P-38 Lightning Aces 1942–43

P-38 Lightning Aces 1942–43 cover

Description

The story of the highest-scoring P-38 aces of the war, who had claimed approximately half of their total victories by the end of 1943 flying Lightning models ranging from the F-1 through to the H-5.

The first P-38s became operational with the 1st Fighter Group in April 1941, and the initial combat deployments were made in Alaska, the Southwest Pacific and North Africa during the latter part of 1942. Photographic reconnaissance versions of the P-38 were in action even sooner when F-4 (P-38E) models were rushed to frontline units a few months after Pearl Harbor.

Often using modified field measures to equip aircraft and train pilots in this demanding fighter, early pilots wrote a remarkable record of accomplishments that displayed a high degree of courage and innovation. Every theatre in which the United States was involved saw deployment of the P-38, and more than 60 Lightning pilots were credited with at least five victories by the end of 1943.

Featuring illustrations depicting P-38 models from the E to the H-5 previously not known to the general public, unpublished photographs and new data, this volume presents a comprehensive and innovative account of some of these lesser known aces.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1 Into the Arena
Chapter 2 South Pacific
Chapter 3 Southwest Pacific
Chapter 4 China-Burma-India
Chapter 5 Mediterranean
Chapter 6 Northwestern Europe

Appendices
Ace list to December 1943
Color plates
Commentaries

Product details

Published 20 Jul 2014
Format Ebook (Epub & Mobi)
Edition 1st
Extent 96
ISBN 9781782003342
Imprint Osprey Publishing
Illustrations 80 b/w; 30 col
Series Aircraft of the Aces
Short code ACE 120
Publisher Bloomsbury Publishing

About the contributors

Author

John Stanaway

John Stanaway has written two best-selling volumes…

Illustrator

Chris Davey

Chris Davey has illustrated more than 70 titles fo…

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