STEEL tags were cut from the support panel located on the right-side horizontal stab of the ex-US Air Force F-4E s/n 67-0304. Built by McDonnell Aircraft in 1967, this jet first flew on July 12, 1968, and was officially delivered to the USAF on September 13, 1968—right in the middle of the Vietnam War, when the Air Force urgently needed combat aircraft with internal guns for close-range dogfights. While many newly built F-4Es were sent to training units in the U.S., some, including 67-0304, were deployed straight into combat in Southeast Asia.
Stationed at Da Nang AB in the Republic of Vietnam with the 4th TFS, 366th TFW, 67-0304 saw extensive combat over the North and was damaged in battle twice. According to the 366th TFW’s May 1969 report, it took a hit on May 23, 1969, resulting in a ¾-inch hole on the top and bottom of its left-side inboard wing. Repairs were likely completed at Da Nang, as the jet continued flying missions in June. The second incident occurred on November 24, 1969. While the combat reports do not detail the damage, the 366th TFW’s November 1969 report states that “ACFT 67-0304 was at Nakhon Phanom, Thailand, with battle damage.” The damage was so severe that it was beyond the unit’s maintenance capabilities, and on January 16, 1970, 67-0304 was sent back to the US for repairs. It spent 15 months in Ogden, UT, before returning to service on April 3, 1972.
Additional information:
Dimensions: approx. 88 mm x 37 mm (3.46″ x 1.45″)
There may be a slight difference between the color shades on your screen and those on the actual tags.
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