Eyes

(Photo via Facebook)

“I was glad, especially in the last war, that it was me in there,” Hampton said in an interview with TheBlaze. “I had a lot of experience. I’m not saying someone else couldn’t have done the same thing, but I’m glad it was me that ran into that. I was able to use up all my mojo and make it happen.”

Hampton goes into detail from historic events he has been involved in his 1986 to 2006 tenure in an autobiography released to the public Tuesday called “Viper Pilot: A Memoir of Air Combat.” He told TheBlaze he hopes the book provides a “glimpse through my eyes of things I’ve done in the last 20 years.”

Watch Hampton talk about his experiences in this book trailer:

“I would like people to get a look at what has been done for them,” he said, noting his appreciation to the support the American public has given to the military in the last few decades.

He also said he hopes the book serves a warning to America’s enemies.

Retired Air Force Pilot Lt. Col. Dan Hampton Shares a Glimpse of the Last 20 Years through His Eyes

(Photo via Facebook)

He said he first decided to write down his experiences in a book after being hurt while returning to the United States to reach his wife who was in pre-mature labor. Hampton said he wanted make record of it for his son in the event that something could happen to him permanently where he wouldn’t be able to share these stories.

When it comes to the historic nature of some of Hampton’s combat missions as part of the Wild Weasels, which the book’s publisher Harper Collins’ William Morrow writes is an “elite Air Force fighter squadrons whose mission is recognized as the most dangerous job in modern air combat,” he said he didn’t necessarily realize what he had just participated in until hours later on the ground.

“I think most guys in combat would agree after keeping yourself and those around you safe, your next move is to do whatever you’re supposed to accomplish at the time. When you’re zipping around at the speed of a rifle bullet, you don’t have extra brain bites to ponder things. … [A]fter sitting there on the ground, your brain slows down and you think about what you did that day,” he said.

Retired Air Force Pilot Lt. Col. Dan Hampton Shares a Glimpse of the Last 20 Years through His Eyes

(Image: Harper Collins)

Hampton is currently on tour promoting his book with his next stop in Chicago. On Oct. 4 he will be speaking at the Pritzker Military Library, which describes the book on its website as a “rare autobiography [which] may be the final opportunity to cover this world through the lens of one of the best of the best.”

Harper Collins describes the book as “irreverently humorous” and “an unforgettable look into the closed world of fighter pilots and modern air combat.”

Take an inside look at the book here. Check out the book’s Facebook page for more information here.

(H/T: Daily Mail)

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Comments (64)

1 2
  • theKIDSdontSTANDaCHANCE
    Posted on October 3, 2012 at 6:34pm

    At 1:29 in the video you can see at at the bottom part of the jet a red Communist Star with the hammer and sickle. Can someone please tell me why?………very bizarre……we wouldn’t sell our weapons to communists right?

    Report this comment

    theKIDSdontSTANDaCHANCE  
  • AnAmerican111
    Posted on October 3, 2012 at 5:19pm

    At a time when all you hear is lies and deceit from a supposed President named OBAMA, it is refreshing to hear from a true American hero like Col. Hampton.

    God Bless the United States Armed forces and all those that serve

    Report this comment

    AnAmerican111  
    • muffythetuffy
      Posted on October 3, 2012 at 6:41pm

      WILL HE FLY ATTACK MISSIONS AGAINST AMERICAN PEOPLE?

      If ordered to, will he strafe and drop his bomb load on Americans if ordered to? Yes and without question. We are approaching a point in our future where pilots such as they will be our enemy.

      Report this comment

      muffythetuffy  
    • eagle2715
      Posted on October 3, 2012 at 10:50pm

      Muffy, you are an absurdly moronic idiot. If you believe that then you have absolutely no respect for the men and women in uniform. You seem to think of them as mindless thugs who only signed up to serve Obama… We all took an oath, one that we take more seriously. Please go play in traffic or something useful like that.

