Originally posted by Harppa:
I have just finished reading 'Fork-Tailed Devil', the story of the P-38 by Martin Caidin, and I was extremely pleased with it.
I found name 'Jack Ilfrey' from the page 418, and I got interested in his history by reading only those few lines which mentioned him.
Do any of you have more information about this fellow, links, books etc. ?
Thx 
Jack Ilfrey is alive and well down in Texas. He has also written a book titled "Happy Jack's Go Buggy", available from Amazon. It's certainly worth the cost.
I recently co-authored a magazine article just published in Air Power International (a magazine produced down in Oz). I included several photos obtained from Jack. Should you desire to write or telephone Jack, contact me privately and I'll pass on his mailing address and phone number. Jack does not have a PC, hence no e-mail.
Jack was the real deal. Remember reading about a P-51 pilot landing in Occupied France to pick up a downed squadron mate?
That was Jack. He was America's first ace against Germany. After being knocked down by triple A, Jack successfully evaded capture and escaped to American lines posing as a deaf and dumb frenchman. Wild, crazy and full of mischief, Jack gained and lost rank with remarkable frequency. He is the prototypical American fighter pilot. Invest in a copy of his book, you'll enjoy every page.
My regards,
Widewing
