Lockheed P38 Lightning is one of the most recognizable fighter planes of WWII. Despite famous episodes in which it participated, such as the shootdown of Admiral Yamamoto, this aircraft might be a bit underrated compared to some other fighters. For example, did you know which airplane first escorted Allied heavy bombers all the way to Germany? Which top American aces flew the P38? Which famous writer of the 20th century was a P38 pilot? In what unusual location did the first confirmed kill for the P38 take place and who scored the first American kill against the Luftwaffe? Again, in a rather unusual place.

Main sources:
John Stanaway P38 Lightning Aces 1942–43
https://amzn.to/3WxoX6J
John Stanaway P38 Lightning Aces of the ETO/MTO
https://amzn.to/3W7fp2d
Roger Freeman American Eagles, Volume 2: P38 Lightning Units of The Eighth and Ninth Air Forces
https://amzn.to/3HQxZYe
Martin Caiden ForkTailed Devil
https://amzn.to/3v2FhAu
Warren M. Bodie The Lockheed P38 Lightning
https://amzn.to/3Vat3AD
Der Gabelschwanz Teufel Assessing the Lockheed P38 Lightning
http://www.ausairpower.net/P38Analy...
Mysteries of Flight: The Disappearance of Antoine de SaintExupéry
https://www.planeandpilotmag.com/arti...

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