On October 18, retired Air National Guard Maj. Gen. David E.B. (DEB) Ward will share stories from his memoir, Portland, Check Our Contrails, highlighting his career as a combat-qualified fighter pilot in the F-102 Delta Dagger, F-101B Voodoo, F-4C Phantom, and F-15A Eagle. The program will focus on the Seattle-based Museum of Flight’s McDonnell F-4C Phantom (tail number 776), which Ward flew with the Oregon ANG 142nd Fighter Wing’s Redhawks. The talk begins at 2 p.m. next to Phantom 776 in the Museum’s Great Gallery and is free with Museum admission.
Ward will explore the F-4’s history and effectiveness during the Vietnam War, as well as the story of Phantom 776, including its three confirmed air-to-air victories. He will also honor the late Ken Coats, the aircraft’s crew chief and first sergeant of the 142nd Fighter Wing. Several members of the Redhawk 776 crew—including pilots, Weapon System Officers, flight surgeons, mechanics, and technicians—are expected to attend the book talk. For more information about the program, click HERE.
