P-38 Pilots' Opinions During WWII: A Recollection of Their Experiences

World War II was a time of immense change, with numerous aircraft designs leading to significant advancements in military aviation. One of the more intriguing fighters of that era was the P-38 Lightning, whose pilots had mixed but largely positive opinions about the aircraft, particularly in different theaters of war. This article delves into the thoughts and experiences of P-38 pilots during and after World War II, offering a detailed look into their perspectives and challenges.

Opinions in the Pacific Theater

The P-38 Lightning was particularly beloved by pilots in the Pacific theater. Many AAF (Army Air Forces) pilots appreciated the P-38 for its excellent high-altitude performance and firepower, according to many veteran pilots. My father, a P-38 pilot, fondly recalled the aircraft, stating he had 'mostly good things to say' about it. He trained in Texas and found the P-38 to be a 'big fast plane' compared to what he was used to, but he also noted some significant drawbacks. In particular, the pilot couldn’t open the canopy like in other planes, leading to heat discomfort in the cockpit. The P-38 also had counter-rotating propellers, making maintenance more difficult. These aspects did not diminish the pilots' overall appreciation for the aircraft.

Opinions in the European Theater

While pilots in the European theater generally preferred the P-47 Thunderbolt and P-51 Mustang due to their better performance against German fighters, P-38 pilots in the Mediterranean Theater of Operations (MTO), point of origin (POO), and the Aleutian Islands still admired the aircraft. According to historical accounts, the P-38 was highly respected among those who flew it, especially during missions at high altitudes where the P-51s and P-47s excelled less. A notable event occurred when the 474th Fighter Group was ordered to switch to P-51s; the pilots petitioned their commander and successfully argued for keeping their P-38s until the end of the war, highlighting their attachment to the aircraft.

Challenges and Disappointments

Despite the admiration many P-38 pilots had for the aircraft, there were significant challenges and disappointments. My father, a lieutenant in the AAF, faced one such issue when his oxygen system failed at high altitudes, leading to a blackout and a crash. This incident was both a personal tragedy and a testament to the dangers pilots faced during the war. My father's recovery was complex, involving multiple injuries that left lasting physical and emotional impacts. He also faced harsher conditions during training, where the 'In Memorandum' section of his training books listed the names of pilots who never made it through the rigorous single and twin engine school training, further highlighting the risks.

Final Thoughts and Memoriam

The experiences of P-38 pilots during World War II capture a range of emotions and challenges. While the aircraft was praised for its capabilities, the pilots also acknowledged its shortcomings. However, the attachment and admiration that many felt for the P-38 speaks to the impact of these fighter planes on the outcome of the war. It is important to remember these brave men, their sacrifices, and the lessons learned from their experiences.

RIP all you poor souls! Memoriam to those who made the ultimate sacrifice in pursuit of victory.

P-38 Pilots, their experiences, and the challenges they faced form an integral part of the historical narrative of World War II.