Ret.) Lt. Dick Uyehara, is a Korean War veteran that had big Air Force career goals when entered in 1951. But one day in 1955, he was forced to eject from a B-57 (similar to the aircraft he sits on) at 600 miles per hour over Washington D.C.—ending his plans and taking both his legs. He had to struggle free from a malfunctioning ejection seat, only to have the stabilizer (seen behind his ankles) hit him during the bailout, sever one leg and mangled the other. During the recovery he asked to have his remaining lower leg amputated due to complications.
Teri, his wife said, "He never let it beat him," although he was in great pain. After release he never used a wheelchair, preferring to walk -- unaided -- on prosthetic legs, Teri said.
He started a dental laboratory in Hollywood, and became a dental technician for Hollywood celebrities. He and Teri retired in Grand Junction, Colo., set on trying motor home life, and seeing the States. (U.S. Air Force photo by Lance Cheung/Released)
