SIGNED ON A SPECIAL BOOKPLATE BY ELEVEN WORLD WAR II ACES

SCUTTS, Jerry. Lockheed P-38 Lightning. (Wiltshire, England): Crowood, (2006). Folio (9 by 11-1/2 inches), original black paper boards, original dust jacket. $500.

First edition of this history of the Lockheed P-38 Lightning during World War II, signed on a special bookplate by 11 aces who fought in the P-38.

The P-38 served with distinction in the Pacific and Mediterranean theaters. "Throughout the war, but mainly in the Pacific and Mediterranean Theatres, the P-38s of the USAAC caused havoc with the enemy and became known to the Germans as Der Gabelschwanz Teufel or 'Fork-Tailed Devil." This volume has been signed on a specially prepared "P-38 Lightning" bookplate by 11 Lightning pilots: Calvin C. Wire (seven victories), Jack Ilfrey (8), Frank D. Hurlburt (9), Jerry LeVier, Joe Kuhn, Dick Willsie, John W. Mitchell (11 victories, plus another four in Korea; Mitchell led the surprise attack on Admiral Yamamoto's flight that resulted in the death of the Admiral), R.T. Ball, John S. Lorsec, Robert De Haven (14), and Robin Olds (five victories in a P-38 over Europe; Olds went on to record a total of 16 victories in World War II and the Vietnam War). Part of the Crowood Aviation Series.

A fine copy.