This documentary is now 30 years old, and sadly, most of these incredible men are no longer with us. This is a treasure to have recorded for posterity. Grateful.
Dick Willsie's stories were especially interesting, speaking of how he narrowly escaped after crash landing in German held territory on a German airfield, only to be strafed while on the ground by six ME109's after newly arrived Lt. Dick Anders decided to help out his squadron commander by landing his P-38 on an enemy airfield while completely out of ammunition, was strafed by ME109's while on the ground, and then asked his commander WIllsie, who was injured from being hit in the head by flak, to climb into his cockpit and fly them both out of there. Willsie didn't argue as he was the more experienced pilot and Anders climbed into the cockpit and literally squeezed himself in behind Willsie putting his leg over Willsie's shoulder and the other down the other side by the landing gear. Willsie said that while all this was going on, he could see, hear, and smell the dog fighting going on right above his head and it was a sight to behold and almost surreal. Expecting a low chance of survival, Willsie quickly took off as soon as the canopy was secured and was able to safely take off and eventually he and Ander's landed safely back at their base. Ander's heroic landing and rescue of his squadron commander Willsie was not the only case of a pilot landing their airplane behind enemy lines to rescue another pilot during WWII. There are numerous accounts of pilot's landing and picking up their fellow Countrymen or allied nations pilots in distress. This was incredibly dangerous as Helicopters were in their very infancy and not adapted to military extraction use yet. German Oberst (Colonel) Hans Ulrich Rudel who was a Stuka squadron commander in WWII, the most famous Stuka pilot of all time, and one of the most decorated combat pilots of all time, being awarded the GOLDEN Knights Cross of the Iron Cross, with Oak Leaves, Swords, and Diamonds (Equivalent to FIVE medals of honor) just before the end of the war and the only person to ever receive the award in history, landed his Stuka under heavy enemy fire on at least six different occasions during the war, on the Russian front, to rescue downed German pilots either from his squadron or other German pilot's who were in distress, crash landed, and/or bailed out of their planes after being shot down. He may have more landings in airplane (not helicopter) to save a fellow pilot than any other pilot in history. Rudel flew one of the slowest aircraft of WWII, but was an extremely brave and talented Stuka pilot, once he came into his own as a Stuka pilot, a year or two after he was actually trained, because he started out having difficulties flying the aircraft. Rudel survived being shot down or being shot up so bad he had to force land or crash land on at least 24 different occasions during WWII and had his leg blown off towards the end of the war, only to be back in the cockpit with a bleeding stump of a leg just six weeks after it was blown off against Doctor's orders to never fly again. Rudel flew missions to the very last hours of WWII and eventually surrendered to the US Forces in Europe after crash landing his Stuka at the end of the runway upon surrendering so it couldn't be used by the Allied forces. Living legend Perry J. Dahl is the last living P-38 combat pilot and (as of 2024) is still alive at 101 years old. Dahl had nine confirmed kills in his P-38 in the Pacific theater and retired as a Colonel in the US Air Force many years later. The P-38 will no doubt go down in history as one of the most remembered and loved combat airplanes of not only World War II, but of all time. It was the F-22 Raptor or F-35 Lightning II of the World War II era and was a feared aircraft by the Axis powers, especially after they worked out a lot of the early "kinks" in the design such as adding the aileron boost to help take off and landings, in addition to giving it a much better roll rate and turning rate which then could combat the more agile single engine German and Japanese fighter aircraft. Alternate weaponry was also introduced for specialized variants and some had more or less machine guns, no cannon, two cannons and two machine guns, etc. It depended on the variant and what design changes they were testing at the time. The RADAR equipped variants were the most technically advanced and were introduced towards the end of the war as the Allied nations were unsure how much longer the war would be continuing on, even after Germany was defeated. It wasn't believed that Japan would ever surrender, and certainly not as early as it was due to the A-bomb being dropped which essentially ended WWII. Once WWII hostilities were concluded and the war ended, the P-38 was quickly retired from service due to the rapidly emerging jet engine technology. Most nations focused heavily on jet powered aircraft development and almost completely abandoned piston engined aircraft other than the few cases (Such as the Russian's Tupolev strategic bombers, which are still in use after 70 years of service), transport aircraft, and also some electronic warfare aircraft such as the Naval Forward Control and Electronic Countermeasure Aircraft. The "Hurricane Hunters" also still use piston powered aircraft in the modern age for flying into hurricanes as they are less susceptible to lightning strikes.
My dad and I are currently restoring a G model, it's been an experience of a life time. He's owned this since 1967 and wanted to see it flying before he passes away. 3 years now non stop as we should be ready by September
My mother was a WASP and said the P38 was her favorite aircraft. She was one of the few WASPs that was certified for night flying. She told me of flying a 38 with the command radio set over Texas. Said the moon was so bright she could read her maps with out a flashlight. Tuned to dance music on the radio and munched on the apples she stashed in her pockets before takeoff. She also signed the stick or yolk of every plane she ferried. Has 3 Vmails from Europe from the pilots that got her plane. She is still going strong at 102. Edit Mom Passed on July 22, 2019 in her sleep. She made it to 103.
Your mom is a great woman, patriot, and pilot! Please thank her for the great service she provided during World War II -- if you can, please get more details about her life and service and write a book about it, or at least some notes! The WASPS were a great group of gals!
@@ichigorobei We put together a book of the postcards she sent home, BUT the lawyers said it wasnt PC and so it couldnt be sold at the museum of flight.
Kim Olsen In this technical age, I'm sure your book of postcards could be "edited" to make them more PC, and even if they didn't get sold at the Museum of Flight, they might still make a terrific book, especially if you have other information about her and from her. The postcards would make great illustrations! In any case, it's just an idea, but it would make a terrific project. That whole group of women pilots ferrying planes across the continent did the country and ultimately the world a great service, one that has routinely been overlooked. Best of luck to you!
@@ichigorobei Working on the pile of letters that go with the postcards. I wont edit any of the cards out just so it is PC. Its history and if people cant figure that out, the heck with them. Currently the postcard book is only in PDF format.
Holy shit… landing in an enemy field in the middle of battle to pick up a downed pilot! That is mind-boggling! His heart must be bigger than his balls!
At 4:02 during the early compressibility tests, he says "...we lost one in a dive," that was my Great Uncle Ralph Virden who had the tail of his ship, the first YP-38, snap off during the dive recovery. The plane came down in the kitchen of a house on Elm Street in Glendale. Thanks for posting this great piece.
to say only 1 pilot was killed in the lightning is a huge understatement. many pilots were lost in this way and the problem was never fully solved. Btw, my grandad was the only pilot to sink a battleship flying a fairy battle bomber. Rolling my eyes...
@@michaelheath9966 OP's comment says nothing about it being the only 1 pilot. The comment AND video refer to "the one" that was part of the test in question. OP merely stating WHO it was.
One of the best documentaries I’ve seen. I wouldn’t be surprised if all of the vets interviewed here are now gone. ‘Dedicated to the ones who served. The lest we can do is remember…’.
I had a conversation with an old WW2 veteran who used to train pilots to fly the P-38. The biggest fear they had was to be cut in two by the rear wing if they bailed out of the plane. He had to assure the rookies that the aerophysics would prevent this from happening. He also said he was a friend of Jimmy Stewart's who was stationed at the same airbase.
As a retired USAF Pilot, I thoroughly enjoyed this documentary! I have fond memories of our pioneering services and have been richly blessed with unimaginable opportunity...especially including a career with the Air Rescue Service, where my aircrew was privileged to rescue a fellow USAF pilot. He had ejected from his burning jet into the frigid North Sea at night during January 1973...for which my aircrew was credited with a SAVE (of the pilot's life).
@@danieldilauro8156 Wow. Thank you for sharing that wonderful story. Your dad's service is remembered and appreciated. I know you're very proud of him. Blessings to you and your family and God bless your father.
My dad fought in a U.S. infantry division in North Africa in WW2. He almost never talked about his combat experiences, but one day he noticed that I had built a P-38 model, and he said, “The P-38 flew ground support for us against Rommel’s Afrika Korps. I can’t count the number of times that plane saved my life.”
My father fought in North Africa against Rommel as well. After, he was sent over to Italy. Fought amongst other places , at Monte Cassino. He wouldn't talk about it either . My mother was a Waaf. Nice to meet you brother . Maybe our fathers met one time ?
