Fantastic Glacier Girl photos
For those of you who are as interested in the
Greenland Glacier Girl Expedition as we are, you absolutely must visit Lou
(Luciano) Sapienza's
photo site. Lou is the guy who took that famous shot of Glacier Girl under the ice (below) and which appears on the cover of the "Lost Squadron" DVD and book. He has more pictures of
the expedition than you will ever have seen. Just click on the "galleries" link in the left column of his website and you will have an abundance of photos from which to choose. |
Here are a few samples of Lou's work (just click on photo to see enlarged version):
THE FAMOUS SHOT
AMMO
COCKPIT
NEIL ESTES IN CAVERN (To give you an idea of the danger they faced every single day on this Expedition, surrounded by all that ice!)
|
return to top
NEW PHOTOS ON THE WEB
Flickr has lots of new P-38 photos, uploaded by individuals who have taken them, so they're not the same old pictures you see everywhere else.
Here's an example uploaded by TwoZeroWest:
return to top
Videos
If you're still using the Internet Explorer browser, you may have to click on the yellow bar at the top of the page to allow the browser to view the videos.
High Five!
If you haven't had a chance to view this video yet, do it. Now. It shows all five P‑38s headed up to Sacramento for the Capital Air Show last year ‑‑ before one (23 Skidoo) had to set down in Fresno with engine problems. See full‑sized video
R/Cs and Modeling
We have been receiving more and more requests for information about R/C and scale modeling for the P‑38, so we're going to be adding a section to our web site especially for those modelers. It will be debuted when we launch our redesigned web site in the (hopefully) not too distant future.
In the meantime, check out this video from the folks at Plane Video Art, which is an absolutely astounding P‑38 R/C model with invasion stripes and D‑Day wear and tear paint scheme effects. Incredible job done by David Morales. See full‑sized video
Lego P-38 with Narration!
This great video is a "walkaround" from a YOUNG P‑38 enthusiast who thinks the P‑38 is "super cool." It's his favorite WWII plane "cause it just looks so snazzy." Definitely worth watching (bet it makes you smile). See full‑sized video. Here's another non-video Lego P‑38.
23 Skidoo
Nice video put up by the folks at the Planes of Fame in Chino, CA. The focus is entirely on their P-38 (23 Skidoo). Worth a look. See full‑sized video
Red Bull P-38 -- Sort Of
And here's a fun flight sim of a flight in the Red Bull P‑38.
return to top
Now Available for Speaking Engagements
 Over the past few months Bob Alvis, President
of the P‑38 Association, has begun to receive
more and more requests to be a guest speaker.
Up until now he has made limited commitments
due to his heavy workload. However, since the
Sacramento Air Show has brought such attention
to our organization we've found that more and
more people want to learn about this beautiful
aircraft. So Bob has decided he will make himself
available as a guest speaker for a limited number
of engagements. If you are interested in inviting
Bob to speak at your venue, please contact him at
balvis@p38assn.org His fees are very reasonable,
however, if the request is for a location other than
the immediate Southern California area, expect
there to be additional transportation and per diem
expenses as well.
Sometimes we Forget...
just how young these guys were.
 Bob Alvis and Dayle DeBry are currently planning a trip to France this summer to participate in a dedication ceremony for Lt. Montgomery A. Coddington, a 21-year-old P‑38 pilot who crashed near the small town of Saint-Fraimbault-de-Prières in June of 1944. Sixty-six years later, piles of machine gun bullets, large pieces of aluminum, a propeller, shoe leather and pieces of Coddington’s parachute were found and have been excavated to be used in a museum display. After the crash, the town's people hid Lt. Coddington's body so as not to have it fall into enemy hands. He was later interred in France at the U.S. Military Cemetery, St. Hilaire-du-Harcouet, but was repatriated back to the United States in 1949 -‑ and up until last month, his resting place was unknown. See the photos, and read this whole fascinating story here.
|
P-38 Collectors card
Newsletter reader Mick Zerr sent us this interesting bit of history. He said when their high school did the WWII "Heroes" collector cards a few years back to raise money for a WWII memorial, they had a P‑38 pilot on one of the cards. His name was Col. Herm Solem, and here's the card.
And here is a sad yet gratifying story that Mick also sent along.
return to top
New Web site section
We are working on putting together a section of the P‑38 web site devoted to modeling and radio-controlled P‑38s. If that seems like something you'd like us to do, let us know.
In keeping with tha, here is a review done for the Ultracast P‑38 Lightning wheels. Can't vouch for his opinion, but I thought it was worth passing along for those of you who are in the know with modelers.
flight Journal article
 The Flight Journal April 2011 issue has a very fine article on "P‑38's in the Pacific," featuring "RUFF STUFF", flown by Maj Norbert C. Ruff USAF. Pick one up at your local bookstore. (Thanks to Assn member Bill Anderson for the heads' up on this.)
