P-38 A Personal Story

[@dougbrown6690]

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.

[@marksheetz7488]

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.

[@joesmith3501]

Absolutely

[@Cutter-jx3xj]

I had a friend who was a pilot of a P-38 he lived in Brownwood TX. He passed over a decade ago

[@av8tore71]

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

[@Red-Magic]

PROGRESS?

[@marsdenk.6162]

Is it ready

[@kolsen6330]

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.

[@stevet8121]

Amazing. Bless her!

[@ichigorobei]

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!

[@kolsen6330]

@@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.

[@ichigorobei]

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!

[@kolsen6330]

@@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.

[@hibob418]

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.

[@AmericasChoice]

RIP

[@michaelheath9966]

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...

[@RuralTowner]

@@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.

[@concernedhuman3828]

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…’.

[@pimplequeen2]

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!

[@davebrittain9216]

That was the story that hit me the most. Incredible!

[@danielknapp7529]

Came here to make sure I wasnt the only one thinking that.

[@brucephelps6245]

America's greatest generation !!! They put The world back right with their courage and bravely & sticktoitness.....❤

[@dkaufman57]

To the greatest generation, thank you for your service.

[@Vito_Tuxedo]

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.”

[@englishmaninfrance661]

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 ?

[@AlexanderJScheu]

@@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

[@clydecraft5642]

@@AlexanderJScheu we would have learned something if you typed coherently

[@SBCBears]

@@AlexanderJScheu Germany attacked east and the USSR because Germany was running out of resources-- not enough food or oil.

[@JasonBoles70]

@@AlexanderJScheu what a dickhead!

[@waltermullaney5041]

P38 was one of my dad's favorite aircraft...RIP...I miss you so much dad, everyday

[@RJ-pw1gn]

Rip

[@TheCharillz23]

[@DougsterCanada1]

Bless your dad's soul, and your heart!

[@anthonysmith778]

What a great documentary. These guys were pioneers. I could listen to these guys talk aviation all day

[@haroldhering1546]

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]

My father, Cornelius M. Di Lauro ( deceased 2011 at 91) flew in the European theater , recieved two distinguished flying crosses flying the P38.

[@mhern57]

@@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.

[@highteck1966]

@@haroldhering1546 kliilkkkkikkkkkkiilkk

[@highteck1966]

Likkklkkkikkikkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkk

[@dawnhewlett4327]

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.

[@les3449]

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.

[@stevenleslie8557]

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.

[@marksheetz7488]

My dad flew P -38s in The South Pacific.

[@marksheetz7488]

Jimmy Stewart was an Ace I think, as was Charles Bronson, if I'm not mistaken.

[@EdgeofTimeProductions]

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.

[@Enid2Sacramento]

I can recommend "Race of Aces" by John R. Bruning to read about the exploits of Richard Bong and Tommy McGuire in the Pacific.

[@EdgeofTimeProductions]

@@Enid2Sacramento Thanks, I will check this out!

[@rich3371]

I hope that guy who stopped in the middle of a battle to pick up his buddy got a medal

[@unfortunately_fortunate2000]

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..

[@Wolfwolveswolf]

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)

[@rogerd4559]

They gotta make a movie of that

[@david9783]

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!!

[@TheFreespir1t]

"THE PACIFIC"

[@davebrittain9216]

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.

[@n3adf]

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.

[@ichigorobei]

Was your father OK after that? Did he survive? I hope so!

[@schweinhund7966]

Excellent documentary...very thorough....design, testing, performance, training, combat, maintenance and the various people involved.👍🇺🇸

[@markg4459]

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.

[@thomaskirkpatrick4031]

I really enjoyed listening to the test pilot, you can tell by the way he speaks, he loved this airplane.

[@davemalone3820]

R.I.P Tony LeVier, you were one hell of a pilot.

[@sparky16261]

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.

[@finaloption...]

OMG! The ground rescue story has to be the most amazing rescue story there is!

[@BROKEN-PILOT]

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!

[@fight2flyphoto]

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.

