Fighter Pilot’s Ego in Critical Condition

It's touch and go. (Too soon?)

WALTER REED MEDICAL CENTER, Md. — Through labored, shallow breaths and the mechanical pauses of a ventilator, Air Force fighter pilot Captain Brad “Full” Nelson struggles under the spell of an induced coma. His squadron mates recount the accident that nearly led to his death.

“We went to the bar Friday night after we'd been drinking at the squadron for a…