@@englishmaninfrance661 you are proud about Monte Cassino - destroying culture, churches, - killing Patres, Nonnes, Civilians, familiesm childs only AirForce did help yours bombing, Us-Soldiers w/o fighting moral... the great US-Heroes - near end of war, Normandy, as foggy weather - no A/C - on Sky, the Germans captures in 1 -1/2-days = 22.000 GI's -, near end of war US hunting medals, ment in fact, AirForce Pilots shooting , civilians, Farmers + horses, Maids on fieldsm Bravo-Bravissimo I know from what I*m speaking, My US Instructors in German AF - (1960)-operating MarkIV/T6, were permanent speaking in officesr-mess on evening - after second whiskey about such stories - as Super Heroes... IS-Army had had only ONE Intellectual = General Patton, he has spoken, very loud - the reality: german Attack against Sowjet = was a PREVENTIV-WAER (in washington you can read the documents,.. IKE was a simple man, only - in real life, well known as butcher of Rheinwiesen - in his order killing thousands of German PW*s. surely be proud of US-Army never won fight, battles, wars, not Korea not Vietnam, not Irak, US-Army Soldiers have no fighting-moral, don*t know about Strategie + Tactic, - waiting only to AF*bombing, Rockets, Napalm, - if fulfilled - then comes the Heroes from Mous-holes but only if they have 6-pack-coca. this is writing a Reserve-Officer, my German Instructors were WW2 Soldiers. My last Nato Reforger Manoever - I reached my culture shock - not in Russi not in Africa, reaching in US HQ*s Europe, HD; as L/O -officer high ranks in staff col/Generals most HIlliBillies, each German not officer - Feldwebel - UnterOffizier would be able replace US-Staff Officers,,,, anywhere any time... So much for that, -- please learn a little bid reality and history. Tank*s
Great movie! Really miss all the guys from back then. What an era to live through. Love the nastalga of that era, the movies the story's the music and most of all the innocence. Thank you to all the fighters of and for our country. To bad it isn't what it used to be.
Excellent program! Very personal and insightful! I loved it and thank you to all the servicemen in the video to your sacrifice and service to all of us and this country! God bless!🇺🇸
It is amazing to think that it was just 20 years from WW1 bi planes to THIS! Just listening to the designers and test pilots of this plane is incredible.
Some 3+ decades ago, I was lucky and honored to have a flight instructor that was a veteran WW-II P-38 pilot. His name was George Pat Brown. During my first training semester at Texas State Technical Institute, Aircraft Pilot Training Technology in Waco, Texas (KCNW), he was my classroom instructor, then he retired. After training, he was the FAA Examiner for my Multi-engine, Instrument Instructor Checkride. After flight training, I became an instructor pilot for TSTI, APT, but he had already retired to Mexia, Texas and I never saw him again. Still a student when I "saw him off," as I was speaking to him in the classroom (when he was packing up), I asked him where he got the 24-hour clock that was hanging on the classroom wall. He then took the clock down and gave it to me. I damn near cried. A decade ago, using the internet, I tried to find him but could not. I am sure he had already passed by that time. Godspeed, Mr. Brown!
Hearing these pilots from the greatest generation talk about flying brand new experimental aircraft into combat in unknown airspace is one of the most thrilling things imaginable. I can’t even imagine would it would have been like to be up above the clouds in all kinds of beautiful and terrifying conditions by yourself behind roaring engines. The air war of WW2 remains one of the most fascinating pieces of history to me.
My father was in the South Pacific building runways to reach Japan and, later, maintaining the P38's. He was wounded and decorated. He would NEVER speak of the horrors that he had experienced but would talk about the P38's. He was a tough man and did not give praise lightly......if he said the P38 was a good plane...they were! Dad did not come home at all until the war was over.....even then, it was to a hospital for repair of his body. This was truly the "Greatest Generation" and we rose to the challenge of the problems. God Bless these pilots, their aircraft, and the ground crews.
It's a shame that they dont get more recognition. If a device cannot function for more than one mission without you working in it, I would argue you are not 'support' you are more than that. Not just the P37 but anything.
@@Alvan81 He said that most of the problems that they had with P38's was corrosion concerning the wiring hookups due to the salt air. He had a lot of respect for the guys that got to fly tham and the engines were pretty well thought out. Bailing out could cost you your life, tho due to tail.
So often the guys building airfields and beach facilities get overlooked, just a footnote in documentaries. But the guys on Guadalcanal, New Guinea, Iwo Jima and so many other places were under direct artillery assault by the Japanese. Heck, on Iwo the last big bayonet bonzai charge the Japanese performed in that battle, most American casualties were the engineers building the runway!
Just wonderfully done. If you really want to see a flying P-38 today the best place to go is the EAA Oshkosh WI annual air show. A few years back they flew in 'Glacier Gal' a restored P-38 F that went down in Greenland in 1942. It was recovered in pieces in 268' of ice, rebuilt and flies today. There are more old warbirds @ Oshkosh than you can imagine. So good that some folks make the effort to keep this history alive. We're blessed to have (& have had) men like this who're willing to risk so much for our freedoms.
A friend was a P-38 mechanic in China. He said when the superchargers described around 46 minutes were added to their P-38s, it made a huge difference. You couldm tell from the ground which ones had it and which ones didn't. A real game-changer.
This is an excellent fact-based video on the P-38... one of the best! To summarize this 90-minute video: In its day, the P-38 was unparalleled in almost every category... * accuracy & precision (it could destroy targets over 1-2 km away with a single burst) * overall firepower (it could majorly damage to or destroy a target with just a few hits) * combat effectiveness (had the most kills for a single aircraft & produced the most aces per) * diving (it could dive and quickly accelerate to over 500 mph / 800 kmh, approaching Mach .8) * speed (it could cruise at over 400 mph / 700 kmh with relative ease) * low-speed stability (it was easy to control, even at speeds as low as 70mph / 113kmh) * rolling (it could roll quite easily, allowing pilots to take on far more agile aircraft) * range (it could go long distances without refueling, exceeding 10 hours of non-stop flight) * climbing (it could gain altitude quickly for sustained power-climbs, especially at higher alt.) ## * durability (it could take a lot of punishment and continue to function/fly, and it could land and takeoff in a rugged field with no runway, and it could even fly with just one engine) ### --------------- ## NOTE: [there were many lighter aircraft that could out-climb the P-38 at low altitudes, but most could not sustain their superior climb-rates, especially at higher altitudes] --------------- ### NOTE: [the P-47 was considered the most durable "single-engine" fighter of its time, while the P-38 was a twin-engine fighter] ---------------
Excellant video. I've been intrigued with the P-38 since I was a young boy back in the late 1960' and early 70's. I remember playing in our back yard just one residential block from the birthplace of the Army Air Corp in Texas City, Texas. On some weekends I would spot two P-38's flying south towards Galveston at about 3,000 feet and remember admiring the twin tails. I've looked up in the P-38 registration and found the gentleman in Houston who owns one of those two planes and would like to meet with him one day and ask to sit in the seat of his Dad's plane.
Fantastic video. My father flew P-38j's in the 479th Fighter Group. He went down Aug. 15, 1944 in the Netherlands while returning to England after a bomber escort mission over Germany.
Those ladies did a great service for our country, getting the aircraft of many types onto the hands of the pilots, and crews that took them into combat much sooner than they would have got them without those brave ladies.
"harles D. Mohrle was born April 12, 1921 in Oklahoma City to Charles A. Mohrle and Anne Downey Mohrle of Kansas City; passed away at his home in Dallas on Tuesday, May 7th at the age of 92. Charlie spent most of his youth in Galveston, Texas, where he graduated from Kirwin High School. He was a member of Boy Scout Troop 1 in Galveston and attained the rank of Eagle Scout. He attended the first National Boy Scout Jamboree in Washington, DC in 1937. He was attending UT Austin when he responded to the attack on Pearl Harbor, by volunteering for the Army Air Corps in February 1942. After completion of basic flight training he was one of the original pilots assigned to the 510th Fighter Squadron, part of the 405th Fighter Group in South Carolina, which entered combat in Christchurch, England in 1943. He completed 97 combat missions flying a P-47 and was highly decorated. " Sparkman-Crane Funeral Home
Major Bong was the highest scoring ace in the US Air Corps and the highest scoring ace in WWII. He flew, not the P 51, but the P38 Lightning and scored 40 victories. US Navy highest scoring ace was Dave McCampbell, 34 victories in the F6F Hellcat.
One side note. The p38s they had in new Guinea came w their fuel tanks packed w little floating balls designed to "plug a hole in fuel tank from battle damage" the problem being in heavy maneuvers the balls would Interfere w fuel pickup tubes. Causing too lean a fuel mix and causing pre-detonation. Needless to say they removed the balls and gained extra fuel capacity. My grandpa's name was Emil. His buddy's called him Krutch as his last name was long and slovenian
What an amazing story of men in combat flying the P-38. I was amazed at a p38 landing in a field after being shot down then a fellow pilot landed it the same field and picked the pilot up and they took off under adverse conditions and flew the plane 350 miles to the base and landed safely. Wow what an amazing, miraculous story story. 👍🏻
What a great remembrance. My father was in aircraft maintenance in the Pacific. He was a Charter Chief Master Sgt. when he retired in 1970. He probably knew some of these guys.
It makes me sad to think that most of these incredible men are gone. I once had a Czechoslovakian boss that was inducted into the German army and he told me very interesting stories from the other side of view. He actually was the best boss I ever had and was like the grandfather to me. All these amazing stories are slipping away as these brave men and women pass. It brings tears to my eyes just thinking of it. We are loosing our greatest pride.
This is the greatest single documentary I've come across yet. It covers all... development of the P-38, flight testing, operational use, etc. Thank you for uploading this. I wish there was one like this for all WWII aircraft.
