I am always amazed at stories like this and it was the first time i read this Story. This is an example of superior Airmanship, keen problem soliving skills and nerves of steel to work through the problem. Being that it had never been done a healthy dose of finesse.
In 1977 when i started with a major airline i was witness to the last of the WWII pilots retiring, the Korean boys age out and then the Vietnam Pilots. In my opinion the Vietnam Pilots represented last of of the Can Do Attitude. I dont want to offend anyone so i will leave it at that.