#f 4d phantom

[usafpantom12]

Vietnam War.

Crossing the Mekong River with Mk-82s with 'Daisy Cutters'

@perpetuaosombro via X

[usafphantom2]

Three “Mig Killers” flying in formation belong to the 507th Tactical Fighter Group at Tinker Air Force Base, OK.

@perpetuaosombro via V

[usafpantom12]

In May 1972, during Operation Linebacker, an F-4D Phantom was on a fighter sweep deep inside North Vietnam when it was jumped by enemy fighters. The aircraft was shot down by a MiG-21 only about 40 miles from Hanoi and near a heavily defended enemy air base. The pilot, Major Robert Lodge, was killed in the crash. The weapons systems officer, Captain Roger Locher, ejected safely but found himself alone in one of the most dangerous areas of the war. Surrounded by North Vietnamese troops, patrols, and heavy air defenses, his chances of survival were extremely low.

2/3) What happened next was an incredible display of determination and courage. For 23 days Locher evaded capture, moving only at dawn and dusk to avoid detection. He hid during the day, lived off the land with very little food or water, and lost over 30 pounds while staying one step ahead of enemy search parties. He stayed silent on his radio for most of those 23 days so he would not give away his position and risk the lives of any rescuers who might come for him. When he finally made contact with friendly aircraft on June 1, a massive rescue operation was launched. Over 100 aircraft, including fighters, bombers, tankers, and search-and-rescue helicopters, were committed to the mission. The effort pushed deeper into North Vietnam than almost any other rescue of the war and required constant air cover to suppress enemy defenses.

3/3) Captain Roger Locher survived 23 days behind enemy lines, a record for the Vietnam War at the time. He was successfully rescued in one of the deepest and most complex search-and-rescue missions of the entire conflict. This is what happens when an American airman refuses to give up and when his brothers refuse to leave one of their own behind. Absolute courage under impossible odds. 🇺🇸🫡

@F15sRdaBest via X

SERE training changed due to Capt Locher. Jolly Greens got him out after 23 days!

[usafpantom12]

F4D with 2 kills

@MACV_SOG via X

[usafpantom12]

F-4D Phantom serial numer 66-7550 of 465th TFS (Tactical Fighter Squadron) 507th TFG (Tactical Fighter Group) of the Air Force Reserve (AFRES), near Tinker AFB, OK.

Shot down a MiG-21 over North Vietnam with an AIM-7E-2. Crew at the time was Maj. Dan Cherry (Pilot) and Capt. Jeff Feinstein.

@perpetuaosombro via X

[usafphantom2]

Alabama Air National Guard F-4Ds Phantom taking off from Nellis AFB.

@perpetuaosombro via X

[usafphantom2]

USAF 52nd TFW Spangdahlem based F-4D Phantom 66-7575 with special markings, Tactical Air Meet. May 1976 at Twenthe (Netherlands).

@perpetuaosombro via X

[usafphantom2]

F-4D Phantom 80TFS 8TFW. 1981

@perpetuaosombro via X