I loved Weekday Wings... I'd get home from school, throw my jacket on the floor, drop off my backpack, and RUN for the living room to catch the intro in time on the good ol' Discovery Wings channel. But... I gotta say, I believe this is a different production. Either way, both are awesome. And I got a kick out of the sitcom as well. :-p
I been going to 1 hour, 10 minutes, and 16 seconds of this video to see that amazing rescue, possible because of the world's toughest landing gear ever made. His sweet laugh of relief in telling the story is PRICELESS, and the most endearing thing I have ever seen. Many thumbs up to ALL. I am going to Google the word ENDEARING. I'll be right back 😁😁😁😁😁
I would sit and listen to some of the pilots of the 475t h at the Reno air races and they way they walked about Tony was inspirational. He must have been a fantastic pilot.
same but I doubt it. there were a lot of courageous acts like that every day and while *all of them were and still are deserving qualifications to receive a medal,* top brass would say that there are "too many to give everybody one, so its only the ultra extraordinary" or some bs along those lines..
Richie Mann, Yes so true! Definitely deserving of being awarded an appropriate UNITED STATES MEDAL for his act in Service of the UNITED STATES ARMY AIR CORPS, for such great risk taken, in great danger/threat of battle, and in doing so to have saved a Pilot of the U.S. ARMY AIR CORPS of such valuable rank- and for great good/benefit for the UNITED STATES ARMY AIR CORPS. (and however this best properly stated, it truly was/is an outstanding act beyond the call of duy for which is deserving, and never too late if still not Honored)
My grandfather flew the P38 in the Pacific for Air Force. My dad said he flew many planes prior. Sent on several missions in p38 knowing they may not make it back due to fuel. Landed on Phillipine Beach one time and the natives cared for them until was picked up. He had pictures of them in grass skirts. His wing man was eventually shot down by zero. Uncle was engineer at Lockheed but not sure what he worked on. Lefty Gardner flew his in an airshow and he came over the intercom mentioning in honor of my grandfather, Reginald Waggoner.
Also I wanted to say THANKS SO MUCH for the past Veterans who fought for our country. So many great heroes'. Imagine fighting in world war 2, Korea, and then in Vietnam. totally amazing and the bravery they had . and they men that were lost, taken prisoner and tortured. wow, where do we get such men ? God Bless them all
they always talk about how the prototype P38 was lost in a crash after the cross-country record was broken; they never talk about how the P 38 was lost in the crash because it got there so quickly that nobody was ready for its arrival.
I'm A Former U.S. Marine (GySgt) My MOS Was 7011 Launch & Recovery When I Entered Service In '82 Launch Was Gone. I Have TONS OF RESPECT FOR FIGHTER PILOTS My 1st Arrestment was an A-4 SKYHAWK Followed By An F-4 PHANTOM When We Had an Arrestment On The E-28 E for EMERGENCY WE COULD STOP ANY AIRCRAFT 350 KNOTS BUT THE PILOTS WOULD COME BY WITH A CASE OR MORE OF BEER THEY WOULD SHOW US THE BRUISES FROM THE HARNESS SOME HAD BLOOD IN THEIR EYES LIKE THEY GOT PUNCHED BUT WE ALSO HAD ABORT GEAR E5 CHAIN GEAR ROWS AND ROWS OF CHAIN THAT CAME FROM A SHIP WE HAD ONE INCIDENT WHERE AN A-4 SKYHAWK MISSED THE THE CHAIN GEAR IN EL TORO CA. HE WENT THRU THE BACK FENCE THE PILOT JUMPED RIGHT AFTER THE ENGINE BURST INTO FLAMES!! MY 1st DUTY STATION WAS AN AUXILIARY BASE CALLED BOGUE FIELD WHERE PILOTS WUOLD DO " CARRIER QUALS" IT WAS VERY BUSY AND THE COWBELL KEPT BREAKING & THE LSO BET US A CASE OF BEER IF THE COWBELL BROKE ON THE NEXT ARRESTMENT WE WON IT DIDN"T BREAK THAT LSO WAS KINDA PISSED THAT HE LOST BECAUSE WE BROKE 4 IN A ROW BEFOREHAND!!! I HAD A VERY COOL CAREER UNTIL I PICKED UP STAFF SERGEANT THEN I WENT UP TO BE THE ASSISTANT NCOIC IN THE OFFICE WITH A E-9 HE RETIRED AFTER HE DID HIS 30 YEARS I THEN PICKED UP E-7 & I WAS THE NEW NCOIC BUT I MISSED WORKING ON THE GEAR SOMETHING WAS ALWAYS BREAKING OR THE GROUND SQUIRRELS WOULD CHEW THRU THE WIRES!! OUR GUESS WAS THEY LIKED THE TASTE OF THE INSULATION BUT SOMETIMES THEY'D SEVER THE GROUND WIRE AND OF COURSE IT WOULDN'T START I WAS THE ELECTRONICS SPECIALIST SO I BE CALLED OUT TO TROUBLESHOOT.... i'M DONE NOW MAN, I WROTE A LOT!!
In the early 2000s I had the honor to phone interview WASP pilot Aksha Barnwell Peacock Holfelder Donnels. I wrote an English paper about her. She wrote an autobiography. One of the stories she told me about her personal aircraft she wanted to make her Jenny more aggressive sounding so she took a screwdriver to the exhaust punching holes in it. Also in college at a flea market my dad brought me over to a friend of his who piloted B-17s. He looked at me, an Aeronautical Engineering student, and said he knows that thousand-yard stare that I had. Pilots on the ground have it.
My cousin (my dad's first cousin) was Major Milton Joel of the 55th Fighter Group. He commanded a wing of P-38's in the 38th fighter Squadron out of Nuthampstead airfield in England and was shot down over Germany on his 18th and final mission, while escorting bombers in 1943. His body was never found. My dad, several years younger, was in the US Army of Occupation in Germany 1945-47 and made a great effort trying to locate his beloved cousin's remains, or to see if he had been captured. Maj. Joel could have stayed in the US, training pilots, as he had been, but requested to go and fight. Cousin Milton was well loved by everyone in the family and was an only child. My great aunt Minnie, his mom, never talked about him much to me and my brother, but she had a collection of pictures of him and medals he earned at her home that eventually were donated to the air museum here in Richmond, VA (now defunct, that was located at the Richmond Int'l Airport) that highlighted hometown fighter pilots. The memorabilia is now in the hands of a cousin, a Joel. The brave men and women of that generation that served in World War Two just did their jobs as best they could, often under awful conditions. I never served in the military, but I have great respect for anyone that did and currently does.
Yes, and it's really great stuff the test pilot is talking about -- you can learn a lot about what went into the development and testing of these terrific aircraft.
I think with age, and the ability to look back is the key. A few of the stated how they were eager to fight when young, but in retrospect many were humbled in appreciation of those that didn't make it home, and the ground support crews that were not given leave, or early out. With time came humility, and with humilty came humanity.
Great stories here. Like others, my Dad was with the 82nd airborne and came in to France during D-Day. Dad told us the story where they were getting strafed by a 109. Dad and the squad all jumped into the gutter by the road when he heard a P38 fly right over the tree line and came into perfect position and shot the 109 down. Pilot flew back over the dad's squad and did the traditional wing wave which meant all clear to ground troops.
What a fantastic documentary...thanks to all who took the time to put this together. And thanks to all the pilots for your service and candidly sharing your experiences with us all.
Excellent documentary on the P-38. The personal stories are very reminiscent for me. My dad had a second cousin who was a P-38 pilot in WWII and I have vivid memories of him sitting at our kitchen table talking about the fighter. One of the things that sparked my interest in becoming a pilot.
My uncle Lawrence Anderson was a crewchief in Army aircorps in ww2. He was with Tuskegee fighter squadron. His pilots escorted p51 p47s. My other uncle C. Malone was a tail gunner on B25. He had tuskegee escorts also.
My grandfather was part of the 475 satan's Angel's, he was stationed near port moresby, in new Guinea. He was a p38 mechanic. Apparently one of their biggest problems was food supply. Eventually the "abbos" (aboriginal people) showed the group what to eat and what would kill u. Fyi termites apparently taste like crunchy peanut butter
I agree! Each of these veterans displayed great presence, and self confidence - the kind of guys you would really love to share time with! Amazing guys! I would be honored to meet them in the hereafter!
Thank you this was an excellent video about a great WW II aircraft and the men who flew them. What made this movie interesting and educational was the men who flew it and shared their true stories about it. Thank you all for risking your life for our freedom. I would give anything to meet and talk with you. All the best.
My father flew the F-4/F-5 photo recon version of the P-38. He was already multi-engine rated as a B-25 instructor pilot before being sent to P-38 transition training. He flew 65 combat missions over Europe beginning in November of 1944, enough. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for a mission where he completed a mission with one engine shot out. Later, my father became a charger member of the South Carolina Air National Guard, and when moving to North Carolina, he transitioned to the F-86 Saber Jet..
During the battle of the bulge my grandpa Eldon Ben Bingham was out laying radio line between the infantry and artillery when a p 38 lighting started firing those guns.
If you want to comment to someone like Pat you need to touch his comment and then comment will come up for you to address him, if you just comment anywhere he may never know you ask him a question.
