“Shot down” is the key. Quite an unlikely occurrence over Modesto. The fact that his father knew how serious it was is likely the reason Bush, Jr. was where he was. (Funny how George McGovern, a man who flew 20+ bombing missions in WWII, was always seen as a wimp. It’s all about articfice, sometimes.)
I’m not a big fan of Gore’s, and refused to vote for him in 2000. The other people I mentioned took bigger risks (as did Chuck Robb, who I forgot to mention the other day.) However, wearing a uniform in a war, in the country it’s being fought in, is hazardous. Being in the country is hazardous. Ask Bernard Fall.