P-38L-1-LO 44-24196 "Butch the VI" ZNDH
Kommentarer
8 8 September 2021, 20:05
Jan PetersNice subject, I like these oddball aircraft with a story. I gather that it was used in active service by the Croat Airforce after capture? Or was it painted in new markings for testing purposes?
7 July 2023, 06:14
Antonio Bujan MaričićUnfortunately it was destroyed in bombing raid by allies only few days after capturing. I have photo of destroyed aircraft.
7 July 2023, 06:15
Heinrich VorhemusThank you for the info, ok. I would have been interested in the American variant that flew via Vienna!
7 July 2023, 12:41
Antonio Bujan MaričićHeinrich, contact me via my email bujo12380@gmail.com and i can share with you photos and story about croatian p38 and b24
7 July 2023, 16:12
Album info
19.2.1945. P-38L-1-LO 44-24196 96th FS/82nd FG "Butch The VI"; HA 1st Lt. Ernest F. Benkoski- POW Bjelovar, Hrv. Escort mission to Vienna. While enroute to home, spoted a lone B-24 low on fuel and provided a cover with another P-38 from the group. As the B-24 was on final approach to the small airstrip at Bjelovar, Lt. Benkoski circled over the runway and was hit by small arms fire in his right engine, which was now smoking. A lot of smoke was coming in the cockpit and the pilot landed at the same enemy airstrip, just behind the B-24, which landed a few moments before.
