Who is Abe Steiger from Flight of the Intruder and what is their importance?

Abe Steiger is a squadron air intelligence officers. He makes a thoughtless mistake by revealing exactly how many enemy soldiers were estimated to be killed by Jake in one of his attacks. Later, he makes up for his error by agreeing to supply intelligence information to Jake and Tiger when they're planning their attack on North Vietnam's leadership. Abe is described as morally upright, although he is willing to help Jake and Tiger with what he believes is a good cause, he draws the line at changing the charts in a way that might put other pilots in harm's way.