Wings Documentary-Jim Fletcher F-4 pilot "In His Own Words"

[@fishtwo1]

No awful music, no journalist asking dumb questions, just a true American hero humbly sharing his thoughts about flying a great plane in an uncertain time in history. God bless sir, our country needs more people just like you.

[@steveblackbird]

Amen!

[@Tomcatntbird]

AMEN!

[@jeffkenyon483]

Amen!

[@TheRidgewatbrad]

I was a crew chief on an F4-C Phantom from 73 to 78 , God I loved that plane , 63-7418 .

[@mikewebb2638]

I was at Clark AB thru those same years minus 1 year at Beale AFB. Didn't really like SAC.

[@benhudman9204]

Brad Kittle any scars from the air brake?

[@benhudman9204]

Brad Kittle she was a glorious old girl.

[@grzyb11]

By 63-7418 do you mean like the numbers/serial number on the plane?

[@captjim007]

We need more videos like this of our old vets stories before they are all gone.

[@Photojouralist123]

it would be nice to see interview with the N. Vietnamese Mig pilots , they shot down a lot our boys down in Mig 17 and 19's

[@elrobo3568]

66-287 was one of my first F-4's I crewed. It was at Davis Monthan AFB and was delivered in 1966. If I remember correctly, it was transferred to Vietnam. I went on to crew other F-4's including 463 which is now at the Air Force academy. I later crewed A-7's and F-16's. The F-4 is my favorite. I miss working on them!

[@ConversationStartersVideo]

I honor your service!

[@ConversationStartersVideo]

Thank you Allan. It was a wonderful opportunity to speak with air crew from the WWII, Korean, Vietnam and Cold War eras. Their stories are of dedication and service. None of the swagger you see in the movies. Just fliers doing a job. It was a honor to document so many of their stories.

[@joeyfotofr]

At San Francisco State in the 70s, we knew Capt. Fletcher in a different way, as a Humanities instructor; a Latin & Greek scholar, and a great teacher. I took several classes with Jim but I never got this lecture with a walk-around on the F-4 Phantom. Thank you, again, Sir...jt

[@ConversationStartersVideo]

WOW! Now I learned something new. I had no idea about his career in education. But as you well know, a most kind man. Glad you enjoyed the video.

[@smc_pilot5314]

As a seven year old in (1970 - 1973) I used to ride in crash trucks (flight line fire truck) at Incirlik AFB Turkey. Crash trucks would provide support for F4s landing with assorted emergencies. When we'd roll up on the plane after it landed the F4 crew looked like aliens in a powerful rocket ship, which always scared me. Those F4s also looked very mean when loaded with munitions. The howling/whistling sound they make when banking from the downwind to base was amazing and was a constant sight for us on base. Can't find a video of that sound anywhere. Thanks for your service Captain Fletcher. I'll always respect you fighter jockies.

[@ConversationStartersVideo]

Wow, thanks for sharing your story!

[@Bobm-kz5gp]

I was a weapons mechanic on the F-4, C’s an D’s at Cam Rahn Bay 1969, extended an was sent to DaNang for 1/2 of 1970 working on D’s an E’s. A beautiful jet, especially the E model. Wish I could have got to ride in one.

[@Bobm-kz5gp]

Forgot to mention I was with the 412th MMS at Cam Rahn an the 366th MMS at DaNang.

[@ConversationStartersVideo]

I honor your service!

[@USAIRFORCE621]

Captain Fletcher thank you for your outstanding brave and courageous service to our country sir!

[@markusweichsel5494]

Thanks for what? For killing lots of Vietnamese people in a useless and senseless war, or what?

[@mikewhite6288]

Well said. Thank you sir for your services to this country.

[@jrrd997]

Came for the F4, stayed for the vet.

[@farklefuster6876]

Yep 👍

[@alhanes5803]

@@farklefuster6876 For sure! My uncle worked on these baby's at the factory in st Louis. I'm 61. He told some great story's when I was a kid back then. He worked there from the late 50's till he retired some time in the 80's.

[@backinthedayhippie609]

I was an F-4C crew-chief stationed at Osan AB and I love the Phantom. It was a bear to maintain but that's what made it so enduring. You really had to treat it with care to keep it flying. Those GE-J-79 engines could produce 11,000 lbs of thrust each and gave me goosebumps once the plane was ready for launch. The true Sound of Freedom is hearing those babies rubble.

