F-4E 67-0295

F-4E 67-0295 was one of the first E-model Phantoms to see combat in South East Asia, deploying from Eglin AFB with the 40th TFS between November 13 and 17,1968 as part of transpac FORTY-SEVEN BUCK NINE. On arrival at Korat AB, Thailand the aircraft was officially assigned to the custody of the 388th TFW / 469th TFS to complete their transition from the long serving F-105 Thunderchief.
A few months later, the state of the Korat runway dictated a closure for repairs and the 469th TFS deployed to Ubon AB, from January 30 to  March 3, 1969, for temporary duty with the 8th TFW. This was the only trip of Phantom 67-0295 away from Korat AB, however with no let-up in combat missions. The aircraft spent the next year and a bit racking up hundreds of combat missions (flying some 262 hours during April to June 1969 alone) but the perils of combat finally claimed her. On June 9, 1970, flying as ‘SEAFOX 02’ on a night AC119 STINGER escort mission over Southern Laos, the Phantom was hit by 37mm anti-aircraft fire. Luckily, both crew-members (Capt. Ronald L. Klingman & Capt. Carey W. Ripple) ejected safely and were recovered by search and rescue forces the next morning.