P-38 LIGHTNING Unforgettable Missions of Skill and Luck

by Steve Blake, Dayle L. DeBry

The P-38 National Association wants to put YOU in the cockpit of the greatest combat airplane of World War II with remembrances of the P-38 Lightning as told by the people who were there. Compiled from the archives of the P-38 National Association membership publication, "Lightning Strikes," this book contains some of the most dramatic, heart-wrenching and humorous stories as told by the combat pilots, ground crews and other personnel who had hands-on experiences with the P-38 Lightning. Included in the book are numerous historical photos of the personnel and the plane along with tales of bravery and humor which took place before, during and after the war. The book also includes stories about the design, development and production of the P-38. Compiled and edited by noted aviation author, historian and "Lightning Strikes" editor Steve Blake and author and historian Dayle DeBry. Introduction by P-38 National Association President Bob Alvis.

250 pages, Paperback

First published August 28, 2011

Reviews

[KOMET · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blake, a member of the P-38 Association, has compiled a first-rate book full of the experiences of those people who had flown or serviced the P-38 fighter in its various incarnations across a variety of venues during the Second World War. Places as distant as the Aleutians, the South Pacific, the China-Burma-India Theatre. As well as in Europe, North Africa and the Mediterranean, and here in the U.S.

For many years, I've had a special affection for the P-38 Lightning. One of the most fascinating things I learned from reading this book was about the various peacetime roles carried out by Lightnings (e.g. cloud seeding and flying high altitude photography jobs all over the world for mapping purposes).

Before reading this book, I had been under the impression that soon after the War, Lightnings, as government surplus, were promptly cast off and destroyed, sold for scrap, bought by private individuals at greatly reduced prices, or sold to foreign air forces. Indeed, very few Lightnings survive today.

This book is highly recommended for any aviation enthusiast who wants to read some fantastic stories about one of the most phenomenal aircraft ever built.

[Joy Kidney · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been a member of the P-38 National Association for decades, so learned about this book as soon as it was available. It's dedicated to all World War II veterans and their families, and to the pilots and crews of the P-38 Lightning who proudly served their country and left a legacy for us to continue and uphold.

Chapter One details the design, development, productions, and modifications of the fighter plane. Chapter Two includes stories of the P-38 stateside.

Chapters Three through Six tell about each theater of operations the Lightning served in: Pacific, China-Burma-India, Mediterranean, and European. Italy was included in the Mediterranean ETO so I was especially interested in it, since one of Iowa's Wilson brothers was based there with the 15th AF, 14th FG, 37th Fighter Squadron. (He was lost on a mission in Austria February 19, 1945.)

Chapter Seven gives the history of the plane after the war, and Chapter Eight includes miscellaneous Lightning Stories.

The book is thoroughly entertaining, from experimenting with landings and takeoffs with retractable skis, to well-known pilots (Charles Lindbergh, ace Dick Bong, even General Jimmie Doolittle).