[@fight2flyphoto]

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

[@edwardw.youngbloom2160]

Fight to Fly Photography very good

[@zdzichus.3264]

Awesome, great, amazing, comprehensive doc... British had their Mosquito, though - IMO the only aircraft we can compare Lightning with.

[@johnjephcote7636]

Exactly! Wonderful memories from totally 'switched on' guys. Absolutely enthralling, comprehensive documentary.

[@daleeasternbrat816]

@@zdzichus.3264 True. Two really useful airplanes.

[@neilalbaugh4793]

Thanks for documenting these stories. A wonderful airplane and brave men.

[@frankcasey7423]

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!🇺🇸

[@cleeshann1928]

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.

[@JohnRodriguesPhotographer]

One of the best pilots ever, Tony LeVeir.

[@tomnekuda3818]

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.

[@Alvan81]

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.

[@tomnekuda3818]

@@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.

[@17Scumdog]

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!

[@ticdelarue]

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.

[@jimhamilton3544]

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. 👍🏻

[@boskonian]

It's so sad that almost all WW2 participants are dead without leaving stories of their service.

[@davebrittain9216]

Hell yeah!

[@unfortunately_fortunate2000]

I could listen to Tony LeVier speak all day! by god, what a glorious man!! nothing but respect and admiration for that man. *nothing!*

[@billchapel5248]

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.

[@Alvan81]

There is a great thread by the Daughter of one of the WASPs on here and has photos! It's worth finding!

[@worldwar2lucky961]

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 😁😁😁😁😁

[@ericmcquisten]

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] ---------------

[@johnmoldoch3338]

This is the most all encompassing documentary I've ever seen on the P-38. Good work, people.

[@mackfisher4487]

"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

[@mikestrycker6474]

Literally the best WW 2 fighter documentary on KZbin. 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.

[@TrapperAaron]

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

[@pctshooter]

I think this is the best and most fascinating P38 video I've ever seen!

[@charleselsey8241]

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.

[@mrgrivers1]

These were some amazing stories. I thank you guy's, and all that were apart of this campain, for your service.

[@ChristopherSloane]

The pilot that did not tell him there was more than one German aircraft in pursuit is the definition of a blue falcon

[@briscoedarling3237]

“Purt near” the best documentary I have seen on any warbird......

[@slit4659]

Briscoe.....Darn tooting it's Purt near the Real Deal....By Fully....Sky King Ain't Got Nutin on these Boys.....

[@headbrown5629]

And that's why these men are called the Greatest Generation!

[@fatboy19831]

This was amazing. Thank you for all that were involved in the making of this film.

[@hansmueller3029]

" ...I got into compressability on purpose, so, I...." These types of guys we will always need.

[@georgecox2125]

George

[@paulprovenzano3755]

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.

[@RagdollOC]

Tony LeVeir. The man was a legend. And a wonderful man.

[@seadegler]

His name is correctly spelled Tony LeVier. Look him upon Wikipedia. Wow!

[@jimheckert5383]

God bless America and these outstanding young men. Thank you Sirs 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@spazboy8962]

One of the best documentaries I've EVER seen! Absolutely fantastic!!!

[@topiasr628]

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

[@vetere0599]

This guy is so knowledgeable. I hope he is still around telling his fantastic stories about testing birds and his beloved P/38. 🇺🇸

[@DrJohn493]

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.

[@sharoncassell9358]

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.

[@stevethul1]

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".

[@michaelmoyer8892]

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!!

[@craig8031]

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.

[@insideoutsideupsidedown2218]

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.

[@johnstauffer8772]

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.

[@100forks]

This may be the best P38 documentary. I sure enjoyed it.

[@donnhughes7139]

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 !!!

[@Arctic_Cat423]

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.

[@garyg.8564]

one of many great documentrys on the p38 ...i wish i was there to help these guys at that time ...cheers to you

[@brhooker838]

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.

[@fredkruse9444]

This is the best military documentary I ever watched.