      Report this comment

      eagle2715  
  • Joel Knows
    Posted on October 3, 2012 at 4:14pm

    When I was in elementary school, we had to read books and write reports on them. I hope that his book will be on the shelf in a school library, and teachers will allow their students to read about heroes like Col. Hampton to help shape their minds and values going forward.
    Thinking about it our teachers and librarians encouraged us to read about the patriots of the American Revolution. This could be a great addition to teaching our children about valor, honor, and courage.

    Report this comment

    Joel Knows  
  • loneindividual
    Posted on October 3, 2012 at 3:27pm

    “it brought me back, relatively in one piece”

    wait….what part of you is missing? lol

    so that explains the purple heart…..

    Report this comment

    loneindividual  
  • Meyvn1
    Posted on October 3, 2012 at 3:19pm

    Thank you Sir!

    Report this comment

    Meyvn1  
    • Virgil_Lance
      Posted on October 3, 2012 at 4:23pm

      Thank you, American Hero! You probably always wanted to fly the vipers ….. ever since the time you were in diapers. BTW – the motto of “wild weasel” squadrons is “Y.G.B.S.M.”.

      Report this comment

      Virgil_Lance  
  • sockittothem
    Posted on October 3, 2012 at 3:07pm

    Thanks for your service thanks for being there when we where in trouble on the ground..

    Report this comment

    sockittothem  
  • JT-CPR
    Posted on October 3, 2012 at 2:09pm

    “Unlike a platoon of army soldiers i’m alone in the cockpit” I think I would rather be up there when sierra hotel india tango hits the fan. Not trying to take anything away for the Lt. Col but the dirty work is done with the boots on the ground…..Just sayin

    Report this comment

    JT-CPR  
    • LakeHartwellSailor
      Posted on October 3, 2012 at 2:37pm

      Every military man or woman has a role to play….I would hate to be an infratrymen on the ground without aviation support above, and a supply sgt and cook in the rear.

      Just saying….

      Report this comment

      LakeHartwellSailor  
    • old white guy
      Posted on October 3, 2012 at 2:39pm

      one can only call the man a hero. there are not many around these days.

      Report this comment

      old white guy  
    • fnnvsl
      Posted on October 3, 2012 at 2:41pm

      I agree the “dirty work” is done on the ground. But I still think it has to be a pretty eerie feeling flying alone over a battlefield.

      Report this comment

      fnnvsl  
    • scrudge
      Posted on October 3, 2012 at 2:42pm

      his work let the boots stay on the ground

      Report this comment

      scrudge  
    • JT-CPR
      Posted on October 3, 2012 at 3:46pm

      I agree that it takes all military branches to win wars and accomplish the task at hand. I was reacting to the comment made in the video. It was implied that since there is a platoon of many, it is an easier or less dangerous job.
      I would think it is a bit different flying in a jet, @ 30-60k feet, that probably has some sort of stealth technology along with who knows what else would be a little less dangerous.
      I think reading this book would be about as entertaining as reading about a sailor on a submarine.

      Report this comment

      JT-CPR  
    • eagledown
      Posted on October 3, 2012 at 3:46pm

      @JT-CPR “Unlike a platoon of army soldiers i’m alone in the cockpitâ€.

      How can to make a Take Away comment like that. If it wasn’t for Air Superiority the boots on the ground would be hamburger. I have to be careful here with putting worth over anyone else on a battlefield, but I have a feeling that it’s a million to one as far as the Pentagon is concerned. Boot’s are expendable to a certain point vrs. a Multi-Million $$ aircraft operated by an extremely talented Top Gun pilot covering your a** on the ground and taking out SAM sites in Hostile fire at the same time. Dirty Work? Not sure how he got his Purple Heart, but I can imagine it was anti-aircraft fire. I don’t know, your comment chaffed me a bit.

      Report this comment

      eagledown  
  • Watermain
    Posted on October 3, 2012 at 1:56pm

    Viper Pilot: The story of an American Hero doing what heroes do…protecting those needing protection.This Vietnam Veteran salutes you, Lt. Col. Dan Hampton.

