After that experience, Cushman wrote a letter to the Grand Forks Herald
in which he asked the young people in his hometown not to feel sorry for
him, but instead to set goals for themselves.
His letter, written on an airplane only hours after the unfortunate
fall, has always been an inspiration.
After graduating from Kansas in 1961, Cushman became a fighter pilot in
the Air Force. In September 1966, he was listed as missing in action in
Vietnam.
Cushman was 28 years old at the time. His wife, Carolyn, and
10-month-old son, Colin, could only wait.
Said his wife after being informed of her husband's status: "Somewhere
in Vietnam he's running the biggest race of his life. It's like watching
a race in which Cliff is running - only you can't see the finish tape.
He's in excellent physical condition. Cliff also has a very deep faith
in God. What better combination could there be?"
November 6, 1975, Clifton E. Cushman was officially declared dead. But
his timeless inspirational message lives on.