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 29 rides came several retinal hemorrhages, cracked ribs, and two broken wrists-the second of which he set himself while walking back to the field lab that he headed. Stapp was named winner of the Cheney Award for 1954. That same year, he also won AFA's Theodore von Karman Award for distinguished service in the field of aerospace science. For unassuming Paul Stapp, the greatest reward was the knowledge that he had helped make a dangerous profession a little less hazardous-that many jet pilots who had to abandon their planes were still alive and flying.
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. This one was originally published in May 1983. Published November 1998. For presentation on this web site, some Valor articles have been amended for accuracy.