[@ConversationStartersVideo]

Back in the Day Hippie Crew Chiefs Rule!

[@infectedvector]

I crewed on F-111D's. My sergeant (an old Phantom crew dog) said you could always tell guys that crewed F-4's because they had bad knees and backs from going under the wings.

[@backinthedayhippie609]

@@infectedvector Bad hips as well. I also hit my head a few times on panels and antenna. You had to watch your step when working underneath the airplane due to the many obstacles that could do you harm. Hey, I was also stationed at Mountain Home AFB, Idaho in 1980 when they were flying the F-111. I didn't crew on it due to the fact that I was only there for six months and then got out and came back home to Texas. But it was a thrill seeing the F-111 fly. Great airplane as well.

[@majortom6351]

From a retired german F-4 Pilot: Sir, i salute you!

[@ConversationStartersVideo]

Major Tom Thank you, a privilege to document these stories.

[@dang25272549]

I really love to hear a war story from a real person like this thanks for posting.

[@charlescomly1]

I would like to thank the gentleman in this film for sharing with us his experience with the F4 Phantom. I have added this to my list of favorite videos and will enjoy re watching it from time to time. please let me express my thanks to Mr Fletcher for his service to our country and I wish I could ride in the back seat of an F4 some day!

[@ConversationStartersVideo]

+charlescomly1 Thanks for the kind words. It's an honor to share the stories of these combat pilots and aviators. Jim, just like he does across on screen is a terrific guy.

[@scottgibson6735]

Cool Hand Screw that, I want to fly one! I saw one do a fullafterburner takeoff near dawn in Savannah GA,after spending the night guarding parked Gulfstreams..It roared into the air headed west.It kept climbing and did a 180 degree turn,andended up heading east before coming out of afterburner.It looked to be about 10,000’,and it wentout of sight flying straight and level.I remains one of the most impressive things I have ever seen

[@Tomcatntbird]

@@ConversationStartersVideo he paved the way for me to serve in the US Navy for 8 years. I salute u Jim!!! o7 I Love to see veterans like him reflect back, their eyes off in the distance and the shine of their heart through their face, yet the emotions attached to what had to happen.

[@martybaran5509]

There was over 150 based out of George AFB in Victorville California. Training for Wild Weasel missions. They also had a West German training wing. I remember watching them take off just as sun was rising Awsome!

[@alanhess9306]

I was in the 562nd AMU at George AFB where we hosted 10 German F-4Fs, training their pilots.

[@phantom357]

This was so awesome. Thanks to Mr. Fletcher and the documentary crew for bringing this to us. I was a crew chief in the early 90's on the RF-4C out of Bergstrom Air Force base in Texas. This brought back a lot of memories!!

[@osopolar2022]

I was a crew chief on the RF-4C based at Shaw AFB, SC back in the late 70's until the early 80's. I think you guys got our aircraft when we phased into the F-16's. Do you remember a tail number #64-010?

[@Iowarail]

Worked for Lear Siegler that same time changing engine mounts/upgrade and wiring right wing for a Sidewinder ( if I remember correctly). Then they closed the base not long after the contract ended.

[@GUERRO06]

I was there too...1982 to 1986... FLIGHT SIMULATOR.. 67TH-CRS

[@looper9264]

I did get to go for a ride in the backseat once, in August of '80. I can't begin to describe the sensation, but it made my job as an Airframe Repairman that more interesting.

[@ConversationStartersVideo]

Gregory Loomis I did not get to fly the F4. Did fly the F-16! So fun to shoot this video with Jim to honor all who served.

[@WomackPhotoKCMO]

Can you imagine 13 hours in that cockpit???? WOW!

[@72151]

Yes I can....

[@KD5XB]

Sure can -- working on the darn thing!

[@benhudman9204]

WomackPhotoKCMO no kidding! No coffee and not relief can!

[@fetengineer9151]

Hi Jim, thank you for your USAF service... you are truly a amazing person!

[@trumanstumo1718]

Thank you for your service captain . In 1960-63 i was a plane captain at pax river naval air center. At that time we were required to pull flight time each month. Belive me. I took full advantage of the back seat of the F-4 H PHANTOM we were testing. Flying with the test pilots it was without a doubt the most exciting time of my 81 years!! Two of the pilots i flew with was at that time Lieutenant JJ OLSEN and Lieutenant commander Tibbs Both US NAVY. Thank you for bringing it all back to me!!

