Just got through skimming your threads, my new Pilot friend.
I will add one thing to Machs - NY to LA post.
Have you ever heard of the STOCKDALE Paradox?
He was a POW in Vietnam.
I can not give you a link to it for TOS reasons but if you look him up it is a very interesting story and very similar to what MACH is telling you about the trip.
Stockdale did survive his POW ordeal, but many of his comrades did not.
