Description
Artful F-15E Eagles #1. All jets with amazing nose art from Operation Iraqi Freedom, these are all combat birds from the 336th Fighter Squadron of the 4th Wing (4th But First). An amazing (and huge) dragon reminiscent of the B-24 “Dragon And His Tail” adorned 88-1700, along with the name “Dragon Betty II” (what the heck was Dragon Betty I, the guy’s wife?!). Donald (Duck, not “The Donald” Trump) riding a smart bomb was painted on the nose of 88-1687 along with the name “Back For More/Mad Duck IV.” Yet another “Memphis Belle” graced 89-0485. Interesting story on this one. Originally named “Memphis Belle III” with the name in a flowing cursive script, at the specific request of Col Robert Morgan (pilot of the original B-17F “Memphis Belle”), the name was changed to a block style better matching the original. Bob also corrected them that, according to his records, this was the NINTH US Air Force plane to carry the name “Memphis Belle.” Ergo, the name was changed to “Memphis Belle IX.” In honor of the 336th Fighter Squadron’s nickname (The Rocketeers), 89-0488 carried an Uncle Sam riding a rocket, along with the name “Rocket Express.”