    Report this comment

    Watermain  
    • kalli
      Posted on October 3, 2012 at 2:08pm

      Thanks for your service, Watermain. My brother served 2 back-to-back yrs, in Vietnam–Army. My back yard is about 1/2 mile from the end of a runway of an airbase, and I salute these flyboys every day as they buzz my house. Love to watch these men in their flying machines….awesome sight that still gives me chills. I am going to get this book, and give my heartfelt thanks not only to Lt. Col. Dan Hampton, but to all our military men and women who give their all to this country. I pray for them every day.

      Report this comment

       
  • Harvey1
    Posted on October 3, 2012 at 1:20pm

    Thank you sir for your service to our great country. Thanks to GOD for keeping you safe! It is a pleasure and comforting feeling knowing that we have such patriotic people like you helping to preserve our freedom and country. The sad part is that some people enjoy this freedom and us it an attempt to destroy our country and freedom. This could be controlled in the ballot box if people would learn the truth and vote for the preservation of our Constitution and continued freedom.
    “Give me liberty or give me death”. This quote expresses what you fought for and how I feel.

    Report this comment

    Harvey1  
  • eagledown
    Posted on October 3, 2012 at 1:04pm

    God Speed Lt. Dan! You inspire and give us hope by representing the BEST of the BEST of what American strength and pride in times of a Marxist Commander In Chief that spits on you and what you represent. BO is still reading Open Veins of Latin America, the book Hugo Chavez gave him, sorry, he won’t be reading your book of American Valor “Vipor Pilot”. But I will. Thank you for your Awesomeness!!!

    Report this comment

    eagledown  
  • Free_Man
    Posted on October 3, 2012 at 12:47pm

    I have mixed feelings about this. I’m a former naval aviator in f-14s. I flew in missions in the Med when Qaddafi had his “line of death” back in the ’80s so I know of what I speak. I don’t know if it’s the navy in me and the competition between the two air services, but publicizing your accomplishments like this are good reads, but in the air-dale community, kind of frowned upon. I can tell you hands down, across the board, in ready rooms across the fleet, this book will not go over well and will draw some raised eyebrows. He deserves his awards and bravo zulus, no doubt… he’s a warrior… but going public like this is kind of against the grain. Just sayin’…

    Report this comment

    Free_Man  
    • Geowchap
      Posted on October 3, 2012 at 1:23pm

      Agree, all the Eagle (F-15) drivers I knew in the USAF were very humble.
      This guy is certainly a hero, but does not fit the mold.

      Report this comment

      Geowchap  
    • dorightfearnothing
      Posted on October 3, 2012 at 1:41pm

      It may go against the grain in some circles but the population at large needs to learn of the situtations that our volunteer defenders are placed in to maintain our liberty. It’s the people out there who have never at any level been placed in harms way for the protection of others or themselves that are voting for people like obama. These same people have no clue, but some how think they are experts on incidents that they were not involved in and developed an opinion from the safety of the couch in their living room. This is the case with military action, police involved shooting, and some citizen defending themselves in thier own home, everybody who was not there is an expert this drives my nuts. So the more information available to these types the better for the sake of voting in future elections if nothing else. We are hearing the muslims, gays, and communists, well I like to hear from our nations warriors & hero’s because they are for real…. Just my thoughts, thanks for your service in the Navy Sir.

      Report this comment

      dorightfearnothing  
    • Jinglebob
      Posted on October 3, 2012 at 4:00pm

      I have read lots of books from the Viet Nam era, both from Ground Troops and Pilots. Without these stories how will the public, the Fobbits, the Cowards ever learn what’s it all about. Write it, tell it, live it and God Bless.

      Report this comment

      Jinglebob  
    • Geowchap
      Posted on October 3, 2012 at 4:36pm

      Mandatory 2 years service would go a long way towards our nations appreciation of heroes.

