books   |   Lightning Strikes Back Issues

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BOOKS

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.

-Montgomery
(Amazon reviewer)

P-38 Lightning
Unforgettable Missions of Skill and Luck

Like "Chicken Soup for the P‑38 Soul," this is the first book from the P‑38 National Association.

It contains dozens of short stories, some funny, some horrifying, all entertaining. Perfect small bites for a quick read.

Compiled from some of the best stories pulled from the archives of the P‑38 Association's publication, "Lightning Strikes," this book contains some of the most dramatic, heart-wrenching and humorous stories (that took place before, during and after the war) as told by the combat pilots, ground crews and other personnel with hands-on experience with the Lightning.

The book includes many historical photos of the personnel and the plane, as well as stories on the design, development and production of the P‑38.

All Versions Sent from Amazon.com

Pilots Manual for Lockheed P‑38 Lightning

A reprint of the official government handbook designed to show the new cadet how to fly the aircraft. Heavily illustrated with all the data.

Originally classified as a restricted document, this manual was declassified long ago and is now available in book form.

$9.95

Bong got the title of "America's Ace of Aces" because he shot down more enemy fighters than any other pilot during WWII -- and it did it in a P‑38!

Bong was rotated back to the United States after his 40 victories (yep!) and became a Lockheed test pilot. He was killed on 6 August 1945, ironically the same day the atomic bomb was dropped on Japan, when his P‑80 Shooting Star jet fighter flamed out on takeoff.

His death was front-page news across the country, sharing space with the first news of the bombing of Hiroshima.

Dick Bong: America's Ace of Aces

With 40 aerial victories, this Wisconsin farm boy became America’s top ace. Here is Major Richard I. Bong’s story as recounted by his commanding officer.

Major Bong in his P-38, which he named "Marge" after his wife.

$12.95

It's unusual in this day and age, but truthfully no one we know has ever had a bad thing to say about Bill.

Apart from the obvious fact of being a war hero, he was a kind, smart and gentle man for his entire life.

Bill - A Pilot's Story

Written by Brooklyn Harris (no relation) this is the story of triple ace Bill Harris. He shot down 16 enemy aircraft to be exact.

Bill standing next to his P-38
in the Philippines in 1945

We have a very limited supply of these books left. They were autographed by Bill and, sadly, will sell out fast now that Col Harris has passed away.

We recommend ordering yours today.

$50

From Model T to P‑38 Lightning

The diary of William Schottelkorb from August 30, 1918 to January 23, 1943, as he flew the P‑38 and his encounter with three German ME‑109's.

$25

LIGHTNING STRIKES - BACK ISSUES

Each issue is filled with great war stories and interesting background on our favorite airplane.  In addition, each issues contains such things as "The Briefing Room" (the latest P‑38 Association activities, Odds & Ends, May Day! (P-38 fans and family searching for info), Folded Wings, P‑38 Book Reviews, and more...

We will be adding more back issues so check back often!  If you'd like for us to let you know when we add more, just send us an email: 

The fifth Lightning featured in this photo is "23 Skidoo" which took off for Sacramento, but had a mechanical problem and had to set down before arriving.

Nov 2010

Full coverage of the historical California Capital air show, where there were four P‑38s in the air at the same time ‑‑ a first since WWII. (

This is the edition mentioned by present-day P‑38 pilot, Rob Ator, in the August 2012 edition.
 

$5

Ron Fagen now has his own warbird museum called "Fagen Fighters Restoration," and you can visit it here.

Here's a neat video showing Ruff Stuff getting her new nose art.

Ruff Stuff is also the P‑38 that was housed at our museum in Riverside.

aug 2012

Present-day P‑38 pilot, Rob Ator, is the man at the wheel for the airworthy Lightning named "Ruff Stuff," which is owned by Ron Fagen and is located in Minnesota.

Ator tells the great story of how he came to be "the luckiest guy at the airport" when he f0und out he would be the guy who got to drive this P‑38.
 

$5

Nov 2011

Air Show photo album, including a picture of Robin Olds' daughter Christina in the cockpit of Honey Bunny, the P‑38 owned by Jack Croul of Allied Fighters.

Also included is the incredible story of a daughter's (successful) search for her father's crash site behind enemy lines.  My Phantom Father
 

$5

July 2011

Fantastic article on the 154th Weather Recon Squadron.  After reading this article you won't ever question the importance of these squads.  This article is based on the book "The Story of a Squadron" by Frederick W. Gillies.

1061 Days
Based on a 1945 article written by Samuel W. Taylor, the man whose short stores a couple of well-known Disney films were based.  The author was sent to to the 82nd FG in Italy to tell what the typical day was like in the day of a P‑38 crew chief.
 

$5

This beautiful shot of the two Lightnings (P‑38 and F‑22) was taken at Edwards AFB and is available for purchase as a postcard here.

Mar 2012

My Flak Story

This story of an (unarmed) photo recon pilot, Clyde T. Allen, who got caught in a very bad place on his way home from his run. Let's just say it wasn't fun -- he had about 350 holes in it when he got back to base! One Italian pilot, Capitano Ugo Drago,  had claimed he had destroyed the P‑38. Not entirely out of the question since Capt. Drago was one of Italy's top aces, with 17 claimed victories. But in the case...not quite accurate!
 

$5

Apr 2000

Cold Lightning
by Randy Acord*

This article tells the brutally true story of a "cold weather test" of the P‑38. Acord tells about tests done on a specially designed 38 that would allow them to study machine gun and engine lubrication, cabin and carburetor heat, and fuel distribution, among other things. A great read.
 

$5

*Randy Acord is our most generous donor to date, bequeathing over $47,000 to the P‑38 Association.