P-38 Aces
P-38 National Association
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THE BEST!
Some pilots are good.
Some pilots are great.
The best of them all
Flew the P‑38
Col. Al Griebling
USAF
Favorite Aircraft of P‑38 Aces
The P‑38 solidified its reputation as one of the most effective, versatile fighter planes of the war, earning the trust and admiration of the skilled pilots who flew it.
It was the favorite aircraft of the top P‑38 aces.
Following are the details we have gathered on pilots who were qualified as “Aces” (five or more planes shot down) in the P‑38. It’s accurate to the best of our knowledge, but if you find any errors or omissions, please let us know!
FULL LIST OF P‑38 ACES
THE BETTER KNOWN P-38 ACES
Richard Ira Bong (Dick Bong)
Jack Ilfrey (Happy Jack)
Thomas B. McGuire, Jr. (Tommy McGuire)
More Info
There are many excellent books written about WWII Aces. Here are a couple of the best.
Happy Jack’s Go Buggy
Undoubtedly one of the finest stories of aerial combat that has ever been written. You will fly through the skies with eight-victory fighter ace, Jack Ilfrey, in his P‑38 and thrill to the stories of aerial combat. Join him on his incredible trip to becoming one of America’s first WWII aces.
Written by one of our expert P‑38 Association Historians, the late John Stanaway, this book traces the careers of many unknown Aces within the USAAF in the European Theater. Some 17 pilots scored 7 or more kills in the P‑38 in the ETO/MTO.
Important Notice
Although we are housed on the grounds of the March Air Museum, the P‑38 Association’s Museum is a separate and independent non-profit organization. We are not affiliated with the USAF or Lockheed, and our entire operation is supported solely by people like you. See how you can help us with our mission!
Non-Profit StatusThe P-38 National Assn is a 501(c)(19) non-profit, tax–exempt veteran’s organization.
