Letter writer Denise Steffenhagen cites John McCain’s loss of five aircraft as a little known fact. Research shows two of his aircraft accidents were due to engine failure. Another was from an errant missile on the USS Forestall. Yet another was from enemy gunfire.

The record also shows he received 17 military awards and decorations. Among them: the Silver Star; three Bronze Stars (one with “V” for combat valor); 2 Legions of Merit (one with “V” for combat valor); the Distinguished Flying Cross; the Purple Heart for wounds sustained in combat; and the Navy Commendation Medal.

Another interesting tally: three bones broken in an “accident” over North Vietnam. More bones and teeth broken during interrogation. The bones were reset without benefit of anesthetic.

Bad pilot indeed.

Lee Flegel

Redmond