Changes

== Service ==

== Service ==

[[Image:P-38-1.jpg|thumb|200px]]

[[Image:P-38-1.jpg|thumb|200px]]

The British were the first to order the P-38, although they were only used for training purposes. The P-38F was the first model to see combat--it was used extensively in North Africa and the Southern Pacific. The P-38G and H also served notably as bomber escorts in Europe, although with the development of the [[P-51 Mustang]] and the [[P-47 Thunderbolt]] they were almost phased out. They were used throughout the Pacific theatre, as their long range, bomb capacity, and speed made them superb choices for land-based aircraft. In April 1943, 18 [[Guadalcanal]]-based Lightnings were sent on a secret mission to intercept and shoot down the [[Mitsubishi G4M|plane]] carrying top Japanese commander Admiral [[Isoroku Yamamoto]].<ref> Donald A. Davis, ''Lightning Strike: The Secret Mission to Kill Admiral Yamamoto and Avenge Pearl Harbor'' (2005)</ref>

The British were the first to order the P-38, although they were only used for training purposes. The P-38F was the first model to see combat—it was used extensively in North Africa and the Southern Pacific. The P-38G and H also served notably as bomber escorts in Europe, although with the development of the [[P-51 Mustang]] and the [[P-47 Thunderbolt]] they were almost phased out. They were used throughout the Pacific theatre, as their long range, bomb capacity, and speed made them superb choices for land-based aircraft. In April 1943, 18 [[Guadalcanal]]-based Lightnings were sent on a secret mission to intercept and shoot down the [[Mitsubishi G4M|plane]] carrying top Japanese commander Admiral [[Isoroku Yamamoto]].<ref>Donald A. Davis, ''Lightning Strike: The Secret Mission to Kill Admiral Yamamoto and Avenge Pearl Harbor'' (2005)</ref>

== See Also ==

== See also ==

* [[World War II in the Air]]

* [[World War II in the Air]]

[[category:Air Power]]

[[Category:Air Power]]

==Further reading==

==Further reading==

<references/>

<references/>

[[Category:United States Air Force]]

[[Category:United States Air Force]]

[[Category: World War II aircraft]]

[[Category:World War II aircraft]]

[[Category:Military Aircraft]]

[[Category:Military Aircraft]]