View Single Post
  #5  
Old 9th July 2017, 01:09
Frank Olynyk Frank Olynyk is offline
Alter Hase
 
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Ohio
Posts: 1,406
Frank Olynyk is on a distinguished road
Re: Lockheed P-38 Lightning - successful over five continents

None of the 11th Air Force's victories were scored over "Alaska". All were scored over the Aleutian Islands, which are part of the (then territory, now state) of Alaska.
Laven's victories were scored in the P-38E. He actually has three in the Aleutians: a biplane over Kiska on September 14, 1942; and two Zeros on Feb 13, 1943, also over Kiska. However the credits given by the USAF are for half a victory on Oct 3, 1942 (this is actually a Mavis that was caught on the water in harbor and strafed, and thus should not be counted); 1.5 victories on Feb 13, 1943 (and I don't know how they arrived at the half credit). All these in the Aleutians with the 54th FS. He has an additional credit with the 49th FG on April 26, 1945 off Formosa, of an Emily. I have a problem with the latter, because when he sent me copies of his Form 5s it showed a silhouette of a Pete, which is rather different and smaller than an Emily. In particular, he is not an ace.

Rice's claims were made while flying a P-39D.

Enjoy!

Frank.
__________________
Civilization is the most fragile ecology of all.
Reply With Quote