Key point: Like many other over-hyped German wonder weapons, the Komet was revolutionary but not practical. Overengineered and full of problems, it was too fast and only had 7 minutes worth of fuel.

E.R. "Ralph" Jones was a successful Stockton restaurateur with a gift of gab that charmed customers at the old State Cafe at the corner of Park and Grant streets. He and his wife, Mae, made an ideal ...