The P-38 Lightning Ace with Nine Lives: Dogfights, bailouts, and two days in a life raft | P.J. Dahl

Canadian-born Perry John “P.J.” Dahl had dreamed of flying as a youngster growing up in Washington state. His dream would become a realization when he was assigned to the 475th Fighter Group in New Guinea in 1943.
The 475th was the first ever fighter group made up entirely of P-38s. The greater range of the P-38 allowed the Americans to escort bombers and take the fight directly to Japanese held positions.
Dahl would go on to survive 158 combat missions, several emergency landings, a midair bailout, and two days adrift in a life raft. He would become known as the pilot "with nine lives".
When asked about his thoughts looking back at his experience during WWII, P.J. said "I remember how close we were as a unit. In War, if you make a mistake, you lose a friend or you die. The stakes were high but our focus on victory never wavered."
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[@gibwest4968]

My father, a air force mechanic, said the P 38 was an excellent plane but took a very good pilot to fly it. Not many 90 day trainees mastered it.

[@RTRMF-BL]

Amazing man. Men like him are the reason America saved the world in that war. Just a quiet hero probably viewed all his actions as just doing his job.

[@EPICFAILKING1]

"saved the world" but sat back for the first two years whilst the rest of the allied powers fought it out, mainly Britain and the Commonwealth. Without us, the Americans wouldn't have been able to win - dont ever forget that.

[@haroldanderson7327]

I am Honored to personally know Col Dahl, at 99 years old he still serves as an usher at my Church. The Man is incredible to talk to, his memory is extremely sharp and the stories he tells about his life could easily be made into a movie.

[@davide.b8027]

You are definitely lucky to know this man!

[@mikedevita5558]

He lives next door to my son.

[@londonsanimalsandmore956]

What state is this?

[@marksheetz7488]

My dad flew P-51s and P-38s in the 433rd Sq 5th AF

[@Mrbfgray]

@unnhkp8mza522 Even interview him on tape if appropriate.

[@tomnekuda3818]

My father built the runways on a bunch of the Pacific islands to help our boys get to Japan and knew a lot of these P 38 pilots. He was very impressed by what the Lightning could. Dad was on Tiian island when the Enola Gay took the bomb to Hiroshima. It's so important that we hear these mens stories and preserve them for future generations.

[@barrygrant2907]

My dad was in the 92 NCB on Saipan and Tinian. He did the surveying for the atomic bomb pits and loading ramps.

[@johnnyzippo7109]

This Man is incredible , incredible story ! Folks , he meant 4,000 horsepower , not 400 , honest mistake when recounting very old combat memories , to flub minutia . So don’t focus on minutia , it is the body of his story that matters , just phenomenal !

[@SeeKrez]

Transcribing interviews for the Veterans History Project: Library of Congress was a community service project I was fortunate to have participated in - in high school. I wish, of all the intense and heart-breaking first accounts our Veterans had told, I’d had seen this man’s story sooner. His memory is one of the most acute, and accurate/fluid I’ve born witness to. Legendary! God bless em’!

[@rickyfandango6054]

Great story. My great uncle "Bubs" was in the 35th fighter group in New Guinea and flew a p-39. Never got a chance with the p-38. Maybe things would have been different. He was shot down in 1943 and never made it home. RIP.

[@themightycrixus1131]

RIP my friend

[@glenstribling6123]

This generation grew up so fast. I've never known an person under 25 who was mature enough to handle these planes. Mind boggling.

[@Argoth36]

To be fair, they weren't massively poisoned by all of these endocrine disruptors

[@SheWasADemon]

Most people havent ever worked hard, been in a fight, had hardship, etc before then. Some of us saw all that before 14

[@rsanoian]

I just turned 52 and my Grandfather served in the Pacific from 1941-45, he never talked about it but was proud of his service. Thank you for your service and to all the brave men and women that fought in World War II I salute you.

[@Mrbfgray]

Very often they never want to talk about it unless special circumstances, rare occasions or to others who've had similar experiences.

[@michaelmckinney401]

Im 52 too my grandfather came hom in 44 wounded he was anti aircraft gunner, Africa o think

[@crashburn3292]

My grandfather served on the USS Bush that was sunk in Leyte Gulf in April 1945. I think those of us, now in our 50's today (I'm 55) were lucky to have known our WWII vet grandfathers. Lucky.

[@maxxcarver5502]

​@crashburn3292 my Grandfather was on one of the ships that sunk in Pearl harbor. He Never spoke about it. Ever. behind His chair in the living room, was a painting of a burning ship in the harbor. it was Never spoken of in his presence!! Still love and Miss that man! Strong Stoic farmer. only ever saw him tear up Once my whole life. The day I said goodbye to him right before I left for basic training.

