Series – A Rare Breed!
The Lockheed P-38 Lightning introduced a new dimension to American fighters during WWII – a second engine. Designed by Clarence “Kelly” Johnson, an engineer at Lockheed, the P-38 Lightning represented one of the most radical departures from the traditional American Fighter ever seen during WWII. With an unconventional airframe, design, power, and armament, the twin tailed fighter design simply worked. Equipped with four .50 cal machine guns, plus a 20mm cannon, the P-38 Lightning had enough firepower to sink a ship… and some did! The concentrated center nose mounted guns eliminated the need for propeller synchronization and was deadly when pointed in the direction of the enemy.
Flightline Fabrications recently interviewed three retired P-38 Lightning Pilots and all three were generous enough to sit down for our Living History Project and tell us about their combat stories and adventures during WWII. Over the next month Flightline Fabrications will publish each pilots story in 3 part segments, so strap on your parachute, and get ready to jump, because these P-38 Lightning Pilot stories are AWESOME!
Col. Robert Mitchell served with the now famous 44th “Vampire” Fighter Squadron, 13th Air Force in the Solomons & Philippines during 1944-1945. In air combat flying the P-38 Lightning, Col. Mitchell scored 1 victory and 1 probable victory.
William “Al” Bailey flew 60 photo recon missions in the P-38 Lightning with the 17th Photo Recon Squadron from Guadalcanal in 1943 and 52 missions with the 40th PRS in India during 1945.
John Taylor flew 63 missions in P-38 Lightning and P-51 Mustangs with the 364th Fighter Group of the 8th Air Force in England. Those missions included 6 June 44, D-Day!
400 Miles per hour, four .50 cal machine guns, one 20mm cannon, and a young pilot… These P-38 Lightning stories are what you want to hear.
Flightline Fabrications wishes to express its gratitude to the P-38 National Association for their partnership in making these interviews possible.
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Do you or someone you know have first hand memories of this or any other historic event, whether you served in the military or as a civilian, Flightline Fabrications Living History Project want to hear from you. Please contact our Living History Project with your remembrances. History should NEVER be forgotten. Your memories are important and should be retained and shared.
