Hobby Master HA1946A 1:72 F-4D

Hobby Master HA1946A 1:72 McDonnell Douglas F-4D Phantom 66-0267 Capt. John Madden and Capt. Chuck DeBellevue 555th TFS/8th TFW, Udorn AFB Thailand, 1972 autographed by Capt. Chuck DeBellevue.

The F-4D was an improved “C” variant with most improvements being internal electronics and avionics. The F-4D entered operational service in April 1966 and joined the combat forces in Southeast Asia in May 1967. With the arrival of the “D” most of the “C” variant was reassigned to ground attack with the “D”s taking on the air-to-air interceptor role. In 1968 – 1969 a total of 825 “D” models were produced 793 for the USAF and 32 for the Iranian Air Force.

Captain Chuck DeBellevue came from the 555th TFS / 432nd TRW with 4 MiG-21 victories under his belt while flying with Captain R. Ritchie, but now was paired with Captain John Madden of 555th TFS / 8th TFW at Udorn AB, Thailand. On September 9, 1972 during “Operation Linebacker” while flying F-4D 66-0267 call-sign Olds 01, Madden and DeBellevue fired two AIM-7 missiles at a MiG-21 but missed but then managed to down 2 MiG-19s giving DeBellevue victories 5 and 6 making him the highest scoring American Ace of the Vietnam War.