[@bobbystacy1629]

Thank you for sharing this. I was stationed in Saigon and Camm Rahn Bay. I loved watching the F -4 take offs and landings.

[@ngamo52Nick]

Absolutely priceless at 02:17; "They say you should be able to rattle these things. I don't know what good that ever did". Fascinating to be able to listen to someone like Capt. James Fletcher take us over the pre-flight checks of the mighty F-4 Phantom.

[@henrikgormsen1020]

Did he say true airspeed from the pitot tube ?? Did he say bigger mass in burner ??

[@Name-ps9fx]

I would think that the rattle shows the ability of the nozzles to close and open after having been exposed to the heat of the exhaust. Obviously there’d be a range of clearance measurements that would work, but there are so many angles and hard-to-reach spaces that the designers decided it’d be easier to just make sure its loose enough to rattle.

[@Name-ps9fx]

Henrik Gormsen Yes. Pitot tube measures air pressure, and from that ones derives true airspeed which the pilot sees on a gauge. “Mass” refers to the hot gasses being ejected out the exhaust during afterburner (AB). The rear 2/3rds of an afterburner-equipped engine is basically an hollow shell which contains a fuel spray system and several igniters. During AB raw fuel is sprayed and ignited, creating an immense explosion which is contained within the hollow shell and ejected rearward. This creates a major “kick in the pants” acceleration (and uses a LOT of fuel). The material ejected is made of burnt and burning fuel, so mass is the correct word.

[@steveblackbird]

You forgot to mention..... creates lots of noise and makes your kidneys shake!!!! lol...nice explanation bud...:)

[@dt7449]

52 bullet holes from a mission , jeez.........I can and can’t imagine the stress in the cockpit of these beautiful and menacing jets. A great 14mins of viewing from a man who really knew, I salute you 🇬🇧

[@ConversationStartersVideo]

A nice, gentle and humble guy.

[@carlscobee1533]

Thankyou Capt Fletcher for your service and video it is truely inspiring, i am a veteran of this time period and Mr Fletchers talk about the conflict gives us cause to think about the war and those who served.

[@ConversationStartersVideo]

Thank you Carl, truly enjoy doing these. I also honor your service to the nation!

[@kennethhuff7158]

Thank You Sir for your service, enjoyed the walk around you men were giants to the enlisted men . Crash Rescue Firefighter Ubon 68-69.

[@ConversationStartersVideo]

I honor your service.

[@Snachito]

I really liked this and wanted it to be longer!! Thank you for sharing this video CSV and thank you to Capt. Fletcher he is awesome!!

[@ConversationStartersVideo]

Snachito my privilege to share their stories!

[@Silenttreatment1975]

God Bless you Jim Fletcher and Thank you for your service.

[@ConversationStartersVideo]

A very cool and humble guy. A privilege to document his experiences.

[@jamesharrier6633]

I was a radar mechanic on the F-4D's and F-4E's and was in Danang and I would give my left arm to ride in the back seat, anytime, anywhere. Thank you Jim for an outstanding narration of your service. Well done my friend.

[@ConversationStartersVideo]

James Harrier And THANK YOU!

[@alanhess9306]

I was at George working F-4E WCS. At one point, they moved the Es out and brought in Cs and Ds. No one bothered to tell me the klystron tuning strut was not insulated like it was on the Es. I got a shocking surprise.

[@jamesharrier6633]

@@alanhess9306 did that once myself. Shocking

[@robertbenton220]

I was a f-4d phantom crew chief at RAF Lakenheath airbase in 1974-75. Also served in the Victor Alert area where they were nuclear loaded ready to go at a moment's notice.Proud to say never lost a pilot or a plane!

[@ConversationStartersVideo]

robert benton Thank you Robert. The feedback and stories on this video has been awesome. Again, thanks.

[@gpo6581]

I was a crew chief and Lakenheath also back in 75. We probably work together. Had lots of good memories when I was there.

[@Barzins1]

Thank you for your service to our country and your willingness to share.

