Lackland Air Force Base in Bexar County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

P-38L "Lightning"

Photographed by James Hulse, August 16, 2024

1. P-38L "Lightning" Marker

Inscription. The Lightning was designed in 1937 as a high-altitude interceptor. The first one built, the XP-38, made its public debut on February 11, 1939, by flying from California to New York in seven hours. Because of its unorthodox design, the airplane experienced "growing pains" and it required several years to perfect it for combat. Late in 1942, it went into large-scale operations during the North African campaign where the German Luftwaffe named it "der gabelschwanz teufel"--"the forked-tail devil." Equipped with droppable fuel tanks under its wings, the P-38 was used extensively as a long-range escort fighter and saw action in every major combat area of the world. A very versatile aircraft, the Lightning was also used for dive bombing, level bombing, ground strafing and photo reconnaissance missions.

This aerospace vehicle (P-38L) is a part of the USAF Heritage Program Collection.

Erected by USAF Heritage Program Collection.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Air & Space • War, World II. A significant historical date for this entry is February 11, 1939.

Location. 29° 23.564′ N, 98° 37.283′ W. Marker

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is in Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, in Bexar County. It is on Bong Avenue south of Luke Blvd. The marker is located at the USAF Airman Heritage Museum’s Air Park which is around the parade grounds. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Jbsa Lackland TX 78236, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in South Texas

and in the San Antonio Metropolitan Area.

It is also in the American South.

Globally, it is in North America,

a Gulf of Mexico state,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain,

the Republic of Texas,

and one of the Confederate States of America.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Chief Master Sgt. Lynn Steincamp (here, next to this marker); T-28 "Trojan" (within shouting distance of this marker); Vought A-7D "Corsair II" (within shouting distance of this marker); P-51H "Mustang" (within shouting distance of this marker); A-10A "Thunderbolt II" (within shouting distance of this marker); We Remember (about 300 feet away, measured

P-38L "Lightning" and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James Hulse, August 16, 2024

2. P-38L "Lightning" and Marker

in a direct line); AT-6 "Texan" (about 300 feet away); Brig. Gen. Charles "Chuck" Yeager (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Lackland Air Force Base.

More about this marker. The marker, museum and air park are located on the Lackland Air Force Base, an active U.S. military installation which is a part of the Joint Base San Antonio (JBSA). The USAF Airman Heritage Museum and Air Park are open to the public, but appropriate identification is required for access. Visit the museum’s web site for current details on visiting the museum and air park.

Also see . . .
1. Lockheed P-38 Lightning. Wikipedia

The Lockheed P-38 Lightning is an American single-seat, twin piston-engined fighter aircraft that was used during World War II. Developed for the United States Army Air Corps (USAAC) by the Lockheed Corporation, the P-38 incorporated a distinctive twin-boom design with a central nacelle containing the cockpit and armament. Along with its use as a general fighter, the P-38 was used in various aerial combat roles, including as a highly effective fighter-bomber, a night fighter, and a long-range escort
Photographed by James Hulse, August 16, 2024

3. P-38L "Lightning"
fighter when equipped with drop tanks.

(Submitted on August 24, 2024, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.)

2. Airmen Heritage Training Complex. USAF Airman Heritage Museum (Submitted on August 24, 2024, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.)

YP-38 "Lightning" image. Click for full size.

Public Domain - US Air Force, circa 1940s

4. YP-38 "Lightning"

Credits. This page was last revised on August 24, 2024. It was originally submitted on August 24, 2024, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 137 times since then and 10 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on August 24, 2024, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.