Hey thump,
You might want to check with some tax folks. We went through a similar thing with our company in 2002 and they have changed the laws on 401K in certain circumstances. I was 57 and I was able to draw from mine without a penalty. Still have to pay income tax just like on other income but if you are 55 or older there is not a penalty. Like I said, I was 57, but one of my buds was 55 and he did the same thing I did.
I was fortunate that I was able to keep my insurance at a very reasonable rate.
Good luck and go fishing.
SeaRay
Mark 1:17 ...I will make you fishers of men