Rick and the prettiest airplane ever built.

Members of the 35th Tactical Fighter Squadron before deploying to Vietnam, April 1972

Rick on the steps of Fort Apache (the intell & briefing building on the flight line) just before going out to the airplane for a mission.

Preparing to ferry this F-4E model from Takhli AB back to Korat Air Base.

Ready to fly the F-4E over the sometimes unfriendly skies of Southeast Asia.

When I was an F-4 instructor giving tests to students, I liked to ask "how many steps are on the ladder?"

My roommate Lt. Lloyd Golden on the left and Rick Keyt on the right.

In the cockpit.

This airplane got a MiG kill, which is why they painted a red star on it.

MiG kills claimed by members of the 35th TFS were painted on Lt. Col. Ferguson's airplane for his flight back to Kunsan Air Base, Korea, from Korat.

Lt. Ed Askins in the front seat of an F-4E at Tahkli AB, Thailand.

F-4Es in the arming area at Korat Air Base, Thailand, ready to go to Route Pack VI in the summer of 1972.

Rick Keyt in front of his quarters on the army base next door to Korat Air Base, Thailand.

Lt. Rick Keyt ready to fly a combat mission.

Lt. Rick Keyt with a care package from Carol.

Lt. Rick Keyt, summer 1972.