[@mikekeller2885]

I963 - 1965 stationed at USMCAS El Toro and I was attached to VMFA. F-4 was 1st introduced there in about 1963, TAD to MiramarTop Gun school 6 mos during which time President Kennedy was assassinated. Returned to El Toro and before I was sent to Nam in 1965 attended a class to learn how to eject, 02 usage and fundamentals of the Martin Baker ejection seat of the F4 and then had the opportunity to get a back seat ride. We did a high performance take-off using the afterburners. This happened when I was only 20 y/o, now 75. Thanks to Captain Thomas McCall he gave me a memory for a life time and beyond....

[@ConversationStartersVideo]

Mike Keller I honor your service sir.

[@KenSmith-bv4si]

Thankx Captain Fletcher. I was a Phantom Phixer while stationed at Kadena AFB 1976 , we had D model broke dick F4's. Sometimes I miss being on the flight doing a walk around with my flight crew telling them the plane comes with an outta sight guarantee. Best plane I ever worked on.

[@ConversationStartersVideo]

I honor your service!

[@VettemanLT5]

My utmost respect and love for this man. His perspective is simply wonderful.

[@ConversationStartersVideo]

Thank you, a good and decent man.

[@jimbo2900]

Ladies and gentleman, that is a hero.

[@ConversationStartersVideo]

Thanks, a truly decent man. Humble who did indeed to heroic things.

[@steveblackbird]

Amen!!!!

[@backinthedayhippie609]

@@ConversationStartersVideo Maybe you could do a video on the maintainers. We worked long and hard keeping planes like the F-4 flying and sometimes we don't get any glory. I always walked with the pilot during walk arounds and answer any questions he may have concerning the bird. I especially loved strapping him in the cockpit and giving him words of encouragement and a brisk salute as he pulled out of the pad. Man, I miss those days working on my F-4.

[@deano6912]

That is such a beautiful aircraft. I enjoyed the interview. Thanks for posting.

[@terrydouglas5008]

Worked on those things for 20 years. Radar, bombing system, gun sight, missile firing. Probably spent more time in the cockpits than most pilots. The F4 was a maintenance hog, it took a lot of man hours to keep them flying.

[@ConversationStartersVideo]

I honor your service sir.

[@ilhamiyanmaz4743]

Nice to hear all the details. Tells us so much more than a few pictures.

[@Nfarce]

Hands down my all time favorite fighter. Glad to see at least one example is still flying in air show demonstrations. I grew up in the USAF military aviation environment and saw the transition from this to the F-15 front line back in the late '70s/early '80s. It took me a long time to appreciate the Eagle after the Phantom got kicked out and regulated to Guard and Reserve duty. But this bird will always be my first and only true love.

[@jamesbrewer2865]

I rode in the back seat . F4E out SJ Afb.Enlisted person incentive ride. I'll never forget it.

[@ConversationStartersVideo]

I honor your service.

[@jcirrinc]

Great video and review of the Phantom and your time in Vietnam. Thank you for your service. I enjoy watching videos of the F4 from time to time. It brings back memories of my time spent at Seymour Johnson AFB. I was a crew chief in the 336th supporting the F4. Great aircraft and always amazed me how a kid out of high school could maintain this aircraft. Truly an amazing feat of engineering. I look back at my time in the Air Force 79 - 83' with fond memories of the time spent. Fortunately nothing like the time you served. My respect to all who serve during a time of conflict. Again thank you for your service and for posting this video.

[@ConversationStartersVideo]

Very kind comments Joe. Not only fun to do this piece with Jim, but to hear from vets who supported F4 operations both in the Air Force and Navy. Heck of an aircraft. I honor your service sir.

[@jimepley1210]

Did you deploy to Ramstein?

[@mikebouchard5730]

Joe, Google Hell Over High Water - Ron Craft. Then Google Smithsonian McKay Trophy 1983. Where were you on Sept 5 1983? I was a -135A Crew Chief out of Loring, along with 5 other -135s and two KC-10s dragging Seymour J's F-4s across the pond for REFORGER 83. One of our assigned chicks, driven by Ghost Alexander (RIP) lost an engine 500+ miles beyond Nova Scotia. Long story short, my assistant Chief, Ron Craft, has the book coming out soon. Movie to follow. We did a hookup breaking below 1600 feet and towed Ghost back upstairs to 10K. SAR was launched by RCAF. We all recovered in to Gander. Do you know about this? I don't know if you will see this. Ron and the producer might be interested in your perspective if you were there.... Contact me if you can. I don't know how this KZbin email works. You TAC guys ruled, but us SAC guys made made it happen. Can't kick ass without Tanker gas. I was a high school kid who turned wrenches like you. I hope this gets to you soon. Thanks for putting those birds in the air. Best job I ever had.