One very important mission that was carried out by P-38s in the Pacific that is not mentioned in this video is that of the shooting down of Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto on April 18, 1943! Yamamoto was considered the mastermind of the bombing of Pearl Harbor and so, not surprisingly, the code name of the mission to shoot down his plane (one in a group of three bombers) was called "Operation Vengeance". Read more about it here: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Vengeance
@David Wood Thank you very much. I lived in your amazing nation for 5 years , ( Houston Texas ).they were the best years of my life by far. I did visit once with my kids one American cemetery in Normandie, and after a couple of hours , I bursted in tears. Very special moving place. Kind regards from the French alps
unreal! actual "aces over the Pacific, aces over europe" guys in real time videoed by thoughtful folks. chuck Yeager loved it. awesome climb rate and not much to shoot at. thanks
An honor on my part to learn the story of these brave men - from these brave men. I was 20 years old when this video was made. It took me more than that number of years to find it; here on CZcams. The message from them was to 'remember'. Well, gentlemen, I do remember. And, I salute you all; at least; your memories. Thank you for the message. And thank you for your service to freedom. I know that I have benefited from it...
Come on, turn in. 2 against 3. No, one against 30. Oops. And after 20 minutes of frantic flying he manages to escape. That's what you call a memorable experience you wouldn't want to repeat. He deserves the medal he got for that.
Literally the best WW 2 fighter documentary on CZcams. Absolutely riveting to hear the stories from the men who flew the missions, and great information in this one. The p 51 may have taken the spotlight in terms of press, but many experienced fighter pilot have stated that IN THE HANDS OF AN EXPERIENCED PILOT, the P - 38 was the best fighter of ww 2, hands down. In fact, America's top 2 aces, both flew them.
These men seem to have gained such presence from their experience, that it would be a real honour to know any of them, and to possibly convey appreciation for their preparedness to sacrifice everything through their service to the cause, and the nation the lived for.
For much time I had wondered why the P-38 was not used in the European theater to escort the bombers all the way through , according to records the P-38 had the range..?. Upon further research, would be 38 did not originally have the range that it ended the war with. It was adjusted courtesy lucky Lindbergh who were told them to adjust the manifold pressures and the engines would be fine. The pilot said it would burn the engines up but he went with them to test it out and proved them wrong. Is that the b38 had a superiority of rain that would have made it to Berlin and back, but not in the day that the question was asked.
Fantastic! Really like the personal and often emotional aspect that is left out of many plane docs while maintaining the interesting tech info. Very interesting stories with things I hadn’t heard before.
This was probably the very first aircraft in my life that I learned to identify! I could barely walk and talk and hardly pronounce "P-38" but my daddy would hold me up in his arms, point to the sky and say "That's a P-38" and every time I saw one, I'd point to the sky too and say "P-28!" I also learned to identify the B-29 in the air. Daddy used to take us over to a side road by an AFB to watch the planes take off and land, probably instilling in me early on my love for aviation and led me later on, to become a GA pilot. If it were today, and I had the chance, I think I would have tried to join the Air Force but back then, I wanted to become a physician like my father so that kept me in school for a lot of years. I would have loved to fly in some of those old birds, I did get to fly in a DC-3 years later, and helped fly it, quite a thrill!
Funny how every fighter pilot says that the type of fighter he flew was the best. I guess any fighter that brought you home alive was the best fighter. Brave men
Well the p38 was the most versatile and most deadly plane the USAAF had in ww2. So I'd say there is definitely a case that this is the best American fighter of the war.
I now better understand why we are a free country....American heroes were not in shortage....thank you gentlemen for your service and sacrifice, we are forever a grateful nation....God bless all of you !!!
Tony LeVier was a legendary test pilot well known across the world in the aviation community. He was one of the primary test pilot's on the P-38 Lighting and bought a surplus Lightning after WWII for $1,250. He painted his P-38 bright red and flew it in air races for many years. LeVier was a primary test pilot in the fledgling jet era test piloting the P-80 Shooting Star which went on to become a primary fighter aircraft of the U.S. Forces. LeVier was highly respected in the worldwide aviation community and would go to other countries to assist in demonstrating various aircraft. He continued to be a test pilot and perform in air races well into his old age. LeVier is one of the few test pilots throughout the "Golden Years of Aviation" to be a civilian. Most test pilots then and now are ex-military pilots looking to continue their aviation career after leaving the military or they are in the military currently on assignment to test fly whatever aircraft they are testing. LeVier is one of the few, without a formal education, that worked his way up through hard work and determination. He worked odd jobs and as an aircraft mechanic, continuing to work hard and impress his superiors. His determination paid off and LeVier was finally promoted to the title of "Engineer Aircraft Test Pilot", a title he had strived to achieve his entire life. Once he was promoted to test pilot, an opportunity came up at Lockheed for a test pilot position and LeVier took the opportunity. He relocated back to California and his career really took off test piloting some of the most important military aircraft in history including the U-2. LeVier was one of the first pilots to fly the U-2. He was also was of the first pilots to take the controls of an F-104 Starfighter, test piloting the aircraft on it's first flights. LeVier became one of the primary test pilots for Lockheed's famous "Skunkworks" for 30+ years and flew some of the most top secret aircraft ever created. LeVier survived eight aircraft crashes during his lifetime but had broken his back in a horrific crash, only to be so determined, and through sheer will, he was back flying aircraft within six months. That's the type of man Tony LeVier was. He was absolutely THE REAL DEAL when it came to God, Country, and helping his fellow man. Principles that have seemed to slip away over the years.
i considered myself a hard man,until i watch what these guys went through and incomparison im nothing but a little kid in comparison, thankyou ladies and gents, i remember learning french and Italian at school i relized im useless at learning languages so thank god and these guys or i might be failing Japanese and German
I have always admired pilots of WWII! I had the privilege of servicing the oxygen equipment of a real gentleman in his last years, in St George Utah, a P-38 pilot that flew in the pacific theater. Joseph Van Dehear, I can’t remember his last name exactly, this has inspired me to pull out his book, his memories and reread it and honor him this 4th of July! 🇺🇸🦅
I was a Stryker vehicle driver in Iraq. My ex girlfriend and i were at a parade and some green soldiers from my old unit were there with one of the Stryker vehicles and i went into a long monologue of stories and specifications about the vehicle. The pilot giving a tour of the aircraft brought me back to that. I love hearing the enthusiasm in his voice, i can't believe after all these years he knows every square inch of this aircraft.
This documentary is now 30 years old, and sadly, most of these incredible men are no longer with us. This is a treasure to have recorded for posterity. Grateful.
My dad was in the 433rd Sq.'s 475th Fighter Gr. He began in a P-51 but moved up to The Lightning in early '44.
Absolutely
I had a friend who was a pilot of a P-38 he lived in Brownwood TX. He passed over a decade ago
Dick Willsie's stories were especially interesting, speaking of how he narrowly escaped after crash landing in German held territory on a German airfield, only to be strafed while on the ground by six ME109's after newly arrived Lt. Dick Anders decided to help out his squadron commander by landing his P-38 on an enemy airfield while completely out of ammunition, was strafed by ME109's while on the ground, and then asked his commander WIllsie, who was injured from being hit in the head by flak, to climb into his cockpit and fly them both out of there. Willsie didn't argue as he was the more experienced pilot and Anders climbed into the cockpit and literally squeezed himself in behind Willsie putting his leg over Willsie's shoulder and the other down the other side by the landing gear. Willsie said that while all this was going on, he could see, hear, and smell the dog fighting going on right above his head and it was a sight to behold and almost surreal. Expecting a low chance of survival, Willsie quickly took off as soon as the canopy was secured and was able to safely take off and eventually he and Ander's landed safely back at their base. Ander's heroic landing and rescue of his squadron commander Willsie was not the only case of a pilot landing their airplane behind enemy lines to rescue another pilot during WWII. There are numerous accounts of pilot's landing and picking up their fellow Countrymen or allied nations pilots in distress. This was incredibly dangerous as Helicopters were in their very infancy and not adapted to military extraction use yet. German Oberst (Colonel) Hans Ulrich Rudel who was a Stuka squadron commander in WWII, the most famous Stuka pilot of all time, and one of the most decorated combat pilots of all time, being awarded the GOLDEN Knights Cross of the Iron Cross, with Oak Leaves, Swords, and Diamonds (Equivalent to FIVE medals of honor) just before the end of the war and the only person to ever receive the award in history, landed his Stuka under heavy enemy fire on at least six different occasions during the war, on the Russian front, to rescue downed German pilots either from his squadron or other German pilot's who were in distress, crash landed, and/or bailed out of their planes after being shot down. He may have more landings in airplane (not helicopter) to save a fellow pilot than any other pilot in history. Rudel flew one of the slowest aircraft of WWII, but was an extremely brave and talented Stuka pilot, once he came into his own as a Stuka pilot, a year or two after he was actually trained, because he started out having difficulties flying the aircraft. Rudel survived being shot down or being shot up so bad he had to force land or crash land on at least 24 different occasions during WWII and had his leg blown off towards the end of the war, only to be back in the cockpit with a bleeding stump of a leg just six weeks after it was blown off against Doctor's orders to never fly again. Rudel flew missions to the very last hours of WWII and eventually surrendered to the US Forces in Europe after crash landing his Stuka at the end of the runway upon surrendering so it couldn't be used by the Allied forces. Living legend Perry J. Dahl is the last living P-38 combat pilot and (as of 2024) is still alive at 101 years old. Dahl had nine confirmed kills in his P-38 in the Pacific theater and retired as a Colonel in the US Air Force many years later. The P-38 will no doubt go down in history as one of the most remembered and loved combat airplanes of not only World War II, but of all time. It was the F-22 Raptor or F-35 Lightning II of the World War II era and was a feared aircraft by the Axis powers, especially after they worked out a lot of the early "kinks" in the design such as adding the aileron boost to help take off and landings, in addition to giving it a much better roll rate and turning rate which then could combat the more agile single engine German and Japanese fighter aircraft. Alternate weaponry was also introduced for specialized variants and some had more or less machine guns, no cannon, two cannons and two machine guns, etc. It depended on the variant and what design changes they were testing at the time. The RADAR equipped variants were the most technically advanced and were introduced towards the end of the war as the Allied nations were unsure how much longer the war would be continuing on, even after Germany was defeated. It wasn't believed that Japan would ever surrender, and certainly not as early as it was due to the A-bomb being dropped which essentially ended WWII. Once WWII hostilities were concluded and the war ended, the P-38 was quickly retired from service due to the rapidly emerging jet engine technology. Most nations focused heavily on jet powered aircraft development and almost completely abandoned piston engined aircraft other than the few cases (Such as the Russian's Tupolev strategic bombers, which are still in use after 70 years of service), transport aircraft, and also some electronic warfare aircraft such as the Naval Forward Control and Electronic Countermeasure Aircraft. The "Hurricane Hunters" also still use piston powered aircraft in the modern age for flying into hurricanes as they are less susceptible to lightning strikes.
