Hobby Master Archive

The F-105Ds of the 357th TFS, 355th TFW were based at RTAB (Royal Thai Air Base) Takhli, Thailand from 1966 to 1970. The Thud with serial number 60-0504 had been given the name “Memphis Belle II” to honor the WWII B-17. The F-105 pilot was Major Buddy Jones who is credited with 2 MiG-17 victories. The aircraft is on display at the USAF Museum wearing some markings below the cockpit. The two red stars represent the 2 MiG-17 kills and a couple of campaign ribbons. Also the Belle herself painted in her familiar blue bathing suit.