[@jeffriggs6703]

As a person who has been blessed with the honor of knowing not only a w.w.2 ball gunner that survived his rotation, to a personal friend that was a huey warrant officer in nam, I hold anyone that disparages these courageous men in total contempt.. To even attempt to judge them tells a tale of the "individual" you are... Tears and pride for all that served.. So many will take your sacrifice to our grave...

[@ConversationStartersVideo]

jeff riggs Agree!

[@lucky4724]

salute sir, time served "73-78" (USAF), ground refueling (JP-4) 31ST TACTICAL FIGHTER WING AT HOMESTEAD AFB, FL. 86TH TACTICAL FIGHTER WING RAMSTEIN AB, GERMANY! !!! (F4-E'S) spent many hot days and freezing nights on the flightline pumping that fuel. enjoyed every minute TAC 4EVER !!!! good job and welcome home SIR !!!! OO-RAH! !!!! #RESPECT

[@jamesbreeden3061]

I could have listened to Cpt. Fletcher all day. My step dad was a crew chief on F-4's and I was able to get some really good appreciation for them as well as getting to fly in an F-4 simulator as a high school kid. The F-4 is my favorite Vietnam era fighter, but the F-15 is my favorite of all fighters. got to spend the day at the airbase where he worked when the F-4's were training with F-15's from Langley A.F.B. That was a great day.

[@ConversationStartersVideo]

James Breeden Thank you sir. An honor to share their stories!

[@jamesbreeden3061]

@@ConversationStartersVideo Thanks for sharing them, the stories of our veterans are national treasures that should be told.

[@peep39]

This is a really great video about a hero and his wonderful fighter

[@Barzins1]

Thank you for your service sir. My old man was an F-4 driver for the Iranian Air Force during the shah’s time. It is one hell of an aircraft.

[@ConversationStartersVideo]

Barry Sabahat Thanks for the kind words Barry. As your dad must have told you, one heck of an aircraft.

[@ProfessorPottsy]

I love hearing the stories from vets like this. We need to get more interviews from old vets to get their stories before they’re gone

[@ConversationStartersVideo]

ProfessorPottsyTV Agree!

[@terrymcilvain1569]

I am an F4E weapon systems technician veteran from way back when. Still find the F4 to be one of the most imposing looking fighters ever built. Great to hear this veteran pilot talk about his experiences.

[@MrPonca77]

Awesome! Great pilot and a great plane, Phantoms Forever!

[@ConversationStartersVideo]

Thanks for the thoughts, Jim was a fascinating fellow to talk with. Being able to talk about his experiences in the war in and around an actual F-4 made it doubly fascinating!

[@mrcarlo1966]

Thank you Capt!

[@groad6551]

I love this airplane and have great respect for the pilots and WSOs that flew this. Growing up in the Philippines, I always see these planes from Clark AFB fly-by fast and low. The sight and sound is awesome. Those were the days.

[@mikewebb2638]

I was at Clark in the middle 70's. Weapons loading.

[@ConversationStartersVideo]

Thanks for the nice comments, this project was an eye opener, talking to air crew from the WWII, Vietnam and Cold War eras. It was an honor to document their stories for future generations. History is all about perspective..

[@bookdad1]

Thank you Captain Fletcher from an old F-4D crew chief! I think you got the after burner nozzle action backwards but no worries. remember phantom bites, LOX. Aux air doors speed brakes panel 101 and 103 high torque screws the WSo (pronounced Wizzo) the RAT, the SU22 cannon GBU-8 and much more. - Roy P.

[@ConversationStartersVideo]

Thanks for the kind words Roy. A privilege to document these stories. I honor your service!

[@cdp200442]

This was fantastic.. salute to you sir

[@waynee5603]

The ANG unit at McGuire had F-4Es in the 80s...Got to see these flyover every day :)

[@snakeskin220]

would really love to see capt. James take an F- 4 up one more time.

[@mikemills69]

Nice video, crewed F-4E&Fs at HAFB for GAF '93 through '04 when they left.