My dad and I are currently restoring a G model, it's been an experience of a life time. He's owned this since 1967 and wanted to see it flying before he passes away. 3 years now non stop as we should be ready by September
PROGRESS?
Is it ready
My mother was a WASP and said the P38 was her favorite aircraft. She was one of the few WASPs that was certified for night flying. She told me of flying a 38 with the command radio set over Texas. Said the moon was so bright she could read her maps with out a flashlight. Tuned to dance music on the radio and munched on the apples she stashed in her pockets before takeoff. She also signed the stick or yolk of every plane she ferried. Has 3 Vmails from Europe from the pilots that got her plane. She is still going strong at 102.
Edit Mom Passed on July 22, 2019 in her sleep. She made it to 103.
Amazing. Bless her!
Your mom is a great woman, patriot, and pilot! Please thank her for the great service she provided during World War II -- if you can, please get more details about her life and service and write a book about it, or at least some notes! The WASPS were a great group of gals!
@@ichigorobei We put together a book of the postcards she sent home, BUT the lawyers said it wasnt PC and so it couldnt be sold at the museum of flight.
Kim Olsen In this technical age, I'm sure your book of postcards could be "edited" to make them more PC, and even if they didn't get sold at the Museum of Flight, they might still make a terrific book, especially if you have other information about her and from her. The postcards would make great illustrations! In any case, it's just an idea, but it would make a terrific project. That whole group of women pilots ferrying planes across the continent did the country and ultimately the world a great service, one that has routinely been overlooked. Best of luck to you!
@@ichigorobei Working on the pile of letters that go with the postcards. I wont edit any of the cards out just so it is PC. Its history and if people cant figure that out, the heck with them. Currently the postcard book is only in PDF format.
Holy shit… landing in an enemy field in the middle of battle to pick up a downed pilot!
That is mind-boggling!
His heart must be bigger than his balls!
That was the story that hit me the most. Incredible!
Came here to make sure I wasnt the only one thinking that.
America's greatest generation !!! They put
The world back right with their courage and bravely & sticktoitness.....❤
At 4:02 during the early compressibility tests, he says "...we lost one in a dive," that was my Great Uncle Ralph Virden who had the tail of his ship, the first YP-38, snap off during the dive recovery. The plane came down in the kitchen of a house on Elm Street in Glendale.
Thanks for posting this great piece.
RIP
to say only 1 pilot was killed in the lightning is a huge understatement. many pilots were lost in this way and the problem was never fully solved. Btw, my grandad was the only pilot to sink a battleship flying a fairy battle bomber. Rolling my eyes...
@@michaelheath9966 OP's comment says nothing about it being the only 1 pilot. The comment AND video refer to "the one" that was part of the test in question. OP merely stating WHO it was.
One of the best documentaries I’ve seen. I wouldn’t be surprised if all of the vets interviewed here are now gone. ‘Dedicated to the ones who served. The lest we can do is remember…’.
To the greatest generation, thank you for your service.
P38 was one of my dad's favorite aircraft...RIP...I miss you so much dad, everyday
Rip
Bless your dad's soul, and your heart!
Excellent documentary...very thorough....design, testing, performance, training, combat, maintenance and the various people involved.👍🇺🇸
I had a conversation with an old WW2 veteran who used to train pilots to fly the P-38. The biggest fear they had was to be cut in two by the rear wing if they bailed out of the plane. He had to assure the rookies that the aerophysics would prevent this from happening. He also said he was a friend of Jimmy Stewart's who was stationed at the same airbase.
My dad flew P -38s in The South Pacific.
Jimmy Stewart was an Ace I think, as was Charles Bronson, if I'm not mistaken.
What a great documentary. These guys were pioneers. I could listen to these guys talk aviation all day
As a retired USAF Pilot, I thoroughly enjoyed this documentary!
I have fond memories of our pioneering services and have been richly blessed with unimaginable opportunity...especially including a career with the Air Rescue Service, where my aircrew was privileged to rescue a fellow USAF pilot. He had ejected from his burning jet into the
frigid North Sea at night during January 1973...for which my aircrew was credited with a SAVE (of the pilot's life).
My father, Cornelius M. Di Lauro ( deceased 2011 at 91) flew in the European theater , recieved two distinguished flying crosses flying the P38.
@@danieldilauro8156
Wow. Thank you for sharing that wonderful story. Your dad's service is remembered and appreciated. I know you're very proud of him. Blessings to you and your family and God bless your father.
@@haroldhering1546 kliilkkkkikkkkkkiilkk
Likkklkkkikkikkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkk
My dad fought in a U.S. infantry division in North Africa in WW2. He almost never talked about his combat experiences, but one day he noticed that I had built a P-38 model, and he said, “The P-38 flew ground support for us against Rommel’s Afrika Korps. I can’t count the number of times that plane saved my life.”
My father fought in North Africa against Rommel as well.
After, he was sent over to Italy. Fought amongst other places , at Monte Cassino. He wouldn't talk about it either . My mother was a Waaf. Nice to meet you brother . Maybe our fathers met one time ?
@@englishmaninfrance661 you are proud about
Monte Cassino - destroying culture, churches, - killing Patres, Nonnes, Civilians, familiesm childs
only AirForce did help yours
bombing, Us-Soldiers w/o fighting moral...
the great US-Heroes - near end of war, Normandy, as foggy weather - no A/C - on Sky, the Germans captures in 1 -1/2-days = 22.000
GI's -, near end of war US hunting medals, ment in fact, AirForce Pilots shooting , civilians, Farmers + horses, Maids on fieldsm Bravo-Bravissimo
I know from what I*m speaking, My US Instructors
in German AF - (1960)-operating MarkIV/T6, were permanent speaking in officesr-mess on
evening - after second whiskey about such
stories - as Super Heroes... IS-Army had had
only ONE Intellectual = General Patton, he has spoken, very loud - the reality: german Attack against Sowjet = was a PREVENTIV-WAER (in washington you can read the documents,..
IKE was a simple man, only - in real life, well known as butcher of Rheinwiesen - in his order killing
thousands of German PW*s. surely be proud of
US-Army never won fight, battles, wars, not Korea
not Vietnam, not Irak, US-Army Soldiers have no
fighting-moral, don*t know about Strategie + Tactic, - waiting only to AF*bombing, Rockets, Napalm, - if fulfilled - then comes the Heroes from Mous-holes
but only if they have 6-pack-coca.
this is writing a Reserve-Officer, my German Instructors were WW2 Soldiers. My last Nato Reforger Manoever - I reached my culture shock - not in Russi not in Africa,
reaching in US HQ*s Europe, HD; as L/O -officer
high ranks in staff col/Generals most HIlliBillies,
each German not officer - Feldwebel - UnterOffizier would be able replace US-Staff Officers,,,, anywhere any time... So much for that,
-- please learn a little bid reality and history. Tank*s
@@AlexanderJScheu we would have learned something if you typed coherently
@@AlexanderJScheu Germany attacked east and the USSR because Germany was running out of resources-- not enough food or oil.
@@AlexanderJScheu what a dickhead!
Great movie! Really miss all the guys from back then. What an era to live through. Love the nastalga of that era, the movies the story's the music and most of all the innocence. Thank you to all the fighters of and for our country. To bad it isn't what it used to be.
Excellent program! Very personal and insightful! I loved it and thank you to all the servicemen in the video to your sacrifice and service to all of us and this country! God bless!🇺🇸
It is amazing to think that it was just 20 years from WW1 bi planes to THIS! Just listening to the designers and test pilots of this plane is incredible.