      Report this comment

      Geowchap  
  • AReaganAirForceVet
    Posted on October 3, 2012 at 12:31pm

    Kudos to Lt. Col. Hampton. Job Well DONE! When I was in as a crew chief on the A-10 and finally the F-15 aircrafts, I and the other crew chiefs always said there were two types of military pilots: Those who were Officers first and then Pilots, and those who were Pilots first and then Officers. We always looked forward to having the Pilot first come out, strap him into the cockpit, and launch him out. He would talk to us as we did our walk around together like an old friend, and he would be more understanding if something went wrong during the launch procedures. All this is to say is that it sounds like Lt. Col. Hampton was a pilot first. With a pilot first attitude, the crew chiefs would eagely go with them to the battle sight and fight right along side of them. They are the ones who gave us crew chiefs a job to do, of course, I mean that in a good way. And I think, Lt. Col. Hampton would readily admit that if it weren’t for his crew-chiefs, he would never have gotten off the ground as much as he did. So, here’s to Lt. Col. Hampton, and all the Air Force members who are in the supportive role.

    Report this comment

    AReaganAirForceVet  
  • yiska8
    Posted on October 3, 2012 at 12:30pm

    I always watch the fighte jets scream across the sky most morning here in San Antonio because of all the AF bases. I always wonder about the men and women who fly these machines. What focus and discipline they must have! The book sounds like a great read and you got to hand it to this man. Bravery never gets old and humility keeps you young.

    Report this comment

    yiska8  
  • twbranch
    Posted on October 3, 2012 at 12:11pm

    A book about a true hero….definitely a must have. I served in USN and met a few pilots and they always seem humble and polite yet put their lives on the line daily. Those are the ones that make the military what it is. Thanks for serving.

    Report this comment

    twbranch  
  • Ironeagle
    Posted on October 3, 2012 at 12:11pm

    Oooooo-raaaah! Shack! This guy reminds me of me!

    Report this comment

    Ironeagle  
    • MetalPatriot
      Posted on October 4, 2012 at 1:19am

      lol! Pervert!

      Love ya, Gunny

      Can hardly wait to get Lt. Col’s book.

      BTW – Romney DESTROYED the Traitor tonight. May we all fight on God’s side.

      Report this comment

      MetalPatriot  
  • COFemale
    Posted on October 3, 2012 at 12:05pm

    Growing up around airplanes and the military for most of my life, I can say the F-16 is one of my favorite fighter jets. My ex performed maintenance on these jets while at Nellis AFB, Las Vegas. He also served almost four years on the Thunderbird’s as Comm/Nav and 1 season on the #7 jet. That was the most fun year of all. My favorite maneuver is the sneak pass. I always knew when it was coming and while the crowd was watching the diamond pass, I was looking in the opposite direction with my camera to catch the sneak pass on it’s silent approach until it passed the crowd and that’s when you heard the roar of the jet. The crowd always jumped. Priceless.

    I am sure this man’s book will be quite successful and I thank him for his service. He’d also make a great Thunderbird pilot. He has the criteria to meet the stringent requirements.

    Report this comment

    COFemale  
  • dylan
    Posted on October 3, 2012 at 11:45am

    I’m a USAF brat and had a very wide education in the ways of the world. Wouldn’t trade it for anything. American schools in Europe and Asia are the best. When I finally hit the ‘zone of the interior’ at 15, I was ahead of most of my class mates. Conservative to the core, I view today’s progressives with disdain. The ‘Know nothings’ they are. Live in ideals instead of living in reality and the solution.

    Report this comment

    dylan  
    • DAYWATCHER
      Posted on October 3, 2012 at 12:07pm

      Well said.

      I’m just saying…

      Report this comment

      DAYWATCHER  
    • Sgt_Rock
      Posted on October 3, 2012 at 12:42pm

      I was an Army brat, and concur with your assessment. The teachers we had overseas were head and shoulders above the teachers we had in “public” school in the L.A. Unified School District. I am extremely grateful for the formative education the DoD teachers provided. They actually taught us the subject matter, as opposed to the L.A. teachers, who were either espousing their political agenda or trying to convince us of our good fortune at having them as teachers because of their vast intellectual prowess. Spending my first 6 years of school in DoD schools overseas was a blessing.

