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TV news piece on He was a legend in the fighter community for his airmanship and
don't-give-a-crap-about-paperwork attitude. Unfortunately, because
of his administrative deficiencies he was forced out of the Navy in the
early 80's. When Secretary of the Navy John Lehman (a former A-6
backseater) took over a couple years later he brought Hoser back to active
duty and promoted him to O-5. He was put in charge of the F-14 gun program
in the RAG, where he continued to do what he did best...fly, fight and
train Naval Aviators. Around 1986 Hoser "procured"; a 20MM
barrel from the F-14 Gatling gun. He attached a breach and fashioned
himself a rather formidable weapon. One day the breach blew up, took off
his index finger and right thumb. That would not stop Hoser, he had them
take off his right big toe and attach it to his right hand....now he had
three fingers and a big toe...looked a bit like a lobster. He proved he
could operate the trim button on the stick and back on flight status he
went...oh and with a new call sign, "Toeser"....you just can't
make this stuff up. This attached video captures the essence of
Hoser: And you can see the toe on his right hand in the video. |