For a real Phantom junkie like myself, this is a book that I like. Stories of the F-4 in Vietnam. This one covers the F-4s introduction into combat in 1965 and continues until the end of the first phase of combat over what was then North Vietnam in 1968.

The book is full of 'I was there' stories told by the men who flew the F-4. It also covers the problems of combat when dealing with unreliable air to air weapons and the limitations the crews had on their ability to fire on aircraft without first getting a visual ID, a practice that made things even more difficult when using the Sparrow missile.

There is also a section on the use of theAIM-4 Falcon, a weapon that really wasn't designed at all for dog-fighting, but at plugging bombers that were generally flying straight and level. I've had the pleasure of discussing and listening to stories about this weapon with Robin Olds and his rather negative opinion of the Falcon still stands today.

As with all Osprey books, this one is well illustrated with images of the men and aircraft of the period. This includes a very well done section of profiles and some period color photographs. There is also an appendix that lists all the Phantom MiG kills of the period as well as some nice three view drawings of the F-4C and D.

It is a book that is a 'must have' for the Phantom Phanatic.

Available in bookstores everywhere, through Classic Motorbooks at (800) 826-6600 or at www.motorbooks.com. For more on the complete line of Osprey books, visit www.ospreypublishing.com

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