CRUSADER DOWN: The Willie Sharp Story

Lt. William Dean Sharp is a distinguished combat pilot and flew over 200 combat missions in the Vought F-8 Crusader. He is the recipient of the Navy Distinguished Flying Cross, 12 Air Medals, the Purple Heart, and the Navy Commendation with Combat V (valor) Medal. During the Vietnam War he was stationed onboard aircraft carriers USS Bon Homme Richard (CVA-31) and USS Ticonderoga (CVA-14). He is featured in the 2020 book "Unforgotten in the Gulf of Tonkin" by Eileen A. Bjorkman. Willie is currently a docent aboard the USS Hornet Museum, where he kindly let me interview him for this documentary.

[@user-qr5tw9bv6w]

I had the pleasure of getting to know Willie when we served on Rich Keefer’s Committee for the Last Annual Crusader Ball held in San Francisco years ago. A true gentleman whose bravery & clear thinking was only exceeded by his humanity. Bravo Zulu Willie, to a real American Hero. Jim Markel, Capt. USMC, F8Es out of Danang 1966.

[@billwilson681]

Great documentary! I never had the pleasure of flying with Willie in the Navy (we were flying Crusaders at different times), But I did get to fly with him at United Air Lines. A great pilot and a true hero..... Rod Farley

[@BTillman48]

I've known several VF-191 pilots but never knew about Willie Sharp. THANK YOU for such a heartfelt contribution.

[@theclash1979]

I am so honored to have met you in person, Sir.

[@doncarlson8391]

Thank you for protecting our home, sir. Much admiration and respect.

[@TJ3]

Sick!! Great job George

[@moonshineofthemoon8054]

Excellent documentary! We need more documentary’s like this.

[@paulazemeckis7835]

Thank you for this wonderful story. In my book all pilots are heroes whether in the service or with an airline. 🥰

[@FlyingDutchmanPodcast]

Great episode great guest

[@candidcapture]

Uncanny nature of events. These are probably the most important stories of all. Welcome home Sharp! And a toast to your whiskey selections.

[@RandallSoong-pp7ih]

Awesome!

[@perryknight2856]

God bless all those brave men an woman who served our great nation

[@barrybickle7992]

Willie, thanks for the addition to the story you told me in DENTK

[@ericanthonyvillar6285]

Kudos!

[@taproom113]

BZ Super Blue! Well done & Welcome home! Glad to know throwin' that nickel on the grass worked out ... ;-) F-8's Forever!!! ^v^

[@batesestabrooks3774]

What ever happened to the, Ruger .22?