F-16

F-16 AIRPLANE
STATE MEDAL 5764/2004
11th in the “Airplanes that Made History” Series

This series of medals commemorates the airplanes of the Israeli Air Force. Each one made its mark on the history of the country and is associated with its specific period of operation. The planes have been reproduced in precise detail on the medals, designed by Eliezer Weishoff, in consultation with the Public Committee headed by the former Commander of the Air Force, Major General Eitan Ben Eliahu.
The 11th medal in the series is dedicated to the General Dymnamics F-16.
The General Dynamics (now Lockheed) F-16 Fighting Falcon, today the main tactical fighter in the Israeli Air Force, was developed in the US as a "lightweight fighter" and capable of flying to combat loaded with tons of armament, and if needed, engage in close dogfights with enemy fighters.
The first F-16 A/B models, nicknamed "Netz" (Hawk), entered the Israeli Air Force service in July 1980. In February 1987 the improved F-16 C/D models, nicknamed "Barak" (thunder) arrived, F-16I model, designated for long range, all weather operations.
The F-16 fighter took part in many aerial combat missions, including the attack on the Iraqi nuclear plant "Ossirac" in June 1981, the destruction of Syria's SAM. In the Lebenese Beka'a Valley in the Shlom Hagalil War, as well as hundreds of attacks on terrorist targets in Lebanon during routine security operations in years to follow, registering many enemy planes shot down.

Obverse: General Dynamics (Lockheed) F-16D flying over Mount Tabor with a view of the buildings on the mountains and the valley in the background and inscription "F-15".

Reverse: A stylized design of a bird in flight with the hills of Jerusalem above it and the Israeli Air Force emblem below it; the verse “HIS WINGS SHALL FILL THE BREADTH OF THY LAND” (Isaiah 8) is inscribed in Hebrew along the upper border of the medal and in English along the lower border. The silver/925 proof medal is with gold-plated sterling silver insert and the bronze proof medal is with sterling silver insert.

Edge: State emblem with the words "STATE OF ISRAEL" inscribed in Hebrew on the right and in English on the left; the serial number and metal.

Designer: Eliezer Weishoff.

Engraving: Romania.

Mint:
Bronze and Silver Medals: Romania.
Gold Medal: The Government Mint, Israel.