[@autolode4215]

Probably the best aviation video I've ever watched on KZbin simply amazing stories !!!

[@natural-born_pilot]

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.

[@fastpat1]

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..

[@frodorob]

And...?

[@lancebingham6895]

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.

[@kaicorns2743]

Pat Hines Did your father train at Colorado Springs Army Air Base/Peterson Field for photo recon in the F-4/F-5?

[@hillbillyhellion3158]

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.

[@maryjanepaolella7476]

Pat Hines q

[@georgeferguson7114]

Very impressed by the humility shown by the veteran pilots.

[@mikestrycker6474]

Agreed

[@ichigorobei]

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.

[@jcz232321]

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.

[@1stinsonguy]

Humility is easier to come by 79 years after they've tried to kill you. lol

[@jok99teez]

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.

[@kystars]

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

[@hhorchani]

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 KZbin. 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...

[@xfhghe]

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.

[@frankmccann29]

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

[@davidpotter3777]

These are great men ! God bless you and your family, Aloha

[@bigcahoona7931]

There is so much to learn from "these old guys."

[@juanequis6951]

THEY ARE NOT GUYS, BUT "MEN" GREAT ONES AT THAT,SAVVY!!.

[@johnnycheung5824]

God bless everyone of these men. They are the type of men that makes America great.

[@dks13827]

One of the best WWII videos ever. Thank you.

[@9jmorrison]

What a hero! Wow what a project, what a plane.

[@chuckles470s9]

Awesome testimony from the pilots.

[@majorronaldmandell7835]

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!

[@emmanuelsamaras8974]

Excellent video. I salute these magnificent pilots and submit my gratitude for their service

[@johnhilton2509]

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.

[@rodyates2669]

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.

[@MJLeger-yj1ww]

Very nicely stated, Rod, and we echo your thoughts!

[@TrapperAaron]

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

[@MagnarNordal]

This is one of the better documentaries I have seen. And the final words are more important than ever: Flight training must be better.

[@4jonstotts]

Wonderful bio -personable by the real people that flew this beautiful birds - in depth details, but never boring. Great job putting this together

[@pollyg562]

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

[@onestepatatime2346]

Thanks for your service gentlemen.

[@skyrocketautomotive670]

Beautiful aircraft, stationed here in the UK (formerly Mount Farm Airfield, home to the 7th usaaf photo recon, now the village of Berinsfield in Oxfordshire) and we're still very proud to have had you guys here, the village is very much in touch with its history and admire 7th PR as some of the bravest: to fly into WW2 Berlin armed only with a camera takes serious balls, and if noone else remembers we all will. Thank you for your service lads!

[@garywheeler7039]

Expert first hand testimony, great stuff, great to have this all recorded.

[@RedcoatsReturn]

Excellent documentary! What a fantastic plane that was and brave men who flew them!

[@rksguit]

Civility no.(Number one again NOT surprising form), ONE!

[@rsemrad2]

The providence of Kelly Johnson manifest in the P38 and subsequent designs. Well done.

[@michaelcuff5780]

At such a terrible time! These are such great people! Man! These guys just blow me away! The things they saw and did must of been amazing!

[@skipruse7209]

This was an excellent video. Made you feel as though you were in the cockpit with the pilot. Never a dull moment in this ve0ideo. Thank you gentlemen for your service and your courage.

[@baltsosser]

Having studied WWII Pacific action from the time I was 8 years old this has become one of my top 3 favorite WWII aircraft. really pleasing to look at visually, and knowing you have two engines vice a single well suited for use in a theater of combat where losing your only engine might mean you need to be a good swimmer.

[@cesarriojas114]

These were real men and real Americans! We need our kids and young adults to see this! Our young are weak and Many are WOKE! Sad we have lost this type of person in our country! We were blessed to have these men fight for us!

[@TS-ps3dt]

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.

[@rich3371]

This was made 24 years ago (1995) so most of these guys are probably dead unfortunately but yes, they were truly an amazing generation

[@artbeau]

Easily some of the best 90 minutes I've ever spent online!