Holden's character closely parallels three USAF pilots, Colonel Walker "Bud" Mahurin, an Air Force double ace who was shot down in Korea and tortured before signing confessions of war crimes, Lieutenant Colonel Everest, who had a similar prison experience after being shot down in China during World War II, and Capt. Milburn G. Apt, who died after losing control of the X-2 minutes after becoming the first pilot to exceed Mach 3.
Holden Caulfield's character is similar to three American Air Force pilots: Colonel Bud Mahurin, Lieutenant Colonel Everest, and Captain Milburn G. Apt.