Some 3+ decades ago, I was lucky and honored to have a flight instructor that was a veteran WW-II P-38 pilot. His name was George Pat Brown. During my first training semester at Texas State Technical Institute, Aircraft Pilot Training Technology in Waco, Texas (KCNW), he was my classroom instructor, then he retired. After training, he was the FAA Examiner for my Multi-engine, Instrument Instructor Checkride. After flight training, I became an instructor pilot for TSTI, APT, but he had already retired to Mexia, Texas and I never saw him again. Still a student when I "saw him off," as I was speaking to him in the classroom (when he was packing up), I asked him where he got the 24-hour clock that was hanging on the classroom wall. He then took the clock down and gave it to me. I damn near cried. A decade ago, using the internet, I tried to find him but could not. I am sure he had already passed by that time. Godspeed, Mr. Brown!
I really enjoyed listening to the test pilot, you can tell by the way he speaks, he loved this airplane.
Hearing these pilots from the greatest generation talk about flying brand new experimental aircraft into combat in unknown airspace is one of the most thrilling things imaginable. I can’t even imagine would it would have been like to be up above the clouds in all kinds of beautiful and terrifying conditions by yourself behind roaring engines. The air war of WW2 remains one of the most fascinating pieces of history to me.
I can recommend "Race of Aces" by John R. Bruning to read about the exploits of Richard Bong and Tommy McGuire in the Pacific.
@@Enid2Sacramento Thanks, I will check this out!
My father was in the South Pacific building runways to reach Japan and, later, maintaining the P38's. He was wounded and decorated. He would NEVER speak of the horrors that he had experienced but would talk about the P38's. He was a tough man and did not give praise lightly......if he said the P38 was a good plane...they were! Dad did not come home at all until the war was over.....even then, it was to a hospital for repair of his body. This was truly the "Greatest Generation" and we rose to the challenge of the problems. God Bless these pilots, their aircraft, and the ground crews.
It's a shame that they dont get more recognition.
If a device cannot function for more than one mission without you working in it, I would argue you are not 'support' you are more than that. Not just the P37 but anything.
@@Alvan81 He said that most of the problems that they had with P38's was corrosion concerning the wiring hookups due to the salt air. He had a lot of respect for the guys that got to fly tham and the engines were pretty well thought out. Bailing out could cost you your life, tho due to tail.
So often the guys building airfields and beach facilities get overlooked, just a footnote in documentaries. But the guys on Guadalcanal, New Guinea, Iwo Jima and so many other places were under direct artillery assault by the Japanese. Heck, on Iwo the last big bayonet bonzai charge the Japanese performed in that battle, most American casualties were the engineers building the runway!
Thanks for documenting these stories. A wonderful airplane and brave men.
I could listen to Tony LeVier speak all day! by god, what a glorious man!!
nothing but respect and admiration for that man. *nothing!*
Just wonderfully done. If you really want to see a flying P-38 today the best place to go is the EAA Oshkosh WI annual air show. A few years back they flew in 'Glacier Gal' a restored P-38 F that went down in Greenland in 1942. It was recovered in pieces in 268' of ice, rebuilt and flies today. There are more old warbirds @ Oshkosh than you can imagine. So good that some folks make the effort to keep this history alive. We're blessed to have (& have had) men like this who're willing to risk so much for our freedoms.
A friend was a P-38 mechanic in China. He said when the superchargers described around 46 minutes were added to their P-38s, it made a huge difference. You couldm tell from the ground which ones had it and which ones didn't. A real game-changer.
One of the best pilots ever, Tony LeVeir.
This is an excellent fact-based video on the P-38... one of the best!
To summarize this 90-minute video: In its day, the P-38 was unparalleled in almost every category...
* accuracy & precision (it could destroy targets over 1-2 km away with a single burst)
* overall firepower (it could majorly damage to or destroy a target with just a few hits)
* combat effectiveness (had the most kills for a single aircraft & produced the most aces per)
* diving (it could dive and quickly accelerate to over 500 mph / 800 kmh, approaching Mach .8)
* speed (it could cruise at over 400 mph / 700 kmh with relative ease)
* low-speed stability (it was easy to control, even at speeds as low as 70mph / 113kmh)
* rolling (it could roll quite easily, allowing pilots to take on far more agile aircraft)
* range (it could go long distances without refueling, exceeding 10 hours of non-stop flight)
* climbing (it could gain altitude quickly for sustained power-climbs, especially at higher alt.) ##
* durability (it could take a lot of punishment and continue to function/fly, and it could land and takeoff in a rugged field with no runway, and it could even fly with just one engine) ###
---------------
## NOTE: [there were many lighter aircraft that could out-climb the P-38 at low altitudes, but most could not sustain their superior climb-rates, especially at higher altitudes]
---------------
### NOTE: [the P-47 was considered the most durable "single-engine" fighter of its time, while the P-38 was a twin-engine fighter]
---------------
Excellant video.
I've been intrigued with the P-38 since I was a young boy back in the late 1960' and early 70's. I remember playing in our back yard just one residential block from the birthplace of the Army Air Corp in Texas City, Texas. On some weekends I would spot two P-38's flying south towards Galveston at about 3,000 feet and remember admiring the twin tails. I've looked up in the P-38 registration and found the gentleman in Houston who owns one of those two planes and would like to meet with him one day and ask to sit in the seat of his Dad's plane.
45:00 - His pride in describing all the inventions and clever things him and his team came up with on the aircraft is so neat to watch and hear
Fantastic video. My father flew P-38j's in the 479th Fighter Group. He went down Aug. 15, 1944 in the Netherlands while returning to England after a bomber escort mission over Germany.
Was your father OK after that? Did he survive? I hope so!
Those ladies did a great service for our country, getting the aircraft of many types onto the hands of the pilots, and crews that took them into combat much sooner than they would have got them without those brave ladies.
There is a great thread by the Daughter of one of the WASPs on here and has photos!
It's worth finding!
"harles D. Mohrle was born April 12, 1921 in Oklahoma City to Charles A.
Mohrle and Anne Downey Mohrle of Kansas City; passed away at his home in
Dallas on Tuesday, May 7th at the age of 92. Charlie spent most of his
youth in Galveston, Texas, where he graduated from Kirwin High School.
He was a member of Boy Scout Troop 1 in Galveston and attained the rank
of Eagle Scout. He attended the first National Boy Scout Jamboree in
Washington, DC in 1937. He was attending UT Austin when he responded to
the attack on Pearl Harbor, by volunteering for the Army Air Corps in
February 1942. After completion of basic flight training he was one of
the original pilots assigned to the 510th Fighter Squadron, part of the
405th Fighter Group in South Carolina, which entered combat in
Christchurch, England in 1943. He completed 97 combat missions flying a
P-47 and was highly decorated. " Sparkman-Crane Funeral Home
Major Bong was the highest scoring ace in the US Air Corps and the highest scoring ace in WWII. He flew, not the P 51, but the P38 Lightning and scored 40 victories. US Navy highest scoring ace was Dave McCampbell, 34 victories in the F6F Hellcat.
God bless America and these outstanding young men. Thank you Sirs 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
One side note. The p38s they had in new Guinea came w their fuel tanks packed w little floating balls designed to "plug a hole in fuel tank from battle damage" the problem being in heavy maneuvers the balls would Interfere w fuel pickup tubes. Causing too lean a fuel mix and causing pre-detonation. Needless to say they removed the balls and gained extra fuel capacity. My grandpa's name was Emil. His buddy's called him Krutch as his last name was long and slovenian
What an amazing story of men in combat flying the P-38. I was amazed at a p38 landing in a field after being shot down then a fellow pilot landed it the same field and picked the pilot up and they took off under adverse conditions and flew the plane 350 miles to the base and landed safely. Wow what an amazing, miraculous story story. 👍🏻
It's so sad that almost all WW2 participants are dead without leaving stories of their service.
Hell yeah!
What a great remembrance. My father was in aircraft maintenance in the Pacific. He was a Charter Chief Master Sgt. when he retired in 1970. He probably knew some of these guys.
It makes me sad to think that most of these incredible men are gone. I once had a Czechoslovakian boss that was inducted into the German army and he told me very interesting stories from the other side of view. He actually was the best boss I ever had and was like the grandfather to me. All these amazing stories are slipping away as these brave men and women pass. It brings tears to my eyes just thinking of it. We are loosing our greatest pride.
This is the greatest single documentary I've come across yet. It covers all... development of the P-38, flight testing, operational use, etc. Thank you for uploading this. I wish there was one like this for all WWII aircraft.
I loved Weekday Wings... I'd get home from school, throw my jacket on the floor, drop off my backpack, and RUN for the living room to catch the intro in time on the good ol' Discovery Wings channel. But... I gotta say, I believe this is a different production. Either way, both are awesome. And I got a kick out of the sitcom as well. :-p
Fight to Fly Photography very good
Awesome, great, amazing, comprehensive doc... British had their Mosquito, though - IMO the only aircraft we can compare Lightning with.
Exactly! Wonderful memories from totally 'switched on' guys. Absolutely enthralling, comprehensive documentary.
@@zdzichus.3264 True. Two really useful airplanes.
I been going to 1 hour, 10 minutes, and 16 seconds of this video to see that amazing rescue, possible because of the world's toughest landing gear ever made. His sweet laugh of relief in telling the story is PRICELESS, and the most endearing thing I have ever seen. Many thumbs up to ALL. I am going to Google the word ENDEARING. I'll be right back 😁😁😁😁😁
R.I.P Tony LeVier, you were one hell of a pilot.
I would sit and listen to some of the pilots of the 475t h at the Reno air races and they way they walked about Tony was inspirational. He must have been a fantastic pilot.
