"The Animal"
Low and fast over the jungle of Viet-Nam, an animal appears from the smoke,
destroying anything in its path. This "Animal" is 69-291, an F-4E Phantom
(specifications) from the 4th TFS, 366th TFW. Flying on the deck to avoid SAM
missles and following his wingman down low on their bombing run, the pilot
presses thru the smoke and debris from exploding bombs, while the RIO
notices palm trees are exploding after being hit by the right wing. This brute of
an aircraft however, can handle the punishment and is ready to dish out more.
Aircraft 291, was flown by Captains Sam White and Frank Bettine of the 4th
Tactical Fighter Squadron (TFS), 366th Tactical Fighter Wing.
destroying anything in its path. This "Animal" is 69-291, an F-4E Phantom
(specifications) from the 4th TFS, 366th TFW. Flying on the deck to avoid SAM
missles and following his wingman down low on their bombing run, the pilot
presses thru the smoke and debris from exploding bombs, while the RIO
notices palm trees are exploding after being hit by the right wing. This brute of
an aircraft however, can handle the punishment and is ready to dish out more.
Aircraft 291, was flown by Captains Sam White and Frank Bettine of the 4th
Tactical Fighter Squadron (TFS), 366th Tactical Fighter Wing.
"The Animal and History"
Captain Sam White flew 205 combat missions in Vietnam. He was flying
F-4E Phantom II, serial number 69-291, code LA, on his 204th combat
mission when he shot down a MiG-21. On that mission, his call sign was
"Pistol 3" while flying in a four ship F-4E formation to protect eight F-4
Phantoms on a chaff bomber mission, a procedure employed to confuse
the enemy radar systems. Also assigned to the mission were F-105F Wild
Weasels, which were responsible for knocking out enemy SAM missile
sites. When Captain White swithced to Auto Acquisition to get a radar lock
on the MiG, Captain Frank Bettine, the Weapons Systems Operator (WSO)
in the back seat, said, "You're locked on to him!" delay, "cleared to fire!"
Captain White launched two sparrow missiles at the MiG-21. The first
sparrow missile, now going in excess of mach 3, hit the MiG-21 in the tail,
causing a huge fireball. Another explosion occurred shortly after the first,
and a short time later, the pilot ejected. When Captains White and Bettine
returned to Takhli - Royal Thai Air Base, they dove to 100 feet off the deck,
did a victory roll, and pulled up into a series of vertical rolls before landing.
Captain Sam White flew 205 combat missions in Vietnam. He was flying
F-4E Phantom II, serial number 69-291, code LA, on his 204th combat
mission when he shot down a MiG-21. On that mission, his call sign was
"Pistol 3" while flying in a four ship F-4E formation to protect eight F-4
Phantoms on a chaff bomber mission, a procedure employed to confuse
the enemy radar systems. Also assigned to the mission were F-105F Wild
Weasels, which were responsible for knocking out enemy SAM missile
sites. When Captain White swithced to Auto Acquisition to get a radar lock
on the MiG, Captain Frank Bettine, the Weapons Systems Operator (WSO)
in the back seat, said, "You're locked on to him!" delay, "cleared to fire!"
Captain White launched two sparrow missiles at the MiG-21. The first
sparrow missile, now going in excess of mach 3, hit the MiG-21 in the tail,
causing a huge fireball. Another explosion occurred shortly after the first,
and a short time later, the pilot ejected. When Captains White and Bettine
returned to Takhli - Royal Thai Air Base, they dove to 100 feet off the deck,
did a victory roll, and pulled up into a series of vertical rolls before landing.
Detail from "The animal"
Here at Ozark Airfield Artworks we offer a large selection art prints. These prints
mainly depict modern and historic aviation along with military, civil and space flight. We
also deal with naval subjects and military armor and infantry works. These prints are
from all the top national and international artists along with some local artists. Many of
our prints are signed by the artist and by famous pilots and veterans. If you are looking
for a specific plane, pilot, artist or subject please contact us.
mainly depict modern and historic aviation along with military, civil and space flight. We
also deal with naval subjects and military armor and infantry works. These prints are
from all the top national and international artists along with some local artists. Many of
our prints are signed by the artist and by famous pilots and veterans. If you are looking
for a specific plane, pilot, artist or subject please contact us.
Copyright © Ozark Airfield Artworks 2005 All Rights Reserved
All images are copyrighted by the individual artist and may not be
reproduced without their consent.
reproduced without their consent.
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(38" x 24")