Crippled P-38 picture

[BC]

Hi all:

I am putting together pictures for a new slide presentation called "On a wing and a prayer". As the name implies, this is about shot-up or crippled aircraft which made it home, 1939-date.

In an old (1964) book The War In The Air by Maj Gene Gurney, USAF, on p 209 is a picture of a 7th AF P-38 "During a strike on a Japanese-held island" limping off target with the port engine feathered and the spinner missing, and a large hole in the starboard wing.

I have seen the same photo elsewhere, but nowhere does anyone elaborate on the identy of the aircraft or the pilot.

Can anyone help to identify the circumstances behind this picture ?

TIA for any assistance rendered.

Regards,

BC

[JACK COOK]

Lt Fred Erbe (sp) 318th FG hit over Iwo Jima but returned to Saipan.
Check out Pineapple Air Force by John Lambert or the 7th FC webpage.

[BC]

Jack:

Many thanks for the info, much obliged.

Regards,

BC