Wind blast and deceleration were equivalent to a high-altitude ejection at supersonic speed. Out of these wild rides came improved helmets, arm and leg restraints, better aircraft seats, stronger safety harnesses, and techniques for positioning the body to help absorb unearthly forces. During his twenty-nine rides came several retinal hemorrhages, cracked ribs, and two broken wrists. Col. Stapp was named winner of the Cheney Award for 1954. That same year, he also won AFA's Theodore von Karman Trophy for distinguished service in the field of aerospace science.
War is the breeding ground of heroes.
In times of peace, few have the opportunity or the dedication and courage to risk permanent injury or death, as Lt. Col. John Paul Stapp did repeatedly, so that others may live.