US Navy F-4 Phantom II Units of the Vietnam War 1969-73 (Combat Aircraft, 125)

US Navy F-4 Phantom II Units of the Vietnam War 1969-73 (Combat Aircraft, 125)

Although the F-4 Phantom II was the most important fighter-bomber to see action with all three American services during the Vietnam War, it was essentially a US Navy design, and the carrier-borne squadron crews were its main operators in combat. The aircraft pioneered the use of long-range, radar-guided missiles in combat, although the majority of its Vietnam missions involved ground-attack with a variety of innovative ordnance. From 1968 to 1973 the Phantom II was the standard US Navy fighter in Southeast Asia, having replaced several other types. Its performance and versatility enabled it to perform a variety of different missions, and switch roles as necessary, in the assault on some of the world's most heavily defended territory. Including detailed color profiles and first-person commentary from active participants in the F-4's naval combat history, this is a detailed study of the US armed services' most famous post-war fighter. “Davies presents a clear picture of what it was like for F-4 II crewmen when they hit problems in air-to-air, interdiction, and close support sorties. Along with striking targets in South Vietnam, carrier-based planes bombed North Vietnam and Laos. In addition to normal survival concerns, crewmen coped with problems ranging from frustration due to complex rules of engagement to the dealing with the rationale behind awarding medals. Davies emphasizes stories involving hunting and killing MIGs, the premier accomplishment of fighter jocks.” ― VVA Veteran “I also have never seen described in such detail the complicated train of events of May 10, 1972, when U.S. fighter aircraft shot down 11 North Vietnam MiGs and U.S. forces lost two Air Force F-4s and two U.S. Navy aircraft during that war's most intense day of air-to-air combat. This new research should serve as a reference for historians and enthusiasts alike.” ― Naval Aviation News “This is a new history is to be used as a reference by historians and enthusiasts alike.” ― Wings of Gold Magazine Peter E. Davies has specialized in the aircraft of the Vietnam and Cold War periods, analyzing tactics, background politics and technologies in combat situations. His books are always enriched by original first-hand interviews and unpublished illustrative material. Peter has also been a contributor to publications such as Aeroplane Monthly , Aviation News and Aircraft Illustrated . He lives in Bristol, UK. Jim Laurier is a native of New England and lives in New Hampshire. He attended Paier School of Art in Hamden, Connecticut, from 1974–78, and since graduating with Honours, he has been working professionally in the field of Fine Art and Illustration. He has been commissioned to paint for the US Air Force and has aviation paintings on permanent display at the Pentagon.