[@thomasdoran2363]

What a guy - suffered all kinds of discomfort, pain, fear and hardship . . . . . and takes it all in his stride We could ALL learn a thing or two from PJ

[@SheWasADemon]

Its a shame all these kids didnt even really know what they were fighting for

[@farmalltom]

@@SheWasADemon That’s a a ridiculous thing to say. The idea the you/we know more NOW about what they knew then or what the reality of things was at that time seems narcissistic, at best. They weren’t a bunch of simpletons, after all…

[@jamesb.9155]

Amazing guy full of confidence and fight from the start, lucky to survive his plane breaking up, getting burned, being strafed, washed ashore, not captured by the Japanese, lucky not to have shot his rescuer, lucky to be rescued, return to duty, survive further engagements, the rest of the war and lucky for us he lived a very long life and was able to tell us the tale of his wartime adventure.

[@michailhack4170]

Thank you Col. Dahl. May we all be as brave and humble as you.

[@troubadour1562]

A very reluctant hero. You deserved that Silver Star and a hell of a lot more. Bless you Sir 🇬🇧

[@bsharrard8652]

Awesome story! I had to Sub! Semper Fi

[@taylorsmith4758]

"One man parachute assault on the Japanese navy" Love it. Thanks for sharing and your service.

[@gentabroad]

What an amazing guy - could listen to him all day - god bless him

[@BajaDahg]

If this is the same Perry Dahl who was a group AOC at the US Air Force Academy, I remember to this day his coming to our cadet squadron and telling his P-38 WWII stories to motivate us young cubs. Perry you won’t remember me, but you made an incredible impression on me that day in 1973. I went on to fly F-106s always hoping to live up to the example Col Dahl set. Thank you for bing the leader you are.

[@909Apparel]

What a legend! Still going strong at 101 Years Old! Here's to you Col. Perry Dahl! Thank you for telling your story, and thank you for your service!

[@riverbender9898]

As one old soldier to another: I salute you Sir.

[@yanni2112]

I'm an old Sailor! I salute all of you.

[@andrewlewis3486]

I salute your bravery and service!

[@groundpounder8373]

I salute you also sir... I was a ground pounder Army.

[@hurdygurdyman1905]

I salute everyone! And everything!

[@ronallison7578]

My father, staff sergeant Gail Allison, was an armorer in the 475th fighter group, 433rd squadron. I take my hat off to you Mr. Dahl, and wish Dad were still alive to watch this video. Ron Allison

[@daviddougan6961]

My uncle Billy Dougan was a test pilot for Lockheed during WW II and he was a leader for testing the P-38. He loved that plane and a funny story of how he got there. Billy was an Ace during WWI (16 German planes and balloons) before he was shot down and became a POW), served as an American, born and raised in Missouri, in the British Royal Flying Corp. During WWII he was deemed too old to be on active service ( 57) so he became a test pilot. Go figure!! He was a heck of a pilot who did his part.

[@blacksheepwall79]

"You're an Ace now.". "Oh, Thats Nice.". Most badass response ever.

[@DontWalkRun-p47]

This veteran doesn't look that old for ww2. I am surprised 😊

[@rjs5342]

Sadly this generation is almost gone...I can say with certainty that there will be never another like it...I'm blessed to have had these conversations with my father and uncle's who served in WW2...Even though the're all different they all sound they same...they share a common relationship...they put up and never took a step back...they are "The Greatest Generation".....God bless them all....

[@BiC_T-Kno]

This is my late friend's grandfather... The nicest guy you'd ever meet... And Very smart if I might add

[@Pixel8Head]

From Australia,we salute you Sir and your mates.Thank You for our freedom.

[@fazole]

Thank you Mr. Dahl for your service and for sharing your experiences with us!

[@FreekJeep]

This is incredible. I could listen to this man's stories for days. Thank you for your service sir!

[@Darrylx444]

Fascinating interview, amazing man. One minor correction: he keeps saying the P-38 has "almost 400 horsepower, total", but it actually had 1,000-1600 HP per engine, depending on the variant.

[@gregbuck701]

At his age.....missing a 0 on the 400 is awesome!!

[@davidfindlay6841]

@@gregbuck701 Col.Dahl is 99 years young.

[@gregbuck701]

@@davidfindlay6841 AND.... a certified bad ass!!

[@DoBraveryFPS]

Probably confused with top speed

[@demiurgiac]

Tell us something we don't know.

