I served in Japan with then Captain Cherry. He was the only black pilot I had seen(63-64). He was well respected by us enlisted men and by his fellow officers. He was also considered to be a good pilot. I was watching the news the night his release from POW camp was televised and was shocked as I didn't know about his capture. Many of the pilots who flew F 105s were shot down. I think they had more casualties as a group than anyone. I didn't see the racism so many are referring to.