[@ConversationStartersVideo]

Milton Michael Mills Thanks and I honor your service.

[@kyleb3754]

Thank you for your service sir!

[@michaelbetzer1966]

I was at Edwards AFB when this particular jet was demodified from the Have Bounce program. It had extra heavy landing gear that were wired with strain gauges to measure the stress of taxiing over bomb damaged runways. I first heard about it when the Air Force was deciding what to do with it. I was tasked with restoring the fire control radar. I had to take the pulse transmitter (LRU-5) to George AFB to bench check it. I ran into several guys I knew from other bases. Eventually the airplane went to Lowry AFB as a weapons trainer. Sad to say both George and Lowry are deceased, R.I.P. I had some good times in 25 years of Air Force service.

[@ConversationStartersVideo]

Thank you Michael, your story is amazing. As you can see, this video is closing in on 70-thousand views and the various stories and comments are a true tribute to not only Jim, but to all who have and continue to serve. Again, thanks.

[@jhmup]

I was in WCS at Edwards 69-70. Master Sgt Gonzalez was super. I got tasked with TISEO project on F4E

[@SAC5665]

Thank you for your service, sir. We had F4E Phantom ll in Holland. Camp New Amsterdam, 72 to 75. Miss the sound of full afterburners at takeoff.

[@rogercamp2910]

I rode in the back seat of an F4 from JaBoG 72 Westfalen. And again from RAF Gutersloh to Marshalls field near Cambridge. As a passenger an absolute hoot. Superb aeroplane, built like a tank and goes like a racehorse.

[@ConversationStartersVideo]

Never had the privilege to have flown in the F4 although I did get a ride aboard Thunderbird 8. Agree, it’s a most powerful aircraft and your “Tank” metaphor is spot on!

[@eqrc7587]

Was glued to the screen 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@ConversationStartersVideo]

Privileged to have shared his story.

[@larrymiller1380]

Thank you sir I was with the F4s in chu Lai Vietnam 68 69 mag 12

[@burtthebeast4239]

Thank you sir..

[@kamikazeyamamoto4545]

Great video on both the "Phantom II" and one of the brave pilots who flew them. One of the single best videos I have ever seen about the F-4 and what it was like flying it in combat. Very nice work Conversation Starters PR. (thumbs up) Thank you for your distinguished service, Capt. Fletcher, and for sharing your combat experiences with this amazing fighter. (salute)

[@armandosantander5192]

Es una reliquia estadounidenses ❤ GRASIAS POR ABERME MANDADO ESTE VIDEO ❤

[@charlesrussell1764]

Flew in to a small strip once and an old guy came up and told me where to park. We sat down for a chat. 2 hours later he was still trying to get away from me and go for lunch. He was fascinating.

[@steveng8727]

Could listen to the Captain for hours..

[@AvisionFilmStudios]

one of my favorite warplanes of all time. i wish they still kept them in service

[@richardneagle3177]

What a fantastic unassuming hero 👏 God bless you xxx

[@richardgeorge8612]

Thank you for such a great video

[@northernlight696]

Good video !

[@ConversationStartersVideo]

Maple Leaf Thanks!

[@ConversationStartersVideo]

Thanks for the kind words, we're documenting the stories of as many of the volunteers at Wings over the Rockies who've seen active duty. Their stories are fascinating, and of course, important to to documented for future generations. We're especially grateful to get the stories of WWII vets.

[@jacksonsink8776]

What loser dislikes this? A nice old man talks about his experiences and someone goes and dislikes him? Things like that make me lose faith in humanity.

[@AvengerII]

Welcome to KZbin! Where dead documentaries thrive but even deader-brained people reply negatively because they can! Seriously, all the old AOL people migrated to KZbin to be very nasty jerks -- you know what they say AOL actually stands for!

[@steveleach4973]

Just another communist sympathizer brainwashed kid I think. Or maybe a Democrat politician

[@rifleshooterchannel208]

Jackson Sink Disliked by all the guys at the MiG factory who had to keep building 21s because they kept getting splashed by Phantoms 😂

[@songojune]

Yes, let’s be wary of the unthinking reaction of bringing dogmatic partisan politics into every topic. In every opinion poll there’s the few percentage of outlier respondents whose rationale is inscrutable without further insight. The overall high like/dislike ratio compared to the KZbin average reflects what a good story, man, and video has been shared with us.

