The Day the Phantoms Met the MiGs
- Christina DeSantis
- Jun 30
- 6 min read
Updated: Jul 1
Forged in the Sky
Colonel Robert E. Blake
A legacy isn’t just measured in medals and milestones. It is etched in decisive moments, forged under pressure, and lived through many decades of principled service and leadership. For Colonel Robert E. “Bob” Blake, a proud graduate of the United States Air Force Academy’s first graduating class in 1959, that legacy was forged in the fiery crucible of aerial combat and polished by a lifetime of service.
(An F-4C Phantom II, similar to the one flown by Col. Blake, over Vietnam. Photo: U.S. Air Force)
The Day the Phantoms Met the MiGs
The air over North Vietnam on April 23, 1966, was thick with tension. Then a Captain, Robert E. Blake was in the cockpit of his F-4C Phantom II, his eyes scanning the sky. In the back seat, his Weapons Systems Officer, 1st Lt. S.W. George, monitored the radar, their senses on high alert. Their mission was critical: to fly cover as a strike force of F-105 Thunderchiefs—the "Thuds"—roared toward the vital Bac Giang railroad and highway bridge northeast of Hanoi. They were the guardians, the shepherds for the bombers below.
Out of nowhere, four enemy MiG-17s slashed into their formation, igniting a routine screening mission into a chaotic, close-quarters, high stakes dogfight that would test every ounce of training, instinct, and courage. The battle was on.
Spotting a MiG breaking hard, Blake reacted with the split-second decisiveness that defines a fighter pilot. He knew he had to seize the advantage.
"I went into a diving roll and came straight down on the MiG," Blake later recalled. "The pilot must have seen us on his tail. He applied full power and dove toward a valley."
The chase was on. Blake followed, pushing his Phantom through the tight maneuver. Blake felt the G-forces press him into his seat. He had the MiG in his sights. He squeezed the trigger, launching an AIM-7D Sparrow missile—miss. The angle was bad.
But there was no time for frustration. In the heart of combat, there is only the next move. Undeterred, he re-engaged, adjusted position, and fired again. This time the Sparrow found its mark.
"This AIM-7D hit the target," he said. "The smoke looked like taffy streaming from the rear."
With that strike of victory, Captain Blake and Lieutenant George made history. Captain Robert E. Blake became the first graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy to shoot down a MiG in combat—a landmark victory that echoed from the skies over Southeast Asia to the cadet halls in Colorado Springs.
“We flew with grit and grace, because the mission and each other always came first.” — Col. Robert E. Blake, USAFA ’59
Lt. S.W. Dub George - In His Honor
The moment of triumph was later marked by profound personal loss.
“I lost my backseater, S.W. ‘Dub’ George, in the only mission he did not fly with me,” Blake would later reflect.
That tragedy left a permanent imprint—one that shaped his leadership for years to come. To this day, Panel 9E, Line 45 of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial serves as his daily motivation, a solemn reminder of the sacred responsibility to bring every crew member home.
“Panel 9E, Line 45—that’s my daily motivation."
From the Cockpit to the West Wing
While Blake's MiG kill was a defining moment, it was just one facet of a career marked by leadership at the highest levels. After completing two Southeast Asia combat tours in the F-4 with over 500 hours of combat time, Blake's expertise and integrity caught the attention of the nation's leadership.
In a remarkable transition from the cockpit to the West Wing, he was appointed to serve as the Air Force Aide to Vice President Gerald R. Ford, continuing in that role when Ford became President in August 1974. Blake stood alongside the Commander in Chief at pivotal moments—advising during sensitive diplomatic exchanges with Secretary of State Henry Kissinger, and celebrating the rollout of the new F-15 Eagle with the President and Wayne Newton in Las Vegas.
His most significant and proudest "award" from this time wasn’t ceremonial—it was deeply personal: witnessing the return of U.S. POWs in 1973, many of whom he had flown to protect.
Shaping the Future Power of Airpower
Blake’s influence extended to the next generation of airpower. As Director of Operations for the 388th Tactical Fighter Wing at Hill Air Force Base, Blake helped usher in the next generation of American air in the dominance. The 388th was selected to become the first operational wing in the Air Force to fly the F-16 Fighting Falcon—a fighter that would redefine the future.
With a master’s thesis on laser technology and a deep appreciation for precision weapons, Blake’s leadership ensured that the transition wasn’t just successful—it set a new standard for readiness and innovation. This new, technologically advanced fighter, and the pilots and systems were ready to define a new era of American air superiority.
Leading by an Unwavering Honor Code
Throughout his career, Blake was guided by a simple but powerful philosophy: Mission First, People Always. This principle was built on a foundation of decisiveness, a commitment to continuous learning, and above all, integrity.
He lived by the USAFA Honor Code: "We will not lie, steal, or cheat, nor tolerate among us anyone who does." This wasn't just a motto; it was the framework for a life of service that earned him the respect of everyone from the airmen on his flight line to the President of the United States.
Colonel Robert E. Blake’s story is not only one of courage in combat—it’s the enduring legacy of a servant leader who honored the Air Force, his Academy, and the nation with every step of his journey. His name stands tall among the Long Blue Line, inspiring future generations to lead with valor and live with honor.
Bio: Colonel Robert E. (Bob) Blake
Early Life & Education:
A graduate of the historic first class of the U.S. Air Force Academy (1959), Mr. Blake was part of the first family to have graduates from all three service academies: the Military Academy (West Point), the Naval Academy (Annapolis), and the Air Force Academy. He later earned a master's degree, writing his thesis on laser technology, which informed his work in precision weapons.
Military Career:
Colonel Blake served for twenty distinguished years in the U.S. Air Force. As a tactical fighter pilot, he completed two combat tours in the F-4 Phantom, accumulating over 500 combat hours and famously downing a MiG-17 on April 23, 1966. His career included serving as the Air Force Aide to Vice President and later President Gerald R. Ford, graduating from the National War College, and serving as the Director of Operations for the 388th Tactical Fighter Wing, the first operational F-16 wing in the Air Force. He retired in July 1980.
Military Decorations:
His service and valor were recognized with numerous awards, including:
The Silver Star
The Legion of Merit
The Distinguished Flying Cross with 6 Oak Leaf Clusters
The Joint Service Commendation Medal
The Air Medal with 21 Oak Leaf Clusters
The Vietnam Service Medal
Post-Military Life & Family:
After retiring, Bob and his childhood sweetheart, Jean, moved with their children—Michael, Kelly, and Rhett—to Shalimar, Florida. He entered private business, focusing on construction and land development. In 1986, he reentered the national defense sector, working with Rockwell International and later Boeing in precision weapons development. As of July 2025, Bob is still in the defense business working with hypersonic efforts for GE Aerospace. A confirmed Episcopalian and Lay Minister, he has been deeply involved in charity work, including fundraising and fostering newborns.
Jean was his childhood sweetheart who passed away in 2001, but still provides inspiration to their six grandchildren. The oldest and only granddaughter continued at Ole Miss and the legacy of three Delta Gammas. Two more grandsons graduated from college, to keep the education standards to transition to a meaningful and productive life, three more grandsons to follow in the family footsteps.
Personal Interests & Values:
Bob lettered in golf at the Air Force Academy and played basketball under the mentorship of the legendary Dean Smith, who would later find fame at the University of North Carolina. A registered Republican for over 32 years, his conservative values have guided his support for a strong national defense and economic reform.
Comments