[@MissDewar]

Considering his age, impressive memory recall. Totally enjoyed his story.

[@spacelemur7955]

Our memories are generally excellent for emotionally important events. It's the routine moments that don't register well.

[@xXxGordO241xXx]

You don't forget things like that especially with this man went through hell blood my guts body parts the smell distinctions the scenery the screams of pain and agony you don't forget any of that, haven't you noticed that all these veterans 80 90 plus years later 75 plus years later they still remember every single little detail it's engraved in their memory forever war is engraved in your head and you can't forget about it no matter how hard you try doesn't matter how old you are you could be a hundred years old and you could still remember the war as if it were yesterday, if you took part in it that is and live through it. Things like this you can't forget NEVER

[@korsu1234]

77years ago…?

[@raymondweaver8526]

Even people with Alzheimers have better memories of the past than recent events

[@kimmorrison9169]

easy to remember the old events. Its the recent stuff you can’t recall.

[@Jim-fe2xz]

You may well have escorted my best friend's dad who was a radio operator / navigator on a B25! Thank you for keeping them safe!

[@REM1956]

You sure won't hear this gentleman whining about anything. The stoic way he dealt with all that hardship. Just amazing. You were quietly proud that you'd done what was expected of you. If every citizen had that attitude we could accomplish anything as a nation. What a shining light.

[@linusp9316]

He's also the only veteran (and one of the only Americans) I have ever seen who actually pronounced "Bataan" basically correctly. Respect for that.

[@kristoffersmith8289]

But mah pronouns...

[@linusp9316]

@@kristoffersmith8289 No clue what you mean, but okay.

[@achowdhury47]

But if no one complained about hardships or discomforts, there would be no innovations or progress.

[@kristoffersmith8289]

@@achowdhury47 I think his point is, instead of complain about things.. these guys actual DID something about it

[@2000TransAm1]

Thank you Colonel Dahl for your many years of service and protecting those B-25 crews as well as your fellow fighter pilots. What an amazing story and career. You and your generation made the world a better and safer place for generations.

[@johnwright9372]

99 and his memory is still totally sharp. Wonderful.

[@benmiz9742]

What a legend! The gentleman is so humble, and you should be absolutely proud of your service. Thank you, not only for serving your country, but protecting ours. I’m glad we helped fatten you up a little during your recover after being rescued. Love and regards from 🇦🇺

[@stevedeleon8775]

The P38 & P51 in my opinion are the two Bad @$$ American Warbirds of WWII & my Favorites too... God Bless Our WWII Heros🇺🇸

[@nathanthompson3401]

Naval Aviation should be recognized as well sport. Let’s not leave out F4U, Bear Cat, Hellcat. USAF/ NAVAIR ‘72-‘80 and 1” taller than Col Dahl!

[@lukewilliams010]

P38 would fall to bits of hit by anything was extremely fragile.. and the p51 engine design was awful look how many were shot down by simple AA alone they weren’t good planes they were never tested by anything competitive.. the thunderbolt was probably the most decent aircraft 8 50 cals and bulletproof engine

[@rockinroll817]

@@lukewilliams010 And very, very rugged. HARD to shoot down!

[@AirborneSkier]

Brilliant! Absolutely BRILLIANT! Thank you for your service COL PJ Dahl!🇺🇸

[@johngordey3305]

Thank you for your service Col Dahl!!!

[@LindaAllen2129]

My dad arrived in England and they were taken out to the air field where he was shown “The most beautiful air plane God ever created.” Twin engine P38. They had learned to fly on single engines, nobody wanted to wanted to admit they had never flown twin engines. Several men died trying to learn. My dad flew over 80 missions.

[@cavaleer]

I love damn near everything about the Greatest Generation. So clear and matter of fact, and always a touch of humor. Dressed impeccably, plenty of swagger but they were somehow never or never seemed to be self-conscious or self-impressed. These interviews are GOLD.

[@icewaterslim7260]

Absolutely!

[@edgardocarrasquillo9]

Thank you Sir. Thanks to all that made this film possible.

[@tommyjenkins7453]

I have loved the P38 sense i was a very young kid 5-6 maybe. I saw one fly over our farm and remember the twin booms and knew it was something special, as i got older and read about it the more I loved it 🎉🎉😂😂

[@davidfindlay6841]

My Dad's buddy in New Guinea and the Phillipines.A true hero who fought in three wars.

[@alan30189]

Amazing man! What an experience! He could have written a book about it. Thank you for your service as part of the “Greatest Generation.” We really can’t thank these men enough. Thanks for posting.

