SIDEWINDER

These missiles are small air-air missiles for aerial combat. The Sidewinder has a peculiar flight pattern after launch. It veers from right and left seeking a target like a sidewinder rattlesnake. Once on target it corkscrews on in. Early versions were use in the Korea conflict. Much modified version is today and is call the AIM-SIDEWINDER)

SIDEWINDER
(Korea, 1951)

The F-86 Sabrejet cruised at 30,000 feet,
awaiting a MIG-21 to meet.
Meanwhile, in the air 100 miles away,
the MIG thought this might be the day.

Each saw each other about 10 miles part,
and for each one this was quite a start.
The Sabrejet banked sharply to the right,
and the MIG thought, "This plane does not want to fight."

Three Sidewinders from the Sabrejet were released,
and a hit by one and you will cease.
The Sidewinders veered from left to right,
and they made quite a startling sight.

The MIG watched the missiles
out in the blue,
then they began to corkscrew,
and now wondering now what to do.
The MIG began to smile,
"These missiles will miss me by a mile."

He glanced up, three missiles in his eye,
He screamed, "I don't want to die." ____________________________________GLAWS/1951

REFLECTIONS

A WALK TO YESTERYEAR

Come walk with me to yesteryear
Down the road of childhood miles,
Let's turn our thoughts away from fear
And change our frowns to smiles.

Let's walk together in memory
To time when we were young,
Let's live each minute in mincry,
And renew those years of fun
-M. Rosser Lunsford