I hope that guy who stopped in the middle of a battle to pick up his buddy got a medal
same but I doubt it. there were a lot of courageous acts like that every day and while *all of them were and still are deserving qualifications to receive a medal,* top brass would say that there are "too many to give everybody one, so its only the ultra extraordinary" or some bs along those lines..
Richie Mann,
Yes so true! Definitely deserving of being awarded an appropriate UNITED STATES MEDAL for his act in Service of the UNITED STATES ARMY AIR CORPS, for such great risk taken, in great danger/threat of battle, and in doing so to have saved a Pilot of the U.S. ARMY AIR CORPS of such valuable rank- and for great good/benefit for the UNITED STATES ARMY AIR CORPS.
(and however this best properly stated, it truly was/is an outstanding act beyond the call of duy for which is deserving, and never too late if still not Honored)
They gotta make a movie of that
Exactly what I was thinking...good grief,in the middle of all that action to LAND and pick up a fellow pilot is almost unimaginable!!
"THE PACIFIC"
One of the best documentaries I've EVER seen!
Absolutely fantastic!!!
And that's why these men are called the Greatest Generation!
This guy is so knowledgeable. I hope he is still around telling his fantastic stories about testing birds and his beloved P/38. 🇺🇸
The pilot that did not tell him there was more than one German aircraft in pursuit is the definition of a blue falcon
My grandfather flew the P38 in the Pacific for Air Force. My dad said he flew many planes prior. Sent on several missions in p38 knowing they may not make it back due to fuel. Landed on Phillipine Beach one time and the natives cared for them until was picked up. He had pictures of them in grass skirts. His wing man was eventually shot down by zero. Uncle was engineer at Lockheed but not sure what he worked on. Lefty Gardner flew his in an airshow and he came over the intercom mentioning in honor of my grandfather, Reginald Waggoner.
Also I wanted to say THANKS SO MUCH for the past Veterans who fought for our country. So many great heroes'. Imagine fighting in world war 2, Korea, and then in Vietnam. totally amazing and the bravery they had . and they men that were lost, taken prisoner and tortured. wow, where do we get such men ? God Bless them all
they always talk about how the prototype P38 was lost in a crash after the cross-country record was broken; they never talk about how the P 38 was lost in the crash because it got there so quickly that nobody was ready for its arrival.
I'm A Former U.S. Marine (GySgt) My MOS Was 7011 Launch & Recovery When I Entered Service In '82 Launch Was Gone. I Have TONS OF RESPECT FOR FIGHTER PILOTS My 1st Arrestment was an A-4 SKYHAWK Followed By An F-4 PHANTOM When We Had an Arrestment On The E-28 E for EMERGENCY WE COULD STOP ANY AIRCRAFT 350 KNOTS BUT THE PILOTS WOULD COME BY WITH A CASE OR MORE OF BEER THEY WOULD SHOW US THE BRUISES FROM THE HARNESS SOME HAD BLOOD IN THEIR EYES LIKE THEY GOT PUNCHED BUT WE ALSO HAD ABORT GEAR E5 CHAIN GEAR ROWS AND ROWS OF CHAIN THAT CAME FROM A SHIP WE HAD ONE INCIDENT WHERE AN A-4 SKYHAWK MISSED THE THE CHAIN GEAR IN EL TORO CA. HE WENT THRU THE BACK FENCE THE PILOT JUMPED RIGHT AFTER THE ENGINE BURST INTO FLAMES!! MY 1st DUTY STATION WAS AN AUXILIARY BASE CALLED BOGUE FIELD WHERE PILOTS WUOLD DO " CARRIER QUALS" IT WAS VERY BUSY AND THE COWBELL KEPT BREAKING & THE LSO BET US A CASE OF BEER IF THE COWBELL BROKE ON THE NEXT ARRESTMENT WE WON IT DIDN"T BREAK THAT LSO WAS KINDA PISSED THAT HE LOST BECAUSE WE BROKE 4 IN A ROW BEFOREHAND!!! I HAD A VERY COOL CAREER UNTIL I PICKED UP STAFF SERGEANT THEN I WENT UP TO BE THE ASSISTANT NCOIC IN THE OFFICE WITH A E-9 HE RETIRED AFTER HE DID HIS 30 YEARS I THEN PICKED UP E-7 & I WAS THE NEW NCOIC BUT I MISSED WORKING ON THE GEAR SOMETHING WAS ALWAYS BREAKING OR THE GROUND SQUIRRELS WOULD CHEW THRU THE WIRES!! OUR GUESS WAS THEY LIKED THE TASTE OF THE INSULATION BUT SOMETIMES THEY'D SEVER THE GROUND WIRE AND OF COURSE IT WOULDN'T START I WAS THE ELECTRONICS SPECIALIST SO I BE CALLED OUT TO TROUBLESHOOT.... i'M DONE NOW MAN, I WROTE A LOT!!
Tony LeVeir. The man was a legend. And a wonderful man.
His name is correctly spelled Tony LeVier. Look him upon Wikipedia. Wow!
In the early 2000s I had the honor to phone interview WASP pilot Aksha Barnwell Peacock Holfelder Donnels. I wrote an English paper about her. She wrote an autobiography. One of the stories she told me about her personal aircraft she wanted to make her Jenny more aggressive sounding so she took a screwdriver to the exhaust punching holes in it.
Also in college at a flea market my dad brought me over to a friend of his who piloted B-17s. He looked at me, an Aeronautical Engineering student, and said he knows that thousand-yard stare that I had. Pilots on the ground have it.
“Purt near” the best documentary I have seen on any warbird......
Briscoe.....Darn tooting it's Purt near the Real Deal....By Fully....Sky King Ain't Got Nutin on these Boys.....
" ...I got into compressability on purpose, so, I...."
These types of guys we will always need.
George
OMG! The ground rescue story has to be the most amazing rescue story there is!
My cousin (my dad's first cousin) was Major Milton Joel of the 55th Fighter Group. He commanded a wing of P-38's in the 38th fighter Squadron out of Nuthampstead airfield in England and was shot down over Germany on his 18th and final mission, while escorting bombers in 1943. His body was never found. My dad, several years younger, was in the US Army of Occupation in Germany 1945-47 and made a great effort trying to locate his beloved cousin's remains, or to see if he had been captured. Maj. Joel could have stayed in the US, training pilots, as he had been, but requested to go and fight. Cousin Milton was well loved by everyone in the family and was an only child. My great aunt Minnie, his mom, never talked about him much to me and my brother, but she had a collection of pictures of him and medals he earned at her home that eventually were donated to the air museum here in Richmond, VA (now defunct, that was located at the Richmond Int'l Airport) that highlighted hometown fighter pilots. The memorabilia is now in the hands of a cousin, a Joel.
The brave men and women of that generation that served in World War Two just did their jobs as best they could, often under awful conditions. I never served in the military, but I have great respect for anyone that did and currently does.
These were some amazing stories. I thank you guy's, and all that were apart of this campain, for your service.
Very impressed by the humility shown by the veteran pilots.
Agreed
Yes, and it's really great stuff the test pilot is talking about -- you can learn a lot about what went into the development and testing of these terrific aircraft.
I think with age, and the ability to look back is the key. A few of the stated how they were eager to fight when young, but in retrospect many were humbled in appreciation of those that didn't make it home, and the ground support crews that were not given leave, or early out. With time came humility, and with humilty came humanity.
Humility is easier to come by 79 years after they've tried to kill you. lol
Great stories here. Like others, my Dad was with the 82nd airborne and came in to France during D-Day. Dad told us the story where they were getting strafed by a 109. Dad and the squad all jumped into the gutter by the road when he heard a P38 fly right over the tree line and came into perfect position and shot the 109 down. Pilot flew back over the dad's squad and did the traditional wing wave which meant all clear to ground troops.
What a fantastic documentary...thanks to all who took the time to put this together. And thanks to all the pilots for your service and candidly sharing your experiences with us all.
This was amazing. Thank you for all that were involved in the making of this film.
Excellent documentary on the P-38. The personal stories are very reminiscent for me. My dad had a second cousin who was a P-38 pilot in WWII and I have vivid memories of him sitting at our kitchen table talking about the fighter. One of the things that sparked my interest in becoming a pilot.
My uncle Lawrence Anderson was a crewchief in Army aircorps in ww2. He was with Tuskegee fighter squadron. His pilots escorted p51 p47s. My other uncle C. Malone was a tail gunner on B25. He had tuskegee escorts also.
My grandfather was part of the 475 satan's Angel's, he was stationed near port moresby, in new Guinea. He was a p38 mechanic. Apparently one of their biggest problems was food supply. Eventually the "abbos" (aboriginal people) showed the group what to eat and what would kill u. Fyi termites apparently taste like crunchy peanut butter
I agree! Each of these veterans displayed great presence, and self confidence - the kind of guys you would really love to share time with! Amazing guys! I would be honored to meet them in the hereafter!
I only recall ever seeing a P-38 in flight. I was , maybe, 7-8 years old, as WWII ended in Europe, when I was one week into my 9th year.
Thank you this was an excellent video about a great WW II aircraft and the men who flew them. What made this movie interesting and educational was the men who flew it and shared their true stories about it. Thank you all for risking your life for our freedom. I would give anything to meet and talk with you. All the best.