[@alan30189]

@Mike Raffphone 🤦‍♂️🙄

[@michmvp]

​@Mike Raffphone Because of guys like him you're not speaking German or Japanese

[@47mphill]

Wow ! Could listen to him for hours. What a great American hero.

[@srcottonmouth7824]

These guys rock hats off to all veterans

[@daleh1234]

A humble hero if ever there was one! God bless you.

[@cambium0]

Very moving ... got taken down by one of his own, burned, strafed, starved, abandoned by a PT boat ... then went back in the fight and rescued an entire squadron. We all need to be humble, because fate might call us one day.

[@jakespeed63]

Incredible human being and a Great American. Most of us haven’t a clue what these people endured. Thanks for sharing this with us 😎👍🇺🇸❤️

[@TrungNguyen-du9cn]

Hats off to you Sir. A real, humble hero.

[@Jonnybravo589]

Great to document these hero’s stories for future generations to know what sacrifice is.

[@kfiscal01]

Guys like this are a national treasure. God bless you sir, and thank you.

[@davidwithrow512]

This to me, sounds like a very humble and honorable man. He doesn't talk about this often but he took time to share his stories with us. I hope you're proud sharing your stories with us thank you!

[@Myname-il9vd]

5:38 crazy, what a humble dude.

[@avipatable]

Man I was laughing with the soggy ammo story. As with so many WW2 veterans, such a wonderful sense of humour.

[@timwalters1683]

Great interview. My uncle flew a p-38 in ww2 in the pacific , flying recon missions

[@brettwhitesides7595]

An American Treasure, I am humbly grateful for his service.

[@rodmorris9690]

5 foot 5 and balls as big as grapefruit.. Hell of a story Sir, I enjoyed every second.

[@407silentbob]

You can watch him relive it as he tells us the story. Watch his eye's. He comes and goes when the mental pictures hit again and play across his mind. Amazing. I'm in debt to you.

[@markshaw3219]

Amazing!! Pure amazing!!! Mr. Dahl, much love and respect for you Sir!!

[@Cgh432]

I have a piece of the a P-38 with a picture after she was bored out of ice and brought to the surface piece by piece .Thank you for your service.

[@rickmcguire9930]

A simple thank you somehow seems not enough for the sacrifices that you and all the Patriots who fought to protect our great nation but from the bottom of my heart thank you sir

[@coolran06]

This my first time to this channel ( instantly subscribed) and I'm in awe at hearing of these men others like them. He is what makes this a proud country.

[@colleenmonfross4283]

We're proud that you're a member of that patriotic group as well! America's greatest generation, they just got it done. Thank you!

[@cajunpipesmoker1519]

I love this fella!!! What an American Patriot!!!

[@ronhenney4546]

From an Australian very interesting story i hope we helped you recoup and thank you for your efforts

[@donjennings9034]

Thank you, soldier. Another example of a fine, humble warrior. God Bless You!

[@alonzowitt5931]

Most veterans that have seen combat are very humble for good reason. God bless him!

[@henryhill3778]

Amazing story! Thank YOU !

[@davidjames2145]

Quiet, humble, modest, yet unquestionably heroic. Not qualities I see very often any more among subsequent generations. My deepest respect. 🇬🇧

[@rikijett310]

Thank you endlessly for your service Mr. Dahl!!! May God bless you always!! I would be so proud to meet you and shake your hand. Thank you for sharing your amazing experiences! 👍✝️🇺🇸

[@cugir321]

Thank you for your service Sir! Hope you're still alive in good health!

[@Basement_Operator]

He doesn’t look a day over 65!

[@graffics7665]

Thank you for my freedom. There are very few human beings as brave as you are. The Silver Star is well deserved. Thanks to the invention of the internet & the good people who make these videos possible, many of the Greatest Generation will live forever.

[@DRFelGood]

Thank you for sharing your story, service, sacrifice and courage for freedom 🇺🇸 God Bless you, family and friends 🇺🇸

[@Bristow-kb4fi]

What a wonderful patriotic hero! Sometimes I wonder if we are worthy of such men based in what is going on now in this country.

[@paulazemeckis7835]

America will always be worthy. These men fought, for named, and due for America. We are still in the aftermath of the Trump administration but America will bounce back. It started with tRump losing to Biden. I love my country! Am a 2nd generation Lithuanian here in sunny and warm Florida. I love America.

[@carlward]

​@paulazemeckis7835 If you love Biden, you one sick SOB.

