Damaged P-38 cockpit

[Kingscoy]

Hi,

Got this photo of P-38 which got hit by a 20mm shell according to the writing on the back. Still trying to read the serialno. on the radio call decal. Photo is just a little bit out of focus to get a sharp scan.

regards,
Sander

 

[vikingBerserker]

Ouch!

 

[Colin1]

I hope he had his goggles down for that

 

[Airframes]

I hope he had his head down for that!!

 

[Glider]

Someone was looking after him, thats for sure.

 

[Flyboy2]

No kidding... The pilot was very lucky

 

[Aaron Brooks Wolters]

That left a mark in more than one place. WOW!!

 

[Kingscoy]

And I asume that he brought this bird home...that's some real flying skills!!

I think I have the first part of the serial correct; 2-1040.. This block of P-38J-15 serialno's were a/c mainly used in the ETO.

regards,
Sander

 

[Crimea_River]

Great pic!

 

[beaupower32]

Wonder what the pucker factor was on that. Bet he said his prayers that night.

 

[BC1]

This pic appears on p 167 of the late Roger Freeman's classic "The Mighty Eighth".

The caption reads:

A 20mm shell hit the windscreen of Lt Col Wilson's P-38J, 42-104307, over France on 13 Jun. 1944. The 55th FS commander escaped with slight face cuts, first man in the squadron to be wounded in action during six months of combat. P-38's 'wheel' control column and the firing button are prominent in this picture

BC

 

[Gnomey]

Wow, great shot. He was certainly very lucky.

 

[Kingscoy]

Hi BC1,

Thanks for that info. Am wondering now if the photo I have a later re-production is or a time period print as it does not glow under black light? Anyway, it is an impressive photo.
Thanks again!

regards,
Sander