This volume covers the P-38 and variants including the
photo-reconnaissance F-4 and F-5, along with field-modified P-38G
night-fighters.
The Pacific Profiles series presents the most accurate WWII profiles of
aircraft which served throughout the South Pacific. Volume Nine covers
the P-38 and variants including the photo-reconnaissance F-4 and F-5,
along with field-modified P-38G night-fighters. The P-38 flew combat in
the SWPA and SOPAC theaters until mid-1944, serving a total of nineteen
Fifth and Thirteenth Air Force USAAF combat Squadrons, one service
squadron, Fifth Fighter Command, and finally with the Combat Replacement
Training Center at Nadzab.
Most profiles are presented for the first time, alongside an explanation
of markings, including squadron heraldry and squadron codes. Until now
there has been a paucity of accurate information about some markings,
especially those which attend the Thirteenth Air Force, night-fighter
and photo-reconnaissance units.
Each profile has been produced by citing wide-ranging reference
material, including official squadron records, color movies, maintenance
logs, diaries, wreck site inspections and thousands of photos including
color slides. A brief summary history of each unit and the rationale of
its markings completes the text.
The author, Michael Claringbould, is world-renown for his expertise on
the Pacific air war. Never before have Pacific P-38s and their colorful
derivatives been illustrated with such accuracy and detail.
