The F-4D was essentially an improved version of the F-4C designed by the United States Air Force to carry AIM-4 Falcon missiles and was introduced in June 1967.
However, considering how complicated the AIM-4 was to fire, as it was designed to shoot down heavy bombers, it was useless against fighters. That's why it was decided to re-equip the F-4D with Sidewinders in early 1968 and, by 1972 it was the preferred missile by the USAF pilots. Some of them were field-fitted with radar homing and warning antennas to detect Soviet S-75 Dvina surface-to-air missiles in Vietnam.
Sources:
1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/McDonnell_Douglas_F-4_Phantom_II#United_States_Air_Force
2. Salamander Books - The Complete Book of Fighters
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