I don't think it took Doc Williams but two seconds to accept the offer to go aloft in one of our RF-4's for his "dollar ride". My own pilot (Bill) was chosen to take Doc up on a short flight in a safe area where encountering enemy fire was unlikely. No matter, Doc was raring to go.
Since I was not going with Bill and Doc, I accompanied them to the airplane to make sure that Doc was briefed on the emergency procedures, how to properly strap in and how to use the ejection seat, should that become necessary. He was excited and really "pumped up" about the prospects of getting that ride.
After they got engines started and were ready for taxi out, I climbed atop the revetment walls to get some snapshots. Here is one, with Doc in the back seat, about to taxi to the runway for the one-hour flight over the area around IV Corps south of Saigon.
I was also there when they returned and helped Doc get safely out of the plane, ensuring that he put the safety pins in the ejection seat and egressed without accidentally tripping switches. He was really on a "high" from the thrill and excitement of his flight. It was terrific to see his enthusiasm. "Doc" Williams not only had great fun, he also got a first-hand feel of what the squadron crews were experiencing every day.
I sure it made him more appreciative of the tensions, stress and hazards of combat flying.