The Brutal Reality of Flying The F-4 Phantom

Carl Parlatore, a seasoned F-4 Phantom pilot and Vietnam veteran, vividly recounts the harsh realities of flying one of America’s most iconic jets. On September 3, 1968, during a mission over hostile territory, he was shot down and faced a life-threatening ordeal, both in the skies and on the ground, during his first Vietnam War tour.

Early Ambitions

From a young age, Carl Parlatore dreamed of becoming a pilot. He earned his pilot’s license at 17 and, driven by a passion for flying fighters, joined the military. The US conflict in Vietnam was intensifying, and Carl was assigned to his dream aircraft, the formidable F-4 Phantom, the premier fighter jet of the US armed forces. After completing a rigorous 18-month training program, he joined the 391st Fighter Squadron and was deployed to Vietnam.

Becoming a Combat-Ready Pilot

Carl’s initial missions were “milk runs”—low-risk flights designed to help new pilots acclimate to combat conditions. As a backseater, he operated radar, managed communications, and reduced the pilot’s workload, allowing for maximum focus during operations. Soon, Carl and his squadron transitioned to critical low-level support missions, delivering pinpoint strikes on enemy targets to aid American ground forces.

By late 1968, he had flown over 50 combat missions, becoming a seasoned and confident pilot.

A Fateful Mission

Despite his experience, nothing could prepare him for the events of September 3, 1968. While flying a support mission, Carl’s F-4 Phantom took a direct hit from enemy anti-aircraft fire.

With the aircraft spiraling out of control, he and his pilot managed to eject, though the escape was far from smooth. Carl’s parachute caught in a tree, and the violent landing left him with a broken arm.

Suspended in the treetops near a crater, Carl radioed his squadron for help, his situation dire and his injuries severe. The first rescue came in the form of a Huey helicopter, which landed near the crater as two gunners rushed to free him from his parachute. Just as they prepared to board, enemy fire struck the Huey, causing it to crash violently. Carl and his rescuers now found themselves stranded and under fire.

A Desperate Rescue

As the enemy closed in, a Viet Cong soldier emerged, dragging the muzzle of an AK-47 across Carl’s face. Miraculously, a small Loach helicopter arrived moments later, braving intense gunfire to extract Carl and the downed Huey’s crew.

Meanwhile, US Army and Air Force units poured overwhelming firepower on enemy positions, suppressing the assault and allowing for the daring second rescue.

Back in Action

Carl was airlifted to a nearby hospital and, despite his injuries, was determined to return to the skies.

After recovering, he resumed flying F-4 Phantoms, completing several more tours in Vietnam. His story stands as a testament to the courage and resilience of those who faced unimaginable challenges in the heat of battle.