Two P-38 Problems, North Africa, 1943

[Frank Olynyk]

As I try to finish my part of the third volume of A History of the Mediterranean Air War, I have two P-38 problems I have been unable to resolve.

I have notes that 2nd Lt Harold Clifford Lentz (94th FS, 1st FG) was shot down and evaded twice. The first time was on March 12, 1943 when he was shot down by Bf 109s or FW 190s. I have the mission report which indicates that he was MIA, and the report of the 15th which says that he had returned, having crash landed at Maktar. My notes say that the second time he was shot down was on March 25. This date comes from the roster of the 94th FS in Mullins: An Escort of P-38s; the book does not mention March 12. Page 56 of the book says he was shot down in late March by an unmarked German flown P-38 (which I find doubtful). The mission report for March 25 does not mention Lentz.

Can anyone add anything further to this second shootdown? Or tell me the source of the quotation of Lentz on page 56? I am wondering if the March 25 details are an error for March 12.

I should also note that there are two pilots named Lentz in the 1st FG at this time. 2nd Lt Harold Clifford Lentz O730542 of the 94th FS, and 1st Lt J C Harrison Lentz O431230, also of the 94th FS.

The other problem I have concerns the 14th FG. The Squadron Signal book by Dénes Bernád, Heinkel He 112 in Action, on page 33 describes the shootdown of a P-38, apparently of the 14th FG, by Teniente Miguel Entrena Klett on March 3, 1943. The plane was shot up over Spanish Morocco, and force landed just over the border in French Morocco. At this point, the 14th FG was out of combat, retraining, and bringing in the 37th FS so as to be a normal three squadron group. Can anyone add any details of this from the American side? The name of the pilot, his unit, etc? Maybe even the serial number. The P-38 was apparently recovered.

Enjoy!

Frank.