Origins of the "Spook"

     As any researcher
of the McDonnell Phantom II will tell you, you cannot tell the story of
the Phantom II without some mention of the "Spook." This character has
become almost as enduring as the Phantom II itself. Spooks image is
pervasive throughout the Phantom community appearing at one time or
another on almost everything associated with the Phantom. From manuals to
aircraft tail feathers, from unit patches to coffee mugs, Spook is there.
     Spook was created in 1962 by MCAIR Technical
Artist Anthony "Tony" Wong. "I was a technical illustrator on
structural repair and service manuals and handbooks – doing drawings and
schematics – and my supervisor asked two of us in Product
Support-Technical Illustrations to draw a figure for use on a shoulder
patch," Tony said. 
     The result was the creation of what would become
the symbolic spirit of the F-4 Phantom II. This then nameless little
figure swiftly and silently stole the hearts and imaginations of almost
everyone who ever had an association with the aircraft.
     Born splayfooted, the little guy’s original
costume consisted of oversized sneakers, a tall, wide-brimmed hat, flowing
black cape, and a gown (of sorts) with a bold "II" emblem. Faceless,
he only had two large eyes to give him a "mysterious mien." 
     His likeness soon appeared on shoulder patches
and in publications, but he was still nameless. The name "Spook" is
believed to have emerged as a handle for the character between February
and September 1963 with the delivery of 27 Navy F-4Bs to the USAF’s 12th
Tactical Fighter Wing at MacDill AFB, Fla. An alternative that has been
put forward is the possibility that the 4453rd Combat Crew Training Wing
formed in 1964 at MacDill should be given the credit for the naming.
Regardless of who named this little caricature "Spook," the name has
stuck and another legend was born.
     Tony goes on to explain, "Most shoulder patch
figures used in the services at that time were animal types, much like the
ones the Walt Disney artists drew for Air Force, Navy and Marine squadrons
during World War II. My one and only  . . . .