[@rtrobinson88321]

Thank you for your service Mr. Dahl. God bless you

[@hpygolkyone]

WOW! I can't even remember what I had for dinner last night and this guy is rattling off things in great detail he did 80 years ago.

[@DanielRodriguez-ps9fq]

One of the best videos i watched on you tube, P.J. is the greatest hero in my eyes amazing story; live long my fellow veteran, I hope to hear u again.These are the real stories Hollywood should make movies about your squadron dangerous mission in the pacific and how it was successfully won with with the help of gutsy pilot s like u and amazing airplanes. THANKS FOR UR BRAVERY AND YOUR SERVICE... I am an old worn down Coastie Helicopter swimmer veteran it was mostly nothing and a few tricky SAR cases but nobody ever shot at our helo to kill us,,,,,my hat off to u PJ.

[@johndilday1846]

Thank you for telling your story, and thank you for your service.

[@stevenstrother7129]

Thank you for your service.

[@Ken77114]

Sir, I honor and salute you! I am 81 (1-14-1941). My Dad was in France ‘44-45. I love flying P-38’s on my air games! I own a signed picture/painting of/by Larry “Scrappy” Blumer, Ace in Germany. God Bless you each one! 😎🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🙏👍🏻

[@alkitzman9179]

A salute to you CPT. Dahl for sure Your'e part of the greatest generation

[@davidfindlay6841]

He actually retired as a Colonel.He flew in Korea and Vietnam and was Vice-Chancellor of the Air Force Academy.

[@alkitzman9179]

@@davidfindlay6841 David Thank you for the information . These hero's are so humble . I had no idea he flew in the other two conflicts. I salute Colonel Dahl and Thank him for his service

[@woodyjade9097]

thank you for your service!!! My father made Omaha beach and lived thru it. Got two Purple hearts and always said he would do it again if he got called!!!!!

[@NoName-ds5uq]

Total respect to this gentleman! He is one of so many who contributed to the defence of free nations during WWII, but went above and beyond “Just doing their jobs”!

[@cheesenoodles8316]

A humble patriot. Truely part of the greatest generation.

[@Pelbee54]

What an amazing story thank you for sharing and your service Sir! (Salute)

[@paladin0654]

Wow, what a story. God bless you sir.

[@airplanes42]

This is what a hero looks and acts like.

[@davek.5939]

Thank you John Dahl for your story, your service.an American patriot who is appreciated so much! You are an inspiration, and I believe your experience should be and could be could be made into a movie.

[@Wolfman1987]

What a story this man lived. I could sit down with him , and other veterans that served as fighter pilots of other wars, and listen to each of there own personal experiences they had during there campaigns.

[@grandd5897]

What a wonderful man. His family should hold their heads high just to be around him.

[@TheBubagrunt]

What a humble man. American treasure.

[@JammyDodger45]

The P-38 is the perfect example of the aviation adage that "if it looks right, it is right". It must have been a joy to fly it even given the circumstances.

[@richardcheese4722]

Awesome interview. What a humble man. No glory. No count. Just there to do a job the best he could. Bravo Zulu!

[@tomortman4850]

What an awesome gentleman and humble interview.

[@jeffcamp481]

A living history library! Amazing man!

[@TheGainfather]

What a true hero and patriot. Thank you for your service! Amazing story, thank you for sharing it!

[@williammurray1341]

My wife works on board Quantico and she came home in tears one day. She had realized that the greatest generation was the same age as our youngest son when they were storming beaches and flying off carriers into the jaws of death. What were you doing at nineteen?

[@craigroberts3982]

Kinda makes every hardship I've ever encountered seem sort of foolish. I should never complain again. Thank you sir.

[@whiplash8277]

Thank you, PJ. Your service to our nation is much appreciated by your fellow Americans.

[@t.j.payeur5331]

The Dad had 2 Bronze Stars and the DFC. He was a glider pilot, got the DFC for staying on the tow after his tow plane got hit to get to his LZ with the antitank gun and crew he was carrying. He also got a battlefield promotion to lieutenant. He told me several times that he really couldn't figure out why he got those rewards because he hadn't done anything special at all...

[@terryjohnson8317]

That's what makes him a hero

[@rishz7857]

I salute him. "Just doing my job". Typical humbleness of that generation. Today people pound their chest for a participation trophy.

[@barrygrant2907]

Years ago, I interviewed a Pacific P-38 pilot who flew with Mcquire, the number 2 ace behind Bong. He didn't care for Mcguire, considering him as always chasing Bong's record at all costs. I don't recall the fellow's name, but he lived in N. Miami. He was still mentally sharp as a tack though, in great health, and remembered everything in great detail.