USAF F-4 Phantom II MiG Killers 1965-68 Book Review
By Michael Benolkin
| Date of Review | July 2004 | Title | USAF F-4 Phantom II MiG Killers 1965-68 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Author | Peter E. Davies | Publisher | Osprey Publishing |
| Published | 2004 | ISBN | 1-84176-656-9 |
| Format | 96 pages, softbound | MSRP (USD) | $19.95 |
Review
The author takes a look at the introduction of the F-4 Phantom II into USAF service and almost immediate combat in Southeast Asia to protect fighters from the growing MiG threat. While larger and much heavier than the MiGs, the F-4 Phantom had the advantage of speed (initially), guided weapons (when they worked), range and a second set of eyes in the aircraft.
Coverage is given to the F-4s assigned to the 8 TFW, 35 TFW, 366 TFW and 432 TRW, though the kill tally that is included in the Appendecies show that the majority of the MiG kills are attributed to Colonel Robin Olds' 8 TFW Wolfpack. The coverage is broken down in the table of contents as:
- First Fights
- Bolo and Beyond
- Gunfighting
- May Massacre
- F-4D and AIM-4D
In addition to the operational summaries, the book is also has a nice selection of color profiles, line drawings, as well as color and B&W coverage of the action. Recommended!
My sincere thanks to Motorbooks International for this review sample!