Yes, I fit the "old guy" description very well!
Though I was on a tactical missile launch crew, my barracks window in Germany overlooked an earth covered revetment that protected an F-102 of the 496th FIS. Late night engine runs would guarantee either getting up to watch the glowing tailpipe, or pulling the pillow over my head to help block out the scream. You couldn't just ignore it.
I wonder if the TSGT who submitted the idea for a tail insignia was indeed a Chrysler fan? The fact that the 318 engine came out in '57, the year the insignia was picked, and that the squadron number was 318 might not have been a coincidence.