[@rifleshooterchannel208]

songojune If the people you’re replying to were bashing Republicans, you wouldn’t have made your comment about “don’t bring partisan politics into this”. That’s a fact, and shows you are the most partisan person here. Sad.

[@SloMambaBlackTails]

Very informative and touching. Thanks alot for this!

[@phyllispetras3369]

THANK YOU SO MUCH. SIR

[@mramirez5194]

Thanks for sharing.

[@infectedvector]

I sure would love to get a peek at that F-111 in the background. I wonder what model it is? I was in the 523rd TFS, 27th TFW (F-111D) Cannon AFB, NM 1984-1986.

[@infectedvector]

Crusaders!

[@ConversationStartersVideo]

If your travels ever take you to Denver, make sure you visit Wings over the Rockies. They really allow visitors to get up close and personal with the aircraft. I honor your service to the nation!

[@worldpeace3363]

8:53 What a beautiful plane !

[@ConversationStartersVideo]

World Peace Thanks. Rare privilege to meet him and hear about it first hand.

[@worldpeace3363]

Your welcome. It's a honor just to listen to him.

[@saburusakai]

Great vid. Lots of good info. I had a frieind who flew three tours in 104s, 105s, then F-4Ds in 70, total of 180 misn, about half in the F-4D. He had some great tales to, but he said that it was like flying on the tip of a needle, constant small input to the stick. His descriptons of combat were very similar. Said Migs would fly alongside them a quarter mile away during the time LBJ had those idiotic restrictions on them, then fly away. Some great machines flown by some great men.

[@craighoover1495]

Wish I could get a ride. My Dad flew one of these. I did some flight training and flew with my father a couple of times in a Cessna.

[@ConversationStartersVideo]

I honor your father’s service.

[@craighoover1495]

@@ConversationStartersVideo Thank you. It was a lifetime of such for both. We returned his and my mother's remains to West Point for eternity on the same day they were married there.

[@clvacuum5115]

One Veteran to another, I truly respect this fine gentlemen! I served at Kadena, and met some Officers like him that were dependent on his crew chief, not pompous, arrogant individuals looking for promotion. I wished I would have served with him.

[@ConversationStartersVideo]

Thank you for your kind words. Jim a most gracious and humble man.

[@Popesontour]

Jim Fletcher is the perfect example of cool as fuck! Thank you for your service Sir!

[@allgood6760]

Thanks for this 👍

[@TheSirStrazzen]

Scary thought , I think I actually worked on this jet that is pictured in the Video . 66 was the year it was made , since on the tail it's numbers say 66 in little numbers , and 287 in the bigger , squadron numbers. If this is a F-4 E model , which is what it looks like , it may have been stationed at George AFB in Victorville , California . If so , it was assigned to the 37th Tactical Fgtr wing , probably the 563'rd Tac.Fgtr. Squadron , the Death Defier's . Cool to think that jet did not get scrapped , but put on display . So Cool :-) TSS

[@nol1379]

+Sir Strassen I work on and was station at Mac Dill AFB from 77 to 79 where 287 sisters were based in late 77 thru early 78. These were tails 289-292 known as the ex-Tbirds. No radar and gun, just a bunch of ballast to keep the nose down. They were part of 56th TFW and 289 with 61st TFS, the easiest plane a WCS troop could ever work on. Radar in constant O F F mode and only a retical bulb to change in the front. Great little thunder rhinos. Also watch them preform as t-birds in 69 at a airshow on MBS airport, Michigan. Loud and smokey than too.

[@AvengerII]

This does look like an E-model. It has the shallower, smaller nose and I do think that is the front end of the M61 cannon. The hole through that rectangular bar under the nose is a big giveaway that it's not a sensor! They would have faired over the hole and removed the cannon for the F-4G conversions from F-4E's. The standard F-4E and its F-4G and Luftwaffe F-4F/RF-4E subtypes are the only Phantoms that had those slimmer noses... all the other F-4s had the bulbous nose that the original plane flew with back in 1958! Of course, they lowered the performance of the plane a bit trying to fix its worst handling characteristics. The F-4E and the Navy equivalent, the F-4S, had generally better handling and maneuvering and were better dogfighters to a degree but they were also slower. All the speed, altitude, acceleration, and climb records were set with F-4A's and F-4B's flown by Navy test pilots one of whom was John Young, the astronaut with the most space flights across different vehicles -- 2 Gemini, 2 Apollo, 2 Shuttle flights. The wing mods/slats on the F-4E and F-4S introduced drag... They were substantially slower than earlier models -- something like 0.15 Mach or better... The earlier planes generally could do Mach 2.4 although in general practice they didn't go that fast to save fuel and reduce fatigue. You know the story about the canopy melting on the F-4 that went Mach 2.6? That was an A-model... It might have actually the second F-4 built...

[@nol1379]

AvengerII F4S were F4Cs in a navy paint. They put the bump in the wing for bigger managers on the S model and since it was a bit faster the rest got the dent to. My most favorite one was 463 Old mig killer, one more then Ritchie and he had three of his in 463. His WSO soloed in it 1982. 463 was the prime Bird for the alert duty. Something about 6 red stars on the variramps may have had something to do with it.

[@94Whiskers]

Warriors flying a legend into combat! Lives truly lived!

[@ConversationStartersVideo]

HE DP Jim is a most humble man.

[@thetreblerebel]

Can we get a full interview from this fella. A career retrospective please.

[@ConversationStartersVideo]

Stevie Jo Good thoughts. I did these when I lived in Denver, but now live in Georgia . There was one constant in interviewing Vietnam Era Pilots and Naval Aviators. Joining the war believing the mission was noble. But afterwards, a sense of regret after the war looking back at the tons of bombs they dropped, the collateral damage that resulted with, as history has shown for no positive result. Still they stood up and served and are honored. As I was to share their stories.

[@Grammanonna1957]

God bless you sir! Thank you 🙏🏻❤️🇺🇸

[@glennmurray.]

Interesting video. 👍🙂

[@wildmustangart1577]

I need to get you folks some of the combat recordings and photographs my dad made during vietnam out of Ubon RTAB. 435th, 335th respectively. He was a WSO in the D & E model.

[@ConversationStartersVideo]

I live in Georgia now but I’m sure if you reached out directly to the museum in Denver, they’d appreciate hearing from you.

[@johnworrall3646]

Thank you for your service sir , you are a real hero !

[@pythonetics1]

Thank you for your story.

[@josephliptak]

Thank you sir for your service.

[@dongofast]

Question for Capt. Fletcher. (Hoping he will see this) Did you by chance fly out of Ubon AFB with the 555th?

[@ConversationStartersVideo]

Hi, it has been several years since I shot the interview but I will contact my friends at Wings to try and find out for you.

[@dongofast]

@@ConversationStartersVideo thank you. I had a very good friend who was the wing commander at Ubon.

[@thomasstuart6861]

Whats that at 6:49 an oil drum or a door against the wall?

[@ConversationStartersVideo]

A door. I think!

[@6omega2]

Part where he's talking about max endurance & multiple ARs (13 hour mission): IIRC the chief LIMFAC on endurance was engine oil, but I don't know if I'm remembering that right.

[@ConversationStartersVideo]

6omega2 It’s great to read the many comments on this video. Really appreciate your input!

[@steveblackbird]

Absolute Legend. Thank you for your service and your dedication. F4's forever!

[@ConversationStartersVideo]

Thank you for the kind words. Truly a decent and humble guy.

[@DiceStrike]

Heard a story of a F4 using a Tailhook to pull another damaged F4 back to the Airfield. He popped this canopy for the tailhook to hook onto the windshield frame

[@ConversationStartersVideo]

I heard a first hand story about Robin Olds. Another F4 was damaged and unlikely to make it back. Olds told the pilot to drop his tail hook then nudged his plane so the front of his cockpit canopy could touch it. He was able to push the plane enough to get it back to base. That story from Robin’s rear seater!

[@garyw8481]

Uhhhh....no.

[@reymondjames1726]

The most beautiful plane ever made. I would love to house this and other military hardware for future generations to enjoy. It really is a very beautiful plane.

[@checkeredflagfilms]

very nice gentleman with a seasoned perspective and of course, great knowledge of the aircraft. that was nearly the direction I took back in the day but fate had a different outcome. looking back at the bird that might have been my office, I would love to get a ride in the backseat. great video and thanks.