      Report this comment

      Sgt_Rock  
  • Akridgerunner
    Posted on October 3, 2012 at 11:37am

    This book will be a must have. Glad to see an ‘ad’ for it on the Blaze. Guys like this are my heros; without them we have nothing.

    Report this comment

    Akridgerunner  
  • DeOppressoLiber
    Posted on October 3, 2012 at 11:20am

    The USAF needs to up grade their ordnance with precision guided napalm. You would get some Shock and Awe with it. I would use a VT type of fuze to get the effect you would want on different targets.

    Report this comment

    DeOppressoLiber  
  • DirtyDeeds
    Posted on October 3, 2012 at 11:06am

    Truly a stud, a hero and a fellow winged aviator. But a let down of an article. I am going to buy his book because I want to hear more about what the article left out.

    Report this comment

    DirtyDeeds  
  • Gonzo
    Posted on October 3, 2012 at 11:01am

    I’m surprised the ACLU hasn’t sued over the Distinguished Flying Cross yet.

    Report this comment

    Gonzo  
    • Kelso
      Posted on October 3, 2012 at 11:41am

      Gonzo sir, I read you, Ms. Leopard, and unfortunately the trolls Enc. and group…But you always have the wittiest comeback, and nearly everyday, you make me laugh out loud. (Like today) Great to have someone like ‘uncle’ ted on our side. (Although, your previous funny guy face was good too, ted says you better.)

      Have a great day.

      Report this comment

      Kelso  
    • Anonymous T. Irrelevant
      Posted on October 3, 2012 at 11:53am

      Just give it a little time. I don’t think it has dawned on them that it is a religious symbol, yet.

      Report this comment

      Anonymous T. Irrelevant  
    • CWPrequired
      Posted on October 3, 2012 at 12:18pm

      Gonzo, I have to second Kelso’s remark. Thanks!

      Report this comment

      CWPrequired  
  • N37BU6
    Posted on October 3, 2012 at 10:57am

    Viper drivers are great fun to talk to. Multirole means they have seen it all.

    Report this comment

    N37BU6  
  • hcartexas
    Posted on October 3, 2012 at 10:37am

    A book advertisement… nice.

    Report this comment

    hcartexas  
    • Stelex
      Posted on October 3, 2012 at 10:46am

      For some one who deserves it…….yes a book ad.

      Report this comment

      Stelex  
    • smokeysmoke
      Posted on October 3, 2012 at 10:55am

      i like books about people who are and have been active in the military… and stories from all the different branches of the military. they are some of the most entertaining books, but you can learn alot about what these people sacrafice for the rest of us

      Report this comment

      smokeysmoke  
    • TreeTrimmerJim
      Posted on October 3, 2012 at 11:25am

      “A nation which does not remember what it was yesterday, does not know what it is today, nor what it is trying to do. We are trying to do a futile thing if we do not know where we came from or what we have been about.” ~ President Woodrow Wilson, 1913

      Books are how we mark the trail of where we came from, where we are and turn our imaginations loose as we look at the horizon in the direction we are going. Books unread are the tree that falls in the woods…

      A book a day will keep poverty away… poverty is strangling rural America… Rural American communities are shrinking at 1% per year… Books are part of opening the door to education.. Today’s public schools are part of closing the door to education.. one view, ignorance management.

      Once educated you can not become ignorant again… read a book.

      Report this comment

      TreeTrimmerJim  
  • ChiefGeorge
    Posted on October 3, 2012 at 10:36am

    A real American hero!

    Report this comment

    ChiefGeorge  
  • PeteOH
    Posted on October 3, 2012 at 10:25am

    Very grateful that he’s on OUR side!

    Thanks for serving!

    Report this comment

    PeteOH  
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