In the event that you don't know, the natural metal P-38J (Happy Jack's Go Buggy)
belonged to the Fighter Collection at Duxford. I say 'belonged', because it was destroyed in a crash (pilot error) during an air show at Duxford in 1996. Pilot Hoof Proudfoot was killed when he caught a wing tip during a series of low level rolls.
At the time of the crash, the Lightning had been repainted in the colors of the 55th FG,
and this may be the fighter in the second photo, as this P-38 bears that Group's colors.
Happy Jack's Go Buggy was the mount of Jacl Ilfrey. Jack was the first American flying an American aircraft to gain ace status against Germany. He did so in North Africa flying a P-38F with the 1st Fighter Group. Ever hear about a Mustang pilot that landed in Germany to pick up a downed squadron mate.
The pilot had to toss out his parachute and take off in a muddy field, sitting on the lap of the rescued pilot. Well, it's a true story and Jack was the pilot who landed his Mustang. One can read about Ilfrey's amazing career in Jack's book, aptly titled: Happy Jack's Go Buggy. It's published by Schiffer and available at Amazon.com or BN.com
Jack recently had a mild stroke and is recovering at home. Anyone interested in dropping this old warrior a get-well message
can write me for his address at:
editor@worldwar2aviation.com
Jack loves to hear from those who remember our old fighter pilots.
My regards,
Widewing
