Osprey Combat Aircraft

USAF F-4 Phantom II MiG Killers 1965-68

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

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.

Osprey Combat 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!


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