Description
During the war in Vietnam, no aircraft played a more dominant role in air combat than McDonnell’s legendary F-4 Phantom. Extensively utilized by the U.S. Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps, this aircraft in the hands of Naval aviators performed admirably, from the first official missions of the war following the Tonkin Gulf incident to covering the final evacuation from Saigon. Throughout the conflict, though Phantoms pounded targets in the North and South, it is best remembered as a Fighter, racking up a long list of MiG kills. The F-4’s 2-man team consisted of a pilot and RIO (Radar Intercept Officer) and was capable of speeds over Mach 2, utilizing air-to-air & air-to-ground missiles, a variety of bombs, with later models incorporating a cannon as well.
Into the Storm depicts two Phantoms passing the USS Constellation on a MiGCAP mission, armed with Sparrow and Sidewinders in 1967. Two stalwart squadrons are represented here; VF-143’s “Pukin’ Dogs” and VF-142’s “Ghostriders”, who flew together as sister squadrons throughout the war.
This stunning original masterwork drawing was created for John Shaw’s “Into the Storm” painting.
THE SIGNATURES
This piece includes the original autographs of three US Navy and Marine Vietnam Phantom fighter pilots.
Major General MARION CARL – Wildcat Pilot, the first USMC Ace / 18 ½ victories
Commander RANDY “DUKE” CUNNINGHAM – First fighter Ace during Vietnam / 5 victories
Brigadier General RICHARD “STEVE” RITCHIE – the only USAF Ace Pilot of the Vietnam War / 5 victories
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