-38 ace pilot Tommy Lynch took the time to write down tactics he learned while in combat. His leadership among his men was perhaps more valuable than his "ace" status as a pilot. At the time he wrote his tactics, he was equal with Bong with 20 kills.
Radio Control
Control of the radio was essential for successful combat operation of more than one flight. According to Lynch, keeping the radio talk to information of immediate importance was the key. Also, the length of messages should be as short as possible. Ideally, the pilots should include key words such as "low", "high", or "same level" as much as possible. Keeping the radio free from excessive chatter kept the pilots focused and alert.
Weather
When planning a mission, the weather must be taken into account. Tropical weather conditions are unpredictable and the pilots must keep track on changing conditions throughout the mission.
Tactics for Escorting Heavy Bombers & Medium Bombers
When escorting heavy bombers, a slow weave pattern must be used above the bombers. The bombers slow speed must not slow down the fighters flying escort. The escorting fighters must be flying at a decent speed to engage enemy aircraft on a moments notice. The squadron should be three to five thousand feet above the bomber formation.
If the P-38s escort medium bombers, the weave pattern is not necessary due to the higher speeds of the bombers. The flight should still fly about three to five thousand feet above the bomber formation.
Offensive Patrol
Flying without escort duties allows the pilots a high degree of flexibility. When the squadron encounters enemy aircraft, the commander must determine the action to be taken. If there are only few enemy aircraft, one flight may be detached. In instances of large numbers of enemy aircraft, the commander may decide to engage, but should run if there are no advantages or at a disadvantage. Individual pilots must use the advantages of the P-38, and it is essential that the pilot not get into instances where the Zero has an advantage. Steep climbs at slow speeds should not be used against the Zero. At altitudes above 20,000 feet, the P-38 has a definite climbing advantage. Circular maneuvers against Zeros must never be used due to the maneuverability of the Zero. However, head-on attacks favor the P-38 due to its concentrated area of firepower and durability of the airframe. The P-38 has the ability to pick its own fight and can avoid combat when at a disadvantage.
Takeoff and Climb
On base, all pilots should have their equipment ready to go at a moments notice. When taking off, pilots need to get into formations as quickly as possible, and when climbing to maximum altitude, pilots should use a much manifold pressure as possible. In squads of sixteen planes, 35 inches and 2,800 rpm's permits enough throttle play for formation to remain intact.
Contacting Enemy Bombers with Fighter Cover
When the P-38 formation encounters enemy bombers with fighter cover, two flights should break away to the left to circle back for another attack. The remaining two flights should break off to the right and circle back for another attack. Attack fighter escorts as the situation demands. Lynch believed that the war would not be won in a single day, so the pilots should keep looking around and not to take reckless chances.
