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.
In Phantom Launch, a pair of F-4 Phantoms pass 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.
Having recently persuaded John to part with some of his personal archive, we are delighted to have this original piece available.
THE SIGNATURES
This piece includes the original autographs of legendary Navy Ace “Duke” Cunningham and his RIO, Willie Driscoll.
Commander RANDY “DUKE” CUNNINGHAM
After joining the US Navy in 1966, Randy “Duke” Cunningham went to Vietnam with VF96, flying the McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom. He became that conflict’s first fighter Ace, and was to become one of the most highly decorated Aces of the war. With his RIO, Willie Driscoll, “Duke” achieved five victories in Vietnam, including “Three-in-a-day” on May 10, 1972. He later assumed command of the elite Navy Adversary Squadron of the Miramar Top Gun program. Retiring from the Navy, “Duke” was elected to Congress.
Commander WILLIE “IRISH” DRISCOLL
Willie Driscoll joined the Navy in 1969, and flew with VF96 in Vietnam. Flying his first combat mission in November 1971, Willie went on to become an Ace flying with “Duke” Cunningham, and completed 170 combat missions in the F-4 Phantom. He also completed a total of 652 deck landings at that time. Flying with Cunningham on May 10, 1972, they shot down 3 MiGs but were themselves shot down by a SAM the same day. Willie Driscoll went on to serve at the Top Gun program.
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