Speaking of Flight Journal hope you were all able to pick up a copy of the February 2011 issue. The opening paragraph kind of said it all. They were talking about the five P-38s headed to Sacramento (four of which made it): |
The "Calls were coming in to California Capital Air show Director Darcy Brewer as the aircraft passed various points across the state, causing the excitement on the airfield to climb. Only after seeing the four dots representing the P‑38s did reality sink in. History was being made." |
P-38 in od -- uh...boxwood
I've seen some interesting topiaries in my life (and who hasn't if you saw Edward Scissorhands), but this one really takes the cake. It was created by Joe Kyte for a Florida location and has a 7' wingspan He's creating another one for a lost P‑38 pilot to be installed near Long Beach for a private cemetery. Check out his web site
|
Cell Phone Wallpaper
If you use your cell a lot and would like to have a P‑38 for the photo, we found this site that seems to offer it. Not sure of the cost, but the company (Cellsea) seems to be reputable. |
How's this for Beautiful?
P-38 Association Member Marty Potts sent us this great photo of his leather P‑38 jacket. This was hand painted for him by a very talented guy named Dan McQuality. If anyone wants a jacket like this, Dan is available via email or his web site (he also does gorgeous nose art panels). It also has the squadron patches on the front.
return to top
Smithsonian Replica
The P-38 has honored our favorite plane by including it in their "Smithsonian Museum Replica Series." You can have a look at it here.
"Pacific Flyer" Editorials
Seems as though the cover that "Pacific Flyer" newspaper had a while back garnered a bunch of editorial comments. Here are a few of them:
""Rarely do I take mouse and keyboard in hand to laud an Editor for a cover shot...BUT now I must, I must. The shot of the four P‑38s is outstanding and very worthy of your publication. And it does NOT matter that the very fine Lockheed P‑38 Lightning is my all‑time favorite aircraft ‑‑ HONEST!"
"Sure liked the P‑38 cover on your October 2010 issue as I was a P‑38 crew chief in the 20th FS...in 1944‑45."
And this comment from the Editors: "We've gotten more positive comment on that photo (and orders for copies) than any other cover in memory. Guess everybody loves a Lightning."
(Thanks to Dayle DeBry) http://pacificflyer.com
return to top
TRENCH ART?
Xavier LeDoux send us this interesting photo of what looks like trench art from the Pacific Theater because it has "Australia" on the tail. He's looking for some more info on it, so let us know if it looks familiar.. You can enlarge it by selecting the photo.
Pearl Harbor Remembrance
Association Member Hayman Tam sent us this photo of a P‑38 mural located at the Pacific Aviation Museum at Pearl Harbor. Nice!
Hayman also sent this photo of a P‑38 mirror "that hangs in my favorite airport diner, Sky Kitchen at San Carlos Airport." Apparently the staff has no idea where it came from, but it's sure a good conversation starter.
return to top
KELLY FIELD
While this has absolutely nothing to do with P‑38s, my brother Kevin sent me this photo of my namesake from his recent trip to San Antonio. Fun! (Yes, I was named after Kelly AFB, and, no, I was not born in 1918 for you wise guys in the crowd!)
Kevin also sent this great shot of the P‑38 at Lackland AFB, which, according to Museum Director,Fernando Cortez, is a full-sized replica. (Thanks to Kevin Baquet.)
return to top
1945 Classic Shot
And finally...here is a great shot that Paul McAfee sent in of his 1945 F-5G, which he says is "a pilot's dream to fly." Not too bad.
return to top |
Hardstand
By John Stanaway
Most Productive Model?
I have recently completed an article detailing the early operations of the P‑38, and one of the striking things that I learned was that most of the Lockheed’s stellar service was recorded in the models E through H. It would seem that most of the Lightning’s history was brilliantly written with the J and L models, but simply reviewing the history gives a much more revealing picture of the early P‑38s.
The first P‑38s to see service were E models that were rushed to the Aleutians when the Japanese invaded prior to the Midway operation. Some of these original P‑38s accounted for some of the first confirmed aerial victories for the type when Japanese Mavis flying boats and Rufe floatplane fighters were encountered in August 1942. The same month saw the first German aircraft claimed by USAAF fighters when an Fw 200 was shared by P‑38 and other fighters over the Iceland area.
Later in the year there were larger scale operations in New Guinea, the Solomons and on the other side of the world during the North African Torch operations. November and December saw victories over Guadalcanal and Eastern New Guinea when the P‑38 was used during the retaking of those areas. The first P‑38 ace was produced in North African skies when Virgil Smith and Jack Ilfrey accounted for their fifth air victory at about the same time. Hoyt Eason was credited with his own fifth victory a few days later over New Guinea on the last day of 1942.
P‑38 operations over North Africa and the coastal Mediterranean area were fought with increasing tenacity and skill by young pilots who learned their trade at painful cost. By April 1943 the Axis was being strangled by Allied sea and air forces, and the P‑38 was in the forefront of the action by virtue of its exceptional range. The middle of the month saw approximately 100 German and Italian transports being claimed by P‑38 action being fought far out over the sea. Most of the early North African operations were flown by P‑38F and G models.
In the Pacific, the P‑38 was making much the same record with its F and G models. Between January and March 1943, the P‑38 both attacked Japanese convoys attempting to reach Lae, and escorted bombers that attacked these convoys. Again, a number of Japanese aircraft were claimed and an entire Japanese convoy of sixteen ships was virtually wiped out during the Bismarck Sea battle in early March.
Perhaps the most impressive mission flown by P‑38s was accomplished on April 18, 1943 when the two Betty bombers carrying Admiral Yamamoto and his staff were shot down by P‑38s on a long four-hundred plus mile mission to Bougainville. This mission could not have been flown by any other type operating at the time, and perhaps illustrated more graphically than anything else the usefulness of the P‑38 type.
It could be noted that Pacific aces had achieved much of their records in early type F, G and H model P‑38s by the end of 1943. Dick Bong scored twenty-one of his eventual forty victories in early types. Tom McGuire accounted for sixteen, Charles MacDonald and Jerry Johnson each about nine, and Jay Robbins about fifteen. In the Mediterranean, Dixie Sloan had claimed all twelve of his victories in early model P‑38s, and Frank Hurlbut accounted for about ten. [ED: Frank Hurlbut is also a past-President of the P‑38 National Association.)
John Stanaway is the author of many best-selling aviation books, including several on the P‑38.
return to top |
| Donations
If you'd like to support the P‑38 Association (any donation helps, no matter the size), just click the button below. Thanks! We appreciate it.
The generous donations from our Association and P‑38 Newsletter members as well as the "legacy" donations made to us by the families and friends of those who have taken their last flight, have enabled us to continue our mission of keeping alive the memory of the P‑38 and all those involved with her throughout the war years and beyond. And we thank you.
(A new, secure window will open where you can enter any donation amount you wish. Thanks!)
return to top |
Recent Donors
Thanks to all of you for helping to keep us thriving. The supporters with a star ★ by their names are our special donors, who have made especially generous donations of $100+.
IN MEMORY OF...
Lois Carlton (wife of P‑38 Pilot Robert Carlton)
Theodora "Teddy" Bunten ★
Mr./Mrs. Walter Conner
Martin Covington
Col. & Mrs. John Garbett
Lt Gen Harry Goldsworthy
Lorn/Barbara Hendricks
Mr./Mrs. Gary Hunt
Mr./Mrs. Donald Johnson
Roy Johnson
L. Frank Mullinax Jr.
Mr./Mrs. Caryl Prince
Aileen Sevdy
Ron/Marilyn Smith
Ed/Margaret Williams
John Stege (P‑38 Pilot)
Pauline Godfrey
Ron/Marilyn Smith ★
Other Donations
John Barrett
Keith Cook
Mary Deckert (in memory of her husband, Harlan Deckert, P‑38 Pilot)
Alex Ferrasci
Robert Hawes ★★★★★
Evert Heynneman
Steve Krick
Tim OConnell
Dan Potts
Thomas Simms ★★
Dave Steiner
Ralph Willett
Randolph/Sandra Young
|
P-38 Association News
We were sad to lose two of our members since the last edition, John Stege and John Hedenberg, both LIFE members of the P-38 Association. If you'll remember, in the last issue we just wished John Stege a happy 90th. In a very unusual occurence, there was a "missing man formation" flown over his services, thanks to Jeff Harris and Jack Croul (who owns the Allied Fighters P-38 "Honey Bunny"). Here are some beautiful photos taken by Dayle DeBry, our Director of Public Relations:
Association Meeting Schedule for March 2011
We have an unusual situation in March for our meetings in that there will be two of them.
March 13, 2011 -- 2PM -- Flabob Airport
This first meeting will be open to the public and will have a special guest speaker, which we will formally announce very shortly. So check on this page of the website for final details and directions to Flabob.
March 20, 2011 -- 1PM -- Flabob Airport
This will be our regular Directors/Membership meeting. If you have anything to add to the agenda, please contact Bob Alvis in advance for approval.
Annual meeting
Don't forget to mark your calendars for our annual General Membership meeting at the Planes of Fame Valle, AZ, location during their "High Country Fly-In." We will be adding more details to the website soon, but in the meantime save the date: June 24-25, 2011. The meetings are growing in size every year, and many take the opportunity to combine it with a side-trip to the nearby Grand Canyon via the Grand Canyon Railway.
P-38 RIDES
The opportunity to take a flight in a P-38 was just an unbelievable opportunity to our members last year, so if we can (once again) get commitments for the minimum number of flights to cover the cost of bringing "23 Skidoo" to Valle again, we received word TODAY that they will do it. So, start saving up and keep an eye on the website for reservation details. Last year, we ran out of daylight hours and barely squeezed in the last flight (which I believe was the 9th one that day!), so make sure to make your booking as soon as you see the flight info posted. If you'd like us to give you a heads up when it is, just send a blank email here and we'll let you know when details become available.
return to top |
