From Spectre to Phantom

 

On this date in 1962, the McDonnell Aircraft Corporation delivered the first F-110A Spectre to the United States Air Force. The F-110A was intended to continue the "Century Series" but under pressure from Secretary of Defense Robert McNamara, the USAF and US Navy aircraft designation systems were combined into a single scheme resulting in the F-1 to F-11. President Kennedy requested Congressional approval for the procurement of Navy F4H-1 derivatives for the Air Force under the designation F-110. The USAF F-110A and US Navy F4H-1 became F-4C and F-4B respectively. 

Above, Sanford N. McDonnell hands over the keys to the first F-110A Spectre to Colonel Gordon Graham and Colonel George Laven, USAF, at the McDonnell plant at St. Louis, Missouri.

Seven-Month Lifespan of a Phantom II

 

On this date in 1967, McDonnell Aircraft Corporation, St. Louis, Missouri, delivered the 2,000th F-4 Phantom II to the United States Air Force. It was assigned to the 40th Tactical Fighter Squadron, 33rd Tactical Fighter Wing, at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida. 

By mid-September, the Phantom II was being flown by Major Lloyd Warren Boothby and 1st Lieutenant George H. McKinney, Jr., of the 435th Tactical Fighter Squadron. Following a Rolling Thunder attack on railroad sidings at Trung Quang, the plane's wing was hit by anti-aircraft cannon shell. Boothby fought to keep it under control for as long as possible, but ultimately both pilots were forced to eject some 35 miles from their base. For their airmanship in trying to save their airplane, Boothby and McKinney were each presented with the Distinguished Flying Cross in a pre-dawn ceremony at Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base by President Johnson.