Phantom

PHANTOM II AIRPLANE
STATE MEDAL 5764/2004
13th 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 13th medal in the series is dedicated to the McDonnell Douglas F-4E Phantom II.
The entry of the "Ghost", McDonnell Douglas F-4E Phantom II into the Israeli Air Force service symbolized a turning point in the force's ability, turning it from a tactical force to an air force, with long range strategic capability.
It was in September 3, 1969, when the first Phantoms reached Israel, and within a few weeks, they were already participating in missions deep within Arab territory. The Phantoms stood out in every area: they carried a wider variety of ammunition to longer ranges than any other plane in the Israeli Air Force, carrying no less than eight air-to-air missiles and seven tons of bombs for hundreds of kilometers. The photography planes used by force carried out reconnaissance and photography missions deep into Arab territories.
The Phantom took in the War of Attrition in Egypt, Syria and Jordan when pilots of both Phantom Squadrons led the attacks deep into the Egypt and experienced their first encounter ground-to-air missiles.
The Phantoms carried out most of the combat missions and the main Israeli Air Force fighter during the Yom Kippur War as well as in later wars. In order to prolong the lifespan of planes, an upgrading project of this aircraft begun in 1987, converting them into the "Kurnas 2000" model.

Obverse: McDonnel Douglas F-4E Phantom II over the Nabatean City of Ovdat with a view of the archaeological site, its pillars, capitals and the hill.

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.