WIX Archives
Jandina III & Kenneth Sparks P-38's
Posted by Rob Mears on Sun May 25, 2003 12:14:02 PM
In reply top Re: FHC's P-38's posted by Nick on Sun May 25, 2003 05:02:03 AM
I did some quick research to see if I could find out more on these planes. I think it's pretty amazing that Kenneth Sparks plane was recovered, if indeed it's Sparks that flew with Dick Bong & Tom Lynch! I found this:
"On December 27, 1942, the Lightnings proved their mettle over Dobodura, the advanced Allied base on New Guinea. About 60 Japanese Vals, Zeros, and Oscars struck Dobodura in the late morning. Alerted by coastwatchers, the 39th FS Lightnings (a mix of p-38F's and P-38G's), led by Tom Lynch and Dick Bong, intercepted. The powerful armament of the Lynch's P-38 chopped one of the Oscars in half, and the American pilots claimed eleven kills overall, while suffering only one write-off (Ken Sparks' machine was badly damaged and crash-landed.)"
Also, the link below shows a (somewhat horrible) photo of Jandina III taken immediately after her crash landing. There's a very well illustrated webpage devoted to the 80th Fighter Squadron which includes info on Jandina III and many of the squadrons other P-38's at the following address:
http://www.mindspring.com/~jaybirdone/headhunters/wwii%20photos.htm
This is honestly the first that I've looked into the information surrounding either of these planes, and I'm quite excited that both of them have actually been located, recovered, and are on their way to preservation. Let's HOPE that since these airframes have such substantial history, they will get the museum quality attention that they deserve to remain the touchstones that they are. With hope maybe the majority of their original skins and bulkheads won't end up in a nice pile of "pattern material" behind the restoration hangar.
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