Update - the F-4E as flown by the 334th TFS “Eagles”

In the end, a picture is all some people have...

*Break Break*

In 2012, I was commissioned to draw the F-4E Phantom II as deployed to the battlegrounds of Southeast Asia.  The markings reflect the 334th Tactical Fighter Squadron, a unit with WWII heritage, starting with American fighter pilots who flew with the Royal Air Force during the Battle of Britain.  

Though the unit numbers changed, the squadron mascot, a cartoon pugilistic Eagle, remained.  And that’s about all there is in common with the WWII and Vietnam War connection.

Anyway, as far as this blog goes, I documented “The Eagles” art process and ancillary stories here, here, here, here, and here.   

If you're so inclined to click, please wait a bit and give this particular post it’s due.

From the beginning of The Eagles’ project, I had three obstacles to overcome:

1. I am not a veteran.  I'm not part of their brotherhood.

2. I am a media producer with a public audience. 

3. The moment at-hand came out of an especially complicated and lousily represented time.

I had three things going for me, too.

1. I could handle the project including the all-important logistics of thirty-some personalized drawings.

2. I had the endorsement of a particularly well respected Eagle.

3. The Commanding Officer of the 334th agreed to step-in and personally shepherd the project from start to finish.

The last point is key.  If you’re at all captivated, please click the photo below first.