This is the most all encompassing documentary I've ever seen on the P-38. Good work, people.
one of many great documentrys on the p38 ...i wish i was there to help these guys at that time ...cheers to you
My father flew the F-4/F-5 photo recon version of the P-38. He was already multi-engine rated as a B-25 instructor pilot before being sent to P-38 transition training.
He flew 65 combat missions over Europe beginning in November of 1944, enough. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for a mission where he completed a mission with one engine shot out.
Later, my father became a charger member of the South Carolina Air National Guard, and when moving to North Carolina, he transitioned to the F-86 Saber Jet..
And...?
During the battle of the bulge my grandpa Eldon Ben Bingham was out laying radio line between the infantry and artillery when a p 38 lighting started firing those guns.
Pat Hines Did your father train at Colorado Springs Army Air Base/Peterson Field for photo recon in the F-4/F-5?
If you want to comment to someone like Pat you need to touch his comment and then comment will come up for you to address him, if you just comment anywhere he may never know you ask him a question.
Pat Hines q
One very important mission that was carried out by P-38s in the Pacific that is not mentioned in this video is that of the shooting down of Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto on April 18, 1943! Yamamoto was considered the mastermind of the bombing of Pearl Harbor and so, not surprisingly, the code name of the mission to shoot down his plane (one in a group of three bombers) was called "Operation Vengeance". Read more about it here: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Vengeance
Excellent video. I salute these magnificent pilots and submit my gratitude for their service
What we say in the aviation when it comes to having two engines is "if one Quits you still have the other One there to Help Keep the Pilot Cool".
This is the best military documentary I ever watched.
What a hero! Wow what a project, what a plane.
Excellent documentary! What a fantastic plane that was and brave men who flew them!
Civility no.(Number one again NOT surprising form), ONE!
A very humble thank you to you American mechanics and pilots for my freedom.
Cheers from france
@David Wood
Thank you very much.
I lived in your amazing nation for 5 years , ( Houston Texas ).they were the best years of my life by far.
I did visit once with my kids one American cemetery in Normandie, and after a couple of hours , I bursted in tears. Very special moving place.
Kind regards from the French alps
Expert first hand testimony, great stuff, great to have this all recorded.
unreal! actual "aces over the Pacific, aces over europe" guys in real time videoed by thoughtful folks. chuck Yeager loved it. awesome climb rate and not much to shoot at. thanks
These are great men ! God bless you and your family, Aloha
God bless everyone of these men. They are the type of men that makes America great.
An honor on my part to learn the story of these brave men - from these brave men. I was 20 years old when this video was made. It took me more than that number of years to find it; here on CZcams. The message from them was to 'remember'. Well, gentlemen, I do remember. And, I salute you all; at least; your memories. Thank you for the message. And thank you for your service to freedom. I know that I have benefited from it...
Come on, turn in. 2 against 3. No, one against 30. Oops. And after 20 minutes of frantic flying he manages to escape. That's what you call a memorable experience you wouldn't want to repeat. He deserves the medal he got for that.
Awesome testimony from the pilots.
The providence of Kelly Johnson manifest in the P38 and subsequent designs. Well done.
Literally the best WW 2 fighter documentary on CZcams. Absolutely riveting to hear the stories from the men who flew the missions, and great information in this one. The p 51 may have taken the spotlight in terms of press, but many experienced fighter pilot have stated that IN THE HANDS OF AN EXPERIENCED PILOT, the P - 38 was the best fighter of ww 2, hands down. In fact, America's top 2 aces, both flew them.
These men seem to have gained such presence from their experience, that it would be a real honour to know any of them, and to possibly convey appreciation for their preparedness to sacrifice everything through their service to the cause, and the nation the lived for.
Very nicely stated, Rod, and we echo your thoughts!
Heroic stories of a wonderful plane - a true Cadillac of the skies
Do us all a favour buddy , the last thing I would want to be flying is a aircraft that handled like a Cadillac did ! .
@@markswain5021 or the fuel economy... 📉😂📈
For much time I had wondered why the P-38 was not used in the European theater to escort the bombers all the way through , according to records the P-38 had the range..?.
Upon further research, would be 38 did not originally have the range that it ended the war with. It was adjusted courtesy lucky Lindbergh who were told them to adjust the manifold pressures and the engines would be fine. The pilot said it would burn the engines up but he went with them to test it out and proved them wrong.
Is that the b38 had a superiority of rain that would have made it to Berlin and back, but not in the day that the question was asked.
It was thanks to Lindberg that they had the range to get yamamoto !!
Fantastic! Really like the personal and often emotional aspect that is left out of many plane docs while maintaining the interesting tech info. Very interesting stories with things I hadn’t heard before.
This is a story of the best of men and the best in men, thank you all
I think this is the best and most fascinating P38 video I've ever seen!
This was probably the very first aircraft in my life that I learned to identify! I could barely walk and talk and hardly pronounce "P-38" but my daddy would hold me up in his arms, point to the sky and say "That's a P-38" and every time I saw one, I'd point to the sky too and say "P-28!" I also learned to identify the B-29 in the air. Daddy used to take us over to a side road by an AFB to watch the planes take off and land, probably instilling in me early on my love for aviation and led me later on, to become a GA pilot. If it were today, and I had the chance, I think I would have tried to join the Air Force but back then, I wanted to become a physician like my father so that kept me in school for a lot of years. I would have loved to fly in some of those old birds, I did get to fly in a DC-3 years later, and helped fly it, quite a thrill!
Funny how every fighter pilot says that the type of fighter he flew was the best. I guess any fighter that brought you home alive was the best fighter. Brave men
Well the p38 was the most versatile and most deadly plane the USAAF had in ww2. So I'd say there is definitely a case that this is the best American fighter of the war.
I had a cousin that never joined the service that help train all those fliers they talked about in this film that kept coming until the war was over
Well my grandad flew Spits in two Polish Squadrons (302 & 317) starting from 1943 and he swore by the Spitfire. No surprise there.
I now better understand why we are a free country....American heroes were not in shortage....thank you gentlemen for your service and sacrifice, we are forever a grateful nation....God bless all of you !!!
Amazing and riveting video. These guys are great. I salute them for their courage and bravery!!
Tony LeVier was a legendary test pilot well known across the world in the aviation community. He was one of the primary test pilot's on the P-38 Lighting and bought a surplus Lightning after WWII for $1,250. He painted his P-38 bright red and flew it in air races for many years. LeVier was a primary test pilot in the fledgling jet era test piloting the P-80 Shooting Star which went on to become a primary fighter aircraft of the U.S. Forces. LeVier was highly respected in the worldwide aviation community and would go to other countries to assist in demonstrating various aircraft. He continued to be a test pilot and perform in air races well into his old age. LeVier is one of the few test pilots throughout the "Golden Years of Aviation" to be a civilian. Most test pilots then and now are ex-military pilots looking to continue their aviation career after leaving the military or they are in the military currently on assignment to test fly whatever aircraft they are testing. LeVier is one of the few, without a formal education, that worked his way up through hard work and determination. He worked odd jobs and as an aircraft mechanic, continuing to work hard and impress his superiors. His determination paid off and LeVier was finally promoted to the title of "Engineer Aircraft Test Pilot", a title he had strived to achieve his entire life. Once he was promoted to test pilot, an opportunity came up at Lockheed for a test pilot position and LeVier took the opportunity. He relocated back to California and his career really took off test piloting some of the most important military aircraft in history including the U-2. LeVier was one of the first pilots to fly the U-2. He was also was of the first pilots to take the controls of an F-104 Starfighter, test piloting the aircraft on it's first flights. LeVier became one of the primary test pilots for Lockheed's famous "Skunkworks" for 30+ years and flew some of the most top secret aircraft ever created. LeVier survived eight aircraft crashes during his lifetime but had broken his back in a horrific crash, only to be so determined, and through sheer will, he was back flying aircraft within six months. That's the type of man Tony LeVier was. He was absolutely THE REAL DEAL when it came to God, Country, and helping his fellow man. Principles that have seemed to slip away over the years.
Truly an amazing generation and truly the Best documentary of the P-38 It is a great aircraft. Thank you for your service and your great work.
This was made 24 years ago (1995) so most of these guys are probably dead unfortunately but yes, they were truly an amazing generation
Thanks for your service gentlemen.
i considered myself a hard man,until i watch what these guys went through and incomparison im nothing but a little kid in comparison, thankyou ladies and gents, i remember learning french and Italian at school i relized im useless at learning languages so thank god and these guys or i might be failing Japanese and German
I have always admired pilots of WWII! I had the privilege of servicing the oxygen equipment of a real gentleman in his last years, in St George Utah, a P-38 pilot that flew in the pacific theater. Joseph Van Dehear, I can’t remember his last name exactly, this has inspired me to pull out his book, his memories and reread it and honor him this 4th of July! 🇺🇸🦅
I was a Stryker vehicle driver in Iraq. My ex girlfriend and i were at a parade and some green soldiers from my old unit were there with one of the Stryker vehicles and i went into a long monologue of stories and specifications about the vehicle. The pilot giving a tour of the aircraft brought me back to that. I love hearing the enthusiasm in his voice, i can't believe after